The popularity of distributed generating (DG) sources have been increasing over the past few years. With the increasing penetration of these DGs, the concept of micro grid is becoming popular. A micro grid is a small power system network with distributed generating sources which can operate seamlessly irrespective of the presence of the utility grid. Operating the micro grid in this manner increases system reliability and reduces power interruptions. However, it introduces several control challenges. This thesis aims at analysing the behaviour of a micro grid system during the transition between grid connected mode and islanded mode of operation and address the control challenges through novel schemes. With the presence of grid, the micro grid system variables, such as voltage and frequency, are strictly regulated by the grid. The local sources follow the voltage and frequency reference set by the grid and supply constant power. With the loss of grid, that is when the system is islanded, the network variables need to be regulated by the local sources. The control structures for the inverter-based sources during the two operating modes are detailed in the present work. With the loss of grid, the system should be able to transfer seamlessly to islanded mode without any transients. Similarly, when the grid supply is restored, the micro grid should seamlessly resynchronize to the grid without any transients. This thesis proposes two novel controller schemes for achieving seamless transfer between grid-connected and islanded mode in micro grids. The rst scheme uses an output feedback topology to reduce the transitions during mode transfer. The second scheme uses a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) theory based compensator to achieve seamless transfer. The performance of the proposed schemes have been validated through simulations on a benchmark micro grid network for various operating conditions. An experimental micro grid set-up is developed with a single inverter based DG source. The droop control scheme for islanded mode of operation has been validated on hardware.

Les aciers inoxydables austéno-ferritiques présentent une microstructure biphasée dans laquelle se mêlent austénite et ferrite. Leurs caractéristiques mécaniques élevées ainsi que leur bonne tenue en corrosion en font un candidat sérieux pour remplacer les aciers inoxydables austénitiques. Malheureusement, la faible forgeabilité de ces alliages rend la fabrication de tôles particulièrement critique. En effet, le phénomène de « crique de rive » est fréquemment rencontré au cours des étapes du laminage à chaud. Par conséquent, cela nécessite des opérations supplémentaires comme le découpage des rives, ce qui aboutit à une augmentation des coûts de production. Les différents facteurs influençant la ductilité à chaud de ces aciers sont passés en revue afin d'identifier quels sont les zones d'ombres. La synthèse bibliographique révèle deux zones d'ombres : d'une part, le manque d'un essai de ductilité à chaud permettant de discriminer différentes microstructures en terme de résistance à la propagation de fissure à haute température ; et d'autre part l'absence de données quantitative concernant la partition de la déformation entre la ferrite et l'austénite lors des étapes de mise en forme à chaud. Le concept de travail essentiel de rupture a été appliqué à hautes températures. Il a été démontré que cette méthode est fiable et discriminante pour quantifier la résistance à la propagation de fissure à haute température. Elle permet également de générer un paramètre physique pertinent pour optimiser les microstructures par rapport à un mode de mise en forme donné. La technique conventionnelle de micro-grilles a été adaptée de manière à cartographier à haute température les déformations à l'échelle de la microstructure. Cette technique fournit en plus des résultats qualitatifs concernant les mécanismes de déformations, des données quantitatives à propos de la partition de la déformation entre la ferrite et l'austénite. Ces données peuvent être utilisées afin de valider les modèles qui prédisent le comportement à chaud des aciers duplex pendant les premières étapes du laminage à chaud. Les deux outils developpés au cours de cette étude permettent de donner des solutions pour éviter le phénomène de « crique de rives ». / The Duplex Stainless Steels (DSS) are defined as a family of stainless steels consisting of a two-phase microstructure involving δ-ferrite and γ-austenite. Exceptional combinations of strength and toughness together with good corrosion resistance under critical working conditions designate DSS a suitable alternative to conventional austenitic stainless steels. Unfortunately, the relatively poor hot workability of these alloys makes the industrial processing of flat products particularly critical. Cracking of the coils during hot rolling along the edges is frequently reported. As a consequence, additional operations like grinding, discontinuous processing or scraping are often required, leading to increased manufacturing costs. The different parameters affecting the hot working of duplex stainless steels have been reviewed in order to identify which are the missing pieces of the puzzle. The bibliographical review reveals that two pieces are missing in the hot workability puzzle. On the one hand, it is necessary to develop a new hot ductility test which allows discriminating microstructures in terms of high temperature tearing resistance, and on the other hand, quantitative data about the strain partitioning between ferrite and austenite during the hot working operations are needed. The Essential Work of Fracture concept has been applied at high temperature. It has been demonstrated that this method is a reliable and discriminating tool for quantifying the high temperature tearing resistance and to generate a physically relevant index to guide the optimization of microstructures towards successful forming operations. A modified micro-grid technique has been developed to experimentally simulate the local state of deformation of different duplex microstructures at high temperature. This technique provides qualitative results about the deformation features as well as quantitative data about the strain partitioning between ferrite and austenite. The micro-strain distributions measured can be used to validate the models predicting the hot deformation of duplex stainless steels during the roughing-mill operations. The two tools developed in this investigation allow suggesting possible remedies for the edge cracking phenomenon.

