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Title: Final Report: Siting study for a hydrokinetic energy project located offshore southeastern Florida: protocols for survey methodology for offshore marine hydrokinetic energy projects.
Creator: Vinick, C., Riccobono, A., Messing, Charles G., Walker, Brian K., Reed, John K., Rogers, S.
Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3340533
Subject Headings: Ocean energy resources, Renewable energy, Geophysical surveys
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: LOCALIZED FLOW MODIFICATION TO INCREASE POWER CAPTURE OF A SMALL-SCALE FLOATING UNDERSHOT WATERWHEEL.
Creator: Hess, Sullivan, Dhanak, Manhar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: The goal of the work described in this thesis is to design a flow augmentation device to increase the power capture and efficiency of a small-scale floating Under-Shot Water Wheel (USWW) currently being developed by Florida Atlantic University research funded by the U.S Department of Energy. The flow concentrator subsystem is intended to maximize the kinetic energy extracted by the marine hydrokinetic (MHK) energy collection device through modification of the local flow field across the...
Show moreThe goal of the work described in this thesis is to design a flow augmentation device to increase the power capture and efficiency of a small-scale floating Under-Shot Water Wheel (USWW) currently being developed by Florida Atlantic University research funded by the U.S Department of Energy. The flow concentrator subsystem is intended to maximize the kinetic energy extracted by the marine hydrokinetic (MHK) energy collection device through modification of the local flow field across the capture plane. The primary objective is to increase the velocity and/or rate of mass inflow through the turbine through inserting a streamlined body in the region of interest. By utilizing the resulting flow field to increase hydraulic forcing on the waterwheel blades, the torque and/or RPM of the USWW can be increased. Based on experimental testing in the FAU wave tank at 1:5 prototype scale (280 mm wheel diameter) the flow concentrator was shown to produce an increase in device power coefficient of 17-55% measured over a velocity range of 0.16-0.45 m/s.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013613
Subject Headings: Water-wheels, Renewable energy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Tropical macroalgal cultivation for bioconversion to methane.
Creator: Bird, Kimon T., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1987
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007056
Subject Headings: Biomass, Methane, Gracilaria, Ulva, Renewable energy, Microalgae
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: SMALL UNMANNED MARINE HYDROKINETIC PLATFORMS FOR POWER GENERATION IN COASTAL AND TIDAL WATERS.
Creator: McKinney, Adriana, Dhanak, Manhar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: The feasibility and optimization of small unmanned mobile marine hydrokinetic (MHK) energy platforms for harvesting marine current energy in coastal and tidal waters are examined. A case study of a platform based on the use of a free-surface waterwheel (FSWW) mounted on an autonomous unmanned surface vehicle (USV) was conducted. Such platforms can serve as recharging stations for aerial drones (UAVs), enabling extension of the UAVs’ autonomous operating time. An unmanned MHK platform...
Show moreThe feasibility and optimization of small unmanned mobile marine hydrokinetic (MHK) energy platforms for harvesting marine current energy in coastal and tidal waters are examined. A case study of a platform based on the use of a free-surface waterwheel (FSWW) mounted on an autonomous unmanned surface vehicle (USV) was conducted. Such platforms can serve as recharging stations for aerial drones (UAVs), enabling extension of the UAVs’ autonomous operating time. An unmanned MHK platform potentially meets this need with sustainable power harvested from water currents. For the case study, six different waterwheel configurations were field-tested in the Intracoastal Waterway of South Florida in support of determining the configuration that produced the most power. Required technologies for unmanned operations of the MHK platform were developed and tested. The data from the field-testing were analyzed to develop an empirical relation between the wheel’s theoretical hydrokinetic power produced and the mechanical power harnessed by the MHK platform with various waterwheel configurations during field-testing. The field data was also used to determine the electrical power generated by the FSWW configurations during field-testing. The study has led to the development of standardized testing procedures. The empirical relation is used to examine predicted power production through scaling up different physical aspects of the waterwheel.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014412
Subject Headings: Ocean engineering, Renewable energy, Marine turbines
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A hydrokinetic resource assessment of the Florida Current.
