J. Carpio

Neuro-fuzzy controller for gas turbine in biomass-based electric power plant

Abstract Biomass gasification is a technology that transforms solid biomass into syngas. The gas turbine controller regulates both the gas turbine and the gas turbine generator. Two fuzzy logic controllers have been developed using speed and mechanical power deviations, and a neural network has been designed to tune the gains of the fuzzy logic controllers based on the operating conditions of the biomass-based electric power plant. It is shown that by tuning the fuzzy logic controllers, optimal time domain performance of the system can be achieved in a wide range of operating conditions compared to fixed parameter fuzzy logic controllers and PID controllers.

Modelling of combined cycle power plants using biomass

The olive tree in Spain can generate large quantities of by-product biomass suitable for gasification. Gasification technologies under development would enable these fuels to be used in gas turbines. Biomass conversion to a clean essentially ash-free form, usually by gasification and purification, is necessary to obtain high efficiency. This paper reports results of detailed full-load performance modelling of cogeneration systems based on gasifier/gas turbine technologies.

Examples of distance learning projects in the European Community

The innovation brought by the introduction of new technologies in our modern society has also started to appear in education. The biggest efforts come from the institutions involved in distance education, partly due to the characteristics of the educational system they represent. In order to improve the technology development there are a large number of projects being developed inside the European Union. This paper discusses the current situation of distance learning and the technological resources available including e-mail, video conferencing, Internet and the World Wide Web and virtual teaching-learning environment. Some of the European Projects including new technologies in distance learning are also discussed.

On Condition Maintenance Based on the Impedance Measurement for Traction Batteries: Development and Industrial Implementation

Proven methods of battery diagnosis exist in the industry based on the measurement of the internal impedance from cell to cell. Nevertheless, these maintenance methodologies are incompatible with the operation of the industrial traction batteries due to great variations of ambient temperature, the paralyzation needed, and access difficulty. This paper benefits from the tested stationary standards of maintenance and includes innovative proposals in order to take into account the battery operating conditions. The difficult accessibility of industrial traction batteries finds a solution in a quicker and safer method based on the measurement of a group of cells simultaneously. This article also shows an algorithm that establishes the mathematical relation between the impedance of simultaneous cells and the temperature for any model of lead-acid battery. This algorithm is valid throughout the working temperature range of the battery. From an industrial-maintenance standpoint, the model presented can assess, at any time, the state of the acceptance and rejection of the battery modules by comparing their module impedance values. The maintenance meets the international standards for the measurement of the impedance of a group of cells under changing conditions of temperature. This new maintenance method optimizes the quality and time of the inspection process, enhancing the availability and reliability at a low cost.

Voltage sag correction by dynamic voltage restorer based on fuzzy logic control

In basic applications, the fuzzy logic controller is used as a substitute for the conventional Pl compensator. The voltage error and its derivative are the fuzzy logic controller input crisp values. When a fuzzy logic controller is used, the tracking error and transient overshoots of PWM can be considerably reduced. The simulations carried out show that the dynamic voltage restorer provides excellent voltage regulation capabilities. This paper demonstrates that the transient response of the fuzzy logic control is better than that of PI.

Experiences with fuzzy logic and neural networks in a control course

Control system education must include experimental exercises that complement the theory presented in lectures. These exercises include modeling, analysis, and design of a control system. Key concepts and techniques in the area of intelligent systems and control were discovered and developed over the past few decades. Although some of these methods have significant benefits to offer, engineers are often reluctant to utilize new intelligent control techniques for several reasons. In this paper, fuzzy logic controllers have been developed using speed and mechanical power deviations, and a neural network has been designed to tune the gains of the fuzzy logic controllers. Student feedback indicates that theoretical developments in lectures on control systems were only appreciated after the laboratory exercises.

Enhancing the distribution networks stability using distributed generation

Purpose – This paper describes models of micro‐turbines and fuel cells, which can be used in stability studies.Design/methodology/approach – The plants models derived are based on the main equations. These models are developed in the Laplace domain and transient simulation is done using a software developed based on the MATLAB package.Findings – The micro‐source is capable of providing effective load‐following service in the distribution system. However, the results also show that the micro‐source is not an uninterruptible power supply and does not protect the load from voltage instability while in grid‐connect mode. When a micro‐turbine plant is connected to a point where it gives support to a load in fault conditions, the lower the inertia of micro‐turbine plant, the greater is the destabilizing tendency for faults in the distribution system. On the other hand, transient stability is enhanced with aid of the SOFC inverter.Originality/value – The effects of these micro‐sources on the network performance ...

Biomass Gasification, Gas Turbine, and Diesel Engine

Biomass is a leading nonhydro resource of renewable energy. The gasifier heats the wood, the final result is a very clean burning gas fuel suitable for direct use in modern power systems such as gas turbines or diesel engines. In this paper a load is fed from these emergency electric units.Biomass is a leading nonhydro resource of renewable energy. The gasifier heats the wood, the final result is a very clean burning gas fuel suitable for direct use in modern power systems such as gas turbines or diesel engines. In this paper a load is fed from these emergency electric units.

Influence of micro-turbines on distribution networks stability

Micro-turbine is an electric power supply alternative that is located closer to end-use equipment. However, there are a number of regulatory and technical barriers that must be overcome before large-scale use of micro-turbine can take place. This paper describes a dynamic model of a micro-turbine, which can be used in stability studies. The model is applied to a distributed utility grid that uses a micro-turbine plant as distributed resource. Transient stability and voltage stability of the system are investigated.

Renewable-energy integration assessment through a dedicated computer program

Abstract This article is intented to present an approach to assess the possibilities of renewable resources through the dynamics of stand-alone and system-integrated renewable-based power plants. Mainly solar and wind energy will be considered leading to the computer program devoted to the simulation of both solar photovoltaic power plants and wind energy converters. Besides, the assessment of the integration of these kinds of intermittent resources into hybrid systems, either pure renewable with hydro-pumped storage units or along with conventional power systems, is the main objective of the program. Finally, the program is aimed at scenario assessment, allowing different energy-mix scenarios to be compared involving both renewable and conventional power plants. Because of the complexity of the problem in a real case, it is useful to stress the rough assessment that will be made in this first version. Examples are provided involving the main topics dealt with.