Engineering Commons^™

Cavitation In Vial Drop Subjected To Mechanical Shock, Houman Babazadehrokni

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cavitation is a phenomenon that occurs when the local pressure falls down below the critical pressure. Previous work from the Randolph lab demonstrated that protein aggregates can form when a vial of therapeutic solution is dropped onto a hard surface. The process by which this occurs is most likely shock induced cavitation. During this process, hot spots can be created with temperatures and pressures reaching thousands of Kelvin and hundreds of atmospheres, respectively, leading to degradation of protein therapeutics. This work will extend previous efforts by exploring differences generated by change in vial materials, solutions, drop methods and fill volumes. …

Statistical Scheduling Of Economic Dispatch And Energy Reserves Of Hybrid Power Systems With High Renewable Energy Penetration, Yi Gu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A statistical scheduling approach to economic dispatch and energy reserves is proposed in this paper. The proposed approach focuses on minimizing the overall power operating cost with considerations of renewable energy uncertainty and power system security. A hybrid power system generates electricity from both conventional and renewable energy sources. In such a system, it is challenging and yet an open question on the scheduling of economic dispatch together with energy reserves, due to renewable energy generation uncertainty, and spatially wide distribution of energy resources. The hybrid power system scheduling is formulated as a convex programming problem to minimize power operating …

Condition Monitoring System Of Wind Turbine Generators, Khaled Bubaker Abdusamad

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The development and implementation of the condition monitoring systems (CMS) play a significant role in overcoming the number of failures in the wind turbine generators that result from the harsh operation conditions, such as over temperature, particularly when turbines are deployed offshore. In order to increase the reliability of the wind energy industry, monitoring the operation conditions of wind generators is essential to detect the immediate faults rapidly and perform appropriate preventative maintenance. CMS helps to avoid failures, decrease the potential shutdowns while running, reduce the maintenance and operation costs and maintain wind turbines protected. The knowledge of wind turbine …

Solar Power Deployment: Forecasting And Planning, Mohana Shandal Alanazi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The rapid growth of Photovoltaic (PV) technology has been very visible over the past decade. Recently, the penetration of PV plants to the existing grid has significantly increased. Such increase in the integration of solar energy has brought attention to the solar irradiance forecasting. This thesis presents a thorough research of PV technology, how solar power can be forecasted, and PV planning under uncertainty.

Over the last decade, the PV was one of the fastest growing renewable energy technologies. However, the PV system output varies based on weather conditions. Due to the variability and the uncertainty of solar power, the …

Hosting Capacity Calculations In Power Systems, Mansoor T. Alturki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this thesis is to investigate and calculate Hosting Capacity in power systems to identify the maximum amount of renewable energy resources that can be deployed. After connecting distributed generation to distribution system, the performance index of the distribution system will improve or deteriorate. The point which is between the acceptable deterioration and unacceptable deterioration is the hosting capacity. This research is specifically concerned with the effect of increasing distributed generation on the performance index in distribution networks and finding the maximum point of the acceptable deterioration.

The hosting capacity is the amount of distributed generation that can …

Studying Eye Gaze Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders In Interaction With A Social Robot, Huanghao Feng

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) experience deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication skills including motor control, emotional facial expressions, and eye gaze attention. In this thesis, we focus on studying the feasibility and effectiveness of using a social robot, called NAO, at modeling and improving the social responses and behaviors of children with autism. In our investigation, we designed and developed two protocols to fulfill this mission. Since eye contact and gaze responses are important non-verbal cues in human's social communication and as the majority of individuals with ASD have difficulties regulating their gaze responses, in this thesis we …

