A Sustainable Energy Mix for the Aeolian Islands

The paper examines the current status of the electrical energy production in the Aeolian Islands, an Italian archipelago, composed by small island North of Sicily. Instead the availability of renewable energy sources, like wind, solar, geothermal and sea wave, these islands produce electrical energy using almost entirely fossil fuels. Starting from this initial condition, the paper proposes an energetic mix based on the available resources and focusing the attention on sea wave. An innovative device is presented in order to exploit this energy source.

An inertial system for the production of electricity and hydrogen from sea wave energy

This paper aims at describing a small scale prototype of a complete wave energy converter system for hydrogen production promoting the opportunity of installation in Sicily, in the Mediterranean Sea. The opportunity to produce hydrogen from sea-water identifies ocean wave energy as the most promising solution for electricity generation including hydrogen production and storage. Even if hydrogen is considered one of the most promising secondary sources, criticism arises from both the academic and the industrial world mainly because hydrogen production requires electricity consumption. Furthermore, safety problems concerning hydrogen storage and transport are actually the main hindrance to fu…

Evaluation of the wave energy density on the Sicilian coast

In this article the wave energy density of the northern Sicilian coasts is evaluated and is used to evaluate the producibility of a wave nergy converter to be installed in an area in the north west part of Sicily. In particular, the objective of the study is the evaluation of a potential installation in an area between Trapani and Palermo, which are the largest cities in the north west part of Sicily. In particular in this research, the wave energy density of Sicily has been analyzed by using an analysis of wave data carried out in a 10-year period, using the measurements of buoyant of National Wave measuring System (RON - Rete Ondametrica Nazionale). The analysis shows that the north-weste…

Design and Performance of a High Temperature Superconducting Axial Flux Generator

In this paper, a high temperature axial flux (HTSAF) generator is presented. In this generator the excitation of the generator is obtained by using some high temperature superconducting magnets. In order to reduce the negative effects of vibrations, the excitation is located on the stationary part of the generator. Starting, running and endurance tests of the machine are presented.

Design of a transverse flux machine for power generation from seawaves

Linear electrical generator has been recently studied for the exploitation of sea wave energy, however the definition of the optimum geometry to be used is still debated and due to the fact that seawave energy is characterized by low speed and very high forces, a generator which is able to convert energy at low speed and high force is needed. In this paper we investigate 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. The advantages of TFG topology against the classical longitudinal concept are [1]: (a) the magnetomotive force per pole is independe…

Desalination by sea wave in small islands: The case of study of Lampedusa (Italy)

The paper analyses the theme of water energy nexus, investigating a specific industrial process: desalination. In particular, the paper reports a case of study, applied in the small island of Lampedusa, located at south of Sicily (Italy). As the many small islands in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Lampedusa presents a small electrical grid, not connected to the mainland. The electrical production is entrusted to old diesel engines, consuming fossil fuel, transported by boat from Sicily. Besides, the renewable energy sources are extremely underdeveloped in this territory, since the environmental constraints make complex the use of technologies, like wind turbines or photovoltaic panels…

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Wave Energy Converter (WEC)

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an environmental management instrument implemented worldwide. In the last years the development of Wave Energy Converter (WEC) influenced environmental research to quantify impacts on marine life. In this paper we present a case study of EIA: a real application and study of device installed in Tirren Sea (near Castellammare — Sicily).

Energy and Economic Analysis of Different Buildings Constructed with Environmentally Sustainable and Traditional Materials

Dynamic Preisach Hysteresis Model for Magnetostrictive Materials for Energy Application

In this paper the magnetostrictive material considered is Terfenol-D. Its hysteresis is modeled by applying the DPM whose identification procedure is performed by using a neural network procedure previously publised [. The neural network used is a multiplayer perceptron trained with the Levenberg-Marquadt training algorithm. This allows to obtain the Preisach distribution function, without any special conditioning of the measured data, owing to the filtering capabilities of the neural network interpolators. The model is able to reconstruct both the magnetization relation and the Field-strain relation. The model is validated through comparison and prediction of data collected from a typical …