Este trabalho apresenta a análise e o desenvolvimento experimental de uma estrutura topológica de retificador híbrido trifásico que oferece as características operacionais de imposição de correntes de linha de entrada senoidais, de alto fator de potência, de reduzida distorção harmônica total de corrente e de fornecimento de um barramento CC com tensão regulada utilizando a inovadora técnica de Compensação Série de Tensão no Barramento CC tanto para condições normais de suprimento da rede elétrica como para condições de afundamentos temporários de tensão equilibrados e desequilibrados na rede CA. Para corroborar com a teoria exposta e com as análises de simulação computacional, um protótipo de 5 kW foi construído e ensaios experimentais realizados em laboratório permitiram demonstrar que para condições normais de suprimento da rede CA a solução proposta assegura distorções harmônicas de corrente na ordem de 2% e um fator de potência por fase próximo do valor unitário (0,996), além de ser capaz de regular e manter a tensão no barramento CC constante mesmo durante o transitório provocado por um degrau de carga de alta potência. Durante a ocorrência de afundamentos de tensão, a estrutura é capaz de regular a tensão do barramento CC no valor de referência estabelecido, assegurando elevado fator de potência mesmo durantes estes distúrbios da rede CA de alimentação. Destaca-se que estas características operacionais, além de serem alcançadas com os conversores chaveados que compõem a estrutura processando apenas uma parcela da potência total de saída, tornando o conjunto mais eficiente e robusto, fazem da estrutura proposta uma excelente alternativa para aplicações com elevados níveis de potência envolvendo a alimentação de cargas CC sensíveis aos distúrbios provocados pela rede CA e para aplicações que compreendem a compensação de oscilações de tensão devido às intermitências dos sistemas de microgeração que compõem as redes de distribuição em corrente contínua das microrredes. / This work presents the analysis and the experimental development of a topological structure of three-phase hybrid rectifier, which provides operational characteristics for imposing sinusoidal input line currents, with high power factor, low current total harmonic distortion and providing a DC bus with regulated voltage using the innovative technique of Series Voltage Compensation in the DC Bus for both normal conditions of mains power supply and for temporary sags for balanced and unbalanced voltage ac power supply conditions. In order to corroborate the exposed theory and with computational simulation analysis, a 5 kW prototype was assembled and experimental tests were conducted in laboratory. The results demonstrated that under normal conditions of AC mains supply the proposed solution ensures harmonic distortions about 2 % for the input AC currents and a power factor per phase approximately unitary (0.996). Moreover, the prototype can regulate and maintain the DC bus voltage in a constant value even during the transient caused by a high-power load step. During the occurrence of voltage sags, the structure can regulate the DC bus voltage in the established reference value, ensuring high power factor even during AC mains power supply disturbances. One can emphasize that these operational characteristics, in addition of being achieved with the switched converters that comprise the structure processing only an amount of the total output power, was observed that the whole assembly is more efficient and robust. The proposed structure is an excellent alternative for supplying high power DC loads sensitive to disturbances caused by AC mains and for applications involving voltage oscillations compensation due to intermittences of microgeneration systems that are connected to DC distribution of microgrids. / Tese (Doutorado)

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-17T16:54:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Tese Jose Gomes de Matos.pdf: 8310310 bytes, checksum: b4d88d65be5edbb4f214f9dd09ed8f3b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-31 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / This work proposes a new strategy to control the generated power in an alternating current autonomous microgrid that has distributed generators and battery banks. There are no restrictions regarding the type of generator to be connected, however in this particular study the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is analyzed by considering that the power source is a wind turbine coupled to a permanent magnet synchronous generator. The microgrid analyzed consists of at least one bidirectional electronic converter powered by a battery bank, which has the function of forming the