Creator: Smentek-Duerr, Alana E., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The Straits of Florida has been noted as a potential location for extraction of the kydrokinetic energy of the Florida Current, in view of the strength of the current and its proximity to the shore. ... This research explores the Florida Current as a potential renewable energy source. By utilizing historical data, in situ observations of the Florida Current, and computer model data, the hydrokinetic resource of the Florida Current is characterized both spatially and temporally. Subsequently,...
Show moreThe Straits of Florida has been noted as a potential location for extraction of the kydrokinetic energy of the Florida Current, in view of the strength of the current and its proximity to the shore. ... This research explores the Florida Current as a potential renewable energy source. By utilizing historical data, in situ observations of the Florida Current, and computer model data, the hydrokinetic resource of the Florida Current is characterized both spatially and temporally. Subsequently, based on the geographic variability of the hydrokinetic power and other factors that impact the economy of a hydrokinetic turbine array installation, the ideal locations for turbine array installation within the Florida Current are identified.... Additionally, an interactive tool has been developed in which array parameters are input - including installation location, turbine diameter, turbine cut-in speed, etc. - and array extraction estimates, ideal installation position, and water depth at the installation points are output. As ocean model data is prominently used in this research, a discussion about the limitations of the ocean model data and a method for overcoming these limitations are described. Globally, the distribution of hydrokinetic power intensity is evaluated to identify other currents that have a high hydrokinetic resource.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3356018
Subject Headings: Renewable energy sources, Energy consumption, Renewable natural resources, Ocean energy sources
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Sea current generator.
Creator: Wilson, Debra L.
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3358745
Subject Headings: Energy, Ocean currents, Alternative energy sources, Renewable energy sources, Ocean wave power
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Determining anchoring systems for marine renewable energy devices moored in a western boundary current.
Creator: Seibert, Michael G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: In this thesis anchoring systems for marine renewable energy devices are examined for an area of interest off the coast of Southeast Florida that contains both ocean current and thermal resources for future energy extraction. Bottom types observed during previous regional benthic surveys are compiled and anchor performance of each potential anchor type for the observed bottom types is compared. A baseline range of environmental conditions is created by combining local current measurements and...
Show moreIn this thesis anchoring systems for marine renewable energy devices are examined for an area of interest off the coast of Southeast Florida that contains both ocean current and thermal resources for future energy extraction. Bottom types observed during previous regional benthic surveys are compiled and anchor performance of each potential anchor type for the observed bottom types is compared. A baseline range of environmental conditions is created by combining local current measurements and offshore industry standards. Numerical simulations of single point moored marine hydrokinetic devices are created and used to extract anchor loading for two potential deployment locations, multiple mooring scopes, and turbine rotor diameters up to 50 m. This anchor loading data is used for preliminary anchor sizing of deadweight and driven plate anchors on both cohesionless and cohesive soils. Finally, the capabilities of drag embedment and pile anchors relevant to marine renewable energy devices are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3172697
Subject Headings: Ocean energy resources, Renewable energy sources, Deep-sea moorings, Ocean engineering, Geothermal energy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Tidal Power Arrays and the Coriolis Force with Array Design Considerations.
Creator: Miglietta, Victoria, Dhanak, Manhar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Tidal currents are a renewable energy resource and the work presented is in the field of harnessing tidal currents for electrical power generation. The main objective of the research is to provide information on rotational flow effects, caused by the spinning of the earth, around obstacles on the sea floor, in support of developing robust design of an underwater turbine array. This research looks at a gravity based linear array, a single turbine deep, with its largest dimension several...
Show moreTidal currents are a renewable energy resource and the work presented is in the field of harnessing tidal currents for electrical power generation. The main objective of the research is to provide information on rotational flow effects, caused by the spinning of the earth, around obstacles on the sea floor, in support of developing robust design of an underwater turbine array. This research looks at a gravity based linear array, a single turbine deep, with its largest dimension several kilometers long. The primary goal is to model a Taylor column above a linear array. The Taylor column has closed streamlines or stagnant flows inside of it and the flows around the column accelerate asymmetrically. The layout design of the array is intended to minimize the effect of the stagnant flows by predicting the location where closed streamlines could develop. The design is for the array and not for a turbine. Also, the locations where the energetic flows through the array have the longest periods are identified. Numerical modeling with ANSYS Fluent failed repeatedly to accurately model rotational effects around an obstacle with a minimal relative current so as to form a Taylor column. Instead, Johnson’s (1982) analytical solutions for quasigeostrophic flows over elongated topography are used to study how the blocking parameter influences streamlines with changes in velocity typical of a tidal change. The streamlines illustrate the location over an array where the flows are accelerated and also where closed streamlines form.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013399
Subject Headings: Coriolis force, Tidal power, Renewable energy resources, Hydraulic turbines
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Simulations and feedback control of nonlinear coupled electromechanical oscillators for energy conversion applications.
