0000000000125079
AUTHOR
Andrea Guercio
showing 15 related works from this author
An Experimental Comparison between an Ironless and a Traditional Permanent Magnet Linear Generator for Wave Energy Conversion
2022
Permanent Magnet Linear Generators (PMLGs) are currently being studied for sea wave energy harvesting. Typically, a PMLG consists of an iron-made armature and a moving translator. The permanent magnets adoption produces parasitic effects, such as cogging force, and the machine weight increment. A solution could be the adoption of an ironless configuration, accepting a power density reduction. This paper investigates the use of ironless PMLGs in sea wave energy conversion systems by an experimental comparative analysis between an iron PMLG prototype and an ironless PMLG prototype, which share the same geometry. The main electrical and mechanical parameters (resistance, mass, and magnetic fie…
A Review of the Water Desalination Technologies
2021
Desalination is commonly adopted nowadays to overcome the freshwater scarcity in some areas of the world if brackish water or salt water is available. Different kinds of technologies have been proposed in the last century. In this paper, the state of the mainstream solutions is reported, showing the current commercial technologies like reverse osmosis (RO), Multi-Stages Flash desalination (MSF) and Multi-Effect Distillation (MED), and the new frontiers of the research with the aim of exploiting renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass energy. In these cases, seawater treatment plants are the same as traditional ones, with the only difference being that they use a renewable energy s…
Investigation on a Bio-Composite Material as Acoustic Absorber and Thermal Insulation
2020
In order to limit the anthropic emissions of CO2, research is currently investigating new materials for the building sector. The main purpose is the reduction in the embodied energy consumption, especially in the residential sector, and consequently the limitation of the direct and indirect utilization of fossil fuels, for the indoor heating, cooling, and ventilation services. Indeed, the residential sector is affected by a high energy demand, thus the choice of improved materials is fundamental to improve the sustainability. All phases: construction, building life, and dismantling are impacting in terms of resource and energy consumption, both associated with the emissions of pollutants in…
Testing a linear ironless generator for the sea wave energy harvesting
2022
Wave energy represents a "new entry"in the renewable energy sector; however, it is believed that in near future sea wave might have a key role for the electrical energy production, thanks its huge energy potential. In this context, the paper suggests an innovative ironless linear generator, that can be used as main component inside a point absorber. In order to exploit the wave energy potential in the Mediterranean Sea, the Engineering Department of Palermo University realized a first small-scale prototype of the electrical linear generator, that is the main component for the energy conversion.
Energy assessment of a wave energy converter in a small island. A case study
2022
The diffusion of technologies supplied by Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is contributing to the challenge of reduction of energy dependence from fossil fuels, avoiding the emission of several polluting substances and greenhouse gases (GHG). Already today, global warming caused by human activity is estimated at around 1∘C; energy consumption attributable to human habits is no longer sustainable. To date, energy production is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. To reverse the negative trend, it is necessary to invest in new technologies and improve the efficiency of energy production plants in general. In particular, a wave energy converter will be presented, consisting of a buoy connect…
Grid Stability Improvement Using Synthetic Inertia by Battery Energy Storage Systems in Small Islands
2022
In this paper, the synthetic inertia need of the small island of Pantelleria in the Mediterranean Sea is assessed. Firstly, the optimal renewable energy mix able to minimize the Levelized Cost of Energy for the generation system of the island is evaluated, considering the yearly load demand and the characteristics of the local natural resources. The optimal energy mix introduces in the island a quota of power generation with static power converters interfaced to the grid that could jeopardize the security of the system if not suitably controlled. Therefore, the inherent inertial response of the diesel generators of the system is calculated hour by hour for each month of one year, considerin…
Sea Wave Energy. A Review of the Current Technologies and Perspectives
2021
The proposal of new technologies capable of producing electrical energy from renewable sources has driven research into seas and oceans. Research finds this field very promising in the future of renewable energies, especially in areas where there are specific climatic and morphological characteristics to exploit large amounts of energy from the sea. In general, this kind of energy is referred to as six energy resources: waves, tidal range, tidal current, ocean current, ocean thermal energy conversion, and saline gradient. This review has the aim to list several wave-energy converter power plants and to analyze their years of operation. In this way, a focus is created to understand how many …
First analyses on a mechanical motion converter to produce electrical energy from sea wave
2020
The exploitation of sea wave opens new horizon for suppling small islanded communities. With this goal the paper propones a prototypical device for the utilization of sea wave along the coastline. The device is based on a mechanical motion conversion, from an alternative rotation into unidirectional rotation in order to run commercial generators. First evaluations are here reported, demonstrating the feasibility of this solution.