microgrid; an electronic converter connected to a wind turbine generator, which operates as a power supplier to the microgrid; loads, and other peripheral systems of control and maneuver. The main objective of the proposed strategy is to maintain the terminal voltages of battery banks under control and below its upper limit, even when momentarily the power demanded by the loads connected to the microgrid is less than the power sources generation capacity. The proposed strategy controls the terminal voltage of the battery banks, controlling the power output that comes from the generators. This is done without the use of dump loads or any physical communication between the electronic converters connected to the battery banks and the electronic converters connected to the generators. A modified droop control technique, based on the grid frequency, is used to inform to the power generator electronic converters on the amount of energy they need to generate in order to maintain the state of charge of the battery banks below their limits. The work also presents the methodology to design and tuning the controllers of the associated variables of the generation system. This includes the voltage and frequency grid, the active and reactive power generated by the generators, the DC bus voltages in all electronic power converters and the terminal voltage of the battery banks. All controllers are designed in the discrete domain. A strategy to decouple the effects of the input disturbances is incorporated, into each controller. Special attention is given to the grid voltage controller due the fact that the effect of the load current disturbance is very significant for the grid power quality. Issues x related to the operation of the wind turbine on its maximum power point are also addressed in the control of the power electronic converter connected to the generator. The control strategy proposed in this study is validated through experimental results obtained using a microgrid prototype of 15 kW rated power. / Este trabalho propõe uma nova estratégia para controle da potência gerada em uma microrrede isolada, que opera em corrente alternada e que dispõe de geradores e bancos de baterias distribuídos ao longo da mesma. Embora não haja restrições quanto ao tipo de gerador a ser conectado à microrrede, neste estudo a aplicabilidade da estratégia proposta é analisada considerando a fonte de potência como sendo uma turbina eólica acoplada a um gerador síncrono a imãs permanentes. A microrrede estudada é composta de um conversor eletrônico bidirecional, alimentado por um banco de baterias, que tem a função de formar a microrrede; um conversor eletrônico ligado ao gerador da turbina eólica e que funciona como alimentador da microrrede; além das cargas e demais sistemas periféricos de controle e manobra. O principal objetivo dessa estratégia é controlar a tensão terminal dos bancos de baterias abaixo de um determinado valor limite, mesmo quando momentaneamente a potência demandada pela carga conectada à microrrede seja inferior à capacidade de geração das fontes de potência. A estratégia proposta controla a tensão dos bancos de baterias, controlando a energia gerada que vem dos geradores. Isto é feito sem a utilização de carga auxiliar para consumir o excesso de energia e sem comunicação física entre os conversores eletrônicos dos bancos de baterias e os conversores eletrônicos conectados aos geradores. Uma técnica de controle droop modificada, com base na frequência da microrrede, é usada para informar aos conversores dos geradores sobre a quantidade de energia que eles estão liberados para gerar, a fim de manter a tensão dos bancos de baterias abaixo dos seus valores limites. O trabalho ainda apresenta as sistemáticas de projeto e sintonia dos controladores das variáveis associadas com o sistema de geração. Isso compreende o controle da tensão e da frequência da microrrede, o controle das tensões nos barramentos de corrente contínua de todos os conversores eletrônicos de potência e o controle da tensão terminal dos bancos de baterias. Todos os controladores são projetados no domínio discreto. Uma estratégia de desacoplamento dos efeitos das entradas de perturbações é incorporada a cada controlador. Nesse enfoque, é dada atenção especial ao controlador de tensão da microrrede, cujo efeito da viii perturbação da corrente da carga é muito significativo para a qualidade de energia do sistema de geração. As questões relativas à maximização do aproveitamento energético das fontes renováveis são contempladas no controle do conversor da turbina eólica. A estratégia de controle proposta neste trabalho é validada a partir de resultados experimentais obtidos com um protótipo de microrrede de potência nominal 15 kw.