Creator: Psarrou, Dimitrios., Dhanak, Manhar R., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis discusses the coupling of a mechanical and electrical oscillator, an arrangement that is often encountered in mechatronics actuators and sensors. The dynamics of this coupled system is mathematically modeled and a low pass equivalent model is presented. Numerical simulations are then performed, for various input signals to characterize the nonlinear relationship between the electrical current and the displacement of the mass. Lastly a framework is proposed to estimate the mass...
Show moreThis thesis discusses the coupling of a mechanical and electrical oscillator, an arrangement that is often encountered in mechatronics actuators and sensors. The dynamics of this coupled system is mathematically modeled and a low pass equivalent model is presented. Numerical simulations are then performed, for various input signals to characterize the nonlinear relationship between the electrical current and the displacement of the mass. Lastly a framework is proposed to estimate the mass position without the use of a position sensor, enabling the sensorless control of the coupled system and additionally providing the ability for the system to act as an actuator or a sensor. This is of value for health monitoring, diagnostics and prognostics, actuation and power transfer of a number of interconnected machines that have more than one electrical system, driving corresponding mechanical subsystems while being driven by the same voltage source and at the same time being spectrally separated and independent.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3320109
Subject Headings: Renewable energy sources, Mechatronics, Nonlinear theories, Oscillators, System analysis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: LEARNING AND OPTIMIZATION FOR REAL-TIME MICROGRID ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.
Creator: Das, Avijit, Ni, Zhen, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Microgrid is an essential part of the nation’s smart grid deployment plan, recognized especially for improving efficiency, reliability, flexibility, and resiliency of the electricity system. Since microgrid consists of different distributed generation units, microgrid scheduling and real-time dispatch play a crucial role in maintaining economic, reliable, and resilient operation. The control and optimization performances of the existing online approaches degrade significantly in microgrid...
Show moreMicrogrid is an essential part of the nation’s smart grid deployment plan, recognized especially for improving efficiency, reliability, flexibility, and resiliency of the electricity system. Since microgrid consists of different distributed generation units, microgrid scheduling and real-time dispatch play a crucial role in maintaining economic, reliable, and resilient operation. The control and optimization performances of the existing online approaches degrade significantly in microgrid applications with missing forecast information, large state space, and multiple probabilistic events. This dissertation focuses on these challenges and proposes efficient online learning and optimization-based approaches. For addressing the missing forecast challenges on online microgrid operations, a new fitted rolling horizon control (fitted-RHC) approach is proposed in Chapter 2. The proposed fitted-RHC approach is designed with a regression algorithm that utilizes the empirical knowledge obtain from the day-ahead forecast to make microgrid real-time decisions whenever the intra-day forecast data is unavailable. Simulation results show that the proposed fitted-RHC approach can achieve the optimal policy for the deterministic case study and perform efficiently with the uncertain environment in the stochastic case study.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013671
Subject Headings: Microgrids (Smart power grids), Renewable energy, Fuzzy systems
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: OPTIMIZATION OF BATTERY OPERATION USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO MINIMIZE THE ELECTRICITY COST IN A MICROGRID WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES.
Creator: Colucci, Raymond A., Mahgoub, Imadeldin, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: The increasing integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and electric vehicles (EVs) into microgrids presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of optimizing energy use and minimizing electricity costs. This dissertation explores the development of an advanced optimization framework using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance battery operation in microgrids. The proposed solution leverages AI techniques to dynamically manage the charging and discharging of batteries,...
