Browsing by Keyword "Energy Engineering and Power Technology"
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Item A1–A5 Embodied Carbon Assessment to Evaluate Bio-Based Components in Façade System Modules(2024-02) Morganti, Luca; Vandi, Laura; Astudillo Larraz, Julen; García-Jaca, Javier; Navarro Muedra, Arsenio; Pracucci, Alessandro; ECOEFICIENCIA DE PRODUCTOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓNAs the construction industry moves toward sustainable building practices, incorporating wood-based materials into building envelope systems has become a priority. This paper investigates the environmental impact of three custom bio-composite Façade System Modules (FSMs) through an Embodied Carbon Assessment (ECA), focused on the Global Warming Potential indicator of life cycle stages from cradle to practical completion (A1–A5). The evaluated FSMs were developed within the Basajaun H2020 project (G.A. 862942), by substituting and combining conventional materials with other bio-composite products to form hybrids from bio-based polymers and wood. A benchmark ECA was conducted, simulating alternative FSMs devised with common practice solutions for the curtain wall façade to facilitate a comprehensive comparison. The life cycle inventory encompassed detailed technical information, fostering the utilization of primary data for accuracy. The study particularly highlights considerations over three technological systems of the modules that incorporate increased use of wood-based components and a novel bio-composite material: the frame profiles, the insulation equipment, and the seal system. Despite the challenges due to the Basajaun FSMs’ weight, the findings reveal that replacing the currently used materials with wood-based materials and bio-composites reduced the embodied emissions, particularly substituting aluminum frame profiles. The insights presented here offer indicators toward circular, environmentally conscious, bio-composed building envelopes, emphasizing the need for continued analysis and refinements as a consequence of increasing the accuracy of the available primary data from the supply chain and concerning end-of-life scenarios.Item Achievements of the Esprit IV project 22297 ElectroNet - A project closing report(2001) Dreyer, T.; Giannini, M.; Lambrecht, D.; Laresgoiti, I.; Selvik, E.; Weber, Th; Tecnalia Research & InnovationThe ESPRIT IV (European strategic programme for research and development in information technology)project ElectroNet aimed at defining a European data model suitable for planning applications of HV (high voltage) and EHV (extra high voltage) power systems by applying the ISO-STEP-methodology. For three years thirteen partners from seven European countries worked on this project which was finally completed by the end of September 1999. This paper presents the innovative concepts developed for ElectroNet. Finally an outlook of a subsequent planned project EPSIM is given.Item Active redundant submodule configuration in modular multilevel converters(2013) Konstantinou, Georgios; Pou, Josep; Ceballos, Salvador; Agelidis, Vassilios G.; POWER ELECTRONICS AND SYSTEM EQUIPMENTThe modular multilevel converter (MMC) is based on the cascaded connection of identical submodules (SMs) enabling additional redundancies. This paper proposes the configuration of the MMC topology with redundant SMs and demonstrates the effects of active redundancies. The proposed configuration decreases the switching frequency per SM while reducing the SM capacitor voltage ripples. An analytical model for determining the SM capacitor voltage ripple and voltage dynamics is derived. The results from the analytical model are compared with the switching model for a 21-level MMC with five redundant (25 in total) SMs per arm. Experimental results based on a single-phase laboratory prototype with five SMs per arm and a single redundant cell further illustrate the operation and verify the derived mathematical model and simulation results.Item Adopting smart meter events as key data for low-voltage network operation(2017-10-01) García Prado, Jesús; González, Ana; Riaño, Sandra; SISTEMAS FOTOVOLTAICOSA pioneering analysis of smart meter events aimed to enhance low-voltage (LV) network operation by the detection of voltage deviations, repetitive incidents or even outage prevention is presented. The main challenge of using smart meters events is the vast amount of data collected: the average of events gathered in an area per day is around 40% higher than the number of smart meters installed. To transform this huge quantity of information in network improvements, a set of strategies have been undertaken. The core purpose of this analysis is to establish a more rational and automated processing of smart meter events, aimed to embrace them as key information for network operation.Item Advanced m-CHP fuel cell system based on a novel bio-ethanol fluidized bed membrane reformer(2017-05-11) Viviente, Jose Luis; Meléndez, Jon; Pacheco Tanaka, David Alfredo; Gallucci, Fausto; Spallina, Vincenzo; Manzolini, Giampaolo; Foresti, Stefano; Palma, Vincenzo; Ruocco, Concetta; Roses, Leonardo; TECNOLOGÍA DE MEMBRANAS E INTENSIFICACIÓN DE PROCESOS; Tecnalia Research & InnovationDistributed power generation via Micro Combined Heat and Power (m-CHP) systems, has been proven to over-come disadvantages of centralized generation since it can give savings in terms of Primary Energy consumption and energy costs. The FluidCELL FCH JU/FP7 project aims at providing the Proof of Concept of an advanced high performance, cost effective bio-ethanol m-CHP cogeneration