Submitted by Geandra Rodrigues (geandrar@gmail.com) on 2018-03-27T15:05:33Z No. of bitstreams: 1 dalmocardosodasilvajunior.pdf: 7879052 bytes, checksum: 389a4104e77ceeccf54e988e08d73109 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2018-03-27T17:57:39Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 dalmocardosodasilvajunior.pdf: 7879052 bytes, checksum: 389a4104e77ceeccf54e988e08d73109 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-03-27T17:57:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dalmocardosodasilvajunior.pdf: 7879052 bytes, checksum: 389a4104e77ceeccf54e988e08d73109 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-12-11 / As tecnologias de Geração Distribuída (GD), geralmente, consistem em geradores modulares (em grande maioria renováveis) que oferecem uma série de benefícios poten-ciais, além de estarem mais próximos dos consumidores finais. Embora a GD possa ter colaborações como comentado, a inserção de energias renováveis na rede elétrica pode afetar a proteção e também a estabilidade da mesma, implicando em desvios na tensão e na frequência do sistema. Um dos principais problemas enfrentados é a falta de inér-cia das energias renováveis e também o aparecimento de correntes harmônicas devido às cargas não lineares. Baseado nesse cenário, e como forma de solução dos problemas comentados, surge a pesquisa de inversores multifuncionais, capazes de não só conectar tais energias renováveis à rede elétrica, mas também oferecer suporte a ela. Os serviços ancilares incluem auxílio à estabilidade de tensão e frequência, mitigação de conteúdo harmônico, equilíbrio de geração e demanda de energia, entre outros aspectos. Dessa forma, metodologias baseadas nas implementações alternativas de controle, tais como a Máquina Síncrona Virtual e o Filtro Ativo de Potência (FAP) podem ser adotadas como soluções para esses problemas. Nessa vertente, simulações em tempo real com Hardware In the Loop (HIL) no simulador digital de tempo real (Real Time Digital Simulator) (RTDS) e processamento digital de sinal e engenharia de controle (digi-tal Signal Processing and Control Engineering) (dSPACE), são ferramentas poderosas que podem auxiliar o processo de simulação das funções ancilares analisadas. Assim, nesse trabalho, simulou-se o inversor multifuncional como forma de mostrar a efetiva regulação de tensão, frequência e diminuição do conteúdo harmônico em sistemas de potência, especialmente em microrredes de corrente alternada (CA). Por fim, os resul-tados demonstram o funcionamento do sistema e podem ser usados como validação das estratégias de controle propostas. / Distributed Generation technologies generally consist of modular (mostly renewa-ble) generators that offer a number of potential benefits, while being closer to the end consumers. Although the DG present features as commented, the insertion of renewa-ble energies in the electrical network can affect the protection and also the stability of the network, implying in voltage and frequency deviations. One of the main problems faced is the lack of inertia of renewable energies and also the appearance of harmonic currents due to non-linear loads. Based on this scenario, and as a way of solving these problems, the research of smart inverters, capable of not only connecting such renewable energies to the electric grid but also supporting it, emerges. Some ancillary services as voltage and frequency stability, mitigation of harmonic content, balance of generation and energy demand, among other aspects, can be fullfilled. Thus, methodologies based on sophisticated control implementations such as the Virtual Synchronous Machine and the Active Power Filter, can be adopted as solutions to these problems. In this aspect, real-time simulations with Control Hardware In The Loop HIL in Real Time Digital Simulator RTDS and dSPACE, are a powerfulls tool can aid the simulation process of the analyzed ancillary functions. Thus, in this work, the multifunctional inverter was simulated as a way to show the effective regulation of voltage, frequency, and harmonic content mitigation in power systems, especially in AC microgrids. Finally, the results demonstrate the operation of the system and can be used as validation of the proposed control strategies.

No description available.

We address the question of performance of large-scale networks with distributed feedback control. We consider networked dynamical systems with single and double integrator dynamics, subject to distributed disturbances. We focus on two types of problems. First, we consider problems modeled over regular lattice structures. Here, we treat consensus and vehicular formation problems and evaluate performance in terms of measures of “global order”, which capture the notion of network coherence. Second, we consider electric power networks, which we treat as dynamical systems modeled over general graphs. Here, we evaluate performance in terms of the resistive power losses that are incurred in maintaining network synchrony. These losses are associated with transient power flows that are a consequence of “local disorder” caused by lack of synchrony. In both cases, we characterize fundamental limitations to performance as networks become large. Previous studies have shown that such limitations hold for coherence in networks with regular lattice structures. These imply that connections in 3 spatial dimensions are necessary to achieve full coherence, when the controller uses static feedback from relative measurements in a local neighborhood. We show that these limitations remain valid also with dynamic feedback, where each controller has an internal memory state. However, if the controller can access certain absolute state information, dynamic feedback can improve performance compared to static feedback, allowing also 1-dimensional formations to be fully coherent. For electric power networks, we show that the transient power losses grow unboundedly with network size. However, in contrast to previous results, performance does not improve with increased network connectivity. We also show that a certain type of distributed dynamic feedback controller can improve performance by reducing losses, but that their scaling with network size remains an important limitation. / <p>QC 20160504</p>

