Power and Energy Commons^™

Microgrid Power Quality Analysis, Nikolai Kempcatala, Daniel Pleau, Scott Clemons

Electrical Engineering

The microgrid power quality analysis senior project addresses power quality assessment. Our senior project uses the PowerSight 3000 power measurement tool to record and analyze various electrical measurements including voltage, current, power, power factor, harmonics and AC frequency.

Our project will analyze power quality issues that result from switching from the utility grid to a smart grid run on primarily photovoltaic distributed generation. In the event of a utility failure, the smart grid can serve as an isolated grid for the system, this is called islanded mode. Our project assesses the reliability of operation in islanded mode. Our analysis should …

Dc House Distribution Panel, Khanh Ho

Electrical Engineering

This paper details the process in designing the distribution panel, or circuit breaker box for a DC house. The main purpose of the project is to design a distribution panel that will provide electrical power to the DC house while also providing an electrical system protection through the use of circuit breakers, or fuses. An actual hardware design for the distribution panel was built and tested. The results demonstrate the functionality of the breaker box to supply power to the DC House ensuring safe operation of the DC House.

Electrochemical Performance Of Fe3O4/C Composites As Negative Material For Lithium-Ion Batteries, Jun-Jie Cai, Shu Yao, Ze-Sheng Li, Hui Meng, Pei-Kang Shen

Journal of Electrochemistry

The Fe₃O₄/Carbon composites have been synthesized through coprecipitation pathway and by insitu aniline polymerization as a carbon source. Structural characterization and morphological study of the composites were investigated by using XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. The results showed that the nanosized Fe₃O₄ particles (40 ~ 80 nm) were encapsulated in the amorphous carbon. During the electrochemical tests, the Fe₃O₄/C composites exhibited high capaticity and excellent cycle ability, the retention of capaticity was about 1000 mAh·g^-1 after 30 cycles of charge/discharge tests at 50 mA·g^-1.

An In Situ Ftir Spectroelectrochemical Study On Methanol Oxidation At Pt-Mo2C/Gc Catalyst, Hai-Ping Huang, Xi-Yu Yao, Pei-Kang Shen

Journal of Electrochemistry

A 40% Pt on Mo₂C/GC catalyst has been prepared by ion exchange method. The mechanism of methanol electrooxidation on Pt-Mo₂C/GC and commercial Pt/C catalysts in acidic media was studied by cyclic voltammetry, XRD measurements and in-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroelectrochemistry. The results revealed that the Pt nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on Mo₂C/GC with an average particle size of 3 nm. The cyclic voltammetric and chronopotentiometric experiments indicated that Pt-Mo₂C/GC catalyst exhibited a better performance for methanol oxidation than that of Pt/C in acid solution. A negative shift over 90 mV of the …

Oxygen Reduction Reaction On Glycin Modified Pt(111) Electrode, Ming-Fang Li, Jing Kang, Ling-Wen Liao, Yan-Xia Chen, Shen Ye

Journal of Electrochemistry

O

xygen reduction reaction (ORR) on glycin (NH₂CH₂COOH) modified Pt(111) electrode has been investigated using hanging meniscus rotating disk electrode system (HMRD) in 0.05 mol•L^-1 H₂SO₄ and 0.1 mol•L^-1 HClO₄ solutions, respectively. Cyclic voltammograms of the glycin modified Pt (111) electrode measured in 0.05 mol•L^-1 H₂SO₄ solution similar to that of CN^- modified Pt(111) electrodes, demonstrating that sulfate adsorption is strongly inhibited at the glycin modified Pt(111). From the polarization curve of ORR recorded in 0.05 mol•L^-1 H₂SO₄ solution, it is …

Effect Of Ti/Pbo2 Electrodes Doped With Different Elements On Electrocatalytic Oxidation Characteristics Of Phenol, Xiao-Lei Liu, Yuan-Yuan Dan, Hai-Yan Lu, Hai-Bo Lin, Ming-Li Ouyang, Chuan-Jun Yun

Journal of Electrochemistry

Three types of electrodes, namely, Ti/PbO₂, F-doped PbO₂ (Ti/PbO₂-F) and nano-Co₃O₄-doped PbO₂ (Ti/PbO₂+Nano-Co₃O₄) electrodes, were prepared by electro-deposition method on the Ti substrate with the interlayer of SnO₂-Sb₂O₅. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to study the compositions, structures and film morphologies of the electrodes. Electrocatalytic oxidation characteristics to phenol on the prepared electrodes were investigated by electrochemical method. The experimental results showed that compared with the Ti/PbO₂ electrode, the potentials of oxygen …

A Dft Calculation Screening Of Pt-Based Bimetallic Catalysts For Oxygen Reduction, Li-Hui Ou, Sheng-Li Chen

