Energy Conversion System Research Articles

Sampled-data observer design for sensorless control of wind energy conversion system with PMSG

This paper presents a nonlinear observer for a variable-speed wind energy conversion system (WECS) utilizing a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). The study addresses the design of high-gain sampled-data observers based on the nonlinear WECS model, supported by formal convergence analysis. An essential aspect of this observer design is the incorporation of a time-varying gain, significantly enhancing system performance. Convergence of estimation errors is demonstrated using the input-to-state stability method. Simulation of the proposed observer is conducted using the MATLAB-Simulink tool. The obtained results are presented and analyzed to showcase the overall effectiveness of the proposed system.

Assessment of a Hybrid Wind–Wave Energy Converter System in Nearshore Deployment

Assessment of a Hybrid Wind–Wave Energy Converter System in Nearshore Deployment

Assessing the exergy sustainability of a paddy drying system driven by a biomass gasifier.

Paddy parboiling in rice industries is an energy-intensive process that requires huge attention for energy conservation, fuel economy, and sustainability. Thus, several research initiatives have been undertaken to adopt a suitable energy conversion system in such industries to improve thermal efficiency and reduce environmental impact. In this study, exergy performance and exergy-based sustainability indicators have been investigated on a reversible bed paddy dryer coupled with a rice husk-fuelled downdraft gasifier. The experiment was conducted at the optimum operating conditions such as an equivalence ratio of 0.2 in the gasifier and a drying air temperature of 80℃ in the dryer. The exergy efficiency of the reversible bed dryer and the gasifier were 65.53% and 70.92% respectively. The lowest exergy efficiency of 35.29% was seen in the combustion chamber since a huge exergy destruction of 2.75kW occurred. Therefore, the combustion chamber has a high potential improvement of about 1.66kW. Due to less exergy destruction, the gas cooler and air duct showed high exergy efficiency of 62.36% and 76.2% respectively and the lowest values in exergy-based sustainability indicators. The assessment of environmental and sustainability factors on each component showed that the combustion chamber has a high waste exergy ratio of 0.688, environment effect factor of 1.95, exergy destruction coefficient of 0.69, and exergy sustainability index of 0.51.

Model predictive control of a wave-to-wire wave energy converter system with non-linear dynamics and non-linear constraints using a tailored pseudo-spectral method

A novel pseudo-spectral method is proposed to tackle the non-linear control problem of a wave energy converter (WEC) integrated with an all-electrical power-take-off (PTO). The WEC hydrodynamic model is constructed using linear wave theory together with a non-linear viscous damping term. The PTO model encompasses a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) whose local field weakening mechanism imposes non-linear operational constraints on the WEC’s motion and PTO torque. The energy-maximizing control problem of this wave-to-wire model is non-linear and has not been investigated before. In comparison to pseudo-spectral methods previously studied, the proposed pseudo-spectral method is exempt from the assumption of ideal incoming wave prediction. This is made possible by the introduction of a novel mapping function to convert the finite control horizon onto the Gaussian quadrature interval. This mapping function increases more slowly with time at the beginning of the control horizon where wave prediction attains greater precision. As a result, the collocation points are utilized to the advantage of the better approximation of the objective function, thus better overall control performance.

Putting stored hydrogen to work without consuming it: A flexible system for energy conversion and water desalination

We report a flow battery that utilises hydrogen as a charge carrier in both the cathode and anode and makes use of the energy released in acid-base neutralisation to desalinate seawater and generate electricity, based on cheap and relatively safe electrolytes stored externally. We demonstrate desalination of simulated seawater from 0.6 to 0.009 ± 0.005 M NaCl and successful removal of Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ from real seawater to potable levels. The battery can also be used for osmotic energy conversion through reverse electrodialysis (RED) if the acid and base are substituted by neutral diluted aqueous solution (e.g., freshwater), reaching power densities similar to state-of-the-art systems while using a much more environmentally friendly redox charge carrier, namely hydrogen, than those common in RED systems. The most important characteristics of the reported system are (i) its flexibility, which allows easy tuning to favour either energy generation or degree of desalination by changing the flow rates and volumes of each individual channel and/or the discharge current and (ii) the possibility of putting hydrogen to work without consuming it while stored for later shipment, thereby producing a profit that can contribute to decreasing the cost of green hydrogen.