Fuel Cell system for decentralized off-grid applications by end of 2017. The main idea of FluidCELL is to develop a new bio-ethanol membrane reformer for pure hydrogen production (3.2 Nm3/h) based on Membrane Reactors in order to intensify the process of hydrogen production through the integration of reforming and purification in one single unit. The novel reactor could be more efficient than the state-of-the-art technology due to an optimal design aimed at circumventing mass and heat transfer resistances. Moreover, the design and optimization of the subcomponents for the BoP could also be improved. Particular attention has to be devoted to the optimized thermal integration that can improve the overall efficiency of the system at >90% and reducing the cost due to low temperature reforming. The main results obtained until now in terms of performance of the catalysts, membranes and the membrane reactors will be presented in this work.Item Algorithm for the Optimal Design of a Fault-Tolerant Aircraft Power Transmission Network(2022-12-01) Zarraga-Rodriguez, Marta; Insausti, Xabier; Lalanne, Fermin Rodriguez; Velasco, Javier; Gutierrez-Gutierrez, Jesus; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; DIGITAL ENERGYAircraft manufacturers aim to decrease the fuel consumption based on reducing weight and increasing the subsystem efficiency. Hence, the electric power system (EPS) acquires great relevance because it must be efficient and lightweight. Any change in the EPS must not affect the aircraft's electrical safety, which under a traditional decentralized EPS strategy is ensured by redundancy. Recently, several decentralized EPS strategies based on the introduction of multiport power converters have arisen. Such strategies meet the established safety goals since the aforementioned devices make it possible to recalculate the path to continue powering the loads in case of failure. However, the literature does not address how to connect such multiport power converters. The main contribution of this article is to present a low-complexity algorithm that minimizing the redundancy of wiring, provides a fault-tolerant power transmission network. This is done under a decentralized EPS strategy where multiport power converters are used. The proposed strategy is evaluated on Boeing 787 aircraft, where we compare the length of the cables both under a traditional decentralized network configuration (where the redundancy option is used to ensure the safety of operation) and in the network provided by our algorithm. A saving of 66.6% is obtained.Item Amplitude control of the neutral-point voltage oscillations in the three-level converter(2008) Zaragoza, J.; Pou, J.; Arias, A.; Ceballos, S.; Robles, E.; Ibáñez, P.; Gabiola, I.; POWER ELECTRONICS AND SYSTEM EQUIPMENT; RENOVABLES OFFSHORE; SGThis paper presents a control method to regulate the amplitude of the voltage oscillations that appear in the neutral-point of the three-level diode-clamped converter for some operating conditions. The control is applied to the hybrid modulation technique, which is based on combining two modulation techniques. One of them is based on two modulation signals per phase, and can remove completely the low-frequency voltage oscillations on the neutral point. However, such a modulation strategy has an important drawback; it increases significantly switching losses on the converter. The hybrid modulation used here combines such a modulation with sinusoidal PWM. The main characteristic of this hybrid modulation is the capacity to reduce switching losses at the cost of having some low-frequency voltage oscillations on the neutral point. The amplitude of these oscillations can be regulated thanks to the proposed controller, which defines the exact degree of mixture between the two modulation strategies. Some simulation and experimental results are presented in this paper.Item Analysis of control strategies of a full converter in a direct drive wind turbine(2006) Robles, E.; Aguirre, U.; Villate, J. L.; Gabiola, I.; Apiñaniz, S.; RENOVABLES OFFSHORE; Centros PRE-FUSION TECNALIA - (FORMER); GENERAL; POWER ELECTRONICS AND SYSTEM EQUIPMENTAs wind energy evolves, it is tending towards a direct drive connection using synchronous generators without a gearbox. Variable speed wind turbines with synchronous machines require the conversion of the full power. One alternative is using full converters with a DC link. The objective of this paper is to study different control strategies of a back-to-back DC-link full converter for grid connected direct drive wind turbines. Traditionally, the generator side converter controls the electromagnetic torque, and thus, the generated power, while the grid side converter regulates the DC link voltage as well as the input power factor. In this paper we reverse the control function of each converter, so that, the generator side converter will regulate the DC link voltage, and the grid side converter will control the electromagnetic torque. Both alternatives are analysed and compared by means of simulations based on Matlab/Simulink models. The behaviour of both strategies is examined under abrupt wind speed variations and grid disturbances. Differences in rotor speed tracking, power generated, DC voltage, and grid currents are also analysed.Item Analysis of loss of life of dry-type WTSU transformers in offshore wind farms(2020) Etxegarai, A.; Valverde, V.; Eguia, P.; Perea, E.; DIGITAL ENERGYCurrently, dry-type transformers are commonly installed as wind turbine step-up (WTSU) transformers, especially in offshore wind farms. Due to their low