Dynamic Preisach hystersis model for magnetostrictive materials for energy application

Recently Magnetostrictive materials have been proposed as active materials to be used in several energy harvesting technology [1]. In this kind of application, the working condition of the material is highly dynamic and non linear. As a result static models of magnetostrictive materials are usually not very accurate and can be not reliable to develop a sufficiently accurate designof the energy harvesting devices. The presence of hysteresis requires accurate mathematical modeling in order to correctly foresee the behavior of real materials (ferromagnetic or magnetostrictive) used in control systems or in electrical machines and thus simplifying the design of such controllers or predicting wi…

Optimization of Wave Energy Converter: DEIM Point Absorber II

The paper presents a possible solution to optimize a wave energy converter, device able to exploit the wave energy resource. The utilization of this technology shows also positive aspects, thanks to the limited visual and environmental impacts. This system could be also installed in reserved areas, being similar to signal buoys, simplifying the problem of energy supply in small islands. In order to exploit the wave energy potential in the Mediterranean Sea, the department of Energy of Palermo University realized a first prototype of the electrical linear generator, that is the main component of the wave energy converter. This electrical machine can be operated by a two-floating buoys system…

Minimization of detent force in a 1 kW linear permanent magnet generator for the conversion of sea waves energy: Numerical and experimental validation

Linear permanent magnet generators are widely considered for the direct conversion of energy contained in sea waves [1-3]. Both planar and tubular structures have been proposed [4-6] and all these structures present several advantages: relative high efficiency, simplicity of the structures, high sturdiness. However, as all other linear machines they present some drawbacks: oscillations in the movement, distortion in the generated electromotive force (emf), etc. In this paper we focus our attention on the parasitic oscillations of the translator which are caused by the presence of a high detent force. Detent force is generated by the fact that magnetic energy presents a minimum when the leng…

A Magnetohydrodynamic Generator for Marine Energy Harvesting

In this article we present an approach to the description of Magneto-hydrodynamic Marine Energy Harvesting (MHMEH) system. Preliminarly, a general discussion on the principle of operation is presented. Successively, in order to move beyond the analytical model, a 3-D MHD modeling tool and a Runge Kutta method based solver are presented and they are used to investigate an alternative MHD solutions. Some numerical analyses are given.

A New Solution for Sea Wave Energy Harvesting, the Proposal of an Ironless Linear Generator

The paper investigates an innovative ironless linear generator, installable inside a wave energy converter, in order to produce electricity from sea waves. This energy source is considered strategic for the future, especially in small islands

Seawave Power Farm Design:A Case Study

Currentenergycrisisandgeneralconcernsonenvvironmentalissueshavetriggeredaneverincreasingeffortoonharvestingrenewableenergies.Amongstrenewableenergysources,seawaveene ergyisdefinitelytheonethathasbeenlessutilised.Thisisprobablycausedbytworeasons:i)thes strongtechnicalnoveltiesthatarerequiredtoextractthee energythatiscontainedinahighlyandstochasticallyvariablem motion;ii)thedifficultyofindasuitableelectricalsystemabbletoconverttheenergycontainedinthemotionoftheseaintoelectricalenergy.Inthispaperweproposeanapproachtosetupaggeneralmethodologytowardthedesignofaseawavefarm.Thefirststepisexplainedhowtochoosetheconversionsysteem,inthesecondstepisdiscussedtheconnectionschem meamongtheconverters,inth…

Renewable Energy Assessment in Italy and Brazil: An Economic and Political Comparison

The aim of this study is a comparison among Italian and Brazilian electrical energy system with a particular focus on renewable energy sources. The energy sector has a key role in the sustainable development of a country, so it influences economic and political choices. The work would underline differences, common point among two country, specially, in this particular socio-economic period and it should emphasize that green economy could be a possible answer to financial crisis. The main purpose of this study is a presentation of Italian and Brazilian energy system with a particular focus on renewable sources. The energy sector has a key role in the sustainable development of these countrie…

Greening island: Renewable energies mix to satisfy electrical needs of Pantelleria in Mediterranean sea

