Search results for "Energy converter"
showing 10 items of 18 documents
A Planar Generator for a Wave Energy Converter
2019
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…
Space Thermoacoustic Radioisotopic Power System, SpaceTRIPS: The Magnetohydrodynamic Generator
2021
Electricity production is a major problem for deep space exploration. The possibility of using radioisotope elements with a very long life as an energy source was investigated in the framework of an EU project “SpaceTRIPS”. For this, a two-stage system was tested, the first in which thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy by means of a thermoacoustic process, and the second where mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy by means of a magnetohydrodynamic generator (MHD). The aim of the present study is to develop an analytical model of the MHD generator. A one-dimensional model is developed and presented that allows us to evaluate the behavior of the device as regards…
Nexus Water & Energy: A Case Study of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) to Desalination Applications in Sicily
2016
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 …
A new solution for the sea wave exploitation. A linear ironless generator
2019
The exploitation of sea wave represents an important frontier for the energy sustainability in the next future. Despite the proposal of several techniques and solutions, commercial devices are not available. In this context, the Department of Engineering is investigating an innovative solution based on linear energy generators. This machine can be adopted as the main component in a wave energy converter, that is the device for the energy extraction of sea wave. Starting from an existing prototype, the paper examines the replacement of the iron stator with a non-magnetic material, in order to solve several common problems of linear generators, such as the cogging force. Results are reported,…
Estimation of the energy producibility of an offshore wave energy converter
2022
Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Each year that passes the atmosphere warms up and the climate changes with possible catastrophic consequences for all living species. It is therefore necessary to implement a decisive change of course in terms of energy and environmental strategies at a global level, gradually abandoning the use of fossil sources in favor of renewable ones. A lot of country participates to European or global energy treaties or pacts to reduce step by step their fossil energy consumption and greenhouse gas. Among all renewable energies, the engineering department of the University of Palermo focuses the exploitati…
A sliding mass wave energy converter
2019
This paper presents a wave energy converter which is based on a sliding mass coupled to a linear generator. In order to maximize energy extraction, the stochastic features of the energy source has been included in the mathematical model of the system in order to satisfactorily tackle the problem. The results of several simulations are presented.
Life Cycle Assessment applied to a new system for sea wave energy harvesting
2022
A new technology for wave energy harvesting is currently under development at the University of Palermo. The target is the exploitation of sea waves in the Mediterranean Sea, and small islands. The paper suggests an innovative technology for the wave energy harvesting in onshore areas. Indeed, the machine can be installed on existing infrastructures, like breakwaters of harbours. A small-scale prototype was already tested in laboratory. In this paper, a Life Cycle Assessment is performed to evaluate the environmental impacts of this technology, considering the potential energy production as functional unit.
Assessment of Renewable Sources for the Energy Consumption in Malta in the Mediterranean Sea
2016
The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the energy production in the Maltese islands, focusing on the employment of renewable energies in order to increase their energy independence. The main renewable source here proposed is wave energy: thanks to a strategic position, Malta will be able to produce electrical energy using an innovative type of Wave Energy Converter (WEC) based on the prototype of a linear generator realized by University of Palermo. The use of this new technology will be able to cut down the electrical energy production from traditional power plants and, consequently, the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Wave energy source and off-shore photovoltaic (PV) technology are…
First Life Cycle Impact Considerations of Two Wave Energy Converters
2018
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.
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.