CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Este trabalho apresenta o estudo e desenvolvimento de um sistema eletrÃnico de aproveitamento de energia eÃlica a partir de um gerador sÃncrono de Ãmà permanente conectado a uma turbina de vento. O sistema opera com velocidade variÃvel, permitindo o mÃximo aproveitamento da energia cinÃtica incidente na turbina de vento. Essa energia cinÃtica à convertida em energia elÃtrica pelo gerador sÃncrono de Ãmà permanente e depois de totalmente condicionada, injetada na rede elÃtrica convencional. Esse condicionamento à feito por um sistema eletrÃnico objeto de estudo e desenvolvimento deste trabalho, o qual consiste em um retificador trifÃsico interligado a um inversor monofÃsico em ponte completa com saÃda em corrente. SÃo apresentadas a revisÃo bibliogrÃfica de sistemas de aproveitamento de energia eÃlica para geraÃÃo de energia elÃtrica pertinentes ao escopo do trabalho, a anÃlise do estÃgio retificador (potÃncia e controle), a anÃlise do estÃgio inversor (potÃncia e controle), uma comparaÃÃo teÃrica de rendimento entre o retificador trifÃsico proposto neste trabalho (bridgeless trifÃsico) e o retificador trifÃsico dois nÃveis, e os resultados experimentais de um protÃtipo de validaÃÃo de 5kW do sistema proposto. / This work presents the study and development of an electronic system for wind energy exploitation from a permanent magnet synchronous generator connected to a wind turbine. The system operates with variable speed, allowing maximum use of the kinetic energy incident on the wind turbine. This kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by the permanent magnet synchronous generator and, after being fully conditioned, injected into the conventional power grid. This conditioning is done by an electronic system object of study and development of this work, which consists of a rectifier connected to a single-phase full-bridge inverter with current output. Are presented the literature review of the relevant wind energy conversion systems to the scope of work, the analysis of the rectifier stage (power and control), the analysis of the inverter stage (power and control), a efficiency theoretical comparison between the proposed rectifier (three-phase bridgeless) and the three-phase fullbridge rectifier, and the experimental results of an 5kW validation prototype of the proposed system.

