<p dir="ltr">Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are promising electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems to drive the rechargeable world toward a sustainable future. Following the breakthrough of material innovations, advanced Li-ion batteries have significantly mitigated the range and lifetime anxieties of electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics. Nevertheless, state-of-the-art Li-ion chemistries still suffer from several defects, such as rapid degradations under abusive or fast-charge scenarios and unfavorable high thermal instabilities. Essentially, aging mechanisms and safety hazards of Li-ion cells are strongly coupled events. The cell safety factors are most likely to be deteriorated as degradation progresses, making the cell less safe after a long-term deployment. In this thesis, we comprehensively investigate thermo-electrochemical interactions on the safety of Li-ion batteries. Fundamental principles of Li-ion batteries, basic knowledge about material-level thermal instabilities at electrode-electrolyte interphases, thermal characterization approaches, and thermal runaway mechanisms under abusive scenarios are fully overviewed. Thermally unstable characteristics of key cell components, including inter-electrode crosstalk as a result of oxygen liberation from cathode lattice structures, significant electric energy release from massive internal short circuit due to separator collapse, anode-centric lithium-plating-induced early exotherm, and silicon-dopant-driven thermal risks of composite anodes, are specifically discussed to understand their critical role in accelerating cell-level thermal runaway catastrophes. Aging pathways of Li-ion cells under off-normal conditions, particularly overdischarge and fast charging, are thoroughly elucidated using a promising reference electrode architecture, which effectively deconvolutes the electrode behaviors from the complex full-cell performance for precise identification of the root causes in cell failure. Given the profound revelation of degradation-safety sophistication in various Li-ion chemistries, corresponding mitigation and prevention strategies are proposed to maximize cell lifetime and reliability. This thesis provides new insights into aging and safety diagnostics of cutting-edge Li-ion batteries, taking one step further in the online monitoring of battery state of health to develop adaptive battery management systems.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has prompted significant research and development efforts in the field of biomass gasification. Biomass gasification technology holds significant promise for sustainable energy production, offering a renewable alternative to fossil fuels while mitigating environmental impact. This thesis presents a detailed study on the design, development, and implementation of a Plug-Flow Reactor Biomass Gasifier integrated with an Automated Auger Jam Detection System and a Blower Algorithm to maintain constant reactor pressure by varying blower speed with respect to changes in reactor pressure. The system is based on indirectly- heated pyrolytic gasification technology and is developed using Simulink™.</p><p dir="ltr">The proposed gasification system use the principles of pyrolysis and gasification to convert biomass feedstock into syngas efficiently. An innovative plug-flow reactor configuration ensures uniform heat distribution and residence time, optimizing gasification performance and product quality. Additionally, the system incorporates an automated auger jam detection system, which utilizes sensor data to detect and mitigate auger jams in real-time, thereby enhancing operational reliability and efficiency. By monitoring these parameters, the system detects deviations from normal operating conditions indicative of auger jams and initiates corrective actions automatically. The detection algorithm is trained using test cases and validated through detailed testing to ensure accurate and reliable performance.</p><p dir="ltr">The MATLAB™-based implementation offers flexibility, scalability, and ease of integration with existing gasifier control systems. The graphical user interface (GUI) provides operators with real-time monitoring and visualization of system status, auger performance, and detected jam events. Additionally, the system generates alerts and notifications to inform operators of detected jams, enabling timely intervention and preventive maintenance. </p><p dir="ltr">To maintain consistent gasification conditions, a blower algorithm is developed to regulate airflow and maintain constant reactor pressure within the gasifier. The blower algorithm dynamically adjusts blower speed based on feedback from differential pressure sensors, ensuring optimal gasification performance under varying operating conditions. The integration of the blower algorithm into the gasification system contributes to stable syngas production and improved process control. The development of the Plug-Flow Reactor Biomass Gasifier, Automated Auger Jam Detection System, and Blower Algorithm is accompanied by rigorous simulation studies and experimental validation.</p><p dir="ltr">Overall, this thesis contributes to the advancement of biomass gasification technology by presenting a detailed study on a plug flow reactor biomass gasifier with indirectly- heated pyrolytic gasification technology with an Automated Auger Jam Detection System and Blower Algorithm. The findings offer valuable insights for researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders supporting the transition towards cleaner and more renewable energy systems.</p>