Journal of Electrochemistry

Developing Pt-lean catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the key for large-scale application of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this paper, we have proposed a multiple-descriptor strategy for screening efficient and durable ORR alloy catalysts of low Pt content. We argue that an ideal Pt-based bimetallic alloy catalyst for ORR should possess simultaneously negative alloy formation energy, negative surface segregation energy of Pt and a lower oxygen binding ability than pure Pt. By performing detailed DFT calculations on the thermodynamics, surface chemistry and electronic properties of various Pt-M alloys (M refers to non-precious transition metals in the …

Sodium Carbonate Catalyzed Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Over Tio2 Nanotubes Photoanode, De-Sheng Kong, Jing Wang, Xue-Di Zhang, Xi Zhao, Chao Wang, Yuan-Yuan Feng, Wen-Juan Li

Journal of Electrochemistry

Surface recombination of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs at semiconductor/electrolyte interface is one of the most essential reasons responsible for lowering photoconversion efficiency (Φ) of light to chemical energy for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting reaction. In this paper, the catalytic effect of sodium carbonate on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) over TiO₂ nanotubes photoanode during PEC water splitting was investigated by performing photocurrent and ac impedance measurements. It was demonstrated that the addiction of 1 mmol•L^-1 Na₂CO₃ in 0.5 mol•L^-1 NaClO₄ electrolyte can effectively improve the charge transfer properties for the photogenerated holes across …

Harnessing The Wind: Colby Alumni Bring Booming Wind-Farm Industry To Maine And The Northeast, Douglas Rooks

Colby Magazine

Wind power is emerging as a major source of clean energy in Maine and New England, and Colby alumni are prominent players, from developing wind farms to erecting the towering turbines.

Biparametric Analyses Of Charge Trapping In Cd0.9Zn0.1Te Based Virtual Frisch Grid Detectors, S. K. Chaudhuri, K. J. Zavalla, R. M. Krishna, K. C. Mandal

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Time Series Techniques To Characterise Domestic Electricity Demand, Fintan Mcloughlin, Aidan Duffy, Michael Conlon

Articles

This paper discusses time series approaches, often used by Transmission System Operators (TSOs) to forecast system demand, and applies them at an individual dwelling level. In particular, two techniques, Fourier transforms and Gaussian processes were evaluated and used to characterise individual household electricity demand. The performance of the characterisation approaches were evaluated based on Pearson correlation coefficient, descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests for electrical parameters: Total Electricity Consumption, Maximum Demand, Load Factor and Time of Use of maximum electricity demand. Finally, a number of time series tests were carried out to ensure certain properties remained between the original and …

Experimental Determination Of Electron-Hole Pair Creation Energy In 4h-Sic Epitaxial Layer: An Absolute Calibration Approach, S. K. Chaudhuri, K. J. Zavalla, K. C. Mandal

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Synthesis Of Graphene And Its Applications For Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, Hui Wang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Graphene, which is a two-dimensional carbon material, exhibits unique properties that promise its potential applications in photovoltaic devices. Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a representative of the third generation photovoltaic devices. Therefore, it is important to synthesize graphene with special structures, which possess excellent properties for dye-sensitized solar cells.

This dissertation research was focused on (1) the effect of oxygen content on the structure of graphite oxide, (2) the stability of graphene oxide solution, (3) the application of graphene precipitate from graphene oxide solution as counter electrode for DSSCs, (4) the development of a novel synthesis method for the three-dimensional …

Development And Implementation Of A Simplified Residential Energy Asset Rating Model, Daire Reilly, Aidan Duffy, David Willis, Michael Conlon

Other resources

In accordance with national and European policies, the provision of financial assistance to residential energy consumers has led to a greater awareness of and interest in energy retrofit technologies. However, at present Irish energy consumers have no appropriate advice on the future performance of retrofit options available to them. This is a significant limitation to decision making and technology uptake, since this group need to know whether their investment is likely to be worthwhile.

The asset rating methodology developed for the certification of energy performance of buildings is the current industry standard of prediction of energy demand and post retrofit …

Economic Challenges And Optimisation Of Ocean Energy Electrical Systems, Fergus Sharkey

Books/Book chapters

No abstract provided.

Fundamentals Of Pv Efficiency Interpreted By A Two-Level Model, Muhammad A. Alam, Mohammad Ryyan Khan

Birck and NCN Publications

We consider the physics of photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion in a two-level, atomic PV and explain the conditions for which the Carnot efficiency is reached and how it can be exceeded. The loss mechanisms—thermalization, angle entropy, and below-bandgap transmission—explain the gap between Carnot efficiency and the Shockley-Queisser limit. Techniques developed to reduce these losses (e.g., solar concentrators, tandem cells, etc.) are reinterpreted using a simple two-level model. Remarkably, this simple model captures the essence of PV operation and reproduces the key results and important insights that that have been previously obtained using more complicated derivations.