Esta tese focou em três tópicos principais: caracterização de filmes compactos de TiO2 e seu comportamento em células solares sensibilizadas por corante; estudo das propriedades fotoquímicas e fotofísicas de um complexo fotoisomerizável de rênio(I); elucidação das propriedades fotofísicas e eletrônicas de complexos de irídio(III) e suas aplicações em dispositivos emissores de luz. Filmes compactos foram automontados nos fotoanodos de células solares sensibilizadas por corante (DSCs), sob o filme mesoporoso de TiO2/corante, utilizando sols de TiO2 ácidos e básicos como cátions e ânions, respectivamente. A obtenção dos sols foi realizada sob controle absoluto para resultar em propriedades morfológicas e ópticas apropriadas para filmes compactos de alta qualidade, como indicado por perfilometria e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão e varredura. As DSCs com bicamadas de TiO2 melhoraram as eficiências de conversão em até 62%. Uma investigação detalhada por parâmetros fotoeletroquímicos, IPCE, tempo de vida do elétron e espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica demonstrou que o contato entre o vidro condutor (FTO) e o TiO2 é melhorado e que a recombinação de carga no FTO/I3- é diminuída. O novo complexo fac-[Re(CO)3(Ph2phen)(trans-stpyCN)]+ foi sintetizado para apresentar o intercâmbio entre as configurações trans e cis do ligante coordenado por meio de fotoisomerizações eficientes e reversíveis. As fotólises em 313, 334, 365 e404 nm resultam em mudanças espectrais no UV-Vis e RMN atribuídas à fotoisomerização trans-cis do ligante stpyCN coordenado. O processo reverso cis-trans também foi observado com irradiação em 255 nm, com um notável rendimento quântico (&#934 = 0,16), de mesma magnitude que para o processo trans-cis (Φ = 0,38). A caracterização fotofísica e os espectros de absorção do transiente corroboraram na atribuição de um comportamento incomum para os estados excitados quasedegenerados 3ILstpyCN e 3MLCTRe→Ph2phen. Complexos heterolépticos de Ir(III) foram sintetizados e suas propriedades fotofísicas avaliadas, como rendimentos quânticos e tempos de vida de emissão, constantes radiativas e não-radiativas e coordenadas CIE. Os parâmetros fotofísicos variaram sistematicamente com variações nos substituintes retiradores ou doares de elétrons, como corroborado por cálculos TD-DFT, que mostraram uma mistura de estados excitados IL-MLCT. Três desses complexos foram utilizados na camada ativa de dispositivos emissores de luz e caracterizados optoeletronicamente por curvas de corrente-brilho-potencial e espectros eletroluminescentes. / Three main topics are discussed in this thesis: characterization of TiO2 compact films towards high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells; investigations of photophysical and photochemical processes of a Re(I) complex; photophysical elucidation of Ir(III) complexes and their application in light emitting devices. All-nano-TiO2 compact films were auto-assembled in the photoanodes of dyesensitized solar cells (DSCs), beneath the TiO2 mesoporous film, employing acid and basic nano-TiO2 sols as cations and anions, respectively. TiO2 syntheses were performed under absolute control to lead to appropriate morphological and optical properties to yield high quality compact films, as indicated by profilometry, tunning and scanning electron microscopy. DSCs with TiO2 bilayers on top of the conducting glass (FTO) improved the conversion efficiency up to 62%. A detailed study by photoelectrochemical parameters, IPCE, electron lifetime and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates that the contact between FTO and TiO2 was improved and that the FTO/I3- charge recombination was prevented. The novel fac-[Re(CO)3(Ph2phen)(trans-stpyCN)]+ complex was synthesized to show switchable trans-cis configurations of the coordinated stpyCN ligand through efficient and reversible photoassisted isomerizations. Photolyses at 313, 334, 365 and 404 nm led to UV-Vis and NMR spectral changes ascribed to the trans-to-cis photoisomerization of the coordinated ligand. The reverse cis-to-trans process was alsoobserved at 255 nm irradiation, with a remarkable quantum yield (Φ = 0.16), in the same magnitude to the one for trans-to-cis photoprocess (Φ = 0.38). Photophysical characterization and transient absorption spectra provided insights on the light-driven trans ? cis pathways and indicated an unusual behavior for the 3ILstpyCN excited state, induced by an interplay with the quasi-degenerated 3MLCTRePh2phen state. Heteroleptic Ir(III) complexes were synthesized and phophysical properties evaluated, such as emission quantum yields and lifetimes, radiative and non-radiative constants and CIE coordinates. The photophysical parameters varied systematically with variations in electron-donating or -withdrawing substituents on the ligands, as corroborated by TD-DFT calculations that showed an IL-MLCT mixing in their emissive excited state. Three complexes were employed in the active layer of light emitting devices and had their optoeletronic properties characterized by current-brightness-voltage curves and electroluminescent spectra.

La durabilité des piles à combustible à membrane échangeuse de proton (PEMFC) est un des verrous technologiques majeurs qui freinent leurs implantations sur le marché. Ces travaux de thèse s’inscrivent dans ce contexte en proposant l’élaboration de matériaux en carbure de niobium comme support de catalyseur pour remplacer les supports carbonés actuellement utilisés dans les cathodes de PEMFC. Notre démarche est d’associer cette composition à différentes morphologies contrôlées pour développer des matériaux conducteurs, présentant une porosité adaptée et chimiquement plus stable que le carbone qui se corrode dans les conditions de fonctionnement des PEMFC. Ainsi trois voies de synthèse basées sur des techniques variées (filage électrostatique, synthèse hydrothermal avec agent structurant) ont été étudiées aboutissant à trois types de morphologie : des poudres nanostructurées, des tissus nanofibreux et des nanotubes aux parois poreuses. Après leurs caractérisations structurales et morphologiques approfondies, ces supports ont été catalysés avec des nanoparticules de platine synthétisées par une méthode polyol assisté par micro-onde. La finalité de ce projet est d’évaluer les performances électrochimiques relatives à la réaction de réduction de l’oxygène de ces supports catalysés pour mettre en avant leurs exceptionnelles stabilités comparées à un support catalysé de référence (Pt/C) sans perte significative d’activité catalytique. / One pivotal issue to be overcome for the widespread adoption of Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is the stability overtime. In this context, This PhD project focuses on the elaboration of niobium carbide based electrocatalyst supports for the PEMFC cathode to replace the conventional carbon based supports that notoriously suffer from corrosion in fuel cell operating conditions. The approach is to associate this alternative chemical composition with controlled morphologies in order to design electronically conductive and chemically stable materials with the appropriate porosity. Three different syntheses involving hydrothermal template synthesis or electrospinning have been developed leading to three different morphologies: nanostructured powders with high surface area, self-standing nanofibrous mats, and nanotubes with porous walls. These various supports have been catalysed by deposition of platinum nanoparticles synthesised by a microwave-assisted polyol method, and they have been characterised for their chemical and structural composition, morphology, and electrochemical properties. This work demonstrates that the Pt loaded NbC supports feature a greater electrochemical stability than a commercial Pt/C reference and similar electrocatalytic activities towards the oxygen reduction reaction.

