Power and Energy Commons^™

Design Of A Multiple Input Single Output Dc-Dc Converter For The Dc House Project, Chad Santos, Siby James

Electrical Engineering

This senior project report describes the design and further development of the MISO (multiple input, single output) circuit. The MISO circuit harnesses power from four separate renewable energy sources (hydro, solar, wind and man) and converts it into a single DC output voltage. Though this circuit has been initially designed and tested in previous years, it was only developed enough to use as a test circuit. Further implementation will allow for the MISO to be available in a more practical setting. Professor Taufik will then take the newly designed MISO circuit to implement in a house in Indonesia.

Veloelectric: Creating A Device That Harvests Energy From Bicycles, Austin Hall, Daniel Stohr, Tj Fox

Mechanical Engineering

Long distance mountain bikers, bike-packers, and many bikers in developing countries rely on electrical devices for safety and communication. These specific groups of people operate in areas with little to no electricity, and often times have no power to sustain their devices. The purpose of this Cal Poly senior project, VeloElectric, was to design, build, and test a kinetic energy harvester for bicycles that can be used to charge common mobile devices via USB. This senior project team created a device that attaches directly to a bicycle and uses vibrations to generate energy, which in turn powers a variety of …

Cal Poly Electrical Distribution Coordination And Short Circuit Analysis, Alexander Gomez, Kaylynn Rothleder

Electrical Engineering

The purpose of this project is to maintain the California Polytechnic State University Electrical Distribution System by performing short circuit and protective device coordination studies for the Baker Science Building. When a short circuit arises in a system, there is no finite way in telling what protective device will be tripped, which can cause outages, arc flashes and electrical explosions. The best way in determining the outcomes of these occurrences are to perform precise simulated reports. To output these reports, design and analysis of the single line through a commercialized software, Power Tools for Windows (SKM) was used. To name …

Nanogrid Electrical Design And Analysis, Phillip Phung

Electrical Engineering

Power plant generators have quality protection over long-range transmission, but localized generation interacts with multiple power sources, and needs maintenance to ensure grid safety. Localized and distributed generation must solve these issues to remain viable economically and efficiently in power industries. Cal Poly’s Building 20 provides on-campus location to interconnect renewable generation with interconnection disconnect capabilities.

Cal Poly’s grid includes three localized generators flowing through the Cal Poly substation. Unlike other universities which use power from utilities across distant transmission lines, Cal Poly generates energy using onsite generators. Research including additional possible sites of power generation helps determine the effects …

Three-Phase Generation Using Reactive Networks, Tattiana Karina Coleman Davenport

Master's Theses

Household appliances utilize single-phase motors to perform everyday jobs whether it is to run a fan in an air conditioner or the compressor in a refrigerator. With the movement of the world going “green” and trying to make everything more efficient, it is a logical step to start with the items that we use every day. This can be done by replacing single-phase motors with three-phase motors in household appliances. Three-phase motors are 14% more efficient than single-phase motors when running at full load and typically cost less over a large range of sizes [1]. One major downside of incorporating …

A Low-Cost Loop Measurement Tool For Dc-Dc Converters, Shouee B. Lin

Master's Theses

Loop measurements are very important in evaluating dynamic performance of DC-DC converters. In this thesis, a small loop measurement tool as a low-cost alternative to a network analyzer is proposed. The tool is particularly useful when a network analyzer is not always available for use, for example when engineers are working on-site with customers or when a network analyzer is not affordable due to their relatively high cost. The design, simulation, and hardware implementation of the inexpensive loop measurement tool will be presented in this thesis. Results from computer simulation and hardware prototype demonstrate the ability of the proposed tool …

Boost Battery, Samuel Rauch, Alvin Ng, Lacy Sigman

Electrical Engineering

In modern times, the problem of a depleted battery confronts us too often. Whether it appears with a smartphone or with any other electronic device, the situation frustrates all consumers. This project designs and constructs a compact portable battery charger that charges through kinetic energy. Thus, one can perform everyday activities, such as walking or running, and charge up a backup battery with no extra effort or time. Additionally, an attachable band harvests thermal energy to maximize the amount of clean power generated. Energy harvesting from kinetic motion and thermal differences provide users with power when no actual power suppliers …

Buck Converter, Bowen Liu

Electrical Engineering

The recent sustainable energy growth triggered a huge power electronics demand, specifically related to power conversion. My senior project is a design of a buck converter which steps down the voltage from photovoltaic cells ranging from 5 to 40V to a rechargeable battery with 5V. This converter has a high enough power efficiency to effectively convert the energy harnessed from PV panels.