Introduction of Offshore Wave, Wind and Solar Energies in Vietnam
2020
In Vietnam, the energy demand shows an ever-increasing trend. To limit the utilization of fossil fuels and the following consequences for the environment, renewable energy sources must be adopted. In this context, the paper assesses the utilization of offshore wind and sea wave, by considering a commercial wind turbine and a prototypical wave energy converter. Solar energy can be optionally also collected by this device. An algorithm is introduced to find the best composition of the three sources able to cover a desired share of energy demand. The approach is applied to Ca Mau, a province in the southern part of Vietnam. Finally, the results encourage the adoption of these energy sources th…
Wave Energy Assessment and Performance evaluation in Mediterranean Sea
2020
The paper proposes a revolutionary device for the utilization of a new entry of renewable energy sources: sea wave. This technology is based on linear generators, able to converts directly a linear motion into electrical output, limiting to minimum the chain of energy conversion. A preliminary feasibility assessment considers a case study applied in Lampedusa, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. Economic and environmental evaluations are here reported.
Stability Analysis in a Vietnam Small Island for the Deployment of a Nearshore Wave Power Plant
2022
The requirement for a more sustainable energy mix is promoting the spreading of technologies supplied by renewable sources. However, the introduction of unprogrammable energy sources in small electrical grids could jeopardize the stability of the entire system. In this context, the paper analyses a small island in Vietnam, assessing the effects due to the installation of a new power plant supplied by sea wave energy. While the installation of this technology could represent a great opportunity to reduce the local energy dependence, on the other side the quality of the supply could be worsened. Solutions are assessed to allow a good network service.
Energy Retrofit. A Case Study—Santi Romano Dormitory on the Palermo University
2021
Electrical and thermal consumption related to buildings, whether civil, commercial, public, or of any other kind, is very much in focus today. With today’s targets for energy savings, reduction of consumption, and environmental impact, it is necessary to carry out energy retrofits to modernize installations and their management. The realization of an effective improvement requires a careful analysis of the case study because each category of building has different requirements such as different load profiles and different installations and needs. This was carried out by studying the electrical and thermal load profiles. A good initial energy audit can provide the retrofit solutions capable …
FEM Analysis: A Review of the Most Common Thermal Bridges and Their Mitigation
2022
The necessity to improve the energy saving potential of buildings is now a duty. European and national policies are being implemented to address the important decisions being made on this subject. For these reasons, several studies focus on this relevant topic. This paper review not only focusses on it but studies it in-depth. A commercial 3D simulation software was used to design a building sited in Palermo estimating the thermal losses before and after external envelope insulation. In particular, all the thermal bridges (TBs) were analysed with the finite element method (FEM) and mitigated with rock wool insulation. The paper shows the linear thermal transmittance difference and heat flux…
Improvement of a low-cost buoy for the measurement of the sea wave weather
2021
This article presents the result of an experimental meteorological buoy designed by the Department of Engineering of the University of Palermo, characterized by low costs and great versatility, and equipped with industrially certified measuring and detection instruments. This buoy can measure the parameters of the water column and continuously transmit the data to a remote acquisition centre. Maintenance requirements are very limited.
An Economic Approach to Size of a Renewable Energy Mix in Small Islands
2022
The importance of renewable energy exploitation reduces the energy dependence on fossil fuels. Despite technological progress, in several remote areas and small islands the energy production is nowadays dominated by the utilization of fossil fuels. With new, increasingly stringent laws on polluting emissions and the need to lower production costs, it is necessary to exploit as many renewable sources as possible. In order to implement these considerations, it was decided to study renewable energy production. The study was carried out by estimating the energy production on a monthly and annual basis considering a mix of three plants, namely marine, solar, and wind. Simulations on wave product…