Les travaux présentés s'inscrivent dans les thèmes de l'électronique moléculaire et de la conversion photovoltaïque. Nous étudierons plus précisément les interactions électroniques à l'interface entre l'électrode anodique et une fine couche de polyoxométallates, POM. Nous dédirons le premier chapitre à une structure de POM qui sera étudiée en détail. Nous démontrerons que dans des conditions de concentration, recuit thermique appropriées la couche atteint un haut degré d'organisation la rendant conductrice. Après une analyse XPS/UPS fine nous montrons que les mécanismes de conduction prennent place sur la couche externe du POM dans les oxygènes lacunaires. De plus ces lacunes d'oxygène génèrent des états autorisés dans le gap interdit sous le niveau de Fermi. Une deuxième étape du travail consistera a étudié les effets des contreions sur la structure électronique précédemment décrite. Dans ce chapitre démontrons que les contreions, souvent décrits comme des espèces spectatrices, influence grandement le comportement électronique d'une espèce de POM. Puis nous étudierons l'impact de la nature du métal constituant le polyoxométallate. Enfin nous ferons dans un dernier chapitre une synthèse des résultats obtenus qui nous permettrons de conclure au regard des hypothèses formulées en présentant des tests de validation photovoltaïques. / In this work, the main objective were to understand the electronic processes of polyoxometalates solid films at an indium tin oxide interface. A well-organized polyoxometalate film was deposited onto ITO and with an appropriate annealing process a highly ordered conductive surface was observed. The anisotropic morphology has been proved to be able to optimize electrical/electronic properties and further improve hole transport in organic photovoltaic devices by inserting as anode interfacial layer. We demonstrated the conductivity took place at the outer shell of the polyoxometalate due to oxygen vacancies which generate very localized gap state. We pursue the study by investigating the counter-ions (K+, Li+ and H+) effect on the identical polyoxoanion [P2W18O62]6-. We show it can not only influence the film aggregation mechanism, but allow tuning the density of gap states. The substitution of tungsten, especially by molybdenum, result in a more favorable energy level alignment from ITO and P3HT, i.e. desirable position and higher density of gap states. In a last we integrated the polyoxometalate in organic solar cells to prove the previous demonstration.

The electricity cost is one of the largest components of operating costs on a belt conveyor system. This dissertation introduces a unique Conveyor Electricity Cost Efficiency Audit Methodology (CECEAM). In the CECEAM the conveyor system is evaluated from a high to detail level in order to identify opportunities to improve electricity costs. The CECEAM includes methodologies and tools developed to analyze not only the conveyor belt alone, but also the materials handling system as a whole. The outline of the dissertation is structured as follows: Chapter 1 includes the background and problem identification by means of a literature study. The main objective, as well as specific objectives, is defined in this chapter. In chapter 2, the CECEAM is introduced and an overview of the total methodology is discussed. The data acquisition part of the CECEAM; documentation, personnel, walk, technical audit as well as the conveyor database is discussed in chapter 3. Chapter 4 concentrates on the Conveyor Energy Conversion Model (CECM) and the verification thereof. The Integrated Conveyor Energy Model (ICEM) methodology is introduced (in chapter 5) and the economic evaluation concepts and energy management basics needed in the CECEAM are covered. Chapter 6 covers a CECEAM case study where the practical application of the CECEAM is illustrated with ICEM simulations, opportunity identification and recommendations. The conclusion and recommendations for further studies is proposed in chapter 7. / Dissertation (MSc (Electrical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering / unrestricted

