Mitigation Techniques to Reduce the Impact of Wind Turbines on Radar Services

Radar services are occasionally affected by wind farms. This paper presents a comprehensive description of the effects that a wind farm may cause on the different radar services, and it compiles a review of the recent research results regarding the mitigation techniques to minimize this impact. Mitigation techniques to be applied at the wind farm and on the radar systems are described. The development of thorough impact studies before the wind farm is installed is presented as the best way to analyze in advance the potential for interference, and subsequently identify the possible solutions to allow the coexistence of wind farms and radar services.

Enhanced Operation of Electricity Distribution Grids Through Smart Metering PLC Network Monitoring, Analysis and Grid Conditioning

Low Voltage (LV) electricity distribution grid operations can be improved through a combination of new smart metering systems' capabilities based on real time Power Line Communications (PLC) and LV grid topology mapping. This paper presents two novel contributions. The first one is a new methodology developed for smart metering PLC network monitoring and analysis. It can be used to obtain relevant information from the grid, thus adding value to existing smart metering deployments and facilitating utility operational activities. A second contribution describes grid conditioning used to obtain LV feeder and phase identification of all connected smart electric meters. Real time availability of such information may help utilities with grid planning, fault location and a more accurate point of supply management.

Sliding Mode Control Strategy for Wind Turbine Power Maximization

The efficiency of the wind power conversions systems can be greatly improved using an appropriate control algorithm. In this work, a sliding mode control for variable speed wind turbine that incorporates a doubly fed induction generator is described. The electrical system incorporates a wound rotor induction machine with back-to-back three phase power converter bridges between its rotor and the grid. In the presented design the so-called vector control theory is applied, in order to simplify the electrical equations. The proposed control scheme uses stator flux-oriented vector control for the rotor side converter bridge control and grid voltage vector control for the grid side converter bridge control. The stability analysis of the proposed sliding mode controller under disturbances and parameter uncertainties is provided using the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally simulated results show, on the one hand, that the proposed controller provides high-performance dynamic characteristics, and on the other hand, that this scheme is robust with respect to the uncertainties that usually appear in the real systems.

Design, Construction and Testing of a Hydraulic Power Take-Off for Wave Energy Converters

This paper presents the construction, mathematical modeling and testing of a scaled universal hydraulic Power Take-Off (PTO) device for Wave Energy Converters (WECs). A specific prototype and test bench were designed and built to carry out the tests. The results obtained from these tests were used to adjust an in-house mathematical model. The PTO was initially designed to be coupled to a scaled wave energy capture device with a low speed and high torque oscillating motion and high power fluctuations. Any Energy Capture Device (ECD) that fulfils these requirements can be coupled to this PTO, provided that its scale is adequately defined depending on the rated power of the full scale prototype. The initial calibration included estimation of the pressure drops in the different components, the pressurization time of the oil inside the hydraulic cylinders and the volumetric efficiency of the complete circuit. Since the overall efficiency measured during the tests ranged from 0.69 to 0.8 and the dynamic performance of the PTO was satisfactory, the results are really promising and it is believed that this solution might prove effective in real devices.

Valuing Expansions of the Electricity Transmission Network under Uncertainty: The Binodal Case

Transmission investments are currently needed to meet an increasing electricity demand, to address security of supply concerns, and to reach carbon-emissions targets. A key issue when assessing the benefits from an expanded grid concerns the valuation of the uncertain cash flows that result from the expansion. We propose a valuation model that accommodates both physical and economic uncertainties following the Real Options approach. It combines optimization techniques with Monte Carlo simulation. We illustrate the use of our model in a simplified, two-node grid and assess the decision whether to invest or not in a particular upgrade. The generation mix includes coal-and natural gas-fired stations that operate under carbon constraints. The underlying parameters are estimated from observed market data.

