Experimental Test and Simulations on a Linear Generator-Based Prototype of a Wave Energy Conversion System Designed with a Reliability-Oriented Approach
In this paper, we propose a reliability-oriented design of a linear generator-based prototype of a wave energy conversion (WEC), useful for the production of hydrogen in a sheltered water area like Mediterranean Sea. The hydrogen production has been confirmed by a lot of experimental testing and simulations. The system design is aimed to enhance the robustness and reliability and is based on an analysis of the main WEC failures reported in literature. The results of this analysis led to some improvements that are applied to a WEC system prototype for hydrogen production and storage. The proposed WEC system includes the electrical linear generator, the power conversion system, and a sea-wate…
Evaluation of the power quality from a seawave power farm for different interconnection schemes
In this paper we present an approach to the interconnection of a seawave power farm to the grid The generator type used in the farm is a Permanent Magnet (PM) linear generator driven from the seawaves that generates, therefore, highly distorted emfs. We propose and compare two possible ways to interconnect the farm to the grid. One is based on an approach where for each generator there is a conversion subsystem that permits the direct connection of each generator to the a.c. network, the other one is based on an ac.-d.c. converter that is connected to the generator, the converter is connected to a dc link that can receive the power from every unit and that can supply a dc-ac converter direc…
Stochastic resonance in magnetic systems described by Preisach hysteresis model
We present a numerical study of stochastic resonance in magnetic systems described by Preisach hysteresis model. It is shown that stochastic resonance occurs in these systems. Specifically, the signal-to-noise ratio sSNRd and the signal amplification sSAd present a maximum as a function of noise intensity. We also found that the hysteresis loops, dynamically described by the system, are strongly modified near the maxima of SNR and of SA.
A model of a linear synchronous motor based on distribution theory
The fundamental idea of this paper is to use the distribution theory to analyze linear machines in order to include in the mathematical model both ideal and non ideal features. This paper shows how distribution theory can be used to establish a mathematical model able to describe both the ordinary working condition of a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) as well the role of the unavoidable irregularities and non ideal features.
Description of hysteresis of Nickel Metal Hydride Battery
A Dynamic Preisach Model for the description of the hysteresis in Nickel Metal Hydride Battery is presented. Both the hysteresis and the dynamical features of charging and discharging cycles are described. The identification of the model is obtained by using a neural network technique developed for magnetic systems. The model is validated by some experimental tests on commercial batteries.
Designing an innovative system for sea wave utilization
For the sea wave energy exploitation, the department of Energy of Palermo University is investigating a new approach based on the mechanical motion conversion from a linear motion into a unidirectional rotary motion. This mechanical output can be used to run alternators, producing electrical power with a very simplified energy conversion chain. First preliminary tests have been realized in laboratory using a small-scale prototype.
Identification of parameters of dynamic Preisach model by neural networks
In this paper, an approach that allows to identify the parameters of dynamic Preisach model is presented. The fundamental idea of this method is to identify the parameters of a material by using a neural network trained by a collection of hysteresis curves, whose Preisach model is known. After a brief description of dynamic Preisach Model, the neural network that has been used is introduced. The construction of the training data set is illustrated. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is tested on both numerical as well as experimental data.
Energy and Economic Analysis of Different Buildings Constructed with Environmentally Sustainable and Traditional Materials
The use of bioclimatic principles can reduce energy demands and CO2emissions in the building sector. Costs are one of the most important barriers to a widespread adoption of the green architecture e.[ The aim of this study is to compare the energy and economic performances of two buildings: a real residential bioclimatic building located in Cinisi (a small town near Palermo, Sicily) and an imaginary residential building supposed having the same geographical location, cubature, shape and orientation as the bioclimatic building but built by conventional building materials. The tools used for this study were TRNSYS and HOMER[
On the dependence of magnetic stochastic resonance features on the features of magnetic hysteresis
Numerical study of magnetic stochastic resonance (SR) in several magnetic systems having different hysteresis loops was performed. The various hysteresis loops were modeled by using Preisach model in which several identification functions were used. The results showed the dependence of SR on the parameters of Preisach function. The results also showed how the field H/sub 0/ shifted the onset of SR and how a large dispersion of the distribution of hysterons degraded the SR.