A Comprehensive review of literature on electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries is provided in Chapter 1 of the thesis. Chapter 2 deals with the studies on porous, sub-micrometer size LiNi1/3Co1/3O2 as a positive electrode material for Li-ion cells synthesized by inverse microemulsion route and polymer template route. The electromechanical characterization studies show that carbon-coated LiNi1/3Co1/3O2 samples exhibit improved rate capability and cycling performance. Furthermore, it is anticipated that porous LiNi1/3Co1/3O2 could be useful for high rates of charge-discharge cycling. Synthesis of sub-micrometer size, porous particles of LiNi1/3Co1/3O2 using a tri-block copolymer as a soft template is carried out. LiNi1/3Co1/3O2 sample prepared at 900ºC exhibits a high rate capability and stable capacity retention of cycling. The electrochemical performance of LiNi1/3Co1/3O2 prepared in the absence of the polymer template is inferior to that of the sample prepared in the presence of the polymer template. Chapter 4 involves the synthesis of sub-micrometer size particles of LiMn2O4 in quaternary microemulsion medium. The electrochemical characterization studies provide discharge capacity values of about 100 mAh g-1 at C/5 rate and there is moderate decrease in capacity by increasing the rate of charge-discharge cycling. Studies also include charge-discharge cycling as well as ac impedance studies in temperature range from -10 to 40º C. Chapter 5 reports the synthesis of nano-plate LiFePO4 by polyol route starting from two reactants, namely, FePO42H2O and LiOH.2H2O. The electrodes fabricated out of nano-plate of LiFePO4 exhibit a high electrochemical activity. A stable capacity of about 155 mAh g-1 is measured at 0.2 C over 50 charge-discharge cycles. Mesoporous LiFePO4/C composite with two sizes of pores is prepared for the first time via solution-based polymer template technique. The precursor of LiFePO4/C composite is heated at different temperatures in the range from 600 to 800ºC to study the effect of crystalllinity, porosity and morphology on the electrochemical performance. The compound obtained at 700ºC exhibits a high rate capability and stable capacity retention on cycling with pore size distribution around 4 and 46nm. In Chapter 6, the electrochemical characterization of LiMn2O4 in an aqueous solution of 5 M LiNO3 is reported. A typical cell employing LiMn2O4 as the positive electrode and V2O5 as the negative electrode was assembled and the characterized by charge-discharge cycling in 5 M LiNO3 aqueous electrolyte. Furthermore, it is shown that Li+-ion in LiMn2O4 can be replaced by other divalent ions resulting in the formation of MMn2O4 (M = Ca, Mg, Ba and Sr) in aqueous M(NO3)2 electrolytes by subjecting LiMn2O4 electrodes to cyclic voltametry. Cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry studies suggest that MMn2O4 can undergo reversible redox reaction by intercalation/deintercalation of M2+-ions in aqueous M(NO3)2 electrolytes.

<div>Recently, energy crisis and environment pollution has become global issues and there is a great demand for developing green and renewable energy system. At the same time, advancements in materials production, device fabrication, and flexible circuit has led to the huge prosperity of wearable devices, which also requires facile and efficient approaches to power these ubiquitous electronics. Piezoelectric nanogenerators and triboelectric nanogenerators have attracted enormous interest in recent years due to their capacity of transferring the ambient mechanical energy into desired electricity, and also the potential of working as self-powered sensors. However, there still exists some obstacles in the aspect of materials synthesis, device fabrication, and also the sensor performance optimization as well as their application exploration.</div><div>Here in this research, several different materials possessing the piezoelectric and triboelectric properties (selenium nanowires, tellurium nanowires, natural polymer hydrogel) have been successfully synthesized, and also a few novel manufacturing techniques (additive manufacturing) have been implemented for the fabrication of wearable sensors. The piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators developed could effectively convert the mechanical energy into electricity for an energy conversion purpose, and also their application as self-powered human-integrated sensors have also been demonstrated, like achieving a real-time monitoring of radial artery pulses. Other applications of the developed sensors, such as serving as electric heaters and infrared cloaking devices are also presented here. This research is expected to have a positive impact and immediate relevance to many societally pervasive areas, e.g. energy and environment, biomedical electronics, and human-machine interface.</div><div><br></div>