flammability and resistance to moisture, their performance is optimal in offshore platforms. Nonetheless, their thermal-electrical degradation must be carefully considered given the special wind and weather conditions in marine environments. The present paper studies the thermal aging of dry-type WTSU transformers in offshore wind farms considering the most thermally stressed location i.e. the winding hot-spot. The estimation of the transformer lifetime consumption introduced in this work can be applied in the framework of digital twins for diagnostic and prognostic monitoring purposes The thermal degradation study is based on a typical offshore load profile and includes the analysis of the impact of several transformer characteristics and operating conditions. As a result of the analysis, it can be concluded that lower temperature insulations, forced air cooling systems, a lower mean winding temperature rise and cool ambient temperatures lead to decreased loss of life values. Also, the present work suggests the suitability of considering thermal degradation studies as an optimal sizing factor for offshore WTSU given the low ambient temperatures in marine environment and the low capacity factors.Item Analysis of voltage dynamics within current control time-scale in a VSC connected to a weak AC grid via series compensated AC line(2024-04) Haro-Larrode, Marta; Eguia, Pablo; Santos-Mugica, Maider; POWER SYSTEMSIn this paper, an analytical approach is proposed to analyse the small-signal stability associated with the voltage dynamics of three paths within current control of a VSC connected to a weak AC grid via series compensated AC line: the PLL, active damping and virtual conductance loops. The basic control structure of the VSC is a cascade type based on PI controllers, where DC voltage and reactive current setpoints are used to drive the VSC terminal voltage change. Besides, active damping (AD) and virtual conductance (VC) filters are included to damp high and low frequency oscillations of terminal voltage, respectively. Different series compensation level (SCL) and AC grid stiffness values are considered while performing the analysis. The main design implications obtained through this analysis are the proposal of adequate values for PLL bandwidth according to a decreasing level of AC grid stiffness and suitable ratio values between AD and VC filter gains to ensure stability and good cross-impact, given a SCL value. The analysis is validated by means of simulations conducted in MATLAB® Simulink. The proposed analytical framework serves as a contribution to support a robust terminal voltage change mechanism within current control time-scale.Item Application of a new IEC magnetic field assessment methodology to promote transformer substation sustainable development(2011) Izagirre, J.; Del Rio, L.; Gilbert, I. P.; Rodriguez-Seco, J. E.; Guemes, J. A.; Iralagoitia, A. M.; POWER SYSTEMSThe publication of the new Technical Report IEC/TR 62271-208 allow transformer substation (TS) manufacturers and users to assess the generated magnetic fields (MF) since it describes standard methods for its evaluation and opens the possibility of employing simulation tools for this purpose.Item Application of a Semi-Empirical Approach to Map Maximum Urban Heat Island Intensity in Singapore(2023-09) Sanchez, Beatriz; Roth, Matthias; Patel, Pratiman; Simón-Moral, Andrés; CALIDAD Y CONFORT AMBIENTALDifferences in land surface characteristics across a city produce great spatial and temporal variability in air temperature. This fact is particularly pronounced between urban and surrounding rural areas giving rise to the canopy-layer urban heat island (CL-UHI) phenomenon. In the present study, we apply the dimensional analysis technique to develop a simple semi-empirical equation to map daily maximum CL-UHI (UHImax) intensities during nighttime over the city of Singapore for specific weather conditions. By adopting the methodology proposed by Theeuwes et al., but selecting meteorological and morphological parameters that affect UHImax intensity most for Singapore, evaluation of the developed equation shows good agreement with observations (RMSE = 1.13 K and IOA = 0.76). Model performance depends strongly on wind conditions and is best during weak winds when ‘ideal’ conditions for UHI development are approached (RMSE = 0.65 K and IOA = 0.85). Results using the simple equation developed to map UHImax intensities in Singapore under dry weather conditions are comparable to those obtained from more sophisticated numerical models, which demand significant computational resources, and the complex parameterizations involved require expertise to carry out the simulations. The resulting maps of the present study can be used to investigate less favorable thermal conditions and assess population vulnerability to a certain temperature excess, as well as provide insights for urban planning strategies of mitigation measures according to the land cover and morphology of a location.Item Application of large underground seasonal thermal energy storage in district heating system: A model-based energy performance assessment of a pilot system in Chifeng, China: A model-based energy performance assessment of a pilot system in Chifeng, China(2018-06-05) Xu, Luyi; Torrens, J. Ignacio; Guo, Fang; Yang, Xudong; Hensen, Jan L.M.; Tecnalia Research & InnovationSeasonal thermal energy storage (STES) technology is a proven solution to resolve the seasonal discrepancy between heating energy generation from renewables and building heating demands. This research focuses on the performance