The point absorber, one of the most popular types of ocean wave energy converter (WEC), usually consists of a rigid body buoy that can be efficiently modeled using existing WEC simulation tools. However, new wave energy technologies have looked to utilize flexible buoy structures to decrease costs, improve power generation, and increase portability. In addition to replacing rigid body designs, the combination of multiple renewable energy sources is another area that shows promising potential for increasing WEC power generation. With these concepts in mind, this work considers a new WEC design that features a flexible-inflatable buoy, an ocean current harvesting turbine, and a buoy shape that has been optimized for simultaneous wave and current energy harvesting. For this device, conventional modeling techniques cannot be used due to the highly nonlinear hydrodynamic interactions that result between the flexible buoy and the ocean waves. As a result, a Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) model must be used to determine how the flexibility of the buoy will influence the device's power generation. Currently, high-fidelity FSI modeling approaches are computationally expensive and unsuitable for early design decisions. As a result, this thesis utilizes a mid-fidelity method, the generalized modes modeling approach, to accurately and efficiently model the FSI of a WEC's flexible buoy. The resulting flexible buoy model was then compared to a rigid design to determine the performance differences between a rigid and flexible buoy, with a complex, optimized shape. / Master of Science / The ocean is a vast potential energy resource with a variety of different sources of renewable energy. Of these sources, ocean waves and ocean currents are two potentially massive power reserves present in many coastal areas. To capture energy from these sources, this work discusses the development of a device that can harvest energy from ocean waves and ocean currents simultaneously. In addition to harvesting energy from multiple sources, this device also features a flexible-inflatable buoy, with a shape that has been optimized for this unique application. However, since this device utilizes flexible materials, traditional modeling techniques used for rigid body designs would not be applicable. As a result, this work looks to model the interaction between the flexible buoy and the ocean waves to accurately predict the power generation of this device's wave energy converter.

A utilização da energia eólica é ainda recente no setor elétrico e, por isso, apresenta inúmeros desafios na operação e integração dessa nova tecnologia com o sistema elétrico. Desta forma, este trabalho aborda o impacto da injeção de correntes harmônicas que as Centrais de Geração Eólica geram no Sistema Interligado Nacional. Inicialmente, aborda-se a fundamentação teórica e o conceito básico da energia eólica, principalmente em relação ao panorama desta fonte renovável no Brasil e no mundo e, de uma forma sucinta, aborda-se também sobre o aspecto tecnológico dos aerogeradores. Outro aspecto relevante deste trabalho, é o levantamento do estado da arte sobre os conceitos e cálculos das distorções harmônicas, bem como sobre o processo de integração das novas Centrais de Geração Eólica à rede básica. O principal resultado obtido neste trabalho, é o estudo de sensibilidade da distorção harmônica de tensão, no ponto de acoplamento da Central à rede básica de transmissão, frente à variação topológica da rede coletora da Central de Geração Eólica. Para tal estudo, foi modelada uma Central de Geração Eólica e aplicadas as metodologias estudadas no estado da arte. Os resultados obtidos do estudo de sensibilidade, é de grande interesse para os operadores da rede e transmissão de energia elétrica, bem como às geradoras de energia eólica. / The use of wind energy is still recent in the electric sector and, therefore, presents numerous challenges in the operation and integration of this new technology with the electric system. In this way, this work approaches the impact of the injection of harmonic currents generated by the Wind Generation Plants in the National Interconnected System. Initially, it addresses the theoretical basis and the basic concept of wind energy, mainly in relation to the panorama of this renewable source in Brazil and in the world and, briefly, it also addresses the technological aspect of wind turbines. Another relevant aspect of this work is the state of the art survey on the concepts and calculations of harmonic distortions, as well as on the integration process of the new Wind Generation Plants into the basic grid. The main result obtained in this work is the sensitivity study of the harmonic distortion of voltage at the coupling point of the Central to the basic transmission network, in front of the topological variation of the collecting network of the Wind Generation Plant. For such study, a Wind Generation Plant was modeled and the methodologies studied in the state of the art were applied. The results obtained from the sensitivity study, is of great interest to the network operators and transmission of electricity, as well as to wind power generators.