Show moreThe increasing integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and electric vehicles (EVs) into microgrids presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of optimizing energy use and minimizing electricity costs. This dissertation explores the development of an advanced optimization framework using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance battery operation in microgrids. The proposed solution leverages AI techniques to dynamically manage the charging and discharging of batteries, considering fluctuating energy demands, variable electricity pricing, and intermittent RES generation. By employing a fuzzy logic-based control algorithm, the system intelligently allocates energy from solar power, grid electricity, and battery storage, while coordinating EV charging schedules to reduce peak demand charges. The optimization framework integrates predictive modeling for energy consumption and generation, alongside real-time data from weather forecasts and electricity markets, to make informed decisions. Additionally, the approach considers the trade-off between maximizing renewable energy usage and minimizing reliance on costly grid power during peak hours.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014502
Subject Headings: Electric vehicles, Electric vehicles--Batteries, Renewable energy, Artificial intelligence
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Design of hydrodynamic test facility and scaling procedure for ocean current renewable energy devices.
Creator: Valentine, William., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Simulations have been carried out to validate a hydrokinetic energy system non-dimensional scaling procedure. The requirements for a testing facility intended to test such devices will be determined from the results of the simulations. There are 6 simulations containing 3 prototype systems and 2 possible model facility depths to give a range of results. The first 4 tests are conducted using a varying current profile, while the last 2 tests use a constant current profile of 1.6 m/s. The 3...
Show moreSimulations have been carried out to validate a hydrokinetic energy system non-dimensional scaling procedure. The requirements for a testing facility intended to test such devices will be determined from the results of the simulations. There are 6 simulations containing 3 prototype systems and 2 possible model facility depths to give a range of results. The first 4 tests are conducted using a varying current profile, while the last 2 tests use a constant current profile of 1.6 m/s. The 3 prototype systems include a: 6 m spherical buoy, a 12 m spherical buoy and a turbine component system. The mooring line used for the simulations is a 6x19 Wire Rope Wire Core of diameter 100 mm and length 1000 m. The simulations are implemented using Orcaflex to obtain the dynamic behavior of the prototype and scaled system.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3356013
Subject Headings: Ocean energy resources, Research, Renewable energy sources, Sustainable engineering, Materials, Deep-sea moorings
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Modeling and analysis of aluminum/air fuel cell.
Creator: Leon, Armando J., Zilouchian, Ali, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: The technical and scientific challenges to provide reliable sources energy for US and global economy are enormous tasks, and especially so when combined with strategic and recent economic concerns of the last five years. It is clear that as part of the mix of energy sources necessary to deal with these challenges, fuel cells technology will play critical or even a central role. The US Department of Energy, as well as a number of the national laboratories and academic institutions have been...
Show moreThe technical and scientific challenges to provide reliable sources energy for US and global economy are enormous tasks, and especially so when combined with strategic and recent economic concerns of the last five years. It is clear that as part of the mix of energy sources necessary to deal with these challenges, fuel cells technology will play critical or even a central role. The US Department of Energy, as well as a number of the national laboratories and academic institutions have been aware of the importance such technology for some time. Recently, car manufacturers, transportation experts, and even utilities are paying attention to this vital source of energy for the future. In this thesis, a review of the main fuel cell technologies is presented with the focus on the modeling, and control of one particular and promising fuel cell technology, aluminum air fuel cells. The basic principles of this fuel cell technology are presented. A major part of the study consists of a description of the electrochemistry of the process, modeling, and simulations of aluminum air FC using Matlab Simulink™. The controller design of the proposed model is also presented. In sequel, a power management unit is designed and analyzed as an alternative source of power. Thus, the system commutes between the fuel cell output and the alternative power source in order to fulfill a changing power load demand. Finally, a cost analysis and assessment of this technology for portable devices, conclusions and future recommendations are presented.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004032
Subject Headings: Biomass energy, Electrocatalysis, Electrolytic capacitors -- Materials, Fuel cells -- Materials, MATLAB, Nanostructured materials, Renewable energy sources
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Developing interpretive turbulence models from a database with applications to wind farms and shipboard operations.
Creator: Schau, Kyle A., Gaonkar, Gopal H., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis presents a complete method of modeling the autospectra of turbulence in closed form via an expansion series using the von Kármán model as a basis function. It is capable of modeling turbulence in all three directions of fluid flow: longitudinal, lateral, and vertical, separately, thus eliminating the assumption of homogeneous, isotropic flow. A thorough investigation into the expansion series is presented, with the strengths and weaknesses highlighted. Furthermore, numerical...