In this article the authors analyze the renewable mix in order to satisfy the energy needs of a real island in the Mediterranean sea, Pantelleria, which represents an optimal starting point to increase the production of electrical energy from renewable sources in minor islands. In this text are exposed different alternative sources, such as solar, wind and wave energy. Moreover, it is exposed a project of an innovative conversion device proposed by Department of Energy of University of Palermo, compared to a different one proposed by Politecnico di Torino. The procedures applied in the present article, as well as the main equations used, are the result of previous applications made in diffe…

A dynamic model for hysteresis in magnetostrictive devices

In this paper, a dynamic model for the description and design of hysteresis in magnetostrictive devices is presented. The model is based on Preisach theory and its dynamic extension. A procedure for determining the Preisach distribution function is given. This procedure is based on neural networks. The model is able to reconstruct both the magnetization relation and the field-strain relation. The model is validated through comparison and prediction of data collected from a typical Terfenol-D sample and a novel experimental technique dedicated to the validation of dynamic models is proposed.

Design of Bilateral Switched Reluctance Linear Generator to Convert Wave Energy: Case Study in Sicily

The aim of this work is a case study of the adaptation bilateral switched reluctance linear generator to the exploitation of energy of the sea. This type of generator can be used to convert wave energy in electrical energy. In this paper we present an analytical sizing and FEM simulation. As for the results, analysis of the data extracted through the simulations it was possible to calculate the emf. The emf was calculated in two cases of motion of the slider: first hypothesis has set the constant speed while the second is a variable speed according to the law of an oscillatory motion of the sea.

Assessment of the Trend of Albedo: a Case Study of Palermo

In this paper we propose a case study of urban heat island applied to Palermo. The urban heat island (UHI) is the most studied of the climate effects of settlements. The UHI refers to the generally warm urban temperatures compared to those over surrounding, non-urban, areas. The aim of this paper is to find a connection among the average rise in temperature and the modification of albedo.

A small scale prototype of a wave energy conversion system for hydrogen production

In this paper a small scale prototype of sea wave energy converter for hydrogen production and storage is presented. Laboratory prototypes of the wave energy converter device and sea water electrolyzer are presented. Experimental results are shown. A cost-effective and efficient power electronics system is designed. Experimental waveforms of the wave energy converter are imported in the power electronics simulation model to simulate the whole system as closely as possible to its effective behavior. Simulation results are shown to test the efficiency of the proposed solution.

An Innovative Wave Energy Converter in the Mediterranean Sea

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 study considers a case study, applied in Lampedusa, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. Economic and environmental assessments are reported.

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.

A novel implicit correlation for the operative temperature of a PV panel

Abstract The operating temperature of a commercial PV panel strongly affects the electric power output of the devices. The prediction of the operating temperature therefore plays a central role in the economic and energy assessment of PV systems. The authors propose a new implicit correlation that takes into account the standard weather variables but also the regimen of PV panel in terms of the proximity to the maximum power points. Data coming from an experimental setup were processed by using the least squares technique. To validate the reliability of the correlation, a comparison between expected values and data from other common correlations were done. The results show that the regimen …

Renewable energy sources to fulfill the global energy needs of a country: The case study of Malta in Mediterranean Sea

The paper shows the advantages using different energy resources for the islands of Malta. Moreover, this work is focused on the analysis of the wave energy potential along Malta's coasts. This important resource can be exploited to produce electrical energy using an innovative Point Absorber based on a new generator prototype realized by University of Palermo. The use of renewable source will reduce greenhouses emissions and increase the energy independence of Malta. The procedures applied in the present article, as well as the main equations used, are the result of previous applications made in different technical fields that show a good replicability [1]-[7].

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[

Numerical simulation of wave energy production through experimental tool

Wave energy is highly desirable resource and recent international reports underline its major relevance on global renewable energy in future. In general, the first step is a correct WEC (Wave Energy Converter) sizing and design. The aim of this paper is a presentation of an application of one experimental tool to define the external floating structure of WEC realized by University of Palermo. This new electric device could be another energy possibility for small islands in the Mediterranean Sea as Pantelleria, Lampedusa or Malta.