The Economics of Gasification: A Market-Based Approach

This paper deals with the economics of gasification facilities in general and IGCC power plants in particular. Regarding the prospects of these systems, passing the technological test is one thing, passing the economic test can be quite another. In this respect, traditional valuations assume constant input and/or output prices. Since this is hardly realistic, we allow for uncertainty in prices. We naturally look at the markets where many of the products involved are regularly traded. Futures markets on commodities are particularly useful for valuing uncertain future cash flows. Thus, revenues and variable costs can be assessed by means of sound financial concepts and actual market data. On the other hand, these complex systems provide a number of flexibility options (e.g., to choose among several inputs, outputs, modes of operation, etc.). Typically, flexibility contributes significantly to the overall value of real assets. Indeed, maximization of the asset value requires the optimal exercise of any flexibility option available. Yet the economic value of flexibility is elusive, the more so under (price) uncertainty. And the right choice of input fuels and/or output products is a main concern for the facility managers. As a particular application, we deal with the valuation of input flexibility. We follow the Real Options approach. In addition to economic variables, we also address technical and environmental issues such as energy efficiency, utility performance characteristics and emissions (note that carbon constraints are looming). Lastly, a brief introduction to some stochastic processes suitable for valuation purposes is provided.

Energías renovables en edificación: aplicación al abastecimiento de energía eléctrica y climatización

[ES]Este documento tiene el objeto de presentar el uso de las energías renovables en la edificación actual, para ello se analizaran las energías que hay en el mercado, sus beneficios y sus posibles aplicaciones en viviendas, naves industriales, polideportivos, centro comerciales, etc. Para lograr alcanzar todas estas competencias se hará mayor hincapié en el uso de estas nuevas tecnologías en abastecimientos de energía eléctrica y climatización, teniendo en cuenta que no todas las energías renovables son aplicables a la edificación y que no todas las energías tienen las mismas utilidades. El trabajo se lleva a cabo dentro de los trabajos de fin de grado de la escuela técnica superior de ingeniería de Bilbao (ETSIB), más concretamente se refiere al trabajo tipo TFG.3. El trabajo también consta de los apartados descargo de costes y planificación, donde se analiza el desglose de los gastos empleados para la realización de esta memoria y el tiempo elaboración para el mismo. Para concluir es añaden anexos, en los cuales se explican varias de las Normas que se manejan en la actualidad y también se incluyen algunos catálogos de productos comerciales y sus dispositivos para colocar en el edificio.

Ab initio study of anharmonicity in high pressure Cmca-4 metallic hydrogen

Hydrogen is the only atom for which the Schr odinger equation is solvable. Consisting only of a proton and an electron, hydrogen is the lightest element and, nevertheless, is far from being simple. Under ambient conditions, it forms diatomic molecules H2 in gas phase, but di erent temperature and pressures lead to a complex phase diagram, which is not completely known yet. Solid hydrogen was rst documented in 1899 [1] and was found to be isolating. At higher pressures, however, hydrogen can be metallized. In 1935 Wigner and Huntington predicted that the metallization pressure would be 25 GPa [2], where molecules would disociate to form a monoatomic metal, as alkali metals that lie below hydrogen in the periodic table. The prediction of the metallization pressure turned out to be wrong: metallic hydrogen has not been found yet, even under a pressure as high as 320 GPa. Nevertheless, extrapolations based on optical measurements suggest that a metallic phase may be attained at 450 GPa [3]. The interest of material scientist in metallic hydrogen can be attributed, at least to a great extent, to Ashcroft, who in 1968 suggested that such a system could be a hightemperature superconductor [4]. The temperature at which this material would exhibit a transition from a superconducting to a non-superconducting state (Tc) was estimated to be around room temperature. The implications of such a statement are very interesting in the eld of astrophysics: in planets that contain a big quantity of hydrogen and whose temperature is below Tc, superconducting hydrogen may be found, specially at the center, where the gravitational pressure is high. This might be the case of Jupiter, whose proportion of hydrogen is about 90%. There are also speculations suggesting that the high magnetic eld of Jupiter is due to persistent currents related to the superconducting phase [5]. Metallization and superconductivity of hydrogen has puzzled scientists for decades, and the community is trying to answer several questions. For instance, what is the structure of hydrogen at very high pressures? Or a more general one: what is the maximum Tc a phonon-mediated superconductor can have [6]? A great experimental e ort has been carried out pursuing metallic hydrogen and trying to answer the questions above; however, the characterization of solid phases of hydrogen is a hard task. Achieving the high pressures needed to get the sought phases requires advanced technologies. Diamond anvil cells (DAC) are commonly used devices. These devices consist of two diamonds with a tip of small area; for this reason, when a force is applied, the pressure exerted is very big. This pressure is uniaxial, but it can be turned into hydrostatic pressure using transmitting media. Nowadays, this method makes it possible to reach pressures higher than 300 GPa, but even at this pressure hydrogen does not show metallic properties. A recently developed technique that is an improvement of DAC can reach pressures as high as 600 GPa [7], so it is a promising step forward in high pressure physics. Another drawback is that the electronic density of the structures is so low that X-ray di raction patterns have low resolution. For these reasons, ab initio studies are an important source of knowledge in this eld, within their limitations. When treating hydrogen, there are many subtleties in the calculations: as the atoms are so light, the ions forming the crystalline lattice have signi cant displacements even when temperatures are very low, and even at T=0 K, due to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. Thus, the energy corresponding to this zero-point (ZP) motion is signi cant and has to be included in an accurate determination of the most stable phase. This has been done including ZP vibrational energies within the harmonic approximation for a range of pressures and at T=0 K, giving rise to a series of structures that are stable in their respective pressure ranges [8]. Very recently, a treatment of the phases of hydrogen that includes anharmonicity in ZP energies has suggested that relative stability of the phases may change with respect to the calculations within the harmonic approximation [9]. Many of the proposed structures for solid hydrogen have been investigated. Particularly, the Cmca-4 structure, which was found to be the stable one from 385-490 GPa [8], is metallic. Calculations for this structure, within the harmonic approximation for the ionic motion, predict a Tc up to 242 K at 450 GPa [10]. Nonetheless, due to the big ionic displacements, the harmonic approximation may not su ce to describe correctly the system. The aim of this work is to apply a recently developed method to treat anharmonicity, the stochastic self-consistent harmonic approximation (SSCHA) [11], to Cmca-4 metallic hydrogen. This way, we will be able to study the e ects of anharmonicity in the phonon spectrum and to try to understand the changes it may provoque in the value of Tc. The work is structured as follows. First we present the theoretical basis of the calculations: Density Functional Theory (DFT) for the electronic calculations, phonons in the harmonic approximation and the SSCHA. Then we apply these methods to Cmca-4 hydrogen and we discuss the results obtained. In the last chapter we draw some conclusions and propose possible future work.