Στην παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία προσομοιώθηκε, μέσω του προγράμματος Matlab και συγκεκριμένα μέσω της εργαλειοθήκης Simulink, ένα υβριδικό μικροδίκτυο το οποίο αποτελούνταν από μια φωτοβολταϊκή διάταξη των 85W, ένα συσσωρευτή ιόντων-λιθίου (Liion battery), δυο DC-DC μετατροπείς και ένα R-L φορτίο. Στην συνέχεια πραγματοποιήθηκαν 4 διαφορετικές τεχνικές ελέγχου σε 2 σημεία, έναν στην πλευρά του φωτοβολταϊκού και έναν στην πλευρά της μπαταρίας. Ο έλεγχος στην πλευρά του φωτοβολταϊκού στόχευε το ρεύμα του φωτοβολταϊκού κάθε χρονική στιγμή να έχει την κατάλληλη τιμή προκειμένου να επιτυγχάνεται η μέγιστη ισχύς μέσω σημείου απόδοσης της μέγιστης ισχύος (MPPT). Ο έλεγχος στην πλευρά της μπαταρίας έχει ως σκοπό την διατήρηση της τάσης του φορτίου στα 100 V.(Vload_reference=100V). Οι έλεγχοι που πραγματοποιήθηκαν ήταν με χρήση PI ελεγκτών, έλεγχοι εκμεταλλευόμενοι την παθητικότητα του Euler-Lagrange συστήματος (PBC), με χρήση ασαφών (fuzzy) ελεγκτών και με χρήση νευρο-ασαφών (neuro-fuzzy) ελεγκτών. / In this diploma thesis a DC hybrid microgrid was simulated by using the program Matlab and specifically the toolbox Simulink. The microgrid consists of a photovoltaic array, a Li-ion battery storage, two DC-DC converters and an R-L load. Four different control methods were then applied to our system in 2 places, one on the photovoltaic array and one on the battery. The one on the photovoltaic array aimed that the PV current would be such that every time the maximum power from the PV would be achieved through a maximum power point tracker. The one on the battery has the purpose of maintaining the load voltage at 100 Volts. The control methods which were implied were PI controllers, passivity based control, fuzzy controllers and neuro-fuzzy controllers.

Despite recent advances in the global electrification rates, increasing from 76% in 1990 to 85% in 2012, the United Nations goal of universal access to electricity by 2030 is still far from achieved, with an estimated 1.1 billion people still without access to electricity. Over half of these live in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a majority in rural areas and extreme poverty. Major challenges are inert with the current electrification path of centralized grid extension, leaving these people without power in decades to come. Microgrids, a decentralized power system consisting of solar power generation, energy storage and distribution technology, has been hailed as the only option to provide life improving and productivity inducing power for rural communities in Africa. However, despite recent hype and development in the sector, the diffusion of microgrids is still incremental due to a lack of viable large-scale operation, required for profitability. This is explained by targeting customers in remote rural areas with low ability to pay, and the task of delivering expensive technology and complex operations needed to manage and operate the grids. No industry blueprint or research on how to operate microgrids at scale or profitably exists. This thesis explores one blueprint, with the promise to increase profitability and allow for a more sustainable scaling. Local Capacity building is a decentralized approach by developing capacity directly in the local communities, through recruiting, skills development and training of people to be employed to operate and manage their local microgrids. The results consist of a framework outlining what local capacity building is, through research propositions that define the key components capturing the complete system of local capacity building is for scaling a microgrid business, along with the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling a business using local capacity building. It has been developed iteratively by application of an action research approach conducted on a small-scale Zambian Microgrid company facing radical growth. The researcher was immersed in the context, at the heart of this change, and in a participatory and interventionist fashion turning every stone to explore what local capacity building is, resulting in a robust study anchored in the field. Because of the contextually embedded nature of the data, this also means that the results are local. It is up to the reader to assess the applicability of the results in another context. The extensive results span multiple areas of the business, capturing the complexity of local capacity building, and contribute to knowledge on a holistic level on what local capacity building is. This blueprint was deemed viable to further develop in the small-scale Zambian microgrid company, specifically because of its potential to lower operating expenses and offer a more sustainable way to scale, and in extension diffuse microgrids in Africa. / Trots en positiv utveckling i tillgång till el globalt, ökandes från 76% år 1990, till 85% år 2012, så är Förenta Nationernas mål om universell tillgång till el till år 2030, långt ifrån att bli uppfyllt. 