A Innovative Monitoring Underwater Buoy Systems (MUnBuS) for Marine and Rivers installation with IR-Cam, Instrumental Telemetry and Acoustic Data Acquisition Capability

The proposed low cost systems shows the results obtained in the implementation and testing in marine environment of a Innovative Monitoring Underwater Buoy Systems for Marine and Rivers installation with IR-Cam, Instrumental Telemetry and Acoustic Data Acquisition Capability (MUnBuS). This concerning a innovative Monitoring Underwater Buoy Systems that can be remotely controlled from the ground, air, satellite and sea and from a Center of Supervision Telecontroller And Data Acquisition and Monitoring (Mobile-STADAM Center). The Buoy is hosts for the radio or satellite communication equipment, the downloading and telemetering data equipment and the photovoltaic power supply, board and underw…

Sea wave energy to supply the Aeolian Islands in sustainable way

The diffusion of technologies supplied by Renewable Energy Sources is contributing in the challenge of reduction of energy dependence from fossil fuels, avoiding the emission of several polluting substances and greenhouse gases. Despite the technological development and important results around the world, in several remote areas or small islands the electrical energy production is based on obsolete technologies, supplied by fossil fuels. This solution is not sustainable for the environment, as the emissions of several pollutants. Focusing the attention on small islands, these areas usually have a standalone grid, as the high cost to build an electrical connection to the mainland, in compari…

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.

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.

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).

A Ferrite Tubular Linear Permanent Magnet Generator (FTLPMG) analysis and design

Several linear synchronous generators for the exploitation of sea wave energy have been proposed. Such machines do not require reactive power for the magnetization since they use permanent magnets for the excitation. The use of permanent magnets in a rough environment such as the marine environment may be a very weak point in the application of these kind of devices. In order to overcome this difficulty, the authors in this paper propose a linear synchronous electrical generator. Its excitation uses ferrites as suitable solutions to extract energy from sea waves. This paper describes the analysis and design of an improved axially magnetized tubular permanent-magnet machine in which several …

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.

Dynamic Preisach Hysteresis Model for Magnetostrictive Materials for Energy Application

Study of thermomagnetic energy conversion driven by renewable energy

Magnetic heating, refrigeration and energy conversion have been defined very important challenges for promising environmentally future choices. Recent studies are focused attention on new thermomagnetic systems, devices working through thermomagnetic effect, driven by renewable energies. The aim of this work is a case study presentation of new thermomagnetic energy prototype coupled with renewable technologies or industrial waste heat. The paper is divided into four sections: the first gives a general state of art about magneto-caloric energy conversion systems, the second describes all general thermodynamics and magnetic laws governing the process, the third and fourth sections study in mo…

Design and Experimental Test of a Thermomagnetic Motor

Abstract This paper presents a Thermomagnetic Motor. The design of the motor is based on a thermal-magnetic coupled dynamic model, which is obtained by assuming the use of a ferromagnetic material working at temperatures near the curie point. The motor is modeled in terms of both its magnetic as well thermal properties (magnetic permeability and thermal conductivity) and 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 p…

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…

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.

A innovative laterals hydro floating tilting systems for USV or surface nautical vehicles

The proposed project shows the results obtained in the implementation and testing in lacustrine and marine environment of an innovative laterals hydro floating tilting systems control for USV or remote/autonomous surface nautical vehicles. This vehicle is based on a pending patent belonging to Palermo University (Patent Pending RM2012A000209 and RM2012A000209). The system allows, during operation as a vehicle USV, set changes sailing trim and make turns with very narrow angle with little shunting movements. In fact the main benefits obtained were able to change or adjust the navigation structure by changing the tilt of one or two hydro floating during navigation without intervening directly…

Small Island developing states: Overview about wind, solar and marine energy in Cuba

The current economic, political, and social trends in Cuba indicate that energy sector will change in the future. The energy consumption will increase and Cuba, like most island nations, lacks a large energy resource base and satisfies most of its energy needs with imported fossil fuels. The aim of this work is a summary of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, bioenergy and marine) presented in the island and the development in the next society of the future.

