Energy Systems Commons^™

Multi-Criteria Decision-Making For Sustainable Design: Stakeholder Prioritization And Methodological Comparison In Solar And E-Bike Applications, Swagath Madhu Gowda

All Theses

This thesis focuses on using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods to support sustainable product design by addressing the trade-offs between environmental, economic, and social goals. The research is presented through two studies that demonstrate how both subjective and objective decision-making approaches can guide sustainability evaluations.

The first study applies the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess residential solar panels by incorporating stakeholder perspectives from sustainability experts, end users, and industry professionals. Using Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) data, this study identifies how different stakeholder groups prioritize sustainability criteria and applies Aggregation of Individual Priorities (AIP) to combine their judgments. A one-at-a-time …

Thermal Heterogeneity And Lithium Plating During Fast Charging Of Lithium-Ion Battery., Ayodeji Avis Adeniran

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Presently, widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is hindered by challenges associated with XFC, including heat generation, lithium plating, and accelerated battery degradation. This dissertation addresses these barriers through two coordinated themes—lithium plating and thermal management—spanning four manuscripts that integrate operando diagnostics, physics-based simulation, and module-level design optimization. The first theme seeks a fundamental investigation into the dynamic interplay between temperature heterogeneity and lithium plating during fast charging, a phenomenon that poses significant limitations on the performance of graphite-based anodes. Firstly, a custom operando cell with a sapphire window was designed to enable synchronized MWIR thermography and optical imaging of …

Hydrodynamics Of Perforated Heave Plates, Muhammad Usman

All Dissertations

Ocean waves are a clean and renewable energy source that can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change. To capture this energy, researchers have developed devices known as wave energy converters (WECs). One common type, called a two-body point absorber WEC, uses a buoy floating on the ocean surface connected to a submerged reaction plate, known as the heave plate, which lies underwater. The relative up-and-down motion between the buoy and the heave plate, driven by ocean waves, generates usable power via a power take-off (PTO) system. Traditionally, these submerged heave plates are solid structures. However, this …

Opposed-Piston Two Stroke Engine As A High Power Density Solution In Heavy Duty Applications: An Experimental Evaluation With Diesel And Ethanol, Ankur Bhatt

All Dissertations

With an increasing demand to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the conventional powertrain technology is at a saturation point. There is reinvigorated research interest in alternative powertrain designs that offer potentially higher efficiencies and lower engine-out emissions compared to conventional powertrains. The opposed piston two-stroke (OP2S) engine is one such alternative engine architecture that has demonstrated a reduction in engine-out emissions and increased efficiency compared to conventional four-stroke diesel engines. Like any two-stroke engine, the scavenging process and the composition of the internal residuals are predominantly governed by the pressure differential between the intake and the exhaust ports. Without dedicated …

Thermal Management With Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Under Extreme Applications, Devon Hardy

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

A unique challenge in thermal system design is minimizing the power required to operate cooling systems while maintaining effective heat removal. Traditional cooling systems utilize single-phase fluids where the heat transfer mechanisms are well understood. To meet a variety of cooling demands, a range of technologies are available, including microchannel forced convection, jet impingement, porous media, nanofluids, pin fin arrays, and film cooling, each offering distinct advantages and limitations. While the performance of single- or two-phase cooling systems are generally predictable, in extreme thermal environments, new cooling solutions are needed to improve overall system efficiency and reliability.

Supercritical fluids, particularly …

Effect Of Capillary And Viscous Forces On Carbon Dioxide Desorption In Porous Adsorbent Layers, Caroline Isabel Mcclung

Theses and Dissertations

Temperature swing adsorption-based (TSA) carbon dioxide (CO₂) separation processes, which involve an alternating flow of gases and liquids in adsorbent-coated microchannels, have been shown to yield superior and environmentally friendly performance than the existing processes. This technique begins by sending the impure gas mixture through hydrophobic silicalite adsorbent-coated microchannels, which results in the adsorption of CO₂. Subsequently, hot water heat transfer fluid (HTF) flows through the same channels, displaces the purified gas stream, heats the adsorbent, desorbs the CO₂, and removes that desorbed CO₂ from the channel. This stage is followed by cooling …

Dynamic Modeling And Simulation Of A Power Generation Steam Rankine Cycle For A Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor Nuclear Power Plant, William R. Ton

Master's Theses

Nuclear Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactors (FHRs) have the potential to greatly improve nuclear technology in terms of safety and cost. By combining molten salt coolant technology from the Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) and TRISO fuel technology from the Very High Temperature Gas Reactor (VHTR), FHRs may operate at significantly lower pressures than Light Water Reactors (LWRs) and with a more robust fuel source that is excellent at containing fission products. However, as no FHR has been built, there are still many design questions to address. This thesis uses transient computer modeling and simulation to investigate how an FHR could potentially …

