Renewable Energy & Advanced Power Electronics Research Lab
News Archive
Thesis Defense: Mr. Moustafa Raslan
REAPER Lab congratulates Mr. Moustafa Raslan for successfully defending his MS thesis, “Shape Memory Alloy Actuated Switch (SMAAS).” Mr. Raslan’s research studied the feasibility of using shape memory alloy as a mechanism for actuating an electrical switch. He evaluated several candidate designs, downselecting to feasible designs which were then prototypes to demonstrate the functionality. Mr. Raslan’s contributions are expected to enable an entirely new type of electrical switch, capable of being miniaturized using micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) techniques. His research resulted in a US patent application in addition to scholarly publications.
Mr. Raslan received his B.Sc. with honors in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University in Qatar in May 2017. He is currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Interdisciplinary Engineering in the REAPER lab at Texas A&M University with a focus area spanning Mechanical, Electrical and Materials Engineering. His research interests include electro-mechanical systems, applications of shape memory alloy materials, and microfabrication.
Minjeong Kim presented a paper at the IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE) in Baltimore, MD USA
Ph.D. student Ms. Minjeong Kim presented her paper entitled “New commutation method based on state machine for three-phase HF ac link inverter with passive loads” at the IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition in Baltimore, MD USA
The paper proposes a new commutation method based on state machine for a three phase HF ac link inverter. The new commutation method overcomes the disadvantages of the commutation method for a single phase HF ac link inverter by controlling all the switches of three phase ac-ac converter by one state machine. The THD values of the output currents are compared and the results prove that the newly proposed state machine removes the distortions.
Lance Alpuerto presented a poster entitled “Structurally-Integrated Photovoltaics (SIPV)” at the Texas A&M Conference on Energy in College Station, Tx USA
Ph.D. student Mr. Lance Alpuerto presented a research poster entitled “Structurally-Integrated Photovoltaics (SIPV)” at the Texas A&M Conference on Energy in College Station, Tx USA / September 23rd, 2019.
The research discussed the energy harvest opportunities of structurally-integrated photovoltaic systems (SIPV). Using thin-film materials, integrated photovoltaics can organically blend with the building materials and geometry of the structure, as opposed to adding it on top of the structure. SIPV approach not only reduces mounting and balance-of-systems materials, but it also provides the capability to design the architecture around the power generation need because of the PV materials conform directly to the architectural curves. An example is
Dr. Balog elected to the National Academy of Inventors
The National Academy of Inventors (NAI), announced that Dr. Robert S. Balog has been elected as a Senior Member.
“NAI Member Institutions support some of the most elite innovators on the horizon. With the NAI Senior Member award distinction, we are recognizing innovators that are rising stars in their fields,” said Paul R. Sanberg, NAI President. “This new class is joining a prolific group of academic visionaries already defining tomorrow.”
The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) was founded in 2010 to recognize and encourage inventors with patents issued from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, support the disclosure of intellectual property, educate and mentor innovative students, and translate the inventions of its members to benefit society. NAI Senior Members are active faculty, scientists and administrators with success in patents, licensing and commercialization and have produced technologies that have brought, or aspire to deliver, a real impact on the welfare of society.
Lance Alpuerto presented a paper at the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference (PVSC) in Chicago, IL USA
Ph.D. student Mr. Lance ALpuerto presented his paper entitled “Modeling Methodology for Determining Energy Collection Potential of Photovoltaics Applied To Curved Surfaces” at the 46th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC 46) in CHICAGO, IL USA / June 18, 2019.
The paper proposes a scale-invariant mathematical model for PV modules, developed to investigate the energy collection potential applied on non-planar surfaces. Implementing a structured mesh to discretized and analyze a curved surface, the harvest potentials can be computed. The results of this work show the harvest is dependent on the geometry of the surface, thus offer designability in the diurnal collection profiles.
Sawsan Shukri presented a paper at the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference (PVSC) in Chicago, IL USA
Undergraduate student
Arcing in photovoltaic (PV) power systems is a significant concern due to the potential for property damage from a PV system fire and personal safety from electrical shock hazard or electrocution if an arc is undetected and left unmitigated. This paper reports on the results of a project to develop a DC arc generator suitable for use in the development and testing of DC arc-fault detectors.
Lance Alpuerto presented a paper at the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialist Conference (PVSC) in Chicago, IL USA
Ph.D. student Mr. Lance ALpuerto presented his paper entitled “Modeling the Electrical Production Potential of Non-Planar Photovoltaic Modules” at the 46th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference (PVSC 46) in CHICAGO, IL USA / June 18, 2019.
The paper investigated the electrical generation of individual PV cells in a curved photovoltaic surface. Characterizing the variance of generated current will assist with the development of interconnection and control strategies of the MPPT system to make non-planar PV practical for utility, commercial, and residential applications.
Welcome Dr. Naki Güler
The REAPER lab welcomes Dr. Naki Güler to the research group as a Visiting PostDoctoral Fellow. Dr. Naki received his PhD from Gazi University in Ankara, Turkey.
Dr. Balog presents paper at the ICPE 2019 – ECCE Asia conference
Dr. Balog presented a paper co-authored with Dr. Wesam Rohouma, Ph.D. student Mr. Aaqib Ahmad Peerzada, and Dr. Miroslav M. Begovic entitled “Reactive Power Compensation of Time-Varying Load Using Capacitor-less D-STATCOM” at the KEPI ICPE 2019 – IEEE ECCE Asia conference in Busan, S. Korea / May 30, 2019.
In this paper, a capacitor-less D-STATCOM based matrix converter was shown to provide the required reactive power support in a low voltage distribution network under variable load conditions. Instead of the traditional VSC based topology, without electrolytic capacitors, the system is well-suited for long-life applications under hot environmental conditions. By injecting controlled reactive power, the D-STATCOM can positively affect the power factor, improve voltage profile, and reduce energy losses in the distribution network.
Morcos Metry and Minjeong Kim presented their paper at the ICPE 2019 – ECCE Asia conference in Busan, S. Korea
Ph.D. students Mr. Morcos Metry and Ms. Minjeong Kim presented their paper titled “A Hill-Climbing Optimization Approach for Closed-Loop Auto-Tuning of the Grid-Connected Ripple-Port Inverters” at the IEEE ECCE-Asia (KEPI ICPE 2019) in Busan South Korea / May 29, 2019.
This paper proposed an auto-tuning closed-loop controller for the ripple port inverter in single-phase photovoltaic micro-inverters. This controller is based on the hill-climbing algorithm and is designed to minimize
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