Real-Time Bio Sensing Using Micro-Channel Encapsulated Mems Resonators, Ayesha Iqbal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This work presents a label-free bio-molecular detection technique based on realtime monitoring of the resonant frequency of micromechanical thermal-piezoresistive rotational mode disk resonators encapsulated in microfluidic channels. Mass loading via adsorption of molecular layers on the surface of such devices results in a frequency shift. In order to provide a reliable platform for sample-resonator interactions and to protect the resonators from contaminants, the resonators were encapsulated in PDMS-based microfluidic channels. Micro-channel encapsulation also allows insulation of electrical signals from the analyte solution. To characterize the performance of such devices as real-time label-free bio-molecular detectors, the strong non-covalent binding of Avidin …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Small Scale Photo-Electro-Chemical Solar Cells, Xin Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents fabrication and characterization of a small scale photoelectro-chemical (PEC) solar cell.

The cell consists of a p-type silicon cathode with an etched micro-cavity that houses the zinc chloride electrolyte solution, and the cavity is covered by a sheet of zinc acting as the anode. The cell operates using a semiconductor-electrolyte junction instead of the p-n junction of a conventional solid state solar cell. The silicon electrode is fabricated by controlled wet etching so that the bottom of the micro-cavity becomes a very thin membrane, which allows photons to penetrate and reach the semiconductorelectrolyte interface for the generation …

A Comparison Of Two Method For Dg Optimizing In Power System, Yu Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this paper, we mainly focus on using new method to solve the DG problem in order to reducing the loss. We start from comparing two new method. We list out the mathematics theory of the two methods. And then, we using a 33 bus modeling to show which method has a better function on reducing the loss for system. After that, we take the better method to reducing the loss for two cases (14 bus , 34 bus modeling). At last, we conclude the result of the research and give some comment on the future works.

Thermal And Structural Modeling Of Electrochromics On Glass, Mahesh B. Manandhar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Advanced glazing is a type of window glazing that interacts with the surrounding environment to change its thermal and optical properties to create a more comfortable and energy efficient indoor environment. Electrochromics are one type of such advanced glazing materials that change their properties in response to an externally applied voltage controllable by the user or by automation.

The effectiveness of electrochromics depends upon how well it can keep off extreme temperature conditions from outdoors all year round as well as how structurally stable it can remain at such conditions. This research investigates the use of COMSOL, a finite element …

Design Of The High-Speed Stereo Radiography System, John C. Ivester Iv

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Orthopaedic pathologies often involve disruption of the mechanical environment of a joint at/below the mm scale. The ability to measure biomechanical kinematics at the sub-mm scale is essential for obtaining valuable insight into pathologies, but small motions of the joints are difficult to quantify. Estimates of skeletal kinematics are commonly made from optical motion capture systems and markers placed on the skin. The error caused by external marker movement is largely avoided with x-ray motion capture. Dynamic radiography uses a series of x-ray images recorded at high-speed and captures in-vivo joint motion. Uncovering the mechanical foundation of orthopaedic pathologies requires …

Study Of Bidirectional Broadband Passive Optical Network (Bpon) Using Edfa, Yasser Almalaq

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Optical line terminals (OLTs) and number of optical network units (ONUs) are two main parts of passive optical network (PON). OLT is placed at the central office of the service providers, the ONUs are located near to the end subscribers. When compared with point-to-point design, a PON decreases the number of fiber used and central office components required.

Broadband PON (BPON), which is one type of PON, can support high-speed voice, data and video services to subscribers' residential homes and small businesses. In this research, by using erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), the performance of bi-directional BPON is experimented and …

Stress Corrosion Cracking In Polymer Matrix Glass Fiber Composites, Jonathan Kosak

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the use of Polymer Matrix Glass Fiber Composites ever expanding, understanding conditions that lead to failure before expected service life is of increasing importance. Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) has proven to be one such example of conditions found in use in high voltage transmission line applications that leads to brittle fracture of polymer matrix composites.