Power Chest Strap, Adrianne Thoroddsson, Dennis Lin

Electrical Engineering

The Power Chest Strap is an unobtrusive device, like a heart rate monitor, worn around the chest that harvests energy from the expansion of the chest during breathing. The chest strap stores electrical energy that can charge electronic devices such as cell phones. Since small portable devices grow in number, the power strap allows a convenient way to charge your device without having to find a wall outlet for a charger. Research on systems that scavenge energy from arm or leg movement already exist, but these systems require the ability of the user to move their arms and legs. The …

Energy Harvesting From Exercise Machines: Lt8705 Dc-Dc Conversion For Elliptical Trainers, Braden Burk, Raj Bhula, Nathan Mckay

Electrical Engineering

Cal Poly’s Energy Harvesting from Exercise Machines (EHFEM) program aims to power the grid using human energy harvested from exercise machines in its gym. Doing so could save the school money and increase the total supply of power available on the grid. This document belongs to one of many groups attempting to design a suitable DC-DC conversion system for an elliptical trainer using an LT8705 Four-Switch Buck-Boost converter. Past teams have built other converters and developed system compatibility characteristics such as filtering, safety, and stability for interfacing components. These teams fall into one of two departments in EHFEM: DC-DC Conversion …

Wirelessly Controlled Smart Outlet, Andrew Godsil, Ariel Dubinsky

Electrical Engineering

Popularity of home automation devices has increased greatly in recent years due to higher affordability and simplicity through smartphone and tablet connectivity. For the purpose of this experiment, we have developed the Smart Outlet: a stand-alone communication unit, used to connect home outlets to the internet. The Smart Outlet controls lighting and simple appliances throughout the home, remotely, using wireless commands from the web. A Google Calendar interface directly controls the outlets’ function by scheduling them with dedicated calendar events. The calendar’s interface can even be accessed from multiple different platforms (i.e. phones, computers, tablets) for the convenience of all …

Microprocessor Management Of Energy Harvesting Buck Boost Converters, Timothy O'Sullivan

Electrical Engineering

No abstract provided.

High Voltage Pulse-Width Generator For The Algae Biofuel Project, Philip Yu, Stephen Leung

Electrical Engineering

This purpose of this project, sponsored by Boeing and advised by Dr. Arakaki and Dr. Taufik, is to build a high voltage pulse width generator that lyses algae cells to harvest the biofuel within. This project uses Emmanuel Loza's thesis on a cascaded high voltage converter with variable control to build a portable pulse width generator with independent control on the peak voltage, pulse width, and frequency. The project focuses on creating a pulse width generator capable of finding the most optimal pulsed electric field to lyse algae. The pulse width module ranges from 10V-80V peak voltage, 60Hz-100 kHz frequency, …

A Prototype Microwave Cavity Control Circuit For Use In Next Generation Free Electron Laser, Josh Thompson, Peter Neal Barrina, Jiayi Jiang, Joe Frisch, Steve Smith, Daniel Van Winkle

STAR Program Research Presentations

One of the current programs at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is the Linac Coherent Light Source, or LCLS. Using the existing hardware of the last third of their linear accelerator (or “linac”), SLAC has created one of the most energetic X-ray free electron lasers (or “FEL”). Since 2009, LCLS has used this FEL to perform a wide range of experiments across all sciences, most notably ultrafast filming at the molecular scale. As requests for beam-time with this laser increases, SLAC is purposing a linac upgrade to better match this demand. This upgrade, named LCLS-II, will replace existing copper radio frequency …

Grid-Scale Energy Storage: A Proposed Control Algorithm For Sodium Sulfur Batteries, Daniel Spaizman

Master's Theses

With carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere reaching record highs and 2020 quickly approaching, California is expected to pave the way for the United States in terms of replacing fossil fuel generation facilities with various renewable energy power plants. It is well documented that the inherent variability and limited duty cycle of renewables has hindered their growth. Energy storage technologies represent the bridge that can help us cross the divide from where we stand to where we must stand in the next 6 years. Utility companies value services such as peak shaving, voltage support, and frequency regulation, all of which …

Smart Wall Outlet Design And Implementation For The Dc House Project, Kevin Roy Mendoza

