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Articles 1 - 5 of 5
Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering
Modeling Of The Interior Electric Field In Photovoltaic Cells, Tara Jeatran
Modeling Of The Interior Electric Field In Photovoltaic Cells, Tara Jeatran
The Journal of Undergraduate Research
With the emergence of photovoltaic technologies, there is a strong technological demand for high-performance photovoltaic devices. One of the most promising device concepts developed at SDSU is organic-based photovoltaic cells. The performance of the PV cells is controlled by charge generation and charge separation, and charge transportation processes. Extraordinary control over the properties of the organic photovoltaic materials will be needed in order for this research to succeed. Therefore, the interior electric field and the macro electric properties of the system are the foundation behind these facts and are critical properties on their performance. In this paper, the fundamentals of …
A Mixed-Dimensionality Modeling Approach For Interaction Of Heterogeneous Steam Reforming Reactions And Heat Transfer, Jeroen Valensa
A Mixed-Dimensionality Modeling Approach For Interaction Of Heterogeneous Steam Reforming Reactions And Heat Transfer, Jeroen Valensa
Master's Theses (2009 -)
Hydrogen is most often produced on an industrial scale by catalytic steam methane reforming, an equilibrium-limited, highly endothermic process requiring the substantial addition of heat at elevated temperatures. The extent of reaction, or conversion efficiency, of this process is known to be heat transfer limited. Scaling the industrial process equipment down to the size required for small, compact fuel cell systems has encountered difficulties due to increased heat losses at smaller scales. One promising approach to effectively scale down the reforming process is to coat the catalyst directly onto the heat exchange surfaces of an integrated reactor/heat exchanger. In this …
Carbon-Free Compressed Air Energy Storage, Dustin Andrew Shively
Carbon-Free Compressed Air Energy Storage, Dustin Andrew Shively
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
The inherent intermittency of the two fastest growing renewable energy sources, wind and solar, presents a significant barrier to widespread penetration and replacement of fossil-fuel sourced baseload generation. These intermittencies range from short term ramp events experienced by wind farms to the diurnal fluctuation of solar installations. Traditionally, grid operators have had very little control over demand and full control over supply. With the increase in wind and solar based generation onto an electric grid comes a decrease in control of supply. Grid operators are required to have a certain amount of spinning reserve ready to respond when wind or …
Experimental And Numerical Study Of A Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer For Hydrogen Production, Sachin S. Deshmukh
Experimental And Numerical Study Of A Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer For Hydrogen Production, Sachin S. Deshmukh
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Hydrogen as a fuel source has received attention from researchers globally due to its potential to replace fossil based fuels for energy production. Research is being performed on hydrogen production, storage and utilization methods to make its use economically feasible relative to current energy sources. The PEM electrolyzer is used to produce hydrogen and oxygen using water and electricity. Focus of our study is to provide a benchmark experiment and numerical model of a single cell electrolyzer that can assist in improving the current state of understanding of this system. Parametric analysis of an experimental cell was performed to understand …
Development Of A Model Predictive Controller For Tankless Water Heaters, Gregor P. Henze, David P. Yuill, Andrew H. Coward
Development Of A Model Predictive Controller For Tankless Water Heaters, Gregor P. Henze, David P. Yuill, Andrew H. Coward
David Yuill
This paper describes the development of a novel approach to temperature control of tankless water heaters (TWHs). Conventional methods of controlling TWHs typically allow a high degree of error in the outlet water temperature when subjected to disturbances in flow rate or inlet water temperature. Poor control affects comfort, safety, and energy consumption associ- ated with TWHs. The novel control approach presented here uses model predictive control (MPC) to minimize the outlet temperature error. A dynamic heat transfer model of an electric TWH is developed and validated and used within a MPC-based controller. The controller is interfaced to a physical …