Electrical and Electronics Commons^™

Experimental Study Of Energy Conversion Efficiency Improvement Of Photovoltaic (Pv) Module Using Hybrid Cooling System, Olufisayo O. Babalola, Olatunji W. Olademeji, Joseph B. Samson

Al-Bahir

The elevation of the photovoltaic module operating temperature resulting in diminution of its energy conversion efficiency is one of the key limitations to its application. A decrease of power delivered performance by 0.4-0.5% per 1 rise over its Standard Test Condition (STC) accounted for the overheating of the PV module. This study evaluates the energy conversion efficiency improvement of a PV module using hybrid cooling system. An hourly segmented hybrid cooling system made up of aluminum fins as passive cooling segment and helical structured copper tubules for water conduction as active cooling segment helps to improve the energy conversion efficiency …

Exopg Maturation And Owl Interface, Duncan Michael Louden

Electrical Engineering

The maturation of the ExOPG buoy generator consists of an interface to facilitate remote data acquisition of an existing battery charge controller. This module telemeters battery controller data including voltage, temperature, and state of battery charge. The data is transmitted to a communication system and is able to be viewed by humans on a 24/7 basis for continuous operation and human usage. The module works seamlessly as an addition to the existing ExOPG generator, and it does not interfere with any existing and planned components of the generator. The module is highly efficient and draws minimal power from the existing …

Electrical Energy Consumption Forecasting Based On Conventional And Artificial Intelligence Methods: A Comparison, Haya H. Binsalim, Jana Kamal, Salma Badaam, Danah Milyani, Ghadah S. Alyami, Aziza I. Hussein

Effat Undergraduate Research Journal

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based models have been widely applied for energy consumption forecasting over the past decades. The purpose of this paper is to review and compare the classical techniques and the emerging new AI-based techniques used for forecasting electrical energy consumption in buildings. The findings revealed that the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model achieved the lowest Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 0.928%. AI-based techniques have many advantages over classical techniques, such as their ability to handle a large amount of data and provide accurate and fast results.

Pseudo-Soft-Switching Switched-Capacitor Drive Circuits For Small-Scale Dielectric Actuators, Yanqiao Li

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Applications including micro-robotics and haptics have motivated extensive exploration of dielectric actuators due to their high bandwidth and high efficiency at cm and mm scales. To maximize their benefits, dielectric actuators, including piezoelectric and electrostatic actuators, typically require high driving voltages, ranging from 100V to several kV. Generating such high driving voltages presents a challenge for drive circuits, particularly when powered by a small battery. Dielectric actuators are predominantly capacitive in most circumstances, necessitating the drive circuits to deliver and recover reactive energy for efficient operation. In some applications, such as micro-robotics, the drive circuits may need to have a …

Thermal Energy Storage System Using Silica Sand As Heat Storage Medium: Simulation Of Geita Gold Mine, Santos Kihwele

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Currently, Geita Gold Mine (GGM) relies on electrical energy from the national grid and diesel power generators to generate electricity for various industrial applications. The plant currently spends a large amount of money on generating power from diesel generators. The total annual cost of power generation from diesel generators including lubricants is USD 56,057,990. The total annual fuel cost is USD 53,531,805 for a total of 54,985,473 liters per year. Most of the power generated by the generators is consumed in the industrial thermal processes. Thermal energy applications at the plant are thermal drying of the extracted ores to remove …

A Review Of Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Fade Deceleration At Power Fluctuations In Renewable Energy Systems, Isaac Gwayi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Application of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries to store energy in renewable energy systems (RESs) is increasing due to their promising properties. Therefore, it is crucial to understand aging behaviours of Li-ion battery during RES life time as this directly affects cost of energy. Li-ion battery aging can be categorised into calendar aging and cycle aging. Calendar aging depends mainly on temperature and state of charge (SoC). In addition to temperature and SoC, cycle aging depends also on charge and discharge current rates and cut-off voltages. Higher current rates lead to faster Li-ion battery aging. It is necessary to identify appropriate battery …

Optimal Placement Of Distributed Generation Units In Power Distribution Networks Using Particle Swarm Optimization, Owdean M. Suwi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Power losses and voltage drops in distribution networks are critical issues in power system operation, reducing efficiency, reliability, and overall quality of the power supply to customers. Additionally, the rising electricity demand, deregulation of energy markets, and congestion in transmission networks have further contributed to the declining performance of the grid. To address these challenges, integrating distributed generation units (DGUs) into electric distribution systems has gained significant attention. Furthermore, the integration of DGUs into conventional fossil fuel-based power plants is becoming necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, proper placement and sizing of DGUs are crucial for achieving optimal benefits. …

The Impacts Of Renewable Energy Sources: A Review On Grid Inertia And Frequency Regulation, Sospeter Gabriel

