Analysis, sizing and control of a micro-grid with photovoltaic generation and batteries, for residential applications in the city of Cúcuta, Norte de Santander (Colombia)

Currently, the Colombian electricity sector presents great opportunities for the implementation of electric power generation systems from unconventional energy sources such as photovoltaic solar energy, these opportunities arise from the need to strengthen the national energy matrix to be able to supply the increasing demand for electrical energy of the country, at the same time as the generation system, mainly dominated by generation of hydroelectric energy, is strengthened in front of environmental crises such as those experienced in the past. With this as a reference, the present work carries out a study for the implementation of micro-grid with photovoltaic generation systems and batteries for residential use, within the context of the actual Colombian electricity market, focused on the city of Cúcuta, Norte de Santander. Developing for this purpose a model of the microgrid in Simulink from MathWorks, and evaluating its performance for two particular case studies

Reducing switching losses of resonant inverter

This thesis report is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 2015.Inverter is used in different purposes of lives. Inverters are required in a variety of applications including electronic ballasts for gas discharge lamps, induction heating and electrosurgical generators. These applications usually require a sinusoid of tens or hundreds of kHz having moderate or low harmonic distortion. Induction heater is another field where inverter is needed. It is one of the popular techniques of producing high temperature. Since the inverter has been invented long ago now different types of topologies came to light. Resonant inverter is one of them. Voltage and current source inverter was invented before resonant inverter, but resonant inverter has brought something new in engineering society. Now here is a point why resonant inverter is more important than voltage and current source inverter especially for those applications where output power control is needed. A very common term in electrical field is switching loss. In normal inverter circuits when the switches swap their positions they consume some powers, as they conduct their activities when both current and voltage are nonzero. As a result of imperfect switching causes power loss which is strongly unexpected. Moreover with the increase of switching frequencies power loss increases. As expected smaller size filter components needed higher frequencies. So the invented solution for avoiding the power loss is using a new type of inverter which is known as resonant inverter. The most significant part of resonant inverter is, here switching takes place when voltage and current are zero which is known as ‗soft switching‘. Since switching takes place in zero voltage and current stage there is no possibility of power loss in resonant inverter

Industrial and Technological Applications of Power Electronics Systems

The Special Issue "Industrial and Technological Applications of Power Electronics Systems" focuses on: - new strategies of control for electric machines, including sensorless control and fault diagnosis; - existing and emerging industrial applications of GaN and SiC-based converters; - modern methods for electromagnetic compatibility. The book covers topics such as control systems, fault diagnosis, converters, inverters, and electromagnetic interference in power electronics systems. The Special Issue includes 19 scientific papers by industry experts and worldwide professors in the area of electrical engineering

Plasma Processes for Renewable Energy Technologies

The use of renewable energy is an effective solution for the prevention of global warming. On the other hand, environmental plasmas are one of powerful means to solve global environmental problems on nitrogen oxides, (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and carbon dioxides (CO2) in the atmosphere. By combining both technologies, we can develop an extremely effective environmental improvement technology. Based on this background, a Special Issue of the journal Energies on plasma processes for renewable energy technologies is planned. On the issue, we focus on environment plasma technologies that can effectively utilize renewable electric energy sources, such as photovoltaic power generation, biofuel power generation, wind turbine power generation, etc. However, any latest research results on plasma environmental improvement processes are welcome for submission. We are looking, among others, for papers on the following technical subjects in which either plasma can use renewable energy sources or can be used for renewable energy technologies: Plasma decomposition technology of harmful gases, such as the plasma denitrification method; Plasma removal technology of harmful particles, such as electrostatic precipitation; Plasma decomposition technology of harmful substances in liquid, such as gas–liquid interfacial plasma; Plasma-enhanced flow induction and heat transfer enhancement technologies, such as ionic wind device and plasma actuator; Plasma-enhanced combustion and fuel reforming; Other environment plasma technologies

Optimization of Distributed Generation Using Sustainable Energy Technologies in California

