Engineering Commons^™

Effects Of Disorder On Thermoelectric Properties Of Semiconducting Polymers, Zlatan Aksamija, Dhandapani Venkataraman, Connor J. Boyle, Meenakshi Upadhyaya

Zlatan Aksamija

Open Source Low-Cost Power Monitoring System, Shane W. Oberloier, Joshua M. Pearce

Joshua M. Pearce

This study presents an entirely open-source, low-cost power monitoring system capable of many types of measurements including both loads and supplies such as solar photovoltaic systems. In addition, the system can be fabricated using only open source software and hardware. The design revolves around the Digital Universal Energy Logger (DUEL) Node, which is responsible for reading and properly scaling the voltage and current of a particular load, and then serializing it via an on-board ATTiny85 chip. The configuration of the DUEL node allows for custom sensitivity ranges, and can handle up to 50 A and 300 V. Up to 127 …

Farm Energy: Energy Consumption For Row Crop Production, H. Mark Hanna, John E. Sawyer, Dana Petersen

John E. Sawyer

This publication provides an overview of farm energy use related to corn and soybean production in Iowa. Three areas of row crop production--field operations, fertilizer and pesticide application, and artificial drying--are used to illustrate on-farm energy consumption.

Farm Energy: Energy Conservation In Corn Nitrogen Fertilization, John E. Sawyer, H. Mark Hanna, Dana Petersen

John E. Sawyer

Optimum corn yields require nitrogen fertilization in most crop rotations, but the energy consumed during the production of nitrogen fertilizer is considerable. Learn more about maximizing economic, environmental, and energy returns for nitrogen and other fertilizers.

Notice On Project Sym (Coordinated By Gsyf With Isel Participation) Published In Expresso, Dated 6fev2016 (In Portuguese), João Gomes

João F Gomes

Balancing Energy In The Smart Grid Using Distributed Value Function (Dvf), Hassan Shirzeh, Fazel Naghdy, Philip Ciufo, Montserrat Ros

Dr Philip Ciufo

As the penetration of renewable energy resources increases in distribution networks, so does the need to manage these resources in an effective manner. Since these resources are installed to displace carbon-based generation and to provide an income stream to the resource owner, it is important that both installation objectives (as a minimum) can be met. With all of these renewable energy resources available, the opportunity also exists to assist with the energy management of this resource-rich distribution network. However, the renewable energy resources do not produce power in a deterministic manner. The available production depends on the time of day …

Performance Enhancement Of A Flat Plate Solar Collector Using Titanium Dioxide Nanofluid And Polyethylene Glycol Dispersant

Faculty of Engineering University of Malaya

The use of TiO2 water nanofluid as a working fluid for enhancing the performance of a flat plate solar collector has been studied. The volume fraction of the nanoparticles was 0.1% and 0.3% respectively, while the mass flow rates of the nanofluid varied from 0.5 to 1.5 kg/min, respectively. Thermo-physical properties and reduced sedimentation for TiO2-nanofluid was obtained using PEG 400 dispersant. The results reveal the impact and importance of each of these parameters. Energy efficiency increased by 76.6% for 0.1% volume fraction and 0.5 kg/min flow rate, whereas the highest exergy efficiency achieved was 16.9% for 0.1% volume fraction …

Social And Economic Sustainability, Jason Sargent, Khanjan Mehta, Katina Michael

Professor Katina Michael

But what about long-term stability in developing nations? For example, as we strive to mainstream alternate energy sources and make them accessible in resource poor communities [ ], how do we think beyond the technological and economic dimensions and ensure respect for social, political and environmental imperatives? Computers, including the tiny but powerful ones on cell phones can be game-changers, but they will not save lives directly. They cannot be eaten by a starving population. And then, they need to be serviced and maintained. Jason, along with Katina’s husband Michael, visited and taught Karen refugee students in camps and remote …

Performance Of Solid Oxide Iron-Air Battery Operated At 550°C, Xuan Zhao, Yunhui Gong, Xue Li, Nansheng Xu, Kevin Huang