LDHs and their Derivatives for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion Systems: Design, Insights and Applications

AbstractElectrochemical energy storage and conversion systems (EESCSs), including batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, and water electrolysis technologies, enabling the direct conversion between chemical and electrical energies. They are key to the flexible storage and utilization of renewable energy and play an important role in future energy technologies. The physical and chemical properties of electrode materials significantly influence the performance of EESCSs, necessitating the development of materials with both high cost‐effectiveness and superior electrochemical storage and catalytic capabilities. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), due to their unique properties as high surface area, evenly distributed active sites, and tunable compositions, makes themselves and the derivatives have become focal points in the EESCSs. This review summarizes recent advances of LDH and their derivates for diverse EESCSs applications, aims to elucidate the modification strategies of LDH materials and provide valuable insights for exploring LDH‐derived materials in various electrochemical devices, offering interdisciplinary perspectives for the rational design of LDH‐based materials.

Samarium-doped vanadium pentoxide nanorods anchored reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite as a bi-functional electrode material for supercapacitor and direct methanol oxidation fuel cell applications

In this work, we demonstrate a novel, facile synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets decorated samarium-doped vanadium pentoxide (RGO/Sm:V2O5) nanocomposite material and explore its application toward supercapacitor and direct methanol oxidation process. As-fabricated material and electrode were well-characterized to evaluate its surface morphology and functionalities. Results indicate a maximum capacitance value of 544 F/g for RGO/Sm:V2O5 modified electrode than the 2% Sm:V2O5 (346 F/g) and V2O5 (133 F/g) modified electrodes. In addition, an excellent Rct value (3.2 Ω) was achieved for the RGO-loaded Sm:V2O5 electrode than the 2% Sm:V2O5 electrode (4.7Ω). The RGO/Sm:V2O5 electrode also shows higher cyclic efficiency (98 %) at the 1000th cycle than the non-RGO loaded Sm:V2O5 electrodes. Furthermore, the fabricated electrodes were also examined for the direct methanol oxidation performances, and the results indicate a higher current density value of 181 mA/cm2 for RGO/Sm:V2O5 electrode than 2% Sm:V2O5 electrode (139 mA/cm2). The excellent electrochemical performance of the RGO/Sm: V2O5 electrode is mainly due to the presence of RGO nanosheet in the synthesized nanocomposite material. Therefore, as-prepared material can be applied as an excellent alternative electrode material for energy storage and conversion systems.

Superior Performance of Hollow Plasmonic Cubic Structures for Solar Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage Systems

Superior Performance of Hollow Plasmonic Cubic Structures for Solar Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage Systems

Development of stability charts for double salience reluctance machine modeled using hill’s equation

The paper presents a novel algorithm for the development of stability charts. The second-order differential homogeneous equation describing a double salient reluctance machine with a capacitance connected to its stator winding is transformed into hill’s equation. The circuit components are the stator coil time-varying inductance of a double salient reluctance machine, capacitance and resistance. All these are modeled by hill’s equation. The double salient reluctance machine acts as an energy conversion system. The maximum and minimum inductance of the energy conversion system is measured in laboratory by inductance, capacitance, and resistance (LCR) meter. These values help to determine the inductance modulation index. The inductance modulation indetx, the characteristic constant and the characteristic parameter obtained from modeling equations are used in the MATLAB/Simulink model. The MATLAB/Simulink simulations generate stable and unstable oscillations to form stability charts. The proposed stability charts are in good agreement with the Ince-Stritt stability chart, which is widely applied in physics, mechanics and in electrical engineering, especially where the state of stability of a system or an electric oscillatory circuit is to be determined.