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The power system is gradually transitioning into low inertia due to integrating substantial intermittency quantity of converter-based renewable energy sources, such as wind and photovoltaic power, into the current power grid network. This integration presents significant inertia and frequency control challenges to the network as a result of a decrease in the percentage of synchronous generators. Moreover, faster frequency deviations are posed by the mismatch between the supply and demand during contingencies, which creates difficulties in preserving the frequency stability of the power system. This research explores the impacts of renewable energy sources (RESs) on grid inertia and frequency management …

Calibration Of Measurement Tools In The Experimental Test Rig For Hydropower Performance Evaluation, Ombeni J. Mdee

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The demonstration of a typical hydropower plant requires the development of a test rig with the installation of tools to measure the performance parameters. The measurement tools require a calibration process to improve the quality of recorded data. This study involved the calibration of traditional and automated measurement tools connected to the hydropower test rig through an Arduino microprocessor. The automated measurement tools included a pressure transducer, flow meter, digital tachometer, and torque transducer, while traditional measurement tools, including a pressure gauge, concrete water tank, contact tachometer, and force lever arm balance, were connected in the same test rig during …

Study On The Application Of Smart Electric Meters For Secondary Voltage Protection, Jayaditya Sisodia

Master's Theses

The purpose of our research is to utilize PG&E’s Smart Meters installed across California to protect the Secondary Voltage delivered to the meter. This means detecting electrical faults between the utility’s distribution transformer and the installed Smart Meter. Our goal is to propose and implement various solutions through additional devices and protocols to detect and prevent these faults, communicate them with the meter, and forward fault information to the utility. A device will be designed to be installed on the transformer, detect faults, shut off power transmission, and communicate to the meter via fiber optic cable. Research will then be …

Design, Analysis, And Implementation Of An Improved Zero Voltage Switching Hybrid Voltage Divider, Luke V. Cerda

Master's Theses

This thesis entails the study, design, and construction of a novel DC-DC converter topology, the Zero Voltage Switching Hybrid Voltage Divider (ZVS-HVD), with improved modularization, optimization, and compactness. The ZVS-HVD facilitates higher load currents and accomplishes DC-DC voltage division through switching inductors and capacitors. Low switching loss is achieved through zero voltage switching (ZVS) and the use of GANFET switches. An analysis of duty cycle and high-frequency operation is conducted, enabling 1 MHz switching and improvements in output voltage ripple, voltage drooping, board size, and efficiency at higher load currents. Two versions of ZVS-HVD prototypes were constructed with on-board signal …

Development Of A Versatile Switching Mode Inverter Laboratory Module, Zachariah Lee Mustar

Master's Theses

DC-AC converters, or inverters, are complex devices that play an essential role in photovoltaic, energy storage, and microgrid systems. Therefore, they constitute a class of power electronics that any power-focused electrical engineering student should be familiar with. This thesis presents the development and testing of a single device that power electronics students will use in a laboratory setting to experiment with each of the four different switching techniques employed in inverters: a simple square wave (SSWI), modified square wave (MSWI), bipolar PWM, and unipolar PWM. The module was built with a physically modifiable control stage and a power stage constituting …

Piezoelectric Actuator Driver System, Daniel Hoefer

Electrical Engineering

This work presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a high-voltage piezoelectric actuator driver system purposed for integration into defense and aerospace precision motion control applications, particularly those in laser optics. The core challenge addressed was the mismatch between the standardized 28V DC power bus used in military systems and the significantly higher voltage requirements of piezoelectric actuators. Existing commercial drivers were evaluated and found unsuitable for field deployment due to inadequate ruggedness, excessive complexity, or power limitations. Consequently, a modular system architecture was designed featuring four independent driver channels, each using a high-voltage, high-current linear amplifier topology to scale …

Advanced Light Dimming Power Converter, Jaden Nguyen, Edwin Lin, Alan Thai

Electrical Engineering

This senior project discusses and follows the development of the Advanced Light Dimming Power Converter meant to modernize the power electronics curriculum and improve student safety for a lab. The power converter attempts to replace the original experiment which includes a traditional TRIAC-based dimmer and focuses on demonstrating phase angle control for incandescent light bulbs. However, several drawbacks including high-voltage exposure and outdated technology warranted a revamp. The redesigned module includes a dual-experiment setup with an updated TRIAC-based dimmer circuit and a new AC-DC LED driver circuit with constant current control and PWM dimming capability. Both systems have been fabricated …

Compact Modular Photovoltaic System With Mppt Controller, Alain Ardash Kanadjian, Alex Aarnio, Christopher Arango

Electrical Engineering

Energy demands have been on the rise, as environmentally harmful power generation systems stay popular due to lower costs and compact designs compared to renewable energy infrastructure. We challenge this problem with a modular photovoltaic microgrid system for power generation in underutilized spaces. The Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) charge controller employed is low-cost and power efficient. This controller monitors energy generation and usage in real time, with data logging through an online user-friendly interface. With support for a variety of solar panel and battery configurations, this scalable system helps provide a cost and space efficient solution to clean energy …