Kevin Huang

“Metal-air” batteries have garnered much attention in recent years due to their high intrinsic specific energy and use of inexhaustible and storage-free oxygen source -air- for the “metal-oxygen” reaction. In this study, we report theperformance of a new type of all solid-state “iron-air” battery operated at 550°C. The results show that CeO2 nanoparticles incorporated into the Fe-Fe3O4 redox-couple can improve the specific energy (Wh/kg) and round trip efficiency by 15% and 29%, respectively, over the baseline Fe-Fe3O4 battery. Use of supported Fe-Fe3O4 nanoparticles as the redox couple can increase the specific energy and round-trip efficiency by 13% and 48% over …

Energy Loss Rate Of A Charged Particle In Hgte/(Hgte, Cdte) Quantum Wells, Qinjun Chen, Yee Sin Ang, Xiaolin Wang, R A. Lewis, Chao Zhang

Yee Sin Ang

The energy loss rate (ELR) of a charged particle in a HgTe/(HgTe, CdTe) quantum well is investigated. We consider scattering of a charged particle by the bulk insulating states in this type of topological insulator. It is found that the ELR characteristics due to the intraband excitation have a linear energy dependence while those due to interband excitation depend on the energy exponentially. An interesting quantitative result is that for a large range of the incident energy, the mean inelastic scattering rate is around a few terahertz.

Energy-Loss Rate Of A Fast Particle In Graphene, Yee Sin Ang, Chao Zhang, Chun Kee

Yee Sin Ang

The energy-loss rate of a fast particle in graphene is studied. The energy-loss rate always increases with increasing incident particle energy, which is quite unusual when compared to electron gas in normal metal. Graphene exhibits a “discriminating” behavior where there exists a low energy cut-off below which the scattering process is strictly forbidden, leading to lossless traverse of an external particle in graphene. This low energy cutoff is of the order of nearest neighbor hopping bandwidth. Our results suggest that backscattering is also absent in the external particle scattering of graphene.

Optimal Energy For Cell Radiosensitivity Enhancement By Gold Nanoparticles Using Synchrotron-Based Monoenergetic Photon Beams, Wan Nordiana Rahman, Stephanie Corde, Naoto Yagi, Siti Aishah Abdul Aziz, Nathan Annabell, Moshi Geso

Stéphanie Corde

Gold nanoparticles have been shown to enhance radiation doses delivered to biological targets due to the high absorption coefficient of gold atoms, stemming from their high atomic number (Z) and physical density. These properties significantly increase the likelihood of photoelectric effects and Compton scattering interactions. Gold nanoparticles are a novel radiosensitizing agent that can potentially be used to increase the effectiveness of current radiation therapy techniques and improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. However, the optimum radiosensitization effect of gold nanoparticles is strongly dependent on photon energy, which theoretically is predicted to occur in the kilovoltage range of energy. …

Preliminary Study Of Synthesis Gas Production Using The Electrofuel Concept, João Gomes

João F Gomes

This paper describes preliminary work on the generation of synthesis gas from water electrolysis using graphite electrodes without the separation of the generated gases. This is an innovative process, that has no similar work been done earlier. Preliminary tests allowed to establish correlations between the applied current to the electrolyser and flow rate and composition of the generated syngas, as well as a characterisation of generated carbon nanoparticles. The obtained syngas can further be used to produce synthetic liquid fuels, for example, methane, methanol or DME (dimethyl ether) in a catalytic reactor, in further stages of a present ongoing project, …

Energy Conservation Day: Symbolism Doesn’T Pay, Hippu Salk Kristle Nathan

Hippu Salk Kristle Nathan

The much publicised panting competition at school level on the occasion of Energy Conservation Day was a good effort to send message to consumers to influence their energy consumption behaviour. But the effect is minuscule.

As a child one might have walked or cycled to school. But as a breadwinner, once energy related decisions largely get influenced by one's income level and opportunities and restrictions.