O objetivo do trabalho é apresentar o funcionamento de um gerador a relutância chaveado monofásico. Para isso, foi desenvolvido um modelo computacional em ambiente Matlab Simulink, fazendo-se a comunicação entre diferentes partes do sistema. O comportamento da dinâmica de geração é apresentado para diferentes pontos do sistema, e testes experimentais realizados em um pequeno protótipo confirmam as características funcionais desta máquina. Ensaios realizados comprovam sua funcionalidade e simplicidade de operação, tendo estabilidade de geração para ampla faixa de velocidade de funcionamento, caracterizando uma máquina promissora, robusta e eficiente para aplicações especiais. / This work presents a single-phase switched reluctance machine operating as a generator. For that purpose, a computational model was developed in Matlab Simulink environment, wherein all the system components, such as voltage source, drive and machine model, and load were integrated. The current and voltage behavior for several points of operations are presented. Furthermore, experimental tests were also carried out in a simple prototype to validate its functionality and simplicity of operation, providing a stable power generation over a wide range of speed. The results showed that the single-phase switched reluctance generator can be robust, efficient, and promising for especial applications.

A utilização da energia eólica é ainda recente no setor elétrico e, por isso, apresenta inúmeros desafios na operação e integração dessa nova tecnologia com o sistema elétrico. Desta forma, este trabalho aborda o impacto da injeção de correntes harmônicas que as Centrais de Geração Eólica geram no Sistema Interligado Nacional. Inicialmente, aborda-se a fundamentação teórica e o conceito básico da energia eólica, principalmente em relação ao panorama desta fonte renovável no Brasil e no mundo e, de uma forma sucinta, aborda-se também sobre o aspecto tecnológico dos aerogeradores. Outro aspecto relevante deste trabalho, é o levantamento do estado da arte sobre os conceitos e cálculos das distorções harmônicas, bem como sobre o processo de integração das novas Centrais de Geração Eólica à rede básica. O principal resultado obtido neste trabalho, é o estudo de sensibilidade da distorção harmônica de tensão, no ponto de acoplamento da Central à rede básica de transmissão, frente à variação topológica da rede coletora da Central de Geração Eólica. Para tal estudo, foi modelada uma Central de Geração Eólica e aplicadas as metodologias estudadas no estado da arte. Os resultados obtidos do estudo de sensibilidade, é de grande interesse para os operadores da rede e transmissão de energia elétrica, bem como às geradoras de energia eólica. / The use of wind energy is still recent in the electric sector and, therefore, presents numerous challenges in the operation and integration of this new technology with the electric system. In this way, this work approaches the impact of the injection of harmonic currents generated by the Wind Generation Plants in the National Interconnected System. Initially, it addresses the theoretical basis and the basic concept of wind energy, mainly in relation to the panorama of this renewable source in Brazil and in the world and, briefly, it also addresses the technological aspect of wind turbines. Another relevant aspect of this work is the state of the art survey on the concepts and calculations of harmonic distortions, as well as on the integration process of the new Wind Generation Plants into the basic grid. The main result obtained in this work is the sensitivity study of the harmonic distortion of voltage at the coupling point of the Central to the basic transmission network, in front of the topological variation of the collecting network of the Wind Generation Plant. For such study, a Wind Generation Plant was modeled and the methodologies studied in the state of the art were applied. The results obtained from the sensitivity study, is of great interest to the network operators and transmission of electricity, as well as to wind power generators.

<p>The thesis covers the following topics:</p> <p>1. aggregation and size effect on metal-polymer nanocomposite thermal interface materials</p> <p>2. diffusion limited cluster aggregation lattice simulation on thermal conductivty</p> <p>3. thermal interfacial resistance reduction between metal and dielectric materials by inserting an intermediate metal layer</p> <p>4. absence of coupled thermal interfaces in al2o3/ni/al2o3 sandwich structure</p> <p>5. ultra-efficient low-cost radiative cooling paints</p>

No setor de energia elétrica, a área que se dedica ao estudo da inserção de novos parques geradores de energia no sistema é denominada planejamento da expansão da geração. Nesta área, as decisões de localização e instalação de novas usinas devem ser amplamente analisadas, a fim de se obter os diversos cenários proporcionados pelas alternativas geradas. Por uma série de fatores, o sistema de geração elétrico brasileiro, com predominância hidroelétrica, tende a ser gradualmente alterada pela inserção de usinas termoelétricas (UTEs). O problema de localização de UTEs envolve um grande número de variáveis através do qual deve ser possível analisar a importância e contribuição de cada uma. O objetivo geral deste trabalho é o desenvolvimento de um modelo de localização de usinas termoelétricas, aqui denominado SIGTE (Sistema de Informação Geográfica para Geração Termoelétrica), o qual integra as