Design, Simulation, And Testing Of Planar Transformer For Smart Green Power Node (Sgpn) Isolation Using Ansys, Brooke Scott

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The goal of this project was to design and simulate a small, high-frequency, planar, ferrite-core transformer which can be used in a variety of applications, the most relevant of which is photovoltaic (PV) converter systems, which often require bulky transformers to function properly. The current research involved several processes: (1) Understanding and designing a tutorial for the use of Ansys software to aid in the efficient development and modeling of transformers, (2) designing and simulating a planar transformer in Ansys to be used in a solar converter, specifically the Smart Green Power Node (SGPN), and (3) testing the planar transformer …

Hybrid Dc-Dc Converters For Soft Charging Capacitive Actuators: Modeling, Analysis And Design, Bahlakoana Mabetha

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Recent trends in haptics, microrobotics and ultrasound technology have shown an increasing use of piezoelectric and other electrostatic actuators. These actuators are suited for miniaturized applications due to their high power density and favorable scalability at a small size. Their electrical impedance at lower frequency (their typical operating range) is capacitive, therefore, they can be modeled as capacitive loads.

The driving circuits for capacitive actuators need to deliver and recover (bidirectional) dominantly reactive power, unlike typical power electronics converters for resistive loads which deliver (unidirectional) real power to the load. Therefore, the circuits, operation, and optimization required to drive these …

Static Characteristics Of An Electromagnetic Three-Phase Reactive Power Sensor For Converting Asymmetric Currents, Timur Urunbayevich Kurbaniyazov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article discusses the processes in the elements and structures of three-phase electromagnetic current sensors used in measuring and controlling three-phase asymmetric reactive power in power supply systems, research models of quantities and parameters, physical mechanisms, and mathematical formulas based on graphical models.

Synthetic Inertia Provision For Load Frequency Control In Networks With High Penetration Of Renewable Energy Sources, Paulina Mkoi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy has become a promising solution as the world shifts toward clean energy. Solar PV and wind resources are increasingly replacing conventional synchronous generators, leading to reduced system inertia and increased vulnerability to frequency instability during disturbances. To address this challenge, this study proposes a novel synthetic inertia provision strategy using a battery energy storage system (BESS) integrated alongside solar PV. The proposed method dynamically compensates for the loss of inertia by considering the variability of solar PV output due to changes in irradiance and temperature. …

Clustering Mini-Grids To Enhance Power Systems Reliability In Distributed Generation, Santos Kihwele

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study investigates the effectiveness of clustering mini-grids as a method to improve the reliability and operational stability of distributed generation systems in remote areas, particularly where renewable energy sources are predominant. As renewable resources like solar and wind are increasingly integrated into mini-grids, these systems face various challenges, particularly in maintaining stable voltage and frequency across interconnected networks. Such issues are compounded by the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources and the lack of extensive communication infrastructure in rural or resource-constrained settings. To address these control challenges, this study applies droop control techniques to two mini-grids in Uganda, utilizing …

Power-Beaming: Wireless Energy Transfer Using Lasers, Spencer L. Barnett

ATU Scholars Symposium

The objective of the project is to implement a wireless energy transfer system utilizing laser technology. This system involves modulating the laser’s beam profile and spatial distribution through precise optical manipulation. The energy transmitted by the laser is captured by a photovoltaic array, commonly referred to as a solar panel, which is engineered to convert incident photons into direct current (DC) electrical power. The current challenge is to develop a reliable wireless energy transfer mechanism capable of operating over extended distances, thereby overcoming the constraints imposed by wired connections, particularly in environments where wiring is impractical, such as in space. …

A Dynamically Efficient Predictive Controller For Voltage Stability In A Dc To Dc Boost Converter, Giovanni Reyna

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Reliable voltage regulation has become a critical issue with increase demand in modern power electronic applications. This study presents a Model Predictive Controller (MPC) for voltage regulation in DC-to-DC boost converters. A closed loop analytical MPC framework is created with the purpose of computing optimal duty cycles to maintain a stable output voltage under varying load conditions, input changes, and disturbances.