Effect Of Compaction Energy On Shear Wave Velocity Of Dynamically Compacted Silty Sand Soil, Buddhima Indraratna, Ana Heitor, Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn

Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn

This study was focused on the effects of compaction energy on the dynamic properties of a silty sand in its as-compacted state in relation to the measured values of matric suction. The influence of the imparted energy on the shear wave velocity and the small-strain shear modulus of the compacted soil was studied for three different energy levels that correspond to the standard Proctor as well as reduced and enhanced. The specimens were prepared with moisture contents ranging from the dry to wet of optimum, and subsequently compacted to known dry unit weights for which the corresponding matric suction and …

Effect Of Compaction Energy On Shear Wave Velocity Of Dynamically Compacted Silty Sand Soil, Buddhima Indraratna, Ana Heitor, Cholachat Rujikiatkamjorn

Buddhima Indraratna

This study was focused on the effects of compaction energy on the dynamic properties of a silty sand in its as-compacted state in relation to the measured values of matric suction. The influence of the imparted energy on the shear wave velocity and the small-strain shear modulus of the compacted soil was studied for three different energy levels that correspond to the standard Proctor as well as reduced and enhanced. The specimens were prepared with moisture contents ranging from the dry to wet of optimum, and subsequently compacted to known dry unit weights for which the corresponding matric suction and …

Carbon Nanotube-Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites For Thermal Energy Harvesting Applications, Mark S. Romano, Na Li, Dennis Antiohos, Joselito M. Razal, Andrew Nattestad, Stephen Beirne, Shaoli Fang, Yongsheng Chen, Rouhollah Jalili, Gordon G. Wallace, Ray Baughman, Jun Chen

Gordon Wallace

By controlling the SWNT-rGO electrode composition and thickness to attain the appropriate porosity and tortuosity, the electroactive surface area is maximized while rapid diffusion of the electrolyte through the electrode is maintained. This leads to an increase in exchange current density between the electrode and electrolyte which results in enhanced thermocell performance.

Novel Nanographene/Porphyrin Hybrids-Preparation, Characterization, And Application In Solar Energy Conversion Schemes, Daniel Kiessling, Ruben D. Costa, Georgios Katsukis, Jenny Malig, Fabian Lodermeyer, Sebastian Feihl, Alexandra Roth, Leonie Wibmer, Matthias Kehrer, Michel Volland, Pawel W. Wagner, Gordon G. Wallace, David L. Officer, Dirk M. Guldi

Gordon Wallace

Four novel nanographene/porphyrin hybrids were prepared, characterized, and probed in solar energy conversion schemes. Exfoliation of graphite by means of immobilizing four different porphyrins onto the basal plane of graphene is accompanied by distinct electronic interactions in both the ground and the excited states. In the ground state, a strong loss in oscillator strength goes hand-in-hand with a notable broadening of the porphyrin transitions and, as such, attests to the shift of electron density from the electron donating porphyrins to nanographene. In the excited state, a nearly quantitative quenching of the porphyrin fluorescence is indicative of full charge transfer. The …

A Hybrid Electrolyte Energy Storage Device With High Energy And Long Life Using Lithium Anode And Mno2 Nanoflake Cathode, Shulei Chou, Yun-Xiao Wang, Jiantie Xu, Jia-Zhao Wang, Hua-Kun Liu, S X. Dou

Shi Xue Dou

A hybrid electrolyte energy storage system combining the features of supercapacitors and lithium batteries has been constructed. It consists of MnO2 nanoflakes in 1 M Li2SO4 aqueous electrolyte as the cathode and lithium foil in ionic liquid (1 M lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiNTf2) in N-methyl-N-propyl pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([C(3)mpyr][NTf2])) electrolyte as the anode, separated by a lithium super ionic conductor glass ceramic film (LiSICON). This system shows the advantages of both a supercapacitor (long cycle life) and a lithium battery (high energy), as well as low cost and improved safety due to the combination of ionic liquid and ceramic solid state electrolyte …