Synthesis And Characterization Of Graphene Oxide/Sulfur Nanocomposite For Lithium-Ion Batteries, Aaron Joseph Blake

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The growing need for clean and efficient energy storage systems has recently peaked due to concerns of climate change and increased global energy consumption. However, efficiently integrating renewable resources such as solar and wind energy into society will require a complex electrical energy storage (EES) system capable of storing and expending significant amounts of energy. A battery based on the lithium/sulfur couple can yield a theoretical specific energy of 2600Wh/kg, which is about five times higher than that offered by present Li-ion batteries, and hence, is a promising and attractive technology. Despite recent developments in addressing various issues inherent to …

Resilience Governance Through Serious Energy Gaming, Adrian V. Gheorghe, Dan V. Vamanu

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Physical analogies emphasizing cooperative behavior in systems are explored and integrated into so called 'serious energy games', to contribute in a better understanding, monitoring and good governance of some of the complex security issues confronting the evolvement of contemporary energy systems. It is believed that such exercises might be supportive in the necessary attempt, by the many stakeholders and actors / agents involved, to bring balance to prevailing policies of which seems to be “Go change yourself - in a resilient fashion!” An extrapolation of several findings to other than energy systems tempted to implement drastic changes based on substantial …

Cal Poly Nano Hydro, Brandon N. Fujio, Alex J. Sobel, Andrew F. Del Prete

Mechanical Engineering

This projects goal was to design, construct, and test a machine capable of generating a usable amount of energy from naturally flowing water. The device conceived for this purpose is a portable raft with a turbine mounted to the underside. The turbine is mated directly to a low angular velocity generator which outputs to a power electronics system on shore. Using a Gorlov Helical turbine, this proof-of-concept is designed to output ~50 Watts of electricity to charge a battery for later use. Possible applications for this device include camping in remote locations, supplemental power generation for a home, or for …

An Investigation Into Energy Consumption And Existing Energy Management Practices In A Dublin Sports Centre, Colin J. Conway

Dissertations

Rising energy costs are a concern to all businesses but especially to those who have a large energy demand. Sports centres with swimming pools have large requirements for heat and electricity in order to maintain thermal comfort within the pool and surrounding areas.

Sports centres which were built in the 1970s were designed at a time when energy was cheap and many of today’s control strategies and energy efficiency measures were unavailable.

This project is an investigation into the electrical and thermal consumption of the Tallaght Sports Complex. The Tallaght Sports Complex was built in the 1970s and is lacking …

An Evaluation Of Seawater Pumped Hydro Storage For Regulating The Export Of Wind Energy To The National Grid, Eoin D. Mclean

Dissertations

Hydroelectric power generation has been in use for a very long time. From the earliest watermills to the current large scale Hydro power plants, this is a technology that is proven to be reliable and commercially viable. The use of wind energy to provide mechanical power for the purpose of turning a rotor is also not a new concept.Four years ago TCD Professor of Applied Physics Igor Shvets conceived the idea of solving Ireland’s energy crisis by taking these two proven renewable technologies and combining them. (McGreevey, 2012) The spirit of Ireland initiative seeks to resolve the biggest issues facing …

Nanoscale Electrochemistry By In-Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy, Qi Gao

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Nanoscale research in energy storage has recently focused on investigating the properties of nanostructures in order to increase energy density, power rate, and capacity. To better understand the intrinsic properties of nanomaterials, a new and advanced in situ system was designed that allows atomic scale observation of materials under external fields. A special holder equipped with a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) probe inside a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) system was used to perform the in situ studies on mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical properties of nanomaterials. The nanostructures of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes are characterized by electron imaging, diffraction, and chemical …

High Voltage Electrophoretic Deposition For Electrochemical Energy Storage And Other Applications, Sunand Santhanagopalan

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

High voltage electrophoretic deposition (HVEPD) has been developed as a novel technique to obtain vertically aligned forests of one-dimensional nanomaterials for efficient energy storage. The ability to control and manipulate nanomaterials is critical for their effective usage in a variety of applications. Oriented structures of one-dimensional nanomaterials provide a unique opportunity to take full advantage of their excellent mechanical and electrochemical properties. However, it is still a significant challenge to obtain such oriented structures with great process flexibility, ease of processing under mild conditions and the capability to scale up, especially in context of efficient device fabrication and system packaging. …

Experimental Investigation Into Particulate Matter Distribution In Catalyzed Particulate Filters Using A 3d Terahertz Wave Scanner, Ryan Kristopher Foley