A dq axis theory of the magnetic, thermal, and mechanical properties of Curie motor
A dq axis theory of a thermomagnetic Curie motor is presented. This theory allows one to estimate the performances of a Curie motor from its geometrical, magnetic, and thermal properties. The proposed approach shows that the thermomagnetic Curie motor is equivalent from a magnetic point of view to a dc electric machine. The physical meaning of the parameters used in the dq theory of Curie motor is explicated. The theory is validated by using experimental data.
Description of Hysteresis in Lithium Battery by Classical Preisach Model
In this paper Preisach Model is applied to obtain a mathematical model of the hysteresis in lithium battery. Preisach Model allows to describe the hysteresis of charging and discharging cycles in a lithium battery. The identification of the model is obtained by using a neural network technique developed for magnetic systems. The model is verified on some experimental tests on commercial batteries.
Experimental results of a low cost weather buoy
Design and Test of a Thermomagnetic Motor Using a Gadolinium Rotor
This paper presents a Thermomagnetic Motor, whose design of the motor is based on a thermal-magnetic coupled dynamic model, which models its magnetic as well thermal properties (magnetic permeability and thermal conductivity). The thermal processes are supposed to be influenced by the thermal conductivity, the convection and the advection. An analytical expression of the generated torque, which links this quantity to the magnetic, thermal and geometrical parameters of the generated torque is given. A design of a machine, based on this theory is proposed and the related performances are numerically simulated. An experimental verification of the performances is reported.
Identification of parameters of the Jiles-Atherton model by neural networks
In this paper a procedure for the identification of the parameters of the Jiles–Atherton (JA) model is presented. The parameters of the JA model of a material are found by using a neural network trained by a collection of hysteresis curves, whose parameters are known. After a presentation of the Jiles–Atherton model, the neural network and the training procedure are described and the method is validated by using some numerical, as well as experimental, data.
A case study to the Evaluation of Global Environmental Quality, concerning thermal, acoustic and atmospheric conditions of urban areas
In this paper we propose an operative procedure aimed at assessing and check the global environmental quality in the urban areas. This methodology is set up by using an ergonomic approach that analyses the interaction man-environment in terms of cause-effect and uses information and data from various sources contributing to the formation of discomfort degrees.[1-2] The representation technique by normo-grams is used for showing some applications executed along the urban territory of Palermo and allows to evaluate very simply all the parameters involved in human comfort. This paper is divided in 5 sections, after the introduction in section 2 a review of the principal simple and complex inde…
Mini Wind Plant to Power Telecommunication Systems: A Case Study in Sicily
The ever increasing problems related to air pollution and the difficulties for power lines to reach inaccessible areas are pushing to find new solutions for powering telecommunications equipments (TLC). The renewable energy systems, although relatively expensive, have the required characteristics. The purpose of this work is to find a solution based on a low power wind turbine to serve a real telecommunication site located near Palermo, the main city of Sicily (Italy).
Design and experimental test of a low costweather buoy
The importance of prevention plans based on realistic inundation scenarios was dramatically highlighted by the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 26 December 2004. But also in the Mediterranean, sea storms basin are a quite common event especially during winter months. These scenarios are generally based on numerical models of tsunami wave propagation that can become more realistic and effective when calibrated with the distribution of true data acquired by special weather buoy. In this paper we present the result of an experimental weather buoy built by DEIM of University of Palermo, that is characterized by small cost and big versatility.
Energy Savings through Integration of the Illumination Natural and Artificial, Using a System of Automatic Dimming: Case Study
The reduction of electrical energy consumption in buildings is a subject of great interest in the international scientific community. In buildings with a lot of available natural light, designed with large glazed surfaces, the artificial lighting system is often oversized and cannot be divided into segments to meet lighting demands during daylight hours.This article presents an experimental study, conducted in a university lecture hall that has a glazed surface covering the whole wall at one end, which provides a level of internal illumination that is only sufficient for the area next to the window itself, even when the outside lighting conditions are very bright. It is therefore necessary …
Numerical simulation of a wawe generator: A case of study
The aim of present work is the numerical simulation of a linear generator, capable of directly converting the kinetic energy, available by the wave, into electrical energy, through the device linear motion (up and down). In this paper, we intend to propose a numerical simulation approach to immersed devices by applying the Immersed Boundary Method. The Theory of linear wave is used to study and reproduce sea conditions and the computational domain is created based on observations available for the site in which it is envisaged the positioning of the device.