This thesis gives an approach how to develop newperovskite and nanocomposite cathode material for low temperature solid oxidefuel cells on the basis of nanocomposite approach to lower the operatingtemperature of SOFC. BaxCa1-xCoyFe1-yO3-δ(BCCF) and BSCF perovskite or nanocomposite oxides have been synthesized andinvestigated as catalytically potential cathode materials for low temperaturesolid oxide fuel cells (LTSOFC). Some single component materials have been alsosynthesized for new energy conversion device or EFFC. These nanocomposite andperovskite electrical conductors were synthesized by wet chemical, sol gel,co-precipitation and solid state reaction methods. Comparison with that ofcommercial Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ(BSCF) cathode material, BCCF and locally prepared BSCF exhibit higher electricalconductivities as compared to that of commercial BSCF at same setup andconditions. In particular, novel Ba0.3Ca0.7Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δhas shown the maximum conductivity of 143 S/cm in air and local BSCF withconductivity of 313 S/cm in air at 550°C were measured by DC 4 probe method. Anadditional positive aspect of BCCF is that it is cost effective and works atroom temperature but with small output which will lead SOFC to operate atextremely low temperatures. XRD patterns of the samples reveal perovskite andnanocomposite structures of the said materials. Microstructure studies give thehomogeneous structure and morphology of the nanoparticles by using HighResolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Cell resistance has beendetermined by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Devised materialshave shown very good mechanical strength and stability proving their importancein advanced fuel cell technology. Power density of devices from 126 to 192 mWcm-2hasbeen achieved.

Traditional sources of electrical energy are finite and can produce significant pollution. Solar cells produce clean energy from incident sunlight, and will be an important part of our energy future. A new nanostructured extremely thin absorber solar cell with 0.98% power conversion efficiency and maximum external quantum efficiency of 61% at 650 nm has been fabricated and characterized. This solar cell is composed of a fluorine-doped tin oxide base layer, n-type aluminum doped zinc oxide nanowires, a cadmium selenide absorber layer, poly(3-hexylthiophene) as a p-type layer, and thermally evaporated gold as a back contact. Zinc oxide nanowire electrodeposition has been investigated for different electrical environments, and the role of a zinc oxide thin film layer has been established. Cadmium selenide nanoparticles have been produced and optimized in-house and compared to commercially produced nanoparticles. Argon plasma cleaning has been investigated as a method to improve electronic behavior at cadmium selenide interfaces. The thermal anneal process for cadmium selenide nanoparticles has been studied, and a laser anneal process has been investigated. It has been found that the most efficient solar cells in this study are produced with a zinc oxide thin film, zinc oxide nanowires grown under constant -1V bias between the substrate material and the anode, cadmium selenide nanoparticles purchased commercially and annealed for 24 hours in the presence of cadmium chloride, and high molecular weight poly(3-hexylthiophene) spin-coated in a nitrogen environment.

In this thesis, the basics of electromagnetic theory for wave-energy conversion are reviewed, some of the characteristics of the ocean wave are investigated, some of the power take-off (PTO) systems are introduced, and details about linear permanent magnetic machines, in particular, are discussed.  The thesis aims to model the novel linear transverse flux machine designed by Anders Hagnestål and to build hysteresis current controller for power factor correc- tion. Although this machine is expected to have high performance in terms of efficiency, it also exhibits a strong mutual interaction between the three phases of the machine. Thus, simplification of the actual model of the machine is im- posed to mitigate the complexity of the machine and facilitate the Simulink model. Four cases of the double band hysteresis control are studied. The cur- rents seem to be responding properly to the control scheme; however, software and hardware programming of a microprocessor would be preferable to ensurethe applicability of the control strategy in a real environment. / I detta examensarbete undersöks elektromagnetisk teori och havsvågors egenskaper. Några energiomvandlingssystem introduceras och permanentmagnetiserade maskiner diskuteras i detalj. Syftet med avhandlingen är att modelleraen ny linjär transversalflödesmaskin som är designad av Anders Hagnestål och att bygga en hysteresbaserad strömkontroll för denna. Även om maskinen förväntas prestera bra, uppvisar den också en stark ömsesidig magnetisk interaktion mellan de tre faserna. För att kunna hantera detta problem och därmed kunna genomföra simuleringar införs en förenklad elektromagnetisk modell av maskinen. En strömkontroller har implementerats i Simulink, där fyra fall av dubbelbandshystereskontroll studerats. Resultaten från simuleringarna visar att strömkontrollern fungerar. Nästa steg i projektet är att utföra mjukvaru och hårdvaruprogrammering av en mikrokontroller för att testa systemet i enverklig miljö.