Master's Theses

Most everyday AC appliances are designed to operate off of 120V coming from the wall outlet in our homes. This voltage is a standard set from our established infrastructure. Unlike AC devices, DC devices do not have any set standard of voltage they all will run off of. This presents a problem for the DC house as the various loads that will be used will have different required input voltages. One set voltage for a wall outlet will not suffice for the DC House. This Smart Wall Outlet is designed with a DC-DC converter that will have its output voltage …

Battery Management System, Michael Desando, Kyle Woody

Electrical Engineering

Problem Statement:

There have been recent reports of multi-million dollar companies having to recall entire projects due to their BMS’s malfunctioning or operating incorrectly. The purpose of this project is to analyze the future of batteries, the Lithium-Ion cell, and to exercise a BMS to better understand its capabilities and possible cases for errors. Lithium ion batteries are intolerant of overcharge and overdischarge. Abuse of this kind can result in high temperatures, venting of gases, fire, or explosion. Therefore battery management systems have been devised to prevent such abuse. Recent events such as fires on the Boeing Dreamliner and the …

Wind And Ventilation Turbine (Wvt) Generator, Anthony Lloyd, Jacob Michener

Electrical Engineering

This project aims to create a more compact and accessible renewable energy source using the Wind and Ventilation Turbine (WVT) Generator. The wind turbine provides ventilation while generating “clean” electricity using solar and kinetic energy. The electrical generation causes no functional losses to the ventilation as rising heat and passing wind turn the turbine, ventilating the house. Placing a generator beneath the spinning turbine allows for the transformation of mechanical motion into electrical energy. The system charges a battery, supplying recharging power into small standard electronics (i.e. cell phones, tablets, etc.) through a USB output.

Buck-Boost Dc-Dc Converter With Input Protection System For The Energy Harvesting From Exercise Machines Project, Byungjae David Yoo, Sheldon Tyler Kong Ming Chu

Electrical Engineering

Cal Poly’s Energy Harvesting from Exercise Machines (EHFEM) project comprises of multiple subprojects seeking to effectively create a sustainable energy source through harvesting electrical energy generated from physical exercise machines. This project designs and implements a Buck-Boost DC-DC converter using a LT3791-1 4-Switch Buck-Boost Controller, replacing the previous SEPIC design. The DC-DC converter must operate within limits set by the maximum input range of the LT3791-1 controller. An input protection system prevents inputs higher than rated values, which may adversely damage the Buck-Boost DC-DC converter. These inputs include overvoltage transients, average voltage, and current output by the Precor EFX 561i …

Piezoelectric Powered Led Street Reflector, Collin Shane Douglass

Electrical Engineering

In many areas of Washington, it rains for a majority of the year. During rainy weather it becomes difficult to see street lanes and dividers, causing hazardous road conditions. The Piezoelectric Powered LED Street Reflector solves this problem. The PPL Street Reflector modifies a street reflector with LED lights. These lights help drivers clearly see where dividers and street lines are in non-ideal weather conditions, such as rain, fog, and snow. The PPL Street Reflector capabilities include harvesting energy through the Piezoelectric Effect, creating a self-sustaining device with minimal maintenance.

Portable Nano Hydro Generator For The Dc House Project, Caleb David Fink, Victor Olusoji Ojewole, Christopher Mapua Tan

Electrical Engineering

This Senior Project entails the design and testing processes of the Portable Nano Hydro Generator for the continuing DC House Project. No natural resources should go unused, especially in developing countries where they are found in abundance. Small streams in particular have potential to further Professor Taufik's DC House Project that will provide electricity to 1.6 billion people in the world without access to electricity upon completion. The goal of this project is to create a small portable generator that utilizes the discharge from small streams and convert it into useable electricity that could charge a car battery as an …

All Purpose Mobile Gps, James C. Smith, Matt Weege, Kevin Peters

Electrical Engineering

The aim of the All Purpose Mobile GPS (The System) is to create a GPS tracking device that can accurately record location and calculate velocity, distance traveled and elevation change even when the satellite signal is lost. This data can later overlay on existing internet-based maps illustrating a trip to oneself or others. The portable tracker consumes very little power achieving several days’ worth of power in a single charge. A solar cell provides a quick battery boost in a pinch. SD Card storage increases compatibility with computers and other forms of data transfer. Data processing, such as viewing the …