A Planar Generator for a Wave Energy Converter
This article presents a permanent magnet planar translational generator which is able to exploit multiple modes of sea wave energy extraction. Linear electrical generators have recently been studied for the exploitation of sea wave energy, but, to the best of our knowledge, no synchronous planar translational generator has been proposed. In this article, to maximize the energy extraction, we have considered all the potential modes of motion due to wave excitation and included them within the mathematical model of the proposed system. The principle of operation of the generator can be summarized as follows: the moving part (translator) of the generator is driven from the sea waves and induce…
A multiphysics approach to the design of a seawave energy conversion system
This paper presents a multiphysics approach to the design of a seawave energy conversion system which consists of a both a permanent magnet linear generator directly coupled to sea waves and the related power electronics conversion system. The thermal, electromagnetic and circuital aspects are included in the proposed approach. In order to maximize energy extraction, the stochastic features of the energy source is considered in the mathematical model of the whole system. An optimization procedures which includes the stochastic features of the model is presented and a machine built on the basis of the results of this procedure is shown.
Hydrogen from The Sea: The Challenge of the Future. Present and Future Developments
In this paper we proposed the use of saline water to product hydrogen. As far as using saline water, can be proposed two different scheme and technology. The aim of this work is to design an electrolyze system capable of utilizing sea water for direct electrolysis. It is probable that these systems would operate at a low power density and electrolyze only a small portion of the water in contact with electrodes. In particular, we present the results obtained by two different prototype of electrolyzer: one with steel electrodes and the second electrodes with titanium. Further experiments were carried out by changing the electrolytic solution of water and sodium chloride in real seawater. Fina…
An approach to the optimum design of the magnetic circuit of a PM linear electrical generator driven by stochastical forces
Linear electrical generator has been recently studied for the exploitation of sea waves energy. In order to maximize the energy extraction, the stochastic features of the energy source must be included in the mathematical model of the system. A PM linear electrical generator has been designed and built. The design has been optimized by including in the mathematical model used for the optimization the following aspects: 1. the dynamic and stochastic features of the waves; 2. a dynamic model of the hydraulic conversion system; 3. a parametric circuit model of the magnetic circuit as well as of the electric windings; 4. a circuit model of the power electronics converter used to connect the gen…
Noise enhanced stability in magnetic systems
In this paper noise enhanced stability in magnetic systems is studied by both an Ising-type model and a Preisach–Arrhenius model as well as a dynamic Preisach model. It is shown that in one nonequilibrium Ising system noise enhanced stability occurs and that dynamic Preisach model has the capability to predict the occurrence of noise enhanced stability in magnetic systems. On the contrary, in a Preisach–Arrhenius model of a single quadrant magnetic material, noise enhanced stability is not detected.
A Case Study to evaluate the indoor global quality
This paper proposes two complementary procedures for assessing the global quality comfort: the first one, prevalently objective, is based on the acquisition of microclimate measured data and computed subjective values; the second one, that is purely subjective, uses a questionnaire drawn from the ISO/DP 10551 Recommendation. An application to some lecture-halls and laboratories of the school is here showed.
D-Q axis theory of thermomagnetic Curie motor
This paper presents a the d-q axis theory of a thermomagnetic Curie motor. From this theory a maximization procedure of the performances of Curie motor has been developed. The proposed approach has shown that the thermomagnetic Curie motor is equivalent from a magnetic point of view to a d.c. electric machine. Consequently, a design of a Curie motor has been proposed and the calculated performances show a significant improvement in comparison to the performances reported in literature.
A General and Accurate Measurement Procedure for the Detection of Power Losses Variations in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drives
The research of innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of electric drives is of considerable interest to challenges related to energy savings and sustainable development. In order to successfully validate the adoption of new and innovative software or hardware solutions in the field of electric drives, accurate measurement procedures for either efficiency or power losses are needed. Moreover, high accuracy and expensive measurement equipment are required to satisfy international standard prescriptions. In this scenario, this paper describes an accurate measurement procedure, which is independent of the accuracy of the adopted instrumentation, for the power losses variations involved…
New solutions for energy supply: sea wave and offshore photovoltaic in Sardinia (Italy)
This work illustrates a study on the integration among sea wave farm and off shore photovoltaic in Italian island (Sardinia). In order to exploit both energy sources, the paper presents an innovative prototype, designed and developed by Palermo University. According the data about sea wave and solar energy potential, we evaluated the installation of wave-solar energy farms, based on the prototype presented in this paper.