Turbulent partially cracked ammonia/air premixed spherical flames

The combustion of ammonia requires, for most energy conversion systems, a combustion promoter such as hydrogen to guarantee the start-up, stability and combustion efficiency. Partially cracked ammonia (PCA) can provide sufficient hydrogen concentrations to enhance the burning velocity in comparison with pure ammonia. However, little work exists on the use of PCA blends operating under relevant turbulent conditions. To that end the outwardly propagating spherical flame configuration was employed to determine the laminar and turbulent flame propagation characteristics of PCA (NH3/(H2+N2)) and corresponding binary (NH3/H2) mixtures across various turbulent combustion regimes. First, PCA and ammonia-hydrogen blends exhibit similar flame propagation rates under various turbulent intensities, even for the laminar case. The highest turbulent burning velocity was observed at leanest conditions, as opposed to laminar flames which exhibited highest flame speed at conditions above stoichiometry. Under rich conditions, no substantial flame enhancement due to turbulence was measured irrespective of the hydrogen content. This lack of flame enhancement under turbulent conditions is attributed to the effect of preferential diffusion with good agreement observed with trends in measured Markstein numbers. The normalized turbulent flame speed is dominated by the enhanced molecular diffusivity afforded by the presence of hydrogen up to 15 % enrichment, prior to decreasing upon further hydrogen addition under lean and stoichiometric conditions. This ‘bending’ phenomenon may be the contribution of several factors including; the transitioning between combustion regimes associated with low Damköhler numbers (Da) and flame thickening; merging of flamelets due to the presence of ammonia enhancing wrinkling; and combined changes in laminar burning velocity and preferential diffusional behavior. Furthermore, good agreement for turbulent flame speed is observed with a correlation that includes the influence of turbulent stretch (Ka) and non-equidiffusion (Le), with the agreement reducing with decreasing chemical to turbulent time scale ratios (Da << 1).

Exploring electron transfer: Bioinspired, biomimetics, and bioelectrochemical systems for sustainable energy and Value-Added compound synthesis

Electron transfer (ET) is a fundamental process that underlies various phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology. Understanding ET mechanisms is crucial for developing sustainable energy solutions and synthesizing value-added compounds efficiently. In this context, the present review provides the fundamental aspects of ET involving bioinspired, biomimetics, and biological entities and its significance for sustainable energy and green electrosynthesis fields. Among the theoretical and experimental cornerstones, Marcus Theory, electronic conductance, computational modeling, biomolecular thermodynamics, electrochemical and kinetic theories, protein film voltammetry, and the emergence of in situ and operando techniques are explored. Theoretical modeling is vital for understanding and predicting ET processes. Additionally, the significance of experimental techniques for investigating the ET process in biological entities and interfaces is discussed. Protein film voltammetry is a valuable and consolidated technique for studying ET processes at the protein-electrode interface, whereas in situ and operando techniques for interrogating ET processes in real time provide insights into the dynamics and mechanisms of ET. The concept of quantum conductance in biological structures is addressed, evidencing a trend and power of single-entity analysis. Aspects of extracellular and interfacial ET processes are presented and discussed in the electrochemical energy conversion systems. A deep understanding of these processes can improve the design of efficient bioinspired catalysts. Therefore, this multidisciplinary work aims to fill the gaps between different scientific fields related to ET involving bioentities to develop innovative energy and value-added compound synthesis solutions.

An innovative dry-lab test rig for mechanical-hydraulic power take-off of wave energy conversion system

A dry-lab test rig is a powerful means to reduce costs in the design process of a wave energy conversion system (WECs). A dry-lab test rig technique allows the use of real components inside a simulation of a mathematical model. This paper presents the development of an innovative dry-lab test rig for the mechanicalhydraulic power take-off (MHPTO) unit of WECs. The development of a drylab test rig of MHPTO involves several processes, such as three-dimension (3D) modelling, component purchasing, structure fabrication, component installation, and operational testing. The developed dry-lab test rig consists of two main parts, such as the simulated wave emulator plant and the real MHPTO unit plant. The simulated wave emulator plant was developed in this test rig to replicate the interaction motion between the ocean wave motion and the wave absorber device. The developed dry-lab test rig was tested using five different irregular wave input conditions to ensure it could perform under the five different wave input conditions. The overall results demonstrate that the developed dry-lab test rig was successfully performed in all sea states. From the results, the profile of electrical power produced by the real MHPTO unit can be clearly obtained in each sea state.