Synchrotron Radiation Based Experimental Determination Of The Optimal Energy For Cell Radiotoxicity Enhancement Following Photoelectric Effect On Stable Iodinated Compounds, S Corde, A Joubert, J F. Adam, A M. Charvet, J F. Le Bas, F Esteve, H Elleaume, J Balosso

Stéphanie Corde

This study was designed to experimentally evaluate the optimal X-ray energy for increasing the radiation energy absorbed in tumours loaded with iodinated compounds, using the photoelectric effect. SQ20B human cells were irradiated with synchrotron monochromatic beam tuned at 32.8, 33.5, 50 and 70 keV. Two cell treatments were compared to the control: cells suspended in 10 mg ml1 of iodine radiological contrast agent or cells pre-exposed with 10 mM of iodo-desoxyuridine (IUdR) for 48 h. Our radiobiological end point was clonogenic cell survival. Cells irradiated with both iodine compounds exhibited a radiation sensitisation enhancement. Moreover, it was energy dependent, with …

Adaptive Stochastic Energy Flow Balancing In Smart Grid, Hassan Shirzeh, Fazel Naghdy, Philip Ciufo, Montserrat Ros

Dr Philip Ciufo

A smart grid can be considered as an unstructured network of distributed interacting nodes represented by renewable energy sources, storage and loads. The nodes emerge or disappear in a stochastic manner due to the intermittent nature of natural sources such as wind speed and solar irradiation. Prediction and stochastic modelling of electrical energy flow is a critical characteristic in such a network to achieve load balancing and/or peak shaving in order to minimise the fluctuation between off peak and peak demand by power consumers. Before contributing energy to the network, a node acquires information about other nodes in the grid …

The Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Strategies And Analysis Of Current Challenges, Lasantha Meegahapola, Lanka Udawatta, Sanjeeva Witharana

Dr Lasantha G Meegahapola

This paper presents different roots of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) strategies and challenges faced in terms of efficiency and economy of OTEC plants. The conversion strategies primarily focus on open cycle, closed cycle and hybrid plants. The efficiency studies mainly skew towards the effect of plant distance and thermal gradient towards plant efficiency. The economic analysis is based upon the effect of per unit cost for OTEC plant together with other important considerations such as Plant Factor (PF) and offshore distance, which determine the cost of power generation. Some illustrative examples are also provided using the derived equations under …

Comparative Analysis Of Dynamic Line Rating Models And Feasibility To Minimise Energy Losses In Wind Rich Power Networks, Mathew Simms, Lasantha Meegahapola

Dr Lasantha G Meegahapola

Wind power generation has indicated an exponential increase during last two decades and existing transmission network infrastructure is increasingly becoming inadequate to transmit remotely generated wind power to load centres in the network. The dynamic line rating (DLR) is one of the viable solutions to improve the transmission line ampacity during high wind penetration without investing on an additional transmission network. The main objective of this study is to identify the basic differences between two main line rating standards, since transmission network service providers (TNSPs) heavily depend on these two standards when developing their line rating models. Therefore, a parameter …

Dynamic Characteristics Of A Hybrid Microgrid With Inverter And Non- Inverter Interfaced Renewable Energy Sources: A Case Study, A V. Jayawardena, L G. Meegahapola, S Perera, D A. Robinson

Dr Lasantha G Meegahapola

Microgrids are becoming important constituents of electric power distribution networks. Microgrids are typically comprised of both inverter interfaced (e.g. double-fed induction generator (DFIG), solar-photovoltaic (PV) system) and non-inverter interfaced (e.g. synchronous generator) renewable energy generators (REGs), hence their dynamic characteristics are significantly different from the conventional grids comprised of centralised synchronous generators. Different inherent characteristics of REGs, power dispatch levels, relative REG capacities, and external grid characteristics are some of the important features of significant interest in relation to microgrid dynamic behaviour. For this study a microgrid model was developed in DIgSILENT Power Factory based on the IEEE-13 bus system …

Mle+: A Tool For Integrated Design And Deployment Of Energy Efficient Building Controls, Willy Bernal, Madhur Behl, Truong Nghiem, Rahul Mangharam