“How Can Ai Data Centers In The U.S. Meet Projected Electricity Demands By 2030?, Aiden M. Matano

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is driving a sharp increase in U.S. electricity demand, with AI-driven data centers emerging as a central contributor through 2030. This paper asks how U.S. AI data centers can meet projected electricity needs while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. Using a supply-chain and systems perspective, it analyzes the full energy chain of AI data centers: upstream electricity supply and grid deliverability, midstream facility design and grid interaction, and downstream operational practices, waste management, and disclosure. Drawing on recent projections from the International Energy Agency, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and U.S. federal guidance, the paper shows …

Melamine-Based Polymer Nanofibers For Supercapacitors, Samar A. Salim, Hani Nasser Abdelhamid

Nanotechnology Research Centre

This investigation describes the synthesis, electrospinning, and characterization of melamine-glutaraldehyde (MAGA) polymer composites with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) for supercapacitors applications. Electrospun fibers are generated by combining the MAGA polymer with PMMA at varying concentrations (2.5 %, 5 %, and 10 wt%). The synthesis of the polymer, its morphological attributes, and structural features are validated by characterization methods e.g., XRD, TEM, SEM, and FT-IR. In a three-electrode configuration, the electrochemical performances of the prepared electrodes are assessed using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCDC), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The results suggest that the 5 % MAGA-PMMA composite has a specific …

Control Of Ferroelectric And Dielectric Properties Of Undoped, Fe, And Nb-Doped Single-Crystalline (001) Oriented Pb (Zr0.5ti0.5) O3 Thin Films, Mahamudu H. Mtebwa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

While several factors that influence the properties of ferroelectric devices have been extensively studied in bulk ceramics and polycrystalline thin films, limited is known about the same on single crystalline thin films which have great potential in memory and energy applications. This knowledge gap is largely due to the limited availability of substrates with lattice parameters suitable for supporting high-quality epitaxial growth. In this study, undoped, Fe-doped, and Nb-doped (001)-oriented Pb(Zr₀.₅Ti₀.₅)O₃ thin films were deposited using pulsed laser deposition, each with a SrRuO₃ bottom electrode and a PrScO₃ substrate. The doping concentration used is 1% for both Fe and Nb. …

Techno-Economic Analysis Of Hybrid Pv-Wind-Diesel Generator Swarm Grid For Rural Electrification In Tanzania, Ibrahim Mwammenywa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Remote, rural, and off-grid communities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), face significant challenges in securing reliable and affordable electricity. While solutions such as solar home systems (SHSs) and diesel generators (DGs) have been adopted by some individuals, their deployment is often not optimized to meet the full load demand. This study addresses this challenge by proposing a hybrid swarm grid (HSG) design that integrates photovoltaic (PV), wind energy, and diesel generators (DGs). Utilizing MATLAB/Simulink and HOMER, the HSG is modeled and optimized for a typical SSA village, incorporating real-world variables such as load demand profiles, solar irradiance, and wind patterns. …

Adoption Of Agrivoltaics In Developing Countries: A Review On Challenges, Opportunities And Future Prospects, Abdi J. Athumani, Pater Makolo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper provides a review of agrivoltaics technology and how it has been applicable in developing countries, including African countries. Agrivoltaics, the integration of agricultural production with photovoltaic energy generation, offers promising solutions to water- energy-food nexus in developing countries. This technology offers the dual benefit of increasing agricultural productivity while generating clean energy, which is very important for regions facing frequent electricity shortages and declining agricultural yields due to climate change. However, despite its potential, the adoption of agrivoltaics in developing nations remains limited in comparison to developed countries due to financial, technical and policy constraints. This paper explores …

Optimal Location And Sizing Of Facts Devices To Improve Voltage Profiles On A 132 Kv Mwanza-Musoma-Nyamongo Transmission Line, Peter Makolo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Recently, utility companies have desired to supply quality, stable and reliable power to customers, and ensure they meet the demand. Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) dynamic compensator devices such as Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM), Static VAr Compensator (SVC) and Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) are an impeccable choice, however, cost is one of the limiting factors following these technologies. In addition, using FACTS devices in the system requires a detailed steady state, dynamic and optimisation analysis to effectively meet the purpose and ensure reduced cost. This paper proposes using an optimised FACTS device to improve voltage profile, power transfer, system …