Greening and sustainable energy approach applied for Balearic Islands and Fiji Islands: a comparative study

Renewable energy sources are expanding around the world, with significative results in the electricity generation sector. Despite this, the share of renewable energy sources in small islands is very low, except in rare cases. In this context, the paper analyses the energy mix currently used to produce electricity in the Balearic Islands and the Fiji Islands. These two archipelagos show several differences but have in common the strong energy dependence from fossil fuels. In order to increase the energy sustainability of small islands, a preliminary energy assessment is realized, using climate data collected from GIS-tools and introducing a numerical approach. As target, the Authors consider…

A computational magnetohydrodynamic model of a marine propulsion system

In this article we present an approach to the description of Magnetohydrodynamic Propulsion. Preliminarly, an analytical model which includes an electromagnetic model and a thermal model is presented. Successively, in order to move beyond the analytical model, a 3-D MHD modeling tool and a Runge Kutta method based solver are presented and they are used to investigate an alternative MHD solutions. Some numerical analysis are given.

Energy and Economic Comparison of different conditioning system among traditional and eco-sustainable building

Design and numerical simulation of a magnetostrictive electric power generator.

A Magnetostrictive Electric Power Generator for energy harvesting from traffic: Design and experimental verification

In the last decades, the growth in energy demand, the decrease of fossil fuels available in the market and the impact of anthropogenic factors on climate change has given new impulse to research on renewable energy systems, particularly those known as energy harvesting devices (EHDs) [1]. A large number of EHDs have been proposed, using different operating principle [1-4]. Among them, piezoelectric and magnetostrictive seem to be particularly suitable for the application in EHD. In these materials the application of external mechanical stress induces a change in the level of magnetization and therefore an electromotive force (emf) can be generated and collected in order to produce electrica…

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).

ANALYSIS OF INTERCONNECTION SUBSTATIONS FOR SEAWAVE POWER FARMS

In this paper we analyse the interconnection of a seawave power farm to the grid. The generator type used in the farm is a linear synchronous generator driven from the seawaves that generates, highly distorted emfs. We presents 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 a.c.-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 directly connected to the main.

The Role of Patient-Specific Morphological Features of the Left Atrial Appendage on the Thromboembolic Risk Under Atrial Fibrillation

BackgroundA large majority of thrombi causing ischemic complications under atrial fibrillation (AF) originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA), an anatomical structure departing from the left atrium, characterized by a large morphological variability between individuals. This work analyses the hemodynamics simulated for different patient-specific models of LAA by means of computational fluid–structure interaction studies, modeling the effect of the changes in contractility and shape resulting from AF.MethodsThree operating conditions were analyzed: sinus rhythm, acute atrial fibrillation, and chronic atrial fibrillation. These were simulated on four patient-specific LAA morphologies, each…

A innovative semi-immergible USV (SI-USV) drone for marine and lakes operations with instrumental telemetry and acoustic data acquisition capability

The proposed project shows the results obtained in the implementation and testing in lacustrine and marine environment of a nautical remote controlled vehicle with surface navigation and innovative features Semi-Immersible (SI-USV). This vehicle is based on a pending patent belonging to Palermo University (Patent Pending RM2012A000209 and RM2012A000209) concerning innovative semi-immersible vehicles (SI-Drone), that can be remotely controlled from the ground, air, satellite and sea also during the semi-immersible operation. The vehicle with electric power is coupled with a jet propulsion, given the low draft, makes it possible to navigate in shallow waters or coastal shipping or sandbars. T…

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.

Design of wave energy converter (WEC): A prototype installed in Sicily

The purpose of this work is to describe a possibility of installation of a wave converter in Sicily, in the Mediterranean Sea. In this paper we present the design of buoyant electrical generator, in particular, wave linear permanent magnet generator which can make wave energy converted to electrical energy.

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.