Generación de energía eléctrica por combustión de biomasa forestal mediante ciclo rankine. Central de 2MW

[ES]Este proyecto se centra en el estudio y diseño de una central de generación de energía eléctrica por medio de biomasa forestal. La motivación para la realización de este proyecto reside en la gran importancia que en los últimos años están tomando las energías renovables. El Calentamiento Global es un hecho que durante los últimos años ha llevado a la investigación y desarrollo de las energías alternativas, que frenan o contribuyen al ralentizamiento de este fenómeno. Por su parte la implantación de una planta como la que se estudia a continuación, no solo ayudaría a la reducción de emisiones netas de CO2 a la atmósfera, sino que también tendría numerosas ventajas como son la creación de empleo, la limpieza de bosques, lo que ayuda a la prevención de incendios y plagas, y proporcionaría una independencia energética. Los pasos que se van a seguir en el proyecto son los siguientes:  Explicar el alcance y los objetivos del proyecto. Desarrollar las posibles alternativas que existen para la valorización de la biomasa forestal, incluyendo un resumen de las ventajas y desventajas que cada una presenta. Informe detallado de la alternativa seleccionada, la combustión, que incluye la explicación del proceso en la planta desde que el residuo sale del bosque, hasta la obtención de la energía eléctrica. Análisis económico y rentabilidad de la planta. Realizar el cronograma del proyecto. Por último se realizará un análisis de los posibles riesgos.

A Real-Time Sliding Mode Control for a Wind Energy System Based on a Doubly Fed Induction Generator

In this paper, a real time sliding mode control scheme for a variable speed wind turbine that incorporates a doubly feed induction generator is described. In this design, the so-called vector control theory is applied, in order to simplify the system electrical equations. The proposed control scheme involves a low computational cost and therefore can be implemented in real-time applications using a low cost Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The stability analysis of the proposed sliding mode controller under disturbances and parameter uncertainties is provided using the Lyapunov stability theory. A new experimental platform has been designed and constructed in order to analyze the real-time performance of the proposed controller in a real system. Finally, the experimental validation carried out in the experimental platform shows; on the one hand that the proposed controller provides high-performance dynamic characteristics, and on the other hand that this scheme is robust with respect to the uncertainties that usually appear in the real systems.

Análisis de las diferentes tecnologías de centrales termosolares.