assessment of district heating (DH) systems powered by low-grade energy sources with large-scale, high temperature underground STES technology. A pilot DH system, located in Chifeng, China that integrates a 0.5 million m3 borehole thermal energy storage system, an on-site solar thermal plant and excess heat from a copper plant is presented. The research in this paper adopts a model-based approach using Modelica to analyze the energy performance of the STES for two district heating system configurations. Several performance indicators such as the extraction heat, the injection heat and the storage coefficient are selected to assess the STES system performance. Results show that a lower STES discharge temperature leads to a better energy performance. A sensitivity analysis of the site properties illustrates that the thermal conductivity of soil is the most influential parameter on the STES system performance. The long-term performance of the STES is also discussed and a shorter stabilization time between one and two years could be achieved by discharging the STES at a lower temperature.Item Application of MgB2 in superconducting wind turbine generators(2014) Pujana, A.; Marino, I.; Sarmiento, G.; Sanz, S.; Merino, J. M.; Villate, J. L.; DIGITAL ENERGY; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; GENERALOffshore wind market demands higher power rate and more reliable turbines in order to optimize capital and operational costs. The state-of-the-art shows that both geared and direct-drive generators are difficult to scale up to 10 MW and beyond. Their huge size and weight would drive up the cost of both fixed and floating foundations, as well as installation, operation and maintenance costs. New solutions to provide better power scalability, topside weight reduction and reliability are needed. Superconducting materials arise as a prominent solution for lightweight, high power wind generators construction [1]. There are already several superconducting generator concepts, but they face important challenges as cost, complexity and reliability. This work presents the application of MgB2 superconducting wire in an innovative 10 MW class lightweight, robust and reliable generator for wind turbines, which gives answer to the offshore sector demands while overcomes other superconducting generators challenges.Item Applications of Models and Tools for Mesoscale and Microscale Thermal Analysis in Mid-Latitude Climate Regions—A Review(2021-11-10) Lobaccaro, Gabriele; De Ridder, Koen; Acero, Juan Angel; Hooyberghs, Hans; Lauwaet, Dirk; Maiheu, Bino; Sharma, Richa; Govehovitch, Benjamin; Tecnalia Research & InnovationUrban analysis at different spatial scales (micro- and mesoscale) of local climate conditions is required to test typical artificial urban boundaries and related climate hazards such as high temperatures in built environments. The multitude of finishing materials and sheltering objects within built environments produce distinct patterns of different climate conditions, particularly during the daytime. The combination of high temperatures and intense solar radiation strongly perturb the environment by increasing the thermal heat stress at the pedestrian level. Therefore, it is becoming common practice to use numerical models and tools that enable multiple design and planning alternatives to be quantitatively and qualitatively tested to inform urban planners and decision-makers. These models and tools can be used to compare the relationships between the micro-climatic environment, the subjective thermal assessment, and the social behaviour, which can reveal the attractiveness and effectiveness of new urban spaces and lead to more sustainable and liveable public spaces. This review article presents the applications of selected environmental numerical models and tools to predict human thermal stress at the mesoscale (e.g., satellite thermal images and UrbClim) and the microscale (e.g., mobile measurements, ENVI-met, and UrbClim HR) focusing on case study cities in mid-latitude climate regions framed in two European research projects.Item Applying International Power Quality Standards for Current Harmonic Distortion to Wave Energy Converters and Verified Device Emulators(2019-09-24) Kelly, James; Aldaiturriaga, Endika; Ruiz-Minguela, Pablo; Tecnalia Research & InnovationThe push for carbon-free energy sources has helped encourage the development of the ocean renewable energy sector. As ocean renewable energy approaches commercial maturity, the industry must be able to prove it can provide clean electrical power of good quality for consumers. As part of the EU funded Open Sea Operating Experience to Reduce Wave Energy Cost (OPERA) project that is tasked with developing the wave energy sector, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) developed electrical power quality standards for marine energy converters, which were applied to an oscillating water column (OWC). This was done both in the laboratory and in the real world. Precise electrical monitoring equipment was installed in the Mutriku Wave Power Plant in Spain and to an OWC emulator in the Lir National Ocean Test Facility at University College Cork in Ireland to monitor the electrical power of both. The electrical power generated was analysed for harmonic current distortion and the results were compared. The observations from sea trials and laboratory trials demonstrate that laboratory emulators can be used in early stage development to identify the harmonic characteristics of a wave energy converter.Item Architectural framework for the integration of distributed