The use of sea waves for generation of electrical energy and Hydrogen
Recently linear synchronous generator for the exploitation of sea wave energy has been proposed. That solution does not require reactive power to magnetize but needs permanent magnets to assure the excitation. The electrical energy generated by such a device must be converted and conditioned in order to match the instantaneous utility requirements and a power link from the sea to an interconnection is needed. In this paper in order to overcome that difficulty, the authors propose the use of the electrical energy generated to generate “in situ” hydrogen. As a result the output of the generation would be hydrogen that can be stored and used when needed The proposed electrical generator is a P…
Design of a transverse flux machine for power generation from seawaves
In this paper, we present a transverse flux linear generator. We investigate the possibility to use this generator to extract energy from seawaves. We propose an optimization procedure that allows us to obtain an optimized design of the generator. The optimized design of the converter shows a power generation capability index much higher than other renewable systems.
An Approach to Rank Noise Pollution in Workplaces
In this paper, we describe a method for classifying the workplaces as regards the noise risk. This method provides an univocal classification of work area and allows to correctly implement the control measures in accordance with a suitable priority scale. Finally, this method can be easily adjusted to respect various national standards.
The Jiles Atherton Model for Description Of Hysteresis in Lithium Battery
In this paper Jiles Atherton (JA) Model is used to obtain a mathematical model of the hysteresis in lithium battery. JA Model allows to describe both the hysteresis and the dynamical features of charging and discharging cycles in a lithium battery. The identification of the model is obtained by using a neural network technique developed for magnetic systems. The model is validated on some experimental tests on commercial batteries.
Evaluation of the Potential Energy from Wave Motion on the Sicilian coast
The purpose of this articles is quantitatively evaluate the wave climate variations of the northern Sicilian coasts. In particular, the objective of the study is Castellammare del Golfo, a marine site between Trapani and Palermo. In particular in this research, the wave energy of the Sicily has been studied by an analysis of wave data carried out in a 10- year period, using the measurements of buoyant of RON. The north-western and southern coasts of Sicily have a lower potential with average wave power ranging between 2.5 and 6.5 kW/m.
Efficiency Control for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators
In this paper a control algorithm for the efficiency improvement of permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) is presented. The proposed algorithm reduces the losses of the generator without affecting its performances. In details, after a description of a dynamic model of the PMSG, which has been purposely modified in order to take into account the iron losses, the basic equations and the constraints to obtain the loss minimization are presented and discussed. Some simulations of a specific PMSG employing the proposed algorithm are performed. The results of these simulations show that enhancement of the efficiency up to 3 % can be reached in comparison to a PMSG using a traditional con…
A procedure to evaluate the indoor global quality by a sub objective-objective procedure
This paper proposes two complementary procedures for assessing the indoor global comfort: the first one, prevalently objective, is based on the acquisition of microclimate measured data and computed subjective values; the second one, that is purely subjective, uses a questionnaire drawn from the ISO/DP 10551 Recommendation. An application to some lecture-halls is here showed
Optimization of a thermomagnetic motor
In this paper, an approach towards the optimization of the Curie motor is presented. The approach is based on a thermal-magnetic coupled dynamic model of the motor, which is obtained by assuming the use of a ferromagnetic material working at temperatures near the Curie point. An analytical expression of the generated torque, which links this quantity to the magnetic, thermal, and geometrical parameters of the generated torque, is given. The expressions of speed and torque are derived and related to the thermal properties of the machine and are used as optimization indexes in an optimization procedure. The aim of the optimization process is to obtain a machine able to rotate constantly at th…
Magnetostochastic resonance under colored noise condition
Stochastic resonance (SR) is an amplification of the system output in correspondence of well-defined finite values of the noise strength that is injected into the system [Gammaitoni et al., Rev. Mod. Phys. 70, 223 (1998), Grigorenko et al., IEEE Trans. Magn. 31, 2491 (1995), Mantegna et al., J. Appl. Phys. 97, 10E519 (2005)]. In order to clarify the influence of a colored noise, in this paper magnetostochastic resonance (MSR) in magnetic systems described by the dynamic Preisach model is numerically investigated in the presence of colored noise. In this paper it is shown that: a) noise spectrum affects MSR; b) white noise, 1/f and 1/f(2) noise induce in magnetic systems described by the dyn…
Identification of the Parameters of Reduced Vector Preisach Model by Neural Networks
This paper presents a methodology for identifying reduced vector Preisach model parameters by using neural networks. The neural network used is a multiplayer perceptron trained with the Levenberg-Marquadt training algorithm. The network is trained by some hysteresis data, which are generated by using reduced vector Preisach model with preassigned parameters. It is shown how a properly trained network is able to find the parameters needed to best fit a magnetization hysteresis curve.