[ES]En este proyecto se recoge un análisis de las diferentes tecnologías de centrales termosolares. Las energías renovables tienen un papel fundamental en el abastecimiento energético futuro, ya que son una fuente inagotable con un impacto medioambiental mínimo. Dentro de las renovables, la energía termosolar es una de las más destacables en España, que se ha situado como el país líder en termosolar. Existen cuatro tecnologías diferentes para este tipo de centrales, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo es profundizar en su conocimiento y proporcionar un criterio objetivo que permita seleccionar la más adecuada en futuras instalaciones. Para ello, se considerarán tanto aspectos técnicos como económicos, con el fin de estudiar las principales ventajas y desventajas de cada tipo.

Gestión Energética. Estimación de necesidades de potencia eólica.

[ES]Este trabajo de fin de grado (TFG) pretende analizar la evolución de la demanda en el sistema eléctrico peninsular y la potencia disponible para decidir si, en el medio plazo, será necesario incorporar nueva potencia o prescindir de alguna de las centrales existentes. El estudio considerará tanto fuentes de energía renovables como no renovables, centrándose en la necesidad, o no, de incorporar nueva potencia eólica. El TFG considerará los siguientes aspectos: el contexto energético de la península española, el análisis de la situación actual y previsiones. Este TFG responde a la necesidad de realizar una buena gestión energética con el objetivo reducir las emisiones de CO2 mejorando el uso de la energía eólica y optimizando el mix energético.

Aporte adicional de energía renovable geotérmica a instalación con cogeneración en hospital existente.

[ES]Este proyecto tiene como objetivo apoyar a la generación de energía por cogeneración mediante una fuente de energía renovable. Se pretende plantear una solución que satisfaga parte de las necesidades básicas del Hospital Universitario de Álava, en su sede del Hospital de Santiago, de una forma económicamente rentable. Este proyecto se enmarca dentro de los esfuerzos en la promoción de energías renovables que comenzaron con el protocolo Kioto, al que le siguieron los objetivos Europa 20/20/20. Se realizará un acercamiento a la utilización de la energía renovable geotérmica como fuente de energía que disminuye el impacto ambiental. El edificio hospitalario considerado ya cuenta con un sistema de generación energética con cogeneración, considerada dentro del régimen especial, por la utilización de energía residual para procesos que de otra manera hubieran requerido consumo de combustible. Se plantearán diferentes alternativas para la generación de energía térmica con geotermia, que al ser de origen renovable, es una fuente de energía de combustibles no fósiles, y se demostraran sus beneficios analizando cómo mejora la huella de carbono del hospital con la propuesta. Finalmente, para valorar si se trata de un proyecto viable se planteará el estudio económico analizando el presupuesto y análisis de rentabilidad.

Diseño y montaje de un identificador y conmutador para carga de baterías en serie

[ES]El objetivo de este proyecto es diseñar y construir un circuito identificador y conmutador para carga de baterías en serie autónomo. La funcionalidad de este dispositivo es determinar cual es la batería menos cargada de un banco de baterías de ácido plomo que alimenta un coche al estándar de 48 voltios(conformado por cuatro baterías de 12 voltios). Una vez determinado cual es la batería menos cargada debe re-­‐ direccionar la corriente dada por una placa solar a dicha batería. Todo esto debe hacerlo de forma autónoma, a través de un programa específico, implementado en un microcontrolador. En las diferentes fases del proyecto se ha diseñado el software, se ha diseñado y montado el hardware y se ha verificado su correcto funcionamiento. Además se presentan los costes y la viabilidad de una propuesta de fabricación estandarizada a partir de los planos resultantes del proyecto. Este proyecto surge como respuesta a la actual necesidad de aumentar la limitada autonomía de los coches eléctricos y hacerlos más eficientes. El proyecto se ha llevado a cabo en el laboratorio de electrónica de la ETSI de Bilbao y pretende promover el uso de los coches eléctricos y energías renovables.

El vehículo eléctrico en el ámbito de las microrredes eléctricas.

[ES]En este trabajo se propone el diseño técnico de una microrred eléctrica para la recarga domestica del vehículo eléctrico a partir de energías renovables. Para ello se realizará un estudio del emplazamiento de la instalación y con los datos obtenidos se decidirá la fuente de generación renovable más adecuada para satisfacer el requerimiento de energía para la recarga. A continuación se elegirán los componentes que completen la instalación.