Evaluation of an integrated energy system in the Park of Madonie

This paper analyses technical and economic aspects relative to a hypothetical wind farm installed inside the park of Madonie (Sicily) that produces electric energy for the direct use and to supply an electrolytic system for the production of hydrogen. User is formed by approximately 20,000 persons who live in the mountain localities of the park. Global energy required by user was estimated carrying out hypotheses on daily power demand. Discontinuous power makes inescapable to connect wind farm to grid, so that energy demand of user is partially satisfied by means of energy wind, while the remaining part becomes from grid. Surplus of power that turbines make available when wind speed is part…

Design and Test of a Thermomagnetic Motor Using a Gadolinium Rotor

The purpose of this paper is to show that a Thermomagnetic (Curie) Motor [1-3], which can rotate continuously and has useful mechanical characteristics, is feasible. A thermomagnetic motor can directly converts thermal energy into kinetic energy. In this type of motor force is generated by a thermally induced permeability difference in two areas of the rotor, which can generate a force if the rotor is placed in a magnetic field. This force can be enhanced if the hot side temperature of the rotor is above the Curie’s temperature of the magnetic material and the cold side under this temperature Unfortunately, the traditional ferromagnetic materials have very high Curie’s temperature and there…

The helicoidal magnetic generator

Recently helicoidal generator for the exploitation of sea wave energy has been proposed. This device can convert both the vertical and rotational movement of seawaves. 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, the authors propose a mathematical model of this device and preliminarily present a prototype of the machine.

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.

A renewable energy mix to supply small islands. A comparative study applied to Balearic Islands and Fiji

Abstract Power plants supplied by renewables are expanding around the world, increasing the sustainability of the energy sector. In this context, small islands are heavily reliant on fossil fuels. However, this paper shows that the same problem can be found also in small islands belonging to developed countries. To increase the energy sustainability of small islands, the authors assembled a simplified mathematical approach to evaluate the potential electricity production, exploiting the local available energy sources: solar, wind and sea wave. The mathematical model requires few information in input, such as climatic data about the local energy sources and technical features on the selected…

A state of art on plastics in the oceans: Observation and Mitigation Methods

Marine wildlife faces a growing number of threats across the globe, and the survival of many species and populations will be dependent on conservation action. The aim of this paper is a presentation of mitigation methods overview about plastics in the ocean, in fact plastic pollution is increasing and in order to mitigate this problem, technology might give the solution

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.

Nexus Water & Energy: A Case Study of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) to Desalination Applications in Sicily

The recent studies about interactions among energy and water are considered as a new field of research. As almost all energy generation processes require significant amounts of water, and water requires energy for treatment and transport, so these two resources are inextricably linked. The main aim of this work is a presentation of the use of renewable energy for desalination plants in Sicily: in particular exploitation of wave energy into electrical energy necessary for water treatment. Desalination is the most energy intensive water treatment technology but it could be solution for many problems in water supply for areas with chronic debt of water. In this study we find three section: in …

Sea water desalination and energy consumption: A case study of wave energy converters (WEC) to desalination applications in sicily

Recent studies about interactions among energy and water are considered as a new field of research. As almost all energy generation processes require significant amounts of water, and water requires energy for treatment and transport, so these two resources are inextricably linked. The main aim of this work is a presentation of the use of renewable energy for desalination plants in Sicily: in particular exploitation of wave energy into electrical energy necessary for water treatment. Desalination is the most energy intensive water treatment technology but it could be solution for many problems in water supply for areas with chronic debt of water. The aim of this work is a description of a s…

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

Modelling of thrombus formation using smoothed particle hydrodynamics method

In this paper a novel model, based on the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method, is proposed to simulate thrombus formation. This describes the main phases of the coagulative cascade through the balance of four biochemical species and three type of platelets. SPH particles can switch from fluid to solid phase when specific biochemical and physical conditions are satisfied. The interaction between blood and the forming blood clot is easily handled by an innovative monolithic FSI approach. Fluid-solid coupling is modelled by introducing elastic binds between solid particles, without requiring detention and management of the interface between the two media. The proposed model is able to…