Maximum power optimization of a direct-drive wind turbine connected to PMSG using multi-objective genetic algorithm

This work aimed to develop and evaluate a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control system for a wind energy conversion system (WECS) based on a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). PMSG is commonly used to generate direct-drive and variable-speed wind energy. Initially, the generator and converter on the DC load side are controlled to follow the wind speed reference set by the MPPT algorithm. The paper presents the optimization problem formulation, including the optimization space, constraints, and objectives. The genetic algorithm (GA) is used to extract the maximum power from the WECS in this design improvement. In this study, to control and stabilize the maximum power point (MPP) of the wind turbine, a proportional integral (PI) controller and a GA heuristic approach were utilized. The GA approach was employed to determine the best settings (Kp, Ki) using MATLAB/Simulink with a 12.3 kW PMSG to model and simulate the proposed system. Based on four performance indicators-integrated squared error (ISE), integrated absolute error (IAE), integrated time absolute error (ITAE), and integrated time squared error (ITSE), the GA approach was used to optimize the controller settings. The results of the simulation show that the wind turbine (WT) can effectively track the necessary MPP. The simulation's output also includes generated power, DC bus voltage, electromagnetic torque, and currents.

Analysis of magnetic saturation effects in the squirrel cage induction generators

This work concerns an investigation on the analysis of the magnetic saturation effects in the three-phase squirrel cage induction generator which is considered as a main device in wind energy conversion systems. The magnetic saturation is considered as an important factor causing destructive effects on power qualities such as harmonics and distortion. Several approaches have been presented in the literature for the modeling of the electric machines considering magnetic saturation. The widely used and precise approach is the finite elements method which is particularly characterized by its high computational time. The novelty in this paper is that a state model has been developed for the healthy conditions of the three-phase squirrel cage induction generators considering the experimental variation of the magnetizing inductance in terms of the magnetizing current. Simulation and experimental tests are provided to extract some important signatures on stator voltages and currents. It will be deduced that the spectrum analysis of stator currents contains useful information on magnetic saturation. Experimental and theoretical results illustrate the consistency of this approach for the modeling and analysis of the squirrel cage induction generators considering the magnetic saturation.

Using a Stand-Alone Wind Energy Conversion System as a Sustainable Technology to Produce Electricity in Iraq

This work looks into Iraq's best places for wind turbines, with an emphasis on economic factors. It studies wind energy conversion systems using mathematical models from Matlab and Simulink. This research aims to pinpoint areas where wind energy can produce power on its own, separate from the national grid, for a range of applications, including energy storage, water pumps, heating, and cooling. In addition, the project will use PMSG to investigate wind turbine efficiency and create vector control technique technology for permanent magnet synchronous generators. Two Iraqi cities were taken to make the calculations of wind speed and its effect on electrical generations (Nasiriyah and Basra), where wind speeds of a height of 20 and 50 m were taken at the hub level of the turbine. The mechanical, electrical, and performance characteristics of the turbine were computed during the test to achieve optimal operation cases. The development of the system was done by MATLAB SIMULINK, where the overall efficiency was enhanced to 88.22%.

Implementation of machine learning techniques for the analysis of wave energy conversion systems: a comprehensive review

Implementation of machine learning techniques for the analysis of wave energy conversion systems: a comprehensive review

Analysis of Model Predictive Control-Based Energy Management System Performance to Enhance Energy Transmission

