Renewable Energy & Advanced Power Electronics Research Lab
News Archive
Dr. Wesam Rohouma presented a paper at the GCC Power 2019 Conference & Exhibition in Muscat, OMAN
Dr. Wesam Rohouma presented a paper co-authored with Dr. Robert Balog, Ph.D. student Mr. Aaqib Ahmad Peerzada, and Dr. Miroslav M. Begovic entitled “Impact of High Capacity Distributed Photovoltaic Systems on the Mechanical Assets in Distribution Systems” at the GCC Power 2019 Conference & Exhibition in Muscat, Oman on October 28, 2019.
The paper studies the impact of the high photovoltaic penetration on the electromechanical devices present on a distribution feeder for voltage regulation. The results of the paper indicate that the tap operations of voltage regulators follow an increasing trend with the PV penetration and saturate at about 90% PV penetration on the feeder. The simulation is based on the standard IEEE 34 node feeder model, which is modified to include a high penetration of PV power.
Morcos Metry presented a paper at the GCC-CIGRE conference in Muscat, OMAN
Ph.D. student Morcos Metry presented his paper titled “Sensorless current MPPT technique for PV energy harvesting systems in the GCC” at the Gulf Corporation Countries International Council on Large Electric Systems (GCC-CIGRE) on October 28, 2019
The paper presents an MPC based framework for sensorless current maximum power point tracking (MPPT). This paper illustrates how the sensorless current MPPT reduces the hardware cost of the dc optimizer and alleviates the issues of temperature and aging drift associated with the current sensor. Such work is of particular significance to the GCC region, where soaring desert heat poses special challenges to the PV power processors. The results of this paper are analyzed in light of irradiance and temperature data collected from the city of Doha. Data for the study was provided by the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) from the outdoor test facility.
Dr. Balog attends Industry Advisory Board meeting for NSF I/UCRC and gives an update on the Texas A&M Site, Fort Collins, Colorado USA
REAPERlab hosts visit by Joint Advisory Board
The Renewable Energy and Advanced Power Electronics Lab were pleased to hosted members of the Joint Advisory Board of the Texas A&M University at Qatar for a lab tour. Research Scientist Dr. Wesam Rohouma, Research Assistant Ms. Sawsan Shukri, and Ph.D. student Morcos Metry presented their research projects. Undergraduate students Mr. Seif Elgazar, Mr. Abdelrahman Amer, and Ms. Nabila Elbeheiry presented their senior design project.
Dr. Balog gives a talk at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado USA
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.
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