Design Improvement For The Smart Dc Wall Plug, Cory Yee, Haoyan Huang

Electrical Engineering

The DC smart wall plug is a subsystem within the Cal Poly DC House Project. The previous version faces challenges supplying DC voltage to meet household appliances’ nominal values. Specifically, it can only output the minimum required voltage for DC appliances to operate, resulting in unwanted power loss. In addition, the maximum output voltage is rated at 15V, which is insufficient to power most DC appliances. This design improvement project incorporates NFC technology as a solution to overcome the power loss and a new buck converter configuration to increase the output voltage range. Additionally, the new design introduces short-circuit and …

Energy Harvesting From Exercise Machines - Dc-Dc Buck Boost Converter (Lt3791), Matthew B. Wong

Electrical Engineering

Cal Poly’s ongoing Energy Harvesting From Exercise Machines (EHFEM) project proposes sustainability and energy saving costs through modifying exercise machines generating DC power, providing a renewable energy resource through physical exercise. The EHFEM project contains multiple sub-projects involving modifying several different exercise machines. Each machine generates DC power and an inverter converts this power to AC. This AC power returns to the grid. This project addresses an issue involving a previously installed DC-DC converter not returning power properly. When generating DC power, the grid demands a specific AC voltage, but the generated power through the previous DC-DC converter and power …

Cnc Torch, Steven Chiu

Computer Engineering

This CNC Torch cuts steel plate. It can cut up to a maximum area of 3x3 feet. The user builds a cut list on the touchscreen from a selection of predefined shapes and enters the parameters need for each shape. When the user is ready, the cut list is sent to an Arduino that will move each motors accordingly to the shapes desired.

Merry-Go-Round Human Powered Generator, Sarah Lorraine Ashe, Salvador Navarro

Electrical Engineering

How do you bring electricity to families who have limited resources in a developing country? The DC House project, advised by Dr. Taufik, provides a way for kids to have fun, exercise and generate power for their homes – play-park human powered generators. This project intends to create a more efficient and cost effective way for playground equipment to be implemented for power generation. The redesigned and reconstructed merry-go-round human powered generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to power the DC house. This was a fully functioning generator that needed a better voltage gain, as well as, a more …

Human-Powered Swing Generator, Danny Cai, Timothy Lai, Brandon Wong

Electrical Engineering

Many developing countries lack sufficient resources to provide enough electricity for every family to live with a satisfying level of comfort and convenience. Our project proposes a solution that provides families with an alternative access to electricity using a playground swing. This project addresses the design and construction of the Human-Powered Swing Generator, which converts mechanical energy to electrical energy for charging a battery. The charged battery serves as a source of DC energy for potential DC purposes, such as charging a cell phone.

Integration Of Pv & Simulated Dc Sources For The Dc House, Arvind Ramesh, Kevin Gingrich, Scott Chau

Electrical Engineering

The DC House, an ever improving project, uses only pure DC power which most renewable energy sources generate, from solar to wind power. The DC House and this project expect a donation of photovoltaic modules to supply a constant source of DC power. At the moment, the DC House desperately needs power sources because not only does the house have various loads unaccounted for, but the distribution system to determine proper power flow needs a redesign. The project chose to account for these issues by implementing a solar panel onto the DC House and a power distribution module to have …

Dual High-Voltage Power Supply For Use On Board A Cubesat, Nicholas Weiser

Master's Theses

Since their conception in 1999, CubeSats have come and gone a long way. The first few that went into space were more of a “proof of concept,” and were more focused on sending simple data and photographs back to Earth. Since then, vast improvements have been made by over 40 universities and private firms, and now CubeSats are beginning to look towards interplanetary travel. These small satellites could provide a cost effective means of exploring the galaxy, using off the shelf components and piggy-backing on other launch vehicles with more expensive payloads. However, CubeSats are traditionally launched into Low Earth …

Improvements To A Bi-Directional Flyback Dc-Dc Converter For Battery System Of The Dc House Project, Michael Wu

Master's Theses

The DC House project relies primarily on renewable energy sources to provide DC power to the various loads of the house. However, not all renewable sources are capable of providing power at all times of the day. A back-up energy source in the form of a battery storage system must be available to meet the electrical needs of the house. A bi-directional flyback power converter was initially designed to allow a battery to charge from as well as discharge to the 48V bus line of the DC House. The design provided a 35W prototype to demonstrate the converter’s feasibility. Further …