Advisor: Dr. Brian StoneThe traditional electrical power system model in the U.S. involves centrally-located power plants and a vast web of transmission and distribution networks, which make up the electrical grid. Although this model has been employed for many decades, the flaws associated with these systems have contributed to environmental degradation, threats to public health, and economic instability. Traditional systems are worn and outdated, inefficient, and commonly strained. The results of these issues are high emissions, large land disturbance, and utility fee fluctuations that are imposed on the general public. Historically, utility companies have had few incentives to manage these inefficiencies and revise practices. Legislation over two decades has forced these companies to meet more stringent emissions standards and incorporate more renewable energy technologies. Despite some improvement, additional action is necessary to improve air quality, public health, and other environmental aspects. Many of the solutions and policies to address the problems created by traditional power systems have been based on technological advancement. New generation sources have been introduced and pollution mitigation devices installed, but air quality impacts from electricity production still exist. Because of this, traditional systems have remained largely unchanged, with the exception of simple technological upgrades. The model proposed in this analysis is design-based approach to address the inefficiency of traditional systems through the reconfiguration of electrical grids. The approach is referred to as distributed generation (DG), which shifts the design and layout of power generation and distribution systems to reduce pollution by increasing efficiency and promoting the inclusion of renewable energy sources. The primary goal of this analysis is to provide an electrical power system model that significantly improves air quality and public health. The DG model operates on a smaller-scale than traditional systems. Rather than installing a central power plant, multiple DG sites are dispersed through communities closer to consumers. The DG configuration does not require transmission, as sources are connected directly to the lower-voltage distribution network. Transmission networks are comprised of the large galvanized steel towers used to carry high-voltage power lines. The distribution network includes the overhead power poles and underground lines installed throughout communities that deliver electricity directly to consumers at local transformers. DG essentially bypasses a large step necessary for traditional systems. Traditional grids involve voltage step-up and stepdown and transporting power long distances prior to connecting to the distribution networks. This process wastes electricity through heat losses and requires significant land disturbance. This analysis proposes the incorporation of the DG model on the utility-scale meet the demands of a large consumer population. The primary advantages of this model include higher efficiency ratings, adaptability, modularity, and the incorporation of a diverse group of power technologies. DG increases efficiency by avoiding transmission, which minimizes the amount of electricity wasted. Less waste means less power is produced to meet demand, resulting in lower emissions. DG offers adaptability, as systems may be quickly modified to meet demand at any given time. The modularity of systems allows easy expansion and reduction through the quick addition and removal of power sources. Also, DG can be used to supplement grid power as a base load or for peak demand conditions. DG systems are more conducive to the implementation of a diverse range of renewable energy sources because there are more sites. Central plants are generally comprised of a single power source. DG facilitates the installation of technologies that are optimal for specific site conditions and smaller-scale generation from a variety of possible owners. The small-scale dispersed nature of systems allows systems to be installed in close proximity to consumers. If there are any emissions at all, they are dispersed rather than concentrated by alleviating need for centralized power plants

Comparative Sustainability Assessment of Decentralised Power Supply Systems in Remote Areas

Electricity generation for remote area power supply (RAPS) has serious environmental and economic implications that need to be addressed. This thesis aimed to integrate these two pillars of sustainability to achieve improvement in the eco-efficiency performance of RAPS in Western Australia. A comprehensive eco-efficiency analysis framework was developed to integrate environmental life cycle assessment (ELCA), life cycle costing (LCC), eco-efficiency strategies and eco-efficiency portfolio analysis for the selection of eco-efficient RAPS options

LLC resonant charger with variable inductor control

The present work pretends to study the operation and behavior of the LLC resonant converter topology considering a battery charging application, using the traditional switching frequency control and a new control variable, the variable inductance, provided by a current controlled device, the Variable Inductor (VI). During this work, a brief state of the art regarding general types of power converters and resonant power converters is presented. The LLC resonant converter topology and its advantages and disadvantages are described. The VI principle of operation and structure is presented and discussed and, in the end some information about batteries and its behavior under charging and discharging conditions is presented. The considered batteries characteristics for the studied battery charger are shown and the adopted charging profile is presented. In the following chapters, a theoretical analysis of the LLC resonant converter operation and behavior under switching frequency or VI control is performed and presented. A design methodology is proposed for the converter considering both switching frequency and VI control, separately or simultaneously. Simulations of the converter operation under open-loop condition were made, and simulation results were obtained and discussed. A prototype was built and test results were obtained. The prototype uses a SiC MOSFET (Silicon Carbide Metal Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) based inverter working at 100 kHz controlled with fiber optic drivers. To build the prototype, Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) were designed, manufactured and built. An high-frequency transformer and a VI were also design and built. Finally, theoretical, simulation and experimental results are confronted in order to reach conclusions regarding to the proposed design methodology and the prototype operation. This final analysis allows validating the LLC-VI resonant converter as a good option for a battery charger