funcionalidades das ferramentas SIGs (Sistemas de Informação Geográfica) e dos métodos de decisão multicritério. A partir de uma visão global da área estudada, as componentes espaciais do problema (localização dos municípios, tipos de transporte, linhas de transmissão de diferentes tensões, áreas de preservação ambiental, etc.) podem ter uma representação mais próxima da realidade e critérios ambientais podem ser incluídos na análise. Além disso, o SIGTE permite a inserção de novas variáveis de decisão sem prejuízo da abordagem. O modelo desenvolvido foi aplicado para a realidade do Estado de São Paulo, mas deixando claro a viabilidade de uso do modelo para outro sistema ou região, com a devida atualização dos bancos de dados correspondentes. Este modelo é designado para auxiliar empreendedores que venham a ter interesse em construir uma usina ou órgãos governamentais que possuem a função de avaliar e deferir ou não a licença de instalação e operação de usinas. / In the electric power industry, there is an area devoted to study alternatives for the expansion of the energy generation system. The decisions regarding the location and installation of new plants ought to be thoroughly analyzed in that planning activity, in order to foresee the likely scenarios resulting from the combination of distinct alternatives. For a number of reasons, the predominantly hydroelectric generation system historically set in Brazil tends to be gradually altered by the introduction of thermoelectric power plants (TPPs). The site selection problem involves, in the case of TPPs, a large number of variables, which contribute to the analysis process in various ways and with different levels of importance. The general goal of this work is the development of a location model of thermoelectric plants, here named SIGTE (an acronym for Geographic Information System for Thermoelectric Generation), which integrates the functionalities of the GIS tools (Geographic Information Systems) and multicriteria decision methods. Starting from an overall view of the studied area, this combination of techniques ensures a more realistic representation of the spatial components of the problem (e.g., the location of the municipalities, the transportation alternatives, the different voltages of transmission lines, areas of environmental preservation, etc.) It thus allows a straightforward inclusion of environmental criteria in the analysis. In addition, the SIGTE framework is also flexible enough to incorporate new decisions variables. The model was applied in a case study carried out in the state of Sao Paulo, although it can be easily adapted for use in other systems or geographical areas given that the corresponding databases are available. SIGTE was envisaged to be a supporting tool to public and private stakeholders interested in building new power plants or to governmental agencies in charge of the regulation mechanisms required for the installation nd operation of plants.

O aumento da população, o crescimento das grandes cidades, da industrialização e do consumo, tem trazido preocupação com relação a sustentabilidade quanto à disponibilidade energética e quanto à destinação dos resíduos sólidos urbanos gerados. Dessa forma, é fundamental realizarem-se os estudos visando novas formas de reutilização dos resíduos gerados pelas atividades industriais. Os resíduos sólidos urbanos e os pneus inservíveis gerados trazem conseqüências ao meio ambiente e às populações quando destinados inadequadamente. A destinação final dos resíduos sólidos urbanos é complexa, sendo sempre um grande desafio para as administrações públicas. Com a Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos (instituída pela Lei n 12.305/2010), tem-se um marco da preservação ambiental, coma a gestão e gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos, com a ordem de prioridade: não geração, redução, reutilização, reciclagem, tratamento dos resíduos sólidos e disposição final ambientalmente adequada dos rejeitos e prevê, de forma inteligente, a atribuição aos fabricantes de responsabilidade pelo retorno de produtos descartados pelos consumidores. Uma alternativa para minimizar estes aspectos e impactos ambientais é o tratamento térmico com aproveitamento energético. Este processo contribui para mais uma solução de destinação dos resíduos, proporcionado uma redução das áreas a serem utilizadas nos aterros sanitários e contribuindo como uma fonte de geração de energia elétrica / The increase in population, the growth of big cities, industrialization and consumption, have brought with them a kind of awareness about sustainability towards availability of energy and toward the destination of generated municipal solid waste. This way, it is primordial to carry out studies aiming to find new ways to reutilize the waste generated by industrial activities. The municipal solid waste and unusable tires produced cause serious consequences to the environment and to the population when these issues are improperly addressed. The final destination of the municipal solid waste is complex and it is always a big challenge to public management. With our National Policy of solid waste (established by the law number 12.305/2010).It consists of the administration and management of solid waste with the following order of priority: non-generation, reduction, reuse, recycling, treatment of solid waste and final environmentally appropriate disposal. With this we can foresee, in an intelligent way, a responsible plan for the return of goods discarded by consumers to the original manufacturers. An alternative to minimize these aspects and the negative environmental impacts caused is the usage of the thermal treatment with the good use of energy. This process contributes to another solution to the problem of the aforementioned waste, providing a reduction of landfill spaces and contributing to a new source of electrical energy generation