Show moreThis thesis presents a complete method of modeling the autospectra of turbulence in closed form via an expansion series using the von Kármán model as a basis function. It is capable of modeling turbulence in all three directions of fluid flow: longitudinal, lateral, and vertical, separately, thus eliminating the assumption of homogeneous, isotropic flow. A thorough investigation into the expansion series is presented, with the strengths and weaknesses highlighted. Furthermore, numerical aspects and theoretical derivations are provided. This method is then tested against three highly complex flow fields: wake turbulence inside wind farms, helicopter downwash, and helicopter downwash coupled with turbulence shed from a ship superstructure. These applications demonstrate that this method is remarkably robust, that the developed autospectral models are virtually tailored to the design of white noise driven shaping filters, and that these models in closed form facilitate a greater understanding of complex flow fields in wind engineering.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004058
Subject Headings: Fluid mechanics, Renewable energy sources, Von Kármán, Theodore -- 1881-1963, Wind energy conservation systems, Wind power, Wind turbines -- Aerodynamics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Carbon dioxide capture by engineering a self-sustained coral reef park with renewable energy.
Creator: Quiray, Paulane C., Raja, Umar, Athey, David, Savage, Tabatha, Suzuki, Hiroko, Egeland, Matthew, Su, Tsung-Chow
Date Issued: 2012-04-06
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3349042
Subject Headings: Carbon Dioxide, Renewable Energy, Self-sustained coral reef park, Bio-diversity
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Barometric distillation and the problem of non-condensable gases.
Creator: Martinson, Eiki., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Barometric distillation is an alternative method of producing fresh water by desalination. This proposed process evaporates saline water at low pressure and consequently low temperature; low pressure conditions are achieved by use of barometric columns and condensation is by direct contact with a supply of fresh water that will be augmented by the distillate. Low-temperature sources of heat, such as the cooling water rejected by electrical power generating facilities, can supply this system...
Show moreBarometric distillation is an alternative method of producing fresh water by desalination. This proposed process evaporates saline water at low pressure and consequently low temperature; low pressure conditions are achieved by use of barometric columns and condensation is by direct contact with a supply of fresh water that will be augmented by the distillate. Low-temperature sources of heat, such as the cooling water rejected by electrical power generating facilities, can supply this system with the latent heat of evaporation. Experiments are presented that show successful distillation with a temperature difference between evaporator and condenser smaller than 10ê C. Accumulation of dissolved gases coming out of solution, a classic problem in lowpressure distillation, is indirectly measured using a gas-tension sensor. The results of these experiments are used in an analysis of the specific energy required by a production process capable of producing 15 liters per hour. With a 20ê C difference, and neglecting latent heat, this analysis yields a specific energy of 1.85 kilowatt-hour per cubic meter, consumed by water pumping and by removal of non-condensable gases.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2978949
Subject Headings: Chemistry, Physical and theoretical, Fluid mechanics, Saline water conversion, Renewable energy sources, Groundwater, Purification
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Experimental analysis of the effect of waves on a floating wind turbine.
Creator: Isaza, Francisco, Ghenai, Chaouki, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The goal of this Thesis is to demonstrate, through experimentation, that ocean waves have a positive effect on the performance of an offshore wind turbine. A scale model wind turbine was placed into a wave tank that was completely covered and fitted with a variable speed fan to create different wind and wave conditions for testing. Through testing, different power coefficient vs. tip speed ratio graphs were created and a change in power coefficient was observed between steady operating...
Show moreThe goal of this Thesis is to demonstrate, through experimentation, that ocean waves have a positive effect on the performance of an offshore wind turbine. A scale model wind turbine was placed into a wave tank that was completely covered and fitted with a variable speed fan to create different wind and wave conditions for testing. Through testing, different power coefficient vs. tip speed ratio graphs were created and a change in power coefficient was observed between steady operating conditions and operating conditions with waves. The results show a promising increase in power production for offshore wind turbines when allowed to operate with the induced motion caused by the amplitude and frequency of water waves created.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004026
Subject Headings: Fluid mechanics, Offshore wind power plants, Renewable energy sources, Wind turbines -- Design and construction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Developing a photovoltaic MPPT system.