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…

Generation of a Test Reference Year (TRY): an application to the town of Palermo

The improvement of the energy efficiency of buildings calls for the availability of tools for evaluating and simulating the thermal behaviour of buildings, needing as input climatic databases. These databases contain a very large amount of data, resulting in long computational time analysis. Therefore, simple aggregation methods are used, among which the test reference year (TRY). In this paper, a comparison between two statistical methodologies for compiling a TRY, the Belgian and the Sandia methods, is presented. Then, the two methods have been utilized for compiling the TRY for the town of Palermo, Italy, and compared both statistically and by means of two simple applications, obtaining …

Energy and Economic Comparison of Different Conditioning System among Traditional and Eco-Sustainable Building

The use of bioclimatic principles can reduce energy demands and CO2 emissions in the building sector [1-. Costs are one of the most important barriers to a widespread adoption of the green architecture technologies [4-. 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

Guidelines proposal for a good and durable WEC design

In this paper, preliminarily a proposal for design guidelines for a “good” design of wave energy converter is presented and successively a small scale prototype of a wave energy converter including the buoyant electrical generator, the power electronics equipment and a sea water electrolyzer is designed on the basis of these guidelines and presented.

Design and performances of a high temperature superconducting axial flux generator

An important quality index of electric machine is the power density: it is known that axial flux machine tends to have a higher power density than the radial machines. As a result they are becoming more and more used in applications where the power density is a critical issues. However, the best way to enhance the power density is to increase the value of the airgap field and this could be achieved by using a superconducting excitation. Many projects have been developed in the world in order to develop both superconducting generator and superconducting motor, but in most of these programs the geometry of the machine has been based on radial machines [1]. All of these approaches show the fea…

The Desalination Process Driven by Wave Energy: A Challenge for the Future

The correlation between water and energy is currently the focus of several investigations. In particular, desalination is a technological process characterized by high energy consumption; nevertheless, desalination represents the only practicable solution in several areas, where the availability of fresh water is limited but brackish water or seawater are present. These natural resources (energy and water) are essential for each other; energy system conversion needs water, and electrical energy is necessary for water treatment or transport. Several interesting aspects include the study of saline desalination as an answer to freshwater needs and the application of renewable energy (RE) devic…

Analysis of interconnection substations for sewave power farms

In this paper we analyse the interconnection of a seawave power farm to the grid. The generator type used in the farm is a linear synchronous generator driven from the seawaves that generates, highly distorted emfs. We presents 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 a.c.-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 directly connected to the main.

Hydrogen Production from Sea Wave for Alternative Energy Vehicles for Public Transport in Trapani (Italy)

The coupling of renewable energy and hydrogen technologies represents in the mid-term a very interesting way to match the tasks of increasing the reliable exploitation of wind and sea wave energy and introducing clean technologies in the transportation sector. This paper presents two different feasibility studies: the first proposes two plants based on wind and sea wave resource for the production, storage and distribution of hydrogen for public transportation facilities in the West Sicily; the second applies the same approach to Pantelleria (a smaller island), including also some indications about solar resource. In both cases, all buses will be equipped with fuel-cells. A first economic a…

Neemo: New electrical energy from marine oscillation

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…

First Life Cycle Impact Considerations of Two Wave Energy Converters

The work presents two different revolutionary devices for the utilization of a new entry of renewable energy sources: sea wave. The first technology is based on linear generators, able to directly converts a linear motion into electrical output, limiting to minimum the chain of energy conversion. The other solution is based on a mechanical motion converter, coupled with alternators. The scope of this paper is to compare the two different systems designed by University of Palermo, through Life Cycle Assessment, in order to evaluate the global effects of the two systems to the environment.

A Power Law Behavior in the Incentivized Italian Photovoltaic Market

The Italian photovoltaic (PV) marketis analyzed by using the data contained in the database that describes all PV Plants installed in Italy under the incentive program called “2nd Conto Energia”. It is shown that the cumulative probability distribution of the size of the installed PV plants has a broken power tail. An approach to partially quantify the effect of the economic, juridical and technical rules is introduced in order to show how the regulatory body influences the power tail of the cumulative probability curve.

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…

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…