resources(2003) Jimeno, J.; Laresgoiti, I.; Oyarzabal, J.; Stene, B.; Bacher, R.; POWER SYSTEMS; Tecnalia Research & InnovationDeregulation of the electricity sector, environmental concern, advances i in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and the appearance of new cost effective energy generation technologies, are driving the traditionally safe and reliable electrical network onto a situation in which the quality level of electricity supply will not only have to be maintained, but even increased, although difficulties for doing it will be greater than before due to uncertainties arising from competitive market driven transactions. The integration of market management together with the physical management of the electrical network creates several problems that the use of ICTs is going to help to solve. In this context, Internet andjthe Semantic Web technologies appear as the most cost effective and promising way to achieve the interoperation of bothlinterrelated worlds. Scada is the basic system for every process control. The data provided by the Scada system is mainly focused onto the control of the process without taking into account that the information can be used for other means and by other services within a utility. The research performed in this paper reports on the ways to achieve the ntitization of the SCADA information in different kind of applications by wrapping the data values coming from the process with the semantic meaning of what they mean, and its use for different energy related applications.Item Architecture of a microgrid energy management system(2011-03) Jimeno, Joseba; Anduaga, Jon; Oyarzabal, José; De Muro, Asier Gil; POWER SYSTEMS; POWER ELECTRONICS AND SYSTEM EQUIPMENTIn the framework of deregulated electricity markets, distributed generation and load management are emerging as new technologies. In this context, the microgrid concept adds value to distributed energy resources (DER) by aggregating them into autonomous grids that provide high levels of efficiency, security and controllability. In order to achieve its functions, a microgrid requires a control system in charge of operating the elements in it in an optimal way while the required quality parameters are fulfilled. This paper describes the general architecture of a microgrid energy management system (EMS) based on multi-agent system (MAS) technologies. MAS technologies are considered to be very well suited to systems that require plug and play capabilities, robustness, heterogeneous device integration, high scalability and extensibility. All of which are essential characteristics of a microgrid EMS. This paper also describes the implementation of a secondary control system based on the microgrid EMS architecture developed. This system is in charge of maintaining microgrid frequency and power exchange with the main grid close to predefined values. This is achieved in a way in which generation and consumption resources are optimally dispatched and able to operate in both grid connected and islanded modes. Finally, the control system developed is tested in an actual microgrid in order to assess its performance and demonstrate its applicability.Item Assessment of the potential for natural gas substitution with methane-rich biogas in Spain(2019) Skorek-Osikowska, Anna; García-Gusano, Diego; Dufour, Javier; PLANIFICACIÓN ENERGÉTICAThe main aim of this studies was to analyze selected technologies for the production of bio-based natural gas and to assess the effect of substituting natural gas present in the Spanish grid and used for electricity generation with gas that is generated based on renewable energy sources as well as to evaluate the influence of such substitution on future energy generation systems in Spain. For this purpose, a parametric analysis and economic analysis of the selected technologies was made, allowing to determine the CAPEX and OPEX, and finally the price of renewable natural gas.Item Assessment of the Potential of Commercial Buildings for Energy Management in Energy Performance Contracts(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2024) Garrido-Marijuan, Antonio; Garay-Martinez, Roberto; de Agustín, Pablo; Eguiarte, Olaia; EDIFICACIÓN DE ENERGÍA POSITIVA; LABORATORIO DE TRANSFORMACIÓN URBANAThe Energy Performance Building Directive encourages Member States to establish clear long-term renovation strategies, highlighting the value of energy renovation for both the envelope and the smart services application in buildings. There is, however, a lack of works that effectively examine the cost-effectiveness linked to both the envelope retrofitting and the smartness of the building, which could hinder the effective implementation and prevent building owners, occupants, and stakeholders from taking full advantage of these strategies. This study presents a methodology to assess the most suitable “target” market across Europe for energy renovation. The work focuses on different typologies of commercial buildings, evaluating their potential for energy renovation under different boundary conditions such as climate or demand response market maturity. The assessment is performed in two stages: qualitative identification of those countries with the highest interest for renovation and energy management and quantitative assessment of the top candidates regarding their potential for renovation under different retrofitting scenarios in energy and economic terms. The study aims to serve as a decision-making process to explore and identify the potential for energy performance contracts for different typologies at the European level.