To evaluate the performance of the MPC we set the controller against a comparative analyzing with a traditional cascading proportional integral (PI) controller. The proposed controller design is specifically targeted to improve dynamic efficiency during the converter’s transient events. …

Long-Range Inertia Prediction Considering Contemporary Evolution Of Power Grid Networks, Peter M. Makolo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Reduced network inertia due to high penetration levels of non-synchronous generators in modern power systems is becoming a pressing issue. As a result, very quick inertial responses are observed after contingency events in networks. Due to quick inertial responses, there is a practically very limited time interval for control actions in real-time. Thus, system operators need to understand the prior inertia values to plan, control, and operate the network securely. Long-range forecasting of the network's inertia values, in contrast to short-range forecasting techniques, can pinpoint when the network is most likely to be vulnerable in a reasonable time ahead. Thus, …

Assessment Of Wind Speed Characteristics And Available Wind Power Potential For Electricity Generation In Tanzania, Mwingereza John Kumwenda

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The energy demand and its associated crises are attracting significant attention due to population increase and economic growth especially in developing countries. Fossil fuel-based energy source stand as a prominent anthropogenic resource but they are accompanied with increased carbon emissions and heightened environmental concerns. Renewable energy sources such as wind energy can offers a lot of potential for sustainable growth in the energy sector of developing nations like Tanzania. Thus, this work investigated wind speed characteristics and available wind power potential in six selected regions in Tanzania with different topographical features for future electricity generation. The data of the wind …

Efficient Operation Of Direct Coupled Solar Home Pv System: A Case Of Solar Home Pv System Installed In Dodoma, Tanzania, Sarah P. Ayeng'o

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Direct coupled Photovoltaic (PV) system is a common topology among most of the off-grid communities in the world. This topology has less components hence resulting in low investment costs. However, it suffers much losses when battery operating voltage is far from maximum power point voltage of PV modules. This scenario can be attributed by different factors such as; variation in solar radiation, load profile and temperature. Efficient operation of these systems is required in order to reduce losses. Usually in direct coupled system, PV modules are connected in parallel with batteries through a charge controller hence making PV output to …

Characterization And Modeling Of Polyphase Machines And Power Conditioning Components, Nathan Lockhart

Electrical Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Microgrid power configurations have become increasingly prevalent in recent power systems due to the rise of power electronic energy generation, energy storage, and the many diverse electrical demands. Microgrids offer numerous advantages over traditional power electronic networks, which rely on large rotating generators to supply power over extensive distances to multiple users. Remote power grids are particularly beneficial for smaller networks that may be isolated or have unique power requirements, often incorporating energy storage to enhance operational flexibility. Advances in power electronics, such as medium voltage DC distribution, are enhancing the reliability, redundancy, and integration capabilities of isolated microgrids.

To …

Characterization Of Dc Arc Flash Events Generated By Electrochemical Energy Storage, Nicolaus E. Jennings

Electrical Engineering Dissertations - Archive

The increasing rise in the use of electrochemical energy storage (ECES) like in the form of valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, electric double layer capacitors (EDLC), and metalized film, oil filled capacitors prompt new challenges concerning electric worker safety. The primary safety hazards associated with ECES are electric shock and arc flash. The electric shock hazard is well understood to the extent where it is known what potential and exposure duration will cause levels of pain and ultimately fatality. Various personal protective equipment (PPE) like insulating gloves allow electric workers to perform maintenance with sufficient protection …

Enhanced Load Detection With Data-Driven Appliance Signatures Using Mixed Integer Linear Programming In Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring, Marina Materikina

Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Despite the numerous research studies and interest in the non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) area to improve energy efficiency, the problem of accurate and precise disaggregation of electrical devices has not been solved yet. The goal of our research is to build a method with a focus on higher accuracy on complex state-based appliances, which most approaches struggle to detect due to their power signal complexity and low consumption. Our approach is NILM with data-driven signatures (DS), with the ability to potentially predict power usage over time that would work great for suitable applications such as demand response, anomaly detection, and …

Determining The Transient Electric Field And The Effect Of Pulse Repetition Frequency On The Field In A Repetitive 10-Ns Pulsed Discharge In A Quiescent Ch₄-Air Mixture, Chunqi Jiang

Bioelectrics Publications

The goal of this research is to understand the underlying physics enabled by nanosecond pulsed power in a discharge initiation and the following physicochemical processes that favor lean-fuel plasma ignition for combustion. The hypothesis of this project is that pulsed power waveforms such as the pulse repetition frequency (PRF), voltage amplitude, and dielectric surface alter the reduced electric field during the initiation of the discharge, resulting in different plasma properties, which will vary the physicochemical processes for efficient and selective radical productions. This is especially important for lean-burn combustion and reducing emission.

Modeling And Analysis Of Amorphous Steel Transformer For Potential Loss Reduction In Power Systems., Daniel A. Muchow

Theses and Dissertations--Electrical and Computer Engineering

The energy consumed in power systems can be reduced directly by implementing new technologies and materials. The effort to reduce the carbon emissions expelled from the production of electrical energy has become a major focus. According to the U.S. energy Information Administration approximately 5% of all the electric generated and transmitted in the U.S. electrical grid is lost. The energy profile calculated from the usage of electrical power from all 50 states in 2021 is estimated to be 3.8 billion megawatts per hour, with a state average of just over 11 cents per MWh, producing just over 41.8 billion in …