A supervisory control system using Model Predictive Control (MPC) has been designed to evaluate the efficiency of wind and solar power and is consistent with the cost function in the supervisory MPC optimization problem. A two-layer Economic Model Predictive Control (EMPC) framework has been developed and has improved results such as cost reductions compared to recent advanced methods. A speed Generalized Predictive Control (GPC) scheme intended for wind energy conversion systems was developed last year, with simulation results indicating superior performance over previous models. A Hierarchical Distributed Model Predictive Control (HDMPC) can work under different weather conditions with improved economic performance and keep a good balance between power delivery and load demand. An energy management system (EMS), built on the basis of MPC, can be quite lucrative for the sphere in the present climate scenario, with the selection and testing of suitable algorithms, controlled processes, cost functions, and a set of constraints as well as with proper optimizations carried out. Previous research indicates that an MPC-based EMS has the potential to be a good solution to manage energy well and also introduced it to the world experimentally. The key intention of this research study is to explore the existing advances that have been introduced and to analyze their performance in terms of cost function, different sets of constraints, variant conversion processes, and scalability to achieve more optimized operation of MPC-based EMS.

Interfacial Design of Particulate Photocatalyst Materials for Green Hydrogen Production.

Green hydrogen production using particulate photocatalyst materials has attracted much attention in recent years because this process could potentially lead to inexpensive and scalable solar-to-chemical energy conversion systems. Although the development of efficient particulate photocatalysts enabling one-step overall water splitting (OWS) with solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies in excess of 10% remains challenging, promising photocatalyst candidates exhibiting OWS activity have been demonstrated. This review provides a comprehensive introduction to the solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion process of semiconductor photocatalyst materials and highlights recent advances in photocatalytic OWS via both one-step and two-step photoexcitation processes. The review also covers recent developments in the photocatalytic OWS of SrTiO3, including the establishment of large-scale photocatalytic systems, interfacial design using cocatalysts to enhance water splitting activity, and its photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties at the electrified solid/liquid interface. In addition, there is a special focus on visible-light-absorbing oxynitride and oxysulfide particulate photocatalysts with absorption edges near 600 nm. Methods for photocatalyst preparation and surface modification, as well as PEC properties, are also discussed. The semiconductor properties of particulate photocatalysts obtained from photoelectroanalytical evaluations using particulate photoelectrodes are evaluated. This review is intended to provide guidelines for the future development of particulate photocatalysts capable of efficient and stable OWS.

Nanoscale-Confined Synthesis of 2D Metal Compounds for Electrochemical Applications.

2D metal compounds, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and MXenes, are emerging as important electrocatalyst materials in the transition to a sustainable energy future. Aided by their high surface area, electrical conductivity, and tunable electronic properties, these materials have provided a crucial research thrust in enhancing the efficiency of green hydrogen production, fuel cells, and carbon reduction processes. Most importantly, the synthesis of nanostructured 2D compounds, while challenging, is the key to optimizing their catalytic performance. Recent advancements in this field have highlighted the potential of 2D metal compounds in revolutionizing energy conversion technologies, which entails the discovery of new material compositions, the development of novel synthetic routes, and the integration of these materials into practical energy conversion systems. This review presents an overview of the distinctive characteristics of nanoscale-confined 2D metal compounds, the challenges encountered in their synthesis, and electrochemical applications.

Low voltage ride through enhancement of a permanent magnet synchronous generator based wind energy conversion system in an islanded microgrid: A dynamic matrix controlled virtual DC machine

In an isolated microgrid, the wind energy conversion system based on direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous generator may experience fluctuations in the DC bus voltage due to wind variations and grid voltage drop, thereby compromising system reliability. To address this issue, the scheme of the supercapacitor energy storage system is proposed. The existing double closed-loop PID control, which cannot provide inertia support, has shortcomings such as difficult parameter setting and slow dynamic response. To solve this problem, the dynamic-matrix-control based predictive control for a virtual DC machine method is proposed. Firstly, the concept of virtual DC machine control is firstly introduced in supercapacitor energy storage system. Secondly, according to the unit step response of virtual DC machine, the prediction model of virtual DC machine is established. Finally, the desired torque increment reference of virtual DC machine is calculated by the dynamic-matrix-control controller to change the input torque reference. Hardware-in-the-loop experiment verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method: Compared with traditional double closed-loop PID control, the maximum voltage fluctuation is reduced by 67.9 % under random wind fluctuation and the inhibition effect on DC voltage surge and plunge when fault occurs in the power grid is increased by 61.4 % and 57.9 %.© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.