SCC has been proven to be the result of acid buildup on the lines due to corona discharges and water buildup. This acid leaches minerals from the fibers, leading to fracture at low loads and service life. In order to combat this problem, efforts …

Application Of Energy Storage In Power Systems, Khalid M. Alqunun

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to determine the advantages of using energy storage systems. This study presents a model for energy storage in electric power systems. The model involves methods of reducing the operation cost of a power network and the calculation of capital cost of energy storage systems. Two test systems have been considered, the IEEE six-bus system and the IEEE 118-bus system, to analyze the impact of energy storage on power system economic operation. Properties of energy storage have been considered such as rated power investment cost and rated energy investment cost. Mixed integer programming has been …

Impact Of Net Metering On Customers Saving, Abdullah F. Albaker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of net metering on customers engagement. Brief discussions about net metering, its purpose, its challenges and benefits, and the history of net metering in the United States are included within the thesis. The thesis illustrates the net-metering rules, regulations and policies in the United States, and it shows that they are applied in 43 states plus the District of Columbia. Nevertheless, It has clearly seen that they are not similar in all states.

The thesis then identifies the impacts of net metering on utilities and solar power owners in particular. …

Parameter Identification Of Micro-Grid Control System, Ning Gao

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Micro-grid provides an effective means of integrating distributed energy resource (DER) units into the power systems. A micro-grid is defined as an independent low- or medium-voltage distribution network comprising various DER units, power-electronic interfaces, controllable loads, and monitoring and protection devices. Following the development of the renewable energy, micro-grid has attracted much attention.

This thesis emphasizes on the parameter identification of the control system of the micro-grid. The control system plays an important role in the stable operation of the micro-grid. The micro-grid has two operation modes, which are grid-connected operation mode and islanded operation mode. The transition between two …

Wireless Sensor Localization: Error Modeling And Analysis For Evaluation And Precision, Omar Ali Zargelin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have shown promise in a broad range of applications. One of the primary challenges in leveraging WSNs lies in gathering accurate position information for the deployed sensors while minimizing power cost. In this research, detailed background research is discussed regarding existing methods and assumptions of modeling methods and processes for estimating sensor positions. Several novel localization methods are developed by applying rigorous mathematical and statistical principles, which exploit constraining properties of the physical problem in order to produce improved location estimates. These methods are suitable for one-, two-, and three-dimensional position estimation in ascending order of …

Degradation Of High Voltage Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites By Aggressive Environmental Conditions, Tianyi Lu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Polymer matrix composites reinforced with either E glass or ECR glass fibers-reinforced are used in a variety of high voltage electrical applications because of their advantages like lower weight and cost. However, they can be damaged by aggressive in-service conditions such as high temperature, ultraviolet radiation, moisture, ozone and corrosive environments. Different degradation mechanisms can develop in high voltage PMCs under those extreme environments, which, in turn, can affect the long term structural durability of the composites. A set of PMCs reinforced with ECR-glass and E-glass fibers embedded in four different resins has been investigated in this study. In addition, …

Design And Evaluation Of A Propulsion System For Small, Compact, Low-Speed Maneuvering Underwater Vehicles, Florence M. Mbithi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Underwater vehicles used to perform precision inspection and non-destructive evaluation in tightly constrained or delicate underwater environments must be small, have low-speed maneuverability and a smooth streamlined outer shape with no appendages. In this thesis, the design and analysis of a new propulsion system for such underwater vehicles is presented. It consists primarily of a syringe and a plunger driven by a linear actuator and uses different inflow and outflow nozzles to provide continuous propulsive force. A prototype of the proposed propulsion mechanism is built and tested. The practical utility and potential efficacy of the system is demonstrated and assessed …

Aging Of A Polymer Core Composite Conductor Under Combined Ozone And Temperature Conditions, James M. Middleton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The next generation High Temperature Low Sag Polymer Core Composite Conductors (HTLS PCCC) can experience harsh in-service environments including high temperature and highly concentrated ozone. In some extreme cases, it is possible that the conductors will experience temperatures of up to 180°C and ozone concentrations as high as 1% (10,000 ppm). Therefore, the primary goal of this research was to determine the most damaging aging conditions which could negatively affect the in-service life of the conductors. This included characterizing the aging in ozone and at high temperature of the HTLS PCCC hybrid composite rods and neat resin. It was found …