1.1 miljarder människor estimeras vara utan tillgång till el globalt, där över hälften av dessa bor i Sub-Saharanska Afrika, med majoriteten levandes på landsbygden och i extrem fattigdom. Stora utmaningar finns med innevarande elektrifierings strategin, som handlar om centraliserad elproduktion och distribution genom ett centralt elnät, detta kommer att lämna dessa människor utan el under lång tid framöver. Mikronät, ett decentraliserat energisystem, som kan producera och distribuera el, har lyfts fram som det bästa alternativet för att försörja livsförbättrande och produktivitetsökande elektricitet för samhällen på landsbygden i Afrika. Dock, trots nylig hype och utveckling i mikronät sektorn, så är spridningen av mikronät fortfarande inkrementell, beroende av en brist på genomförbarheten av att driva mikronät verksamheten i stor skala, vilket krävs för lönsamhet. Detta förklaras av den fundamentala utmaningen i att inrikta sig mot kunder i avlägsna områden, med en låg förmåga att betala, kombinerat med leveransen av dyr teknologi, och de komplex operativa strukturerna som krävs. Det finns ingen forskning eller blåkopia i industrin som visar hur man skulle kunna bedriva mikronäts verksamhets i stor skala, eller på ett lönsamt vis. Denna forskning undersöker en möjlig sådan blåkopia, med löftet att öka lönsamheten och möjliggöra en mer hållbar spridning. Utveckling av lokal kapacitet, är ett decentraliserat tillvägagångssätt för att utveckla kapacitet direkt i dessa avlägsna samhällen, genom rekrytering, färdighetsutveckling och utbildning av människor för att bli anställda för att sköta deras lokala mikronät. Resultaten i studien består av ett ramverk som visar vad utveckling av lokal kapacitet innebär, genom forskningsförslag som definierar vilka nyckelkomponenter som krävs för att skala upp en mikronäts verksamhet, tillsammans med utmaningar och möjligheter för att göra detta. Ramverket har utvecklats iterativt genom applicering av Action Research, utförd i ett småskaligt mikronät företag i Zambia som står inför en radikal expansion. Forskaren var fördjupad i företagskontexten, i hjärtat av förändringen, och på ett ingripande och deltagande sätt vänt på varenda sten för att utforska vad utveckling av lokal kapacitet är. Detta resulterade i en robust studie, förankrad i verkligheten. På grund av den kontextuellt inbäddade naturen av datan, så betyder detta även att resultaten är lokala. Det är upp till läsaren att bedöma till vilken grad resultaten kan appliceras i en annan kontext. De omfattande resultaten spänner över många olika områden i företaget, och lyckas fånga komplexiteten i vad utveckling av lokal kapacitet är. Blåkopian som utvecklades, bedömdes värdefull att utveckla vidare i företaget där studien gjorde, specifikt för dess potential att minska de operativa kostnaderna och erbjuda ett mer hållbart sätt att skala verksamheten, och i förlängningen, erbjuda ett mer hållbart sätt att sprida tillgång till el i Afrika.

<p dir="ltr">Evidence for climate change-related impacts and risks is already widespread globally, affecting not only the ecosystems but also the economy and health of our communities. Data-driven predictive modeling approaches such as machine learning and deep learning have emerged to be powerful tools for interpreting large and complex non-linear datasets such as meteorological variables from weather stations or the distribution of infectious droplets produced in a cough. However, the strength of these data-driven models can be further optimized by complementing them with foundational knowledge of the physical processes they represent. By understanding the core physics, one can enhance the reliability and accuracy of predictive outcomes. The effectiveness of these combined approaches becomes particularly feasible and robust with the recent advancements in the High-Performance Computing field. With improved processing speed, algorithm design, and storage capabilities, modern computers allow for a deeper and more precise examination of the data. Such advancements equip us to address the diverse challenges presented by climate change more effectively.</p><p dir="ltr">In particular, this document advances research in mitigating and preventing the consequences of global warming by implementing data-driven predictive models based on statistical, machine learning, and deep learning methods via two phases. In the first phase, this dissertation proposes frameworks consisting of machine and deep learning algorithms to increase the resilience of small-scale renewable energy systems, which are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the ecosystems. The second phase focuses on using data from physics-based models, i.e., computational fluid dynamics (CFD), in data-driven predictive models for improving the design of air cleaning technologies, which are crucial to reducing the transmission of infectious diseases in indoor environments. </p><p dir="ltr">Specifically, this work is an article-based collection of published (or will be published) research articles. The articles are reformatted to fit the thesis's structure. The contents of the original articles are self-contained. </p>