0000000000403030
AUTHOR
Dhirendran Munith Kumar
Energy assessment of a wave energy converter in a small island. A case study
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…
Thermodynamic-based cost allocation in low-temperature thermal grids in presence of distributed energy producers
Thermal grids are well-established technologies that can cover the thermal demands of buildings in a more sustainable way. The lower operating temperature will allow not only for the integration of heat produced by thermal renewable energy sources but also for the storage of surplus electricity from the grid using power to heat technologies. To ensure a wider diffusion of this technology, it is important to propose a method for the cost allocation among producers connected to the grid. In this regard, this paper proposes Exergoeconomics as a possible solution. To show the capabilities of the method, some operating scenarios are compared for a cluster of five buildings in the tertiary sector…
State of art and economic evaluation of wave energy converters. A case study
The even increasing energy demand in the world is a relevant problem for the modern society. The energy supply from fossil fuels has become a critical aspect due to the progressive reduction of reserves and political instability among the Countries. For these reasons, the exploitation of renewable energy sources is looked with a great interest. In this context, solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and biomass can be successfully used through commercial technologies. Other potential renewable energy sources could have potential applications in the next future. Among these, sea wave is considered a very promising energy source, especially for small islands. In this context, the paper propones…
Improvement of a low-cost buoy for the measurement of the sea wave weather
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.
Integrated thermodynamic and electrical modelling of a variable-speed reversible heat pump: analysis of the cooling mode operation
Variable-speed reversible heat pumps are increasingly adopted for space heating and cooling in residential and tertiary sectors. It is recognized that these systems will play a key role in medium- and small-scale 4th generation district heating and cooling networks. Indeed, with the high penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such technology could help reduce issues related to the surplus of electricity from renewable energy sources by converting it into heat or cold. To reliably assess the benefits achievable in these emerging applications, it is necessary to develop models which can simulate not only the steady-state operation but also the dynamic response of the system wit…