Investigating The Harmonic Content Of A Pwm Inverter With Varying Modulation Index, Peter Makolo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Photovoltaic energy is a clean and endless vital renewable energy. In order to generate electricity from solar energy an inverter is required to transform the direct current into alternating current. Also, with the emerging of new ultra-high voltage direct current transmission technology, the rectification and inverters play a great role. Most three-phase two-level inverters draw harmonics that cause heat dissipation, waveform distortions hence affect the electrical loads. Knowing that Total Harmonic Distortion content of voltage source inverter is important and must be within the allowable range. Several schemes are suggested to mitigate the distortion in order to produce as much …

Thermal Performance Variations Of Office Spaces In Educational Buildings Resulting From Façade Orientation: An Egyptian Case Stud, Hesham Safwat, Ahmad Elshamy, Rania Rushdy Moussa, Iman El-Mahallawi El-Mahallawi, Engy Elshazly, Mahmoud Mahmoudalghrieb

Mechanical Engineering

This paper investigates the thermal performance of an office floor within the Faculty of Engineering at the British University in Egypt (BUE), located in Cairo, a city characterized by a hot arid climate. The study focuses on understanding the building’s thermal behavior by comparing two identical office rooms: Room 212 (north-facing) and Room 201 (south facing). Utilizing dynamic thermal simulations with TRNSYS 18 for a full year, the research specifically analyzes the impact of these opposite orientations on indoor space temperature, total cooling loads, the monthly heat absorbed by various building surfaces, and the heat absorbed per unit area for …

Design And Implementation Of A Smart Solar Tracking System Using Hydraulic Actuation, Bassem Nashaat Zakher, Mahmoud M. Ramzi, Kirolos A. Amin

Journal of Engineering Research

This research presents the design and implementation of a smart single-axis solar tracking system that introduces a novel integration of hydraulic actuation with minimalistic sensor control. Unlike traditional trackers that rely on multiple light sensors and complex mechanical setups, the proposed system uses a simplified control mechanism driven by a single-point light detection strategy to maintain panel alignment with the sun. The core innovation lies in replacing motor-driven tracking mechanisms with a hydraulic actuator, offering smoother, more durable movement with reduced maintenance. Additionally, the system integrates smart monitoring via Arduino, enabling real-time data processing and decision-making without relying on costly …

Ferric Metal-Organic Frameworks (Mofs)-Based Electrospinning Fibers For Supercapacitors, Samar A. Salim, Hani Nasser Abdelhamid

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Ferric-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) were synthesized and incorporated into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) using electrospinning to produce PMMA_Fe-MOF nanofibers. The materials were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrospun materials were directly integrated into nickel foam (NF) electrodes for energy storage applications, e.g., supercapacitors. The electrochemical performance was assessed using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge curves (GCDC), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (EPR). The PMMA_Fe-MOF electrodes exhibited outstanding capacitive performance, achieving specific capacitances of up to 1017.5 F/g at 1 A/g for the 2.5 % Fe-MOF …

Design Of A 10-Ton Capacity Solar-Powered Cold Storage At The Cituis Fish Auction Site, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, Wardi Wardi, Muhammad Arif Budiyanto

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

This study presents the design of a 10-ton capacity solar-powered cold storage system for the Cituis Fish Auction Site (TPI) in Tangerang, Indonesia, as a sustainable solution to support the coastal fisheries sector. The system comprises two temperature zones: an anteroom at 5°C and a freezer room at -30°C, both integrated with a hybrid system utilizing solar panels and batteries. The total power consumption of the cooling system reaches 27.51 kW. The simulation results, obtained using HOMER Pro software, indicate that the hybrid PV system can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 16,754 kg per year. From an economic …

Solar Absorption Cooling Systems – A Case Study In Egypt, Hesham Safwat, Iman El-Mahallawi

Mechanical Engineering

Climate change with Egypt’s increasingly hot weather and plans towards energy transition, addressing an approach for clean HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Condition) solutions is becoming requisite. This paper examines the potential of utilizing solar absorption cooling systems in institutional buildings by presenting a case study of a proposed solar absorption cooling system for a library building with an area of 4402 m2, located at the British University in Egypt. The proposed solution is to replace 30% of the existing conventional air conditioning units with a hot-water driven single-effect absorption chiller powered by solar thermal vacuum tube solar collectors, coupled …

Mitigation Of Voltage Disturbances In Industrial Power Distribution Networks Using Dynamic Voltage Restorers, Aviti T. Mushi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Most electrical and electronic equipment in industries require high-quality power to function efficiently. Nonetheless, voltage sags and swells are pressing concerns and prone to directly impact the economy of industrial customers. One such customer embattled with these problems is Mbeya Cement Company Limited (MCC) located in Mbeya, Tanzania. These issues mainly are caused by upstream faults and switching operations. One way to address these is by utilizing the voltage injection method, which employs a power device known as a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR). In this paper, the voltage sags and swells of balanced three-phase, unbalanced double-line and single-line to ground …