Submitted by Cátia Araújo (catia.araujo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2017-01-24T11:43:12Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) A influência da resolução espacial em modelos de previsão em mesoescala na programação de despacho da produção de usinas eólicas.pdf: 2764488 bytes, checksum: 81db7c3fde344866addede3ebc92a198 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Cátia Araújo (catia.araujo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2017-01-24T11:44:33Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) A influência da resolução espacial em modelos de previsão em mesoescala na programação de despacho da produção de usinas eólicas.pdf: 2764488 bytes, checksum: 81db7c3fde344866addede3ebc92a198 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-24T11:44:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) A influência da resolução espacial em modelos de previsão em mesoescala na programação de despacho da produção de usinas eólicas.pdf: 2764488 bytes, checksum: 81db7c3fde344866addede3ebc92a198 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-07-01 / O uso da energia eólica para produção de eletricidade tem crescido em todo o mundo. De acordo com o PDE 2023 (Plano Decenal de Expansão Energia) disponibilizado pela EPE (Empresa de Pesquisa Energética) a capacidade instalada provinda de energia eólica em 2013 foi de 2,2 GW, cerca de 1,8% da matriz energética brasileira. A perspectiva de aumento para 22,4 GW, que em 2023 representará cerca de 11,8% da matriz energética brasileira. Com isso, a necessidade de se ter uma programação da disponibilidade de energia de parques eólicos se torna extremamente importante na operação do sistema elétrico brasileiro. Usando os dados de velocidade de vento gerados pelo modelo WRF com resoluções espaciais de 15 km e 5 km a 100 m de altura fez-se a estimativa de geração de energia para os complexos eólicos de Cerro Chato e Osório no período de 9 de agosto de 2014 a 29 de agosto de 2014. Então comparou-se com os dados de programação diária de produção de energia feitos pelas usinas, pelo modelo ETA e com os de geração real, do mesmo período, fornecidos pelo Operador Nacional do Sistema em seus boletins semanais. No período de estudo deste trabalho os erros médios percentuais absolutos da previsão de geração no complexo eólico de Cerro Chato foram de 18,42% do PDP da Usina, 15,97% do modelo ETA, 20,96% e 20,30% do modelo WRF com resolução espacial de 15 km desconsiderando e considerando a influência da variação da temperatura, respectivamente, e de 7,55% e 6,89% do modelo WRF com resolução espacial de 5 km desconsiderando e considerando a influência da variação da temperatura, respectivamente. Os erros médios percentuais absolutos das programações de geração de energia do complexo eólico de Osório foram de 16,29% do PDP da usina, 19,19% do modelo ETA, 9,38% e 8,78% do modelo WRF com resolução espacial de 15 km desconsiderando e considerando a influência da variação da temperatura, respectivamente, e de 5,94% e 5,09% do modelo WRF com resolução espacial de 5 km desconsiderando e considerando a influência da variação da temperatura, respectivamente. / The use of wind energy for electricity production has increased worldwide. According to the PDE 2022 (Ten Year Plan for Energy Expansion) provided by EPE (Energy Research Company) installed capacity of wind power stemmed in 2013 was 2,2 GW, about 1.8% of the Brazilian. The energy matrix, with perspective increase to 22.4 GW, which in 2023 represent about 11.8% of the Brazilian energy matrix. Thus the need to have a schedule of availability of power wind farms is extremely important in the operation of the Brazilian electrical system. Using the wind speed data generated by the WRF model with spatial resolution of 15 km and 5 km 100 m long made up an estimated power generation for wind complex of Cerro Chato and Osorio from 9 August 2014 to 29 August 2014. Then compared with the daily schedule of data for energy production made by plants, by ETA model and the actual generation of the same period, provided by the National System Operator in its weekly newsletters. During the study period of this study, the absolute percentage mean errors of prediction in wind generation complex of Cerro Chato were 18.42% of the Plant PDP, 15.97% of the ETA model, 20.96% and 20.30% of the WRF model with spatial resolution of 15 km disregarding and considering the influence of temperature variation, respectively, and 7.55% and 6.89% of the WRF model with spatial resolution of 5 km disregarding and considering the influence of temperature variation, respectively. The absolute percentage mean errors schedules of the wind farm of Osório power generation were 16.29% of the plant's PDP, 19.19% of the ETA model, 9.38% and 8.78% of the WRF model with spatial resolution 15 km disregarding and considering the influence of temperature variation, respectively, and 5.94% and 5.09% of the WRF model with spatial resolution of 5 km disregarding and considering the influence of temperature variation, respectively.