Truong X Nghiem

We present MLE+, a tool for energy-efficient building automation design, co-simulation and analysis. The tool leverages the high-fidelity building simulation capabilities of EnergyPlus and the scientific computation and design capabilities of Matlab for controller design. MLE+ facilitates integrated building simulation and controller formulation with integrated support for system identification, control design, optimization, simulation analysis and communication between software applications and building equipment. It provides streamlined workflows, a graphical front-end, and debugging support to help control engineers eliminate design and programming errors and take informed decisions early in the design stage, leading to fewer iterations in the building automation development cycle. …

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage Systems For Power System Applications, Danny Soetanto, K.W.E Cheng

Professor Darmawan Sutanto

Advancement in both superconducting technologies and power electronics led to High Temperature Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage Systems (SMES) having some excellent performances for use in power systems, such as rapid response (millisecond), high power (multi-MW), high efficiency, and four- quadrant control. This paper provides a review on SMES applications to power systems.

Hybrid Fuel Cell And Energy Storage Systems Using Superconducting Coil Or Batteries For Clean Electricity Generation, Danny Soetanto, Kai Ding

Professor Darmawan Sutanto

This paper described a novel design of a hybrid fuel cell and energy storage system using high temperature superconducting energy storage system (HT-SMES) or batteries to meet fast changing load. The power electronic switches in the converter of the energy storage system are controlled in such a way that the amplitude and waveform of the inverter output current from the fuel cell is tightly regulated to follow a sinusoidal reference waveform. In this way, the energy storage system is used to supply the fast changing part of the load and the fuel cell system continuously supplies a constant full load …

Improved Controller For High Temperature Super Conducting Magnetic Energy Storage (Hts-Smes), Danny Soetanto, M Aware

Professor Darmawan Sutanto

This paper describes a novel controller for a High Temperature Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (HTSSMES) that can ensure (a) fast return of energy to the superconducting coil under constant current mode and (b) a constant and sinusoidal input supply current irrespective of the varying load demand with and without harmonics. A special feature of this controller is its ability to smoothly charge the superconducting coil using constant current charging so that it can be ready for the next discharging operation as soon as possible. Analysis of the circuit operation under hysteresis control is presented in details. Simulation and experimental results …

Monte Carlo Study Of The Energy Response And Depth Dose Water Equivalence Of The Moskin Radiation Dosimeter At Clinical Kilovoltage Photon Energies, C Lian, M Othman, D Cutajar, M Butson, Susanna Guatelli, Anatoly Rosenfeld

Susanna Guatelli

Skin dose is often the quantity of interest for radiological protection, as the skin is the organ that receives maximum dose during kilovoltage X-ray irradiations. The purpose of this study was to simulate the energy response and the depth dose water equivalence of the MOSkin radiation detector (Centre for Medical Radiation Physics (CMRP), University of Wollongong, Australia), a MOSFET-based radiation sensor with a novel packaging design, at clinical kilovoltage photon energies typically used for superficial/orthovoltage therapy and X-ray CT imaging. Monte Carlo simulations by means of the Geant4 toolkit were employed to investigate the energy response of the CMRP MOSkin …

Effect Of A Magnetic Field On The Track Structure Of Low-Energy Electrons: A Monte Carlo Study, M Bug, E Gargioni, Susanna Guatelli, S Incerti, H Rabus, R Schulte, Anatoly Rosenfeld

Susanna Guatelli

The increasing use of MRI-guided radiation therapy evokes the necessity to investigate the potential impact of a magnetic field on the biological effectiveness of therapeutic radiation beams. While it is known that a magnetic field, applied during irradiation, can improve the macroscopic absorbed dose distribution of electrons in the tumor region, effects on the microscopic distribution of energy depositions and ionizations have not yet been investigated. An effect on the number of ionizations in a DNA segment, which is related to initial DNA damage in form of complex strand breaks, could be beneficial in radiation therapy. In this work we …