Building Temperature Control With Intelligent Methods, Feng Zhang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Temperature control is important for both human comfort and the need in industry. In the thesis, two good intelligent control methods are compared to find their advantages and disadvantages. Matlab is used as the tool to make models and process calculations. The building model is one simple room in Akwesasne in New York State and the target is to keep the temperature indoor around 22 degree Centigrade from 12/29/2013 to 12/31/2013. Heat pump is used to provide or absorb heat. All data in the experiments is from JRibal Environmental eXchange network and PJM. The first method is fuzzy neural network …

Short-Term Load Forecasting Using Neural Network For Future Smart Grid Application, Jixuan Zheng

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Short-term load forecasting of power system has been a classic problem for a long time. Not merely it has been researched extensively and intensively, but also a variety of forecasting methods has been raised.

This thesis outlines some aspects and functions of smart meter. It also presents different policies and current statuses as well as future projects and objectives of SG development in several countries.

Then the thesis compares main aspects about latest products of smart meter from different companies.

Lastly, three types of prediction models are established in MATLAB to emulate the functions of smart grid in the short-term …

Dynamic Materials And Devices For Controlling Solar Heat Gain In Buildings, David Alie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Modern technology and materials science, coupled with an understanding of our energy consumption patterns, allows for the opportunity to realize large-scale energy savings through the implementation of more efficient, adaptive technologies. More efficient heating and cooling of both commercial and residential buildings is a strong candidate for such advancements. Indeed, a significant portion of the annual US energy budget is devoted to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) of commercial and residential buildings in order to maintain safe, comfortable internal environments.

Dynamic tint windows, both traditional electrochromic devices and reflective devices, are promising candidates to help in the effort …

A Mobile Self-Leveling Landing Platform For Small-Scale Uavs, Stephen Austin Conyers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a semi-autonomous mobile self-leveling landing platform designed to launch, recover and re-launch VTOL UAVs without the need for human intervention. The landing platform is rugged, lightweight and inexpensive, making it ideal for civilian applications that require a base station from which a rotorcraft UAV can be launched and recovered on terrain that is normally unsuitable for UAV operations. This landing platform is capable of self-leveling on rough terrain and inclined slopes, and can autonomously operate in remote locations for extended periods of time using large onboard lithium batteries and wireless communication. This thesis discusses the unique design …

Fabrication And Application Of A Polymer Neuromorphic Circuitry Based On Polymer Memristive Devices And Polymer Transistors, Robert A. Nawrocki

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Neuromorphic engineering is a discipline that aims to address the shortcomings of today's serial computers, namely large power consumption, susceptibility to physical damage, as well as the need for explicit programming, by applying biologically-inspired principles to develop neural systems with applications such as machine learning and perception, autonomous robotics and generic artificial intelligence.

This doctoral dissertation presents work performed fabricating a previously developed type of polymer neuromorphic architecture, termed Polymer Neuromorphic Circuitry (PNC), inspired by the McCulloch-Pitts model of an artificial neuron. The major contribution of this dissertation is a development of processing techniques necessary to realize the Polymer Neuromorphic …

Secure Map Generation For Multiplayer, Turn-Based Strategy Games, Stephen L. Rice

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In strategy games, players compete against each other on randomly generated maps in an attempt to prove their superior skill. Traditionally, these games rely on a client/server architecture with one player fulfilling the role of server and holding responsibility for the map generation process. We propose, analyze and evaluate a method that allows these maps to be created in a peer-to-peer fashion and thus reduce the potential for cheating. We provide an example map generation program that puts these concepts into action and demonstrate how it can be extended and customized for any game. Finally, we analyze the performance of …