Optimum Performance of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators Coupled to Wind Turbines
In this paper a control algorithm for the efficiency improvement of permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) is presented. The proposed algorithm reduces the losses of the generator without affecting its performances. In details, after a description of a dynamic model of the PMSG, which has been purposely modified in order to take into account the iron losses, the basic equations and the constraints to obtain the loss minimization are presented and discussed. Some simulations of a specific PMSG employing the proposed algorithm are performed. The results of these simulations show that enhancement of the efficiency up to 3% can be reached in comparison to a PMSG using a traditional cont…
Battery Models for Battery Powered Applications: A Comparative Study
Battery models have gained great importance in recent years, thanks to the increasingly massive penetration of electric vehicles in the transport market. Accurate battery models are needed to evaluate battery performances and design an efficient battery management system. Different modeling approaches are available in literature, each one with its own advantages and disadvantages. In general, more complex models give accurate results, at the cost of higher computational efforts and time-consuming and costly laboratory testing for parametrization. For these reasons, for early stage evaluation and design of battery management systems, models with simple parameter identification procedures are…
Design Considerations of Transverse Flux Generator to Sea Wave Energy
In this paper we study the possibility to use a transverse flux linear generator (TFG) because transverse flux technology presents the highest force density per volume index among the iron based electrical machines. This paper is organized as follows an introduction to describe "state of the art" of WEC's and TFG, in the Section II we find a summary description of the marine condition of the chosen site; in the Section III there is an the analytical procedure for geometric and magnetic design of device (chosen material, length, etc) and in the Section IV the simulation of generator. Further defined the design of the generator, the machine was designed and analyzed through the use of a 3D FE…
Efficiency Maximization of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators Coupled to Wind Turbines
In this paper a control algorithm for the efficiency improvement of permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG), the relative simulations and their results are presented. The proposed algorithm reduces the losses of the generator without affecting its performances. In details, after a description of a dynamic model of the PMSG, which has been modified in order to take into account the iron losses, the basic methodologies to obtain the loss minimization are presented and discussed. Many simulations of a specific PMSG employing the proposed algorithm were carried out and are presented. The results of these simulations show that enhancement of the efficiency up to 3% and more can be reached…
A Permanent Magnet Linear Generator for the Enhancement of the Reliability of a Wave Energy Conversion System
In this paper, a linear generator for a highly reliable Wave Energy Conversion system is designed and tested. In order to store energy, the system is able to produce hydrogen The Wave Energy Conversion System consists of an electrical linear generator, a power conversion system and a sea-water electrolyzer. A small scale prototype of the system has been designed and built. The design is oriented to the enhancement of the system robustness and reliability and a Failure Mode and Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) has been used. In order to guarantee an easy extension of the power capability of the marine plant, a modular architecture of the system has been adopted. The design strategy i…
Experimental Evidence on the Thermal Performance of Opaque Surfaces in Mediterranean Climate
The thermal insulation of buildings, intended as wrap feature which determines the dispersion of heat, the reference parameter is necessary to contain the thermal losses during the winter season. The transmittance of the opaque components, used as an indicator of the energy quality of a casing, together with the overall coefficient of dispersion, represents a proper descriptor of the behavior during the heating season. However, if a strong insulation in winter conditions brings only positive effects, the same cannot be said for the summer conditions. A high value of the insulation in the casing is convenient only when the gains free, either in the form of solar contribution that of endogeno…
Ab-initio Calculation of the Properties of Permalloys Used in Electrical Machines
In this paper an ab-initio calculation that allows to describe the main features of permalloys is presented. The calculation is bawd on Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker electronic structure method. The dependence of the magnetocryttalline anisotropy and of the magnetostriction on the concentration of non magnetic addiction is computed.