International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Applied Sciences (IJEEAS)

Cost Optimization Model for a Grid-Connected Offshore Wind and Tidal Power Generation System Using Homer: A Case Study in Buffels Bay South Africa

2024-10-22T04:42:24+00:00

This study presents a cost optimization model for a grid-connected offshore wind and tidal power generation system, using Buffels Bay, South Africa, as a case study. The research utilizes the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electrical Renewable (HOMER) software to design and analyze a hybrid power system that integrates wind turbines, tidal energy, and battery storage with the local grid. Various system configurations were simulated to identify the most cost-effective solution, targeting the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for a proposed 20 MW load. The optimized model combines tidal and wind power, contributing 62% and 20% of the total energy, respectively, demonstrating significant potential for renewable energy integration. The findings highlight the benefits of using a hybrid system to enhance reliability and reduce energy costs. Despite the low cost of coal-generated electricity in South Africa, the study shows that offshore wind and tidal energy can provide a sustainable and economically viable alternative, contributing significantly to the region's energy mix. This work offers valuable insights for future renewable energy projects in coastal regions with similar environmental and economic conditions

An Analysis of the Unbalanced Three Phase Fault in the Transmission Line

2024-09-28T06:03:38+00:00

In this paper, unbalanced three-phase fault in transmission lines is considered with respect to estimating the state of power system after a fault occurs at different buses. Faults such as a single line to ground (SLG), line to line (LL) and double line to ground (DLG) affect the bus system that is connected along with the transmission line. MATLAB software was employed in which unbalanced fault programs based on the Symmetrical Component method to determine the voltage magnitudes and line current magnitude at Phase A, Phase B and also on phase C for the different bus lines. The unbalanced fault programs are executed for the standard IEEE 14, IEEE 26 and IEEE 30 bus systems to describe in details the effect of different faults at bus systems in terms of voltage and current magnitude. A Newton Raphson-based power flow program was used as well to determine real and reactive power for the different bus lines. The obtained results show that the single line to ground fault is the most severe kind for IEEE 14 bus system, while for IEEE 26 and IEEE 30 bus system, the most severe fault is line to line fault.

Photovoltaic systems’ technical and vocational training gaps in Palestine

2024-11-07T00:03:01+00:00

This study presents a mapping of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) for photovoltaic (PV) systems in the West Bank, Palestine. A comprehensive analysis of PV system TVET courses as well as the PV system market in Palestine is done in this research. This analysis covers the content of PV TVET courses, the ability of courses’ trainers, training tools and labs, required skills as well as the competencies of TVET graduates. Results show that there is a reluctance to hire technicians from Palestinian PV system companies, the number of PV technicians inside PV sites is not enough according to the standards and requirements and PV technicians do not have the required practical experience. Results also show that the topics of energy storage, power electronics in PV systems, PV system operation and maintenance, PV system project management, Hybrid PV systems, and water pumping systems are required and are not adequately delivered by current TVET programs in Palestine

Design Implementation & Optimization Of A Motorized Maximum Power Point Tracking System

2024-11-21T09:34:34+00:00

One of the most important renewable energy sources is solar power. and its emergence has revolutionized how we retrieve, store, distribute, and consume electrical power. However, tracking mechanisms have not been entirely effective in the past towards maximizing energy storage from solar energy. This project seeks to design, implement, and optimize a Motorized Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar system to improve the efficiency of renewable energy generation. The project involved using a smart algorithm to drive a solar panel connected to light dependent resistors (LDRs) linked to a suitable power source. An Arduino microcontroller and other components were added to the MPPT system to guide its movements towards the sun’s most intense ray region. A static solar panel was also designed to perform comparison of solar harvest between stationery and movable panels For 10 days each across sunny, partially cloudy, and cloudy weather, both systems were deployed to observe which solar panel would receive and generate more energy overall. The comparisons showed that the motorized MPPT system was more efficient in retrieving energy, with its setup getting as much as 16% more power across conditions deployed in different weather settings. The MPPT system’s superior energy-capturing ability makes it a suitable option for implementation. Results obtained showed that the MPPT solar tracker is a financially feasible option in the long term and should be scaled to meet commercial needs for sustainable energy options.

Implementation of a Decoupled Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) of a Flotation Process

2024-09-13T07:50:34+00:00

The approach of applying the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT rule as a decoupled Model Reference Adaptive Controller for a column flotation process is taken up in this article. The airflow rate and wash water flow rate can be adequately regulated with this control scheme. The air holdup and froth depth in the collection zone are used to determine the process performance. Furthermore, a Beckhoff PLC is utilized to evaluate the decoupled MRAC controller. Determining the performance requirements for the implemented controller based on the design simulations is the aim of this evaluation. Unlike the simulated results, the implemented MRAC controller exhibits stability depending on the magnitude of the set point change. This is evident in both the gas holdup and froth height responses. This study indicates the ability of the MRAC controller to be improved by tailoring the reference model accordingly. Improvements such as Overshoot, Peak, and Rise Time can be seen when comparing the response characteristics of Tables II and IV. However, there is not much improvement when it comes to the system’s Settling time.