Lisa Ann Lamont

Single-phase grid-tie inverter control using DQ transform for active and reactive load power compensation

This paper presents a current control for single phase grid connected inverters. The method allows for inverter active and reactive power control. The method uses the Direct-Quadrature (DQ) synchronous reference frame transformation for single-phase converters. This method transforms an orthogonal pair consisting of the inverter output current and a time shifted version of this current from a stationary frame to a rotating frame synchronous to the fundamental output frequency. Alternatives to using the time shifted current are discussed. The steady state current components in this rotating DQ frame are DC values and thus PI control methods can be used with zero error. A household scale grid-tie inverter is used as an example application of this method. A Simulink simulation model and results where the inverter output is controlled to match a local loads active and reactive power demand is presented.

PV Technology - Industry update

This paper is an industrial update on the development of Photovoltaic (PV) Technology. It highlights the three major current types of PV: Crystalline, Thin Film and Nanotechnology. The aim of the development in PV technology is to improve the efficiency of the cells while reducing the production cost of the modules. This variety of PV technologies is still under development to enhance the deployment of solar energy for a greener environment. Space PV Cell technology was also described and the progress in this field is expanding.

Wind energy technology — Industrial update

This paper is an industrial update on the development of wind energy conversion systems (WECS). It highlights the two major types of wind turbines: horizontal axis and vertical axis. To enhance integration and deployment of wind technologies advancements in their operation has been development specifically with regards to enhanced efficiency, making them more robust and susceptible to wind variations. This paper encapsulates the various power ratings available in the range of 10kW to 1MW while providing manufacturer and technical details of such topologies. Moreover, this paper will also give a brief description on the future requirements of wind energy.

The GCC: Wind technology deployment potential

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, known fossil fuel producers, are well aware of this energy sources problems such as depletability and pollution. To address these issues, this region has shown willingness and determination in its mission of deploying renewable energy sources particularly wind energy to support and enhance their growth. The following is accomplished by investigating the suitability of these sources. This paper presents the wind potential and characteristics of this region by discussing the annual and monthly average wind speed. Based on the data obtained the locations were classified according to wind speed highlighting the applicability of wind energy in the GCC countries.

Interconnection between two variant frequency systems using HVDC links

Energy is the basic necessity of the modern world and the consumption is increasing everywhere. Efficient energy supply system is the backbone for smooth development of a country which requires interconnection between different areas and countries and transmission of power over long distances. HVDC is one of the systems which can provide power efficiently and have many advantages technically, economically and environmentally over the HVAC. This is why when it comes to interconnection and transmission over long distances, HVDC would be the first to discuss and study. Although interconnecting different frequency AC networks is one of HVDC applications, nobody has studied because simply nobody faced it practically. Ongoing projects are coming soon to connect a 60Hz network to different 50Hz networks. In this paper, an interconnection between two variant frequency systems (50 Hz and 60 Hz) using HVDC links was simulated and studied using PSCAD Software.

Efficient ZV-ZCS phase shift PWM dc-dc converter interfaced with PV cell for telecommunication applications

Photovoltaic applications require regulation by high performance dc-dc converters since the dc voltage generated is normally unregulated and depends heavily on load and ambient conditions. In this paper, a ZV-ZCS full-bridge phase-shift PWM dc-dc converter is being proposed for photovoltaic cell applications. The proposed converter operates at high switching frequency with high efficiency and large power to volume ratio. A laboratory prototype model of the proposed converter has been designed and fabricated for charging a 48 V battery bank for telecommunication applications from a solar panel with 110V open circuit voltage. The experimental results were found in close agreement with the predicted soft-switching behavior of the converter.

Optimal size of Distributed Generation to minimize distribution loss using Dynamic Programming

This paper first analyses the impact of Distributed Generations (DG) on distribution system loss and voltage profile. Distribution loss depends on various factors such as: the number and locations of DG connections, injected DG powers, distribution system configuration etc. To study the impact of injected DG powers and locations on the distribution loss, a 15-bus radial distribution system is modeled using PSCAD and simulations are carried with varying DG power injections and locations. Next, the optimum sizes of DG are evaluated which gives the minimum loss satisfying various other system constraints. Dynamic Programming approach is used to solve this optimization problem and the subroutine is developed in MATLAB.

Wind Technology and Associated Carbon Footprint

Renewable energies such as solar and wind are now widely accepted as possible future energy sources to enhance the energy demands and support the intense desire to reduce the worldwide carbon footprint. Over the last few years, renewable energy sources have won the legislative support of governments in several countries. The main reason for this boom is the need to use alternative energy sources, to fossil fuel, which are free of CO 2 emissions and contamination. Unfortunately there are no renewable energy sources that can currently account for zero carbon footprints due to the fact that it is divided into two elements direct and indirect. The direct or primary carbon footprint is related to the CO 2 emitted when burning fossil fuels in such areas as transportation and domestic energy consumption. As well as the direct carbon footprint which is universally accepted, there is also an indirect or secondary element which is associated with the life cycle of the products. The problem is how can this indirect carbon footprint be considered or included when discussing the total impact of renewable energy sources. Life Cycle Assessment is a method used to identify the main types of impact on the environment a wind turbine can cause throughout its 20 year life of operation. Emissions produced while wind turbines are in operation in addition to factors from the start of the manufacturing process to the last stage where dismantling is required at end-of-life. Life cycle assessment showed that wind turbines are not carbon neutral as they have an indirect carbon footprint. However, when compared with traditional energy sources the carbon footprint for non-traditional energy forms is still significantly limited.

Automatic Versus Manual Solar Panel Cleaning for Remote Locations

Photovoltaic solar technology is now being widely investigated for implementation in the UAE as a possible renewable energy source. Currently the main emphasis is on the accessible areas but remote locations are now being explored for the possibility of large scale deployment. However due to the environment and location certain measures such as regular cleaning must be considered to ensure the efficient operation of the PV panels. This paper investigates the cost of current developed cleaning technologies available in the Gulf region, highlights their advantages and disadvantages and the time needed to recoup initial investment.

UAE future electrical engineers lead in serving the community

This paper discusses the application of a service learning project in the educational process of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Reviewed articles discussing the implementation of service learning in developed countries such as the United States of America (USA), and the United Kingdom (UK) where standards for such applications have been drafted and highlighted. The paper presents an example of service learning projects conducted in the UAE, how the project was conducted and the response of the client and students after project completion. In addition, the paper highlights various skills developed by the students during this project. Finally the paper illustrates the benefits of service learning projects in the development of the students personality, confidence and educational skills.