Abstract:
A method to a fabricate high surface area, high performance supercapacitor includes include applying a metal layer to at least a portion of a nanostructure; after applying the metal layer, oxidizing the metal layer; applying a plurality of additional metal layers onto a previously oxidized metal layer; and after applying each additional metal layer, oxidizing the additional metal layer prior to applying a successive additional metal layer. The metal layers may include a composition comprising at least one metal, the at least one metal selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, titanium, manganese, vanadium, iron, tin, cobalt and nickel. Optionally, each of the additional metal layers may be applied using atomic layering deposition (ALD).
Abstract:
Systems and methods for analyzing graphs and/or physical bodies are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods determine one or more scaling factors that may be subsequently used to extract data from a graph/body under consideration. The systems and methods may also enable data extraction from multiple graphs, providing avenues to simultaneously optimize multiple variables at the same time.
Abstract:
Fault Ride Through (FRT) transient management system configured to enhance the FRT capability doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind turbines. A grid side converter (GSC) introduces shunt and series compensation for normal operation and voltage dips, respectively. A braking resistor may be added to smooth switching transients from shunt to series interfaces and dissipate excessive power from the GSC. To attain a flexible control solution for balanced and unbalanced fault conditions, the transient management scheme may employ positive and negative sequence controllers. The system dynamics for the series compensation topology may be analyzed using small-signal linear model. Based on the mathematical model, the controller may be tuned to balance voltage regulation performance and transient stability margins with consideration of various operating conditions. The system benefits from a low component count, simple protection structure, and improved FRT performance with effective compensation to the electric grid.
Abstract:
A hybrid energy market and currency systems is provided to manage energy consumption in an energy market comprising a community of users. Energy currency units may be issued to users and an exchange rate between the energy currency units and a monetary currency unit may be set, providing a variable price for energy. Energy currency units may have a defined validity period, at the end of which the energy currency unit is automatically converted to monetary currency units. Users consume energy currency units through use of energy consumptive services, such as domestic consumption of electricity and hot water, and through use of transportation. Prices for energy may be set by comparing the cumulative actual and desired demand. By providing a continuous feedback mechanism, some embodiments of methods disclosed herein may raise an energy conscience—an awareness of when the community needs the help of its citizens to meet its ambitious sustainability goals.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for analyzing graphs and/or physical bodies are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods determine one or more scaling factors that may be subsequently used to extract data from a graph/body under consideration. The systems and methods may also enable data extraction from multiple graphs, providing avenues to simultaneously optimize multiple variables at the same time.
Abstract:
The invention in some aspects relates to radiometers and related methods of use. In some aspects of the invention, methods are provided for determining a circumsolar profiles at external locations of interest, e.g., at a solar power generation system installation site.
Abstract:
Fault Ride Through (FRT) transient management system configured to enhance the FRT capability doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind turbines. A grid side converter (GSC) introduces shunt and series compensation for normal operation and voltage dips, respectively. A braking resistor may be added to smooth switching transients from shunt to series interfaces and dissipate excessive power from the GSC. To attain a flexible control solution for balanced and unbalanced fault conditions, the transient management scheme may employ positive and negative sequence controllers. The system dynamics for the series compensation topology may be analyzed using small-signal linear model. Based on the mathematical model, the controller may be tuned to balance voltage regulation performance and transient stability margins with consideration of various operating conditions. The system benefits from a low component count, simple protection structure, and improved FRT performance with effective compensation to the electric grid.
Abstract:
This disclosure is directed to a fault-tolerant energy conversion system. A fault-tolerant doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) for use with a wind energy conversion system (WECS) consistent with the present disclosure may allow for seamless operation during all kinds of grid faults. In one embodiment, a six-switch grid side converter (GSC) commonly used with such systems may be replaced with nine-switch converter circuitry. With three additional switches, the nine-switch converter can provide two independent three phase outputs. For example, one three-phase output may be coupled to the grid through interfacing inductors to realize normal GSC operation, while the other three-phase output may be coupled to neutral side of the stator windings to provide fault ride-through (FRT) capability to the DFIG. A control algorithm may be employed that both achieves seamless fault ride-through during any kind of grid faults and strictly satisfies grid codes requirements.
Abstract:
Described is a process for the conversion of halophytic plant biomass containing saline organic solids into biogas through anaerobic digestion. Operation of the process with saline (e.g., seawater) as liquid media under the method conditions taught leads to biological conversion of the organic matter into biogas. Additionally described is a method for pretreatment of the biomass under mild physicochemical conditions to increase the bioavailable fraction of the biomass for conversion.
Abstract:
A delayed-activation sensor system includes at least one microsensor. The microsensor may include at least one sensor module for sensing a condition in an environment and a dissolvable coating encapsulating at least a portion of the at least one sensor module such that the dissolvable coating prevents the at least one sensor module from sensing the condition in the environment. The dissolvable coating may be dissolvable in a fluid in the environment such that the sensor module is activated after being located in the environment for a period of time. The microsensor may also include at least one energy harvester module to generate electrical power for the microsensor from the environment.