Domenico Curto

Experimental validation of a distribution theory based analysis of the effect of manufacturing tolerances on permanent magnet synchronous machines

An experimental study on the effect of permanent magnet tolerances on the performances of a Tubular Linear Ferrite Motor is presented in this paper. The performances that have been investigated are: cogging force, end effect cogging force and generated thrust. It is demonstrated that: 1) the statistical variability of the magnets introduces harmonics in the spectrum of the cogging force; 2) the value of the end effect cogging force is directly linked to the values of then remanence field of the external magnets placed on the slider; 3) the generated thrust and its statistical distribution depend on the remanence field of the magnets placed on the translator.

Greening island: renewable energies mix to satisfy electrical needs of Pantelleria in Mediterranean sea

In this article the authors analyze the renewable mix in order to satisfy the energy needs of a real island in the Mediterranean sea, Pantelleria, which represents an optimal starting point to increase the production of electrical energy from renewable sources in minor islands. In this text are exposed different alternative sources, such as solar, wind and wave energy. Moreover, it is exposed a project of an innovative conversion device proposed by Department of Energy of University of Palermo, compared to a different one proposed by Politecnico di Torino. The procedures applied in the present article, as well as the main equations used, are the result of previous applications made in different technical fields that show a good replicability [1]-[7].

Sea water desalination and energy consumption: A case study of wave energy converters (WEC) to desalination applications in sicily

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. The aim of this work is a description of a sustainable integrated system of water and energy.

Renewable energy sources to fulfill the global energy needs of a country: The case study of Malta in Mediterranean Sea

The paper shows the advantages using different energy resources for the islands of Malta. Moreover, this work is focused on the analysis of the wave energy potential along Maltas coasts. This important resource can be exploited to produce electrical energy using an innovative Point Absorber based on a new generator prototype realized by University of Palermo. The use of renewable source will reduce greenhouses emissions and increase the energy independence of Malta. The procedures applied in the present article, as well as the main equations used, are the result of previous applications made in different technical fields that show a good replicability.

An inertial system for the production of electricity and hydrogen from sea wave energy

This paper aims at describing a small scale prototype of a complete wave energy converter system for hydrogen production promoting the opportunity of installation in Sicily, in the Mediterranean Sea. The opportunity to produce hydrogen from sea-water identifies ocean wave energy as the most promising solution for electricity generation including hydrogen production and storage. Even if hydrogen is considered one of the most promising secondary sources, criticism arises from both the academic and the industrial world mainly because hydrogen production requires electricity consumption. Furthermore, safety problems concerning hydrogen storage and transport are actually the main hindrance to full commercialization. In order to overcome production issues, hydrogen production and storage plants which are fully powered by renewable sources are continuously investigated. Advantages of the proposed system mainly rely on producing hydrogen by wave energy providing for on-board storage thus avoiding transport-related issues.

An electromagnetic generator for MAGLEV transportation systems

The fundamental idea of this paper is to use the distribution theory to analyze linear generators in order to include in the mathematical model both ideal a non ideal features. This paper shows how the use of distribution theory can be used in order to establish a mathematical model able to describe both the ordinary working condition of a linear generator for MAGLEV systems as well the role of the unavoidable irregularities and non-ideal features.

A small scale prototype of a wave energy conversion system for hydrogen production

In this paper a small scale prototype of sea wave energy converter for hydrogen production and storage is presented. Laboratory prototypes of the wave energy converter device and sea water electrolyzer are presented. Experimental results are shown. A cost-effective and efficient power electronics system is designed. Experimental waveforms of the wave energy converter are imported in the power electronics simulation model to simulate the whole system as closely as possible to its effective behavior. Simulation results are shown to test the efficiency of the proposed solution.

A Ferrite Tubular Linear Motor (FTLM): Analysis and design

The electromagnetic linear machines have wide applications in the electromagnetic aircraft launch systems [1] and in transportation systems [2]. Additional energy saving and efficiency can be achieved using a linear motor in the refrigeration application [3]. Linear electromagnetic machines are also very suitable for high-speed packaging, manufacturing sectors and precision positioning. There are different linear motor topologies. Tubular permanent-magnets are particularly attractive since they have a high thrust force density and high efficiency, no end windings, and zero net attractive force between stator and armature. There are various tubular motor topologies, in which the armature may be either air-cored or iron-cored. This paper describes the analysis and design of an improved axially magnetized Ferrite Tubular Linear Motor (FTLM) in which several innovative constructive solutions have been carried out to build a, low cost, easy to assemble and robust machine. Moreover, the purpose of this article is to investigate the application of ferrite in a permanent magnetic tubular linear motor. Several results are given illustrating the system response to various inputs.

Optimization of cogging force in a linear permanent magnet generator for the conversion of sea waves energy

In this paper an approach to the optimization of cogging force in a linear permanent magnet generator for the conversion of sea waves energy is presented. We have optimized the cogging force of a linear permanent magnet generator by using a 3D FEM parametric simulation. Several possible design solutions have been computed. A generator has been built and the results of the minimization procedure has been experimentally validated.

The role of the effect of manufacturing tolerances on a tubular linear ferrite motor

This article deals with the analysis of the magnitude of remanence flux-density of commercial permanent magnets. Simulations are performed to evaluate how the choice of magnets influences the cogging torque in tubular linear ferrite motors. The ANSYS-Maxwell software is employed which uses the finite element method to solve the static, frequency-domain, and time-varying electromagnetic and electric fields.