Creator: Bennett, Thomas, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Many issues related to the design and implementation of a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) converter as part of a photovoltaic (PV) system are addressed. To begin with, variations of the single diode model for a PV module are compared, to determine whether the simplest variation may be used for MPPT PV system modeling and analysis purposes. As part ot this determination, four different DC/DC converters are used in conjunction with these different PV models. This is to verify consistent...
Show moreMany issues related to the design and implementation of a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) converter as part of a photovoltaic (PV) system are addressed. To begin with, variations of the single diode model for a PV module are compared, to determine whether the simplest variation may be used for MPPT PV system modeling and analysis purposes. As part ot this determination, four different DC/DC converters are used in conjunction with these different PV models. This is to verify consistent behavior across the different PV models, as well as across the different converter topologies. Consistent results across the different PV models, will allow a simpler model to be used for simulation ana analysis. Consistent results with the different converters will verify that MPPT algorithms are converter independent. Next, MPPT algorithms are discussed. In particular,the differences between the perturb and observe, and the incremental conductance algorithms are explained and illustrated. A new MPPT algorithm is then proposed based on the deficiencies of the other algorithms. The proposed algorithm's parameters are optimized, and the results for different PV modules obtained. Realistic system losses are then considered, and their effect on the PV system is analyzed ; especially in regards to the MPPT algorithm. Finally, a PV system is implemented and the theoretical results, as well as the behavior of the newly proposed MPPT algorithm, are verified.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3356887
Subject Headings: Photovoltaic power systems, Design, Electronic circuits, Electric current converters, Power (Mechanics), Renewable energy sources
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Design of a power management model for a solar/fuel cell hybrid energy system.
Creator: Melendez, Rosana., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: This thesis proposes a Power Management Model (PMM) for optimization of several green power generation systems. A Photovoltaic/Fuel cell Hybrid Energy System (PFHES) consisting of solar cells, electrolyzer and fuel cell stack is utilized to meet a specific DC load bank for various applications. The Photovoltaic system is the primary power source to take advantage of renewable energy. The electrolyzer-fuel cell integration is used as a backup and as a hydrogen storage system with the different...
Show moreThis thesis proposes a Power Management Model (PMM) for optimization of several green power generation systems. A Photovoltaic/Fuel cell Hybrid Energy System (PFHES) consisting of solar cells, electrolyzer and fuel cell stack is utilized to meet a specific DC load bank for various applications. The Photovoltaic system is the primary power source to take advantage of renewable energy. The electrolyzer-fuel cell integration is used as a backup and as a hydrogen storage system with the different energy sources integrated through a DC link bus. An overall power management strategy is designed for the optimization of the power flows among the different energy sources. Extensive simulation experiments have been carried out to verify the system performance under PMM governing strategy. The simulation results indeed demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2705074
Subject Headings: Electric power systems, Building-integrated photovoltaic systems, Renewable energy sources, Hydrogen as fuel, Research
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A fuzzy logic material selection methodology for renewable ocean energy applications.
Creator: Welling, Donald Anthony., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this thesis is to develop a renewable ocean energy material selection methodology for use in FAU's Ocean Energy Projects. A detailed and comprehensive literature review has been performed concerning all relevant material publications and forms the basis of the developed method. A database of candidate alloys has been organized and is used to perform case study material selections to validate the developed fuzzy logic approach. The ultimate goal of this thesis is to aid in the...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to develop a renewable ocean energy material selection methodology for use in FAU's Ocean Energy Projects. A detailed and comprehensive literature review has been performed concerning all relevant material publications and forms the basis of the developed method. A database of candidate alloys has been organized and is used to perform case study material selections to validate the developed fuzzy logic approach. The ultimate goal of this thesis is to aid in the selection of materials that will ensure the successful performance of renewable ocean energy projects so that clean and renewable energy becomes a reality for all.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/227980
Subject Headings: Oceanic submersibles, Control systems, Acoustical engineering, Fuzzy algorithms, Renewable energy sources
Format: Document (PDF)

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