Role of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes on the main parameters of the Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) process

Electrical discharge machining is a very accurate non-traditional manufacturing process for creating tiny apertures, complex shapes and geometries within mechanical parts and assemblies. Its performance is evaluated in terms of surface roughness, existence of cracks, voids and recast layer on the surface of product. The high heat generated on the electrically discharged material during the EDM process unfortunately decreases the quality of product. In this paper the high strength and unique electrical and thermal properties of multi-wall carbon nanotubes are used to improve the EDM performance when machining the AISI H13 tool steel, by means of copper electrodes. Material removal rate, electrode wear rate, surface roughness and recast layer were measured in presence of carbon nanotubes in the dielectric, then compared to the outcome of traditional EDM. Experiments show that mixing multi-wall carbon nanotubes within the dielectric makes the EDM more efficient, particularly if machining parameters are set at low pulse of energ

MORE CARE Overview

International audienceThis paper provides an overview of MORE CARE, a European R&D project financed within the 5th Framework Energy Programme. This project has as main objective the development of an advanced control software system, aiming to optimize the overall performance of isolated and weakly interconnected systems in liberalized market environments by increasing the share of wind energy and other renewable forms, including advanced on-line security functions. The main features of the control system comprise advanced software modules for load and wind power forecasting, unit commitment and economic dispatch of the conventional and renewable units and on-line security assessment capabilities integrated in a friendly Man-Machine environment. Pilot installations of advanced control functions are foreseen on the islands of Crete, Ireland and Madeira

The role of off-board EV battery chargers in smart homes and smart grids: operation with renewables and energy storage systems

Concerns about climate changes and environmental air pollution are leading to the adoption of new technologies for transportation, mainly based on vehicle electrification and the interaction with smart grids, and also with the introduction of renewable energy sources (RES) accompanied by energy storage systems (ESS). For these three fundamental pillars, new power electronics technologies are emerging to transform the electrical power grid, targeting a flexible and collaborative operation. As a distinctive factor, the vehicle electrification has stimulated the presence of new technologies in terms of power management, both for smart homes and smart grids. As the title indicates, this book chapter focuses on the role of off-board EV battery chargers in terms of operation modes and contextualization for smart homes and smart grids in terms of opportunities. Based on a review of on-board and off-board EV battery charging systems (EV-BCS), this chapter focus on the off-board EV-BCS framed with RES and ESS as a dominant system in future smart homes. Contextualizing these aspects, three distinct cases are considered: (1) An ac smart home using separate power converters, according to the considered technologies; (2) A hybrid ac and dc smart home with an off-board EV-BCS interfacing RES and ESS, and with the electrical appliances plugged-in to the ac power grid; (3) A dc smart home using a unified 2 off-board EV-BCS with a single interface for the electrical power grid, and with multiple dc interfaces (RES, ESS, and electrical appliances). The results for each case are obtained in terms of efficiency and power quality, demonstrating that the off-board EV-BCS, as a unified structure for smart homes, presents better results. Besides, the off-board EV-BCS can also be used as an important asset for the smart grid, even when the EV is not plugged-in at the smart home.(undefined

Challenges and barriers of integrating e-cars into a grid with high amount of renewable generation

In this contribution international experiences concerning the integration of electrified cars (e-cars) into the grid in particular when there is a high penetration of renewable energies are presented. Future shortage of fossil fuels and concerns about security of supply derived the idea of electrified mobility which requires a new approach to design a complex system for future transportation. This system will be based on existing infrastructures (electricity system, road infrastructure, etc.) but it can also partially be considered as a "green field" approach. In the paper new strategies and global trends in the development of an e-mobility system will be presented, including strategies to combine the power system with the information and communication systems as well as a logistics. Practical experiences and data based on few projects e.g. Harz.EE-Mobility in Germany. European research as well as industry projects with these aims will be introduced and results will be presented. The main focus is twofold: integrating the upcoming mobile loads into the grid and likely storage possibilities that can operate bidirectional within the power grid. Simulations show that single-phase charging (3.7 kW) in the low and medium voltage grid does not lead to grid situations that require any significant adjustments in the power network regarding the loading of the assets. However, uncoordinated single-phase charging could create significant voltage deviations due to unbalanced loading of the three-phase low voltage grid. The different phases influence each other in unbalanced situations, through the common neutral conductor. These effects can already occur at low market penetration levels, due to the presence of local penetration levels being significantly higher than the average market level

Study of workpiece vibration in powder-suspended dielectric fluid in micro-EDM processes

10.1007/s12541-013-0243-3International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing14101817-182

A new expert system based control tool for power systems with large integration of PVs and wind power plants

International audienceIn the present paper, an advanced control system for the optimal operation and management of medium size power systems with large penetration from renewable power sources (wind and photovoltaics) is presented. This control system is aimed to assist the power system operators in their management tasks, by proposing optimal actions to them for the economic and secure management of the power system. The control system is composed of various modules performing functions such as short-term forecasting of both load and of the renewable sources, economic dispatch of the power units and online dynamic security assessment. The pilot control system is being installed and evaluated on the Greek island of Lemnos