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The particulate matter distribution (PM) trends that exist in catalyzed particulate filters (CPFs) after loading, passive oxidation, active regeneration, and post loading conditions are not clearly understood. These data are required to optimize the operation of CPFs, prevent damage to the CPFs caused by non-uniform distributions, and develop accurate CPF models. To develop an understanding of PM distribution trends, multiple tests were conducted and the PM distribution was measured in three dimensions using a terahertz wave scanner. The results of this work indicate that loading, passive oxidation, active regeneration, and post loading can all cause non-uniform PM distributions. The density …

Local Digital Control Of Power Electronic Converters In A Dc Microgrid Based On A-Priori Derivation Of Switching Surfaces, Bibaswan Banerjee

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

In power electronic basedmicrogrids, the computational requirements needed to implement an optimized online control strategy can be prohibitive. The work presented in this dissertation proposes a generalized method of derivation of geometric manifolds in a dc microgrid that is based on the a-priori computation of the optimal reactions and trajectories for classes of events in a dc microgrid. The proposed states are the stored energies in all the energy storage elements of the dc microgrid and power flowing into them. It is anticipated that calculating a large enough set of dissimilar transient scenarios will also span many scenarios not specifically …

Investigation Of Cds Nanowires And Planar Films For Enhanced Performance As Window Layers In Cds-Cdte Solar Cell Devices, Jianhao Chen

Theses and Dissertations--Electrical and Computer Engineering

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) are two leading semiconductor materials used in the fabrication of thin film solar cells of relatively high power conversion efficiency and low manufacturing cost. In this work, CdS/CdTe solar cells with a varying set of processing parameters and device designs were fabricated and characterized for comparative evaluation. Studies were undertaken to elucidate the effects of (i) each step in fabrication and (ii) parameters like thickness, sheet resistance, light absorptivity solution concentration, inert gas pressure etc. Best results were obtained when the thickness of CdS planar film for the window layer was in the …

Copper Indium Diselenide Nanowire Arrays In Alumina Membranes Deposited On Molybdenum And Other Back Contact Substrates, Bhavananda R. Nadimpally

Theses and Dissertations--Electrical and Computer Engineering

Heterojunctions of CuInSe₂ (CIS) nanowires with cadmium sulfide (CdS) were fabricated demonstrating for the first time, vertically aligned nanowires of CIS in the conventional Mo/CIS/CdS stack. These devices were studied for their material and electrical characteristics to provide a better understanding of the transport phenomena governing the operation of heterojunctions involving CIS nanowires. Removal of several key bottlenecks was crucial in achieving this. For example, it was found that to fabricate alumina membranes on molybdenum substrates, a thin interlayer of tungsten had to be inserted. A qualitative model was proposed to explain the difficulty in fabricating anodized aluminum oxide …

Computational Modeling Of Graphene Oxide Exfoliation And Lithium Storage Characteristics, Reza Mortezaee

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Graphene oxide is a two dimensional material obtained by adsorption of oxygen or oxygen-containing groups on graphene. Stacked layers of graphene oxide constitute graphite oxide. These materials have various applications such as a source material for graphene production, transport support for electron microscopy, flexible organic photovoltaic cells and use in Li-ion batteries. Generation of exfoliated graphene oxide from a graphite oxide precursor is achieved relatively easily in solution as compared to graphene exfoliation. In this study we investigate the details of the graphene oxide exfoliation procedure in solution by calculating the Gibb's free energies and reaction rates. We consider two …

Design And Fabrication Of An Eddy Current Brake Dynamometer For Efficiency Determination Of Electric Wheelchair Motors, Wesley Brin

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Electric wheelchairs have a considerable impact on improving the quality of life for the millions of disabled persons around the world. These modern pieces of technology offer freedom and mobility for disabled persons to interact with the world outside of their homes. The goal of this project is to assist in advancements of conventional electric wheelchairs. This includes replacing the heavy, bulky, and inefficient lead acid batteries and worm gear drive systems with lithium-ion batteries and wheel hub motors in order to decrease weight and size, and increase efficiency. This master thesis research is focused on designing, fabricating, and testing …

Fpga To Power System Theorization For A Fault Location And Specification Algorithm, Christina Yeoman

Theses and Dissertations--Electrical and Computer Engineering

Fault detection and location algorithms have allowed for the power industry to alter the power grid from the traditional model to becoming a smart grid. This thesis implements an already established algorithm for detecting faults, as well as an impedance-based algorithm for detecting where on the line the fault has occurred and develops a smart algorithm for future HDL conversion using Simulink. Using the algorithms, the ways in which this implementation can be used to create a smarter grid are the fundamental basis for this research. Simulink was used to create a two-bus power system, create environment variables, and then …