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Engineering and Mechanics
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This paper defines a new procedure for optimising wind farm turbine placement by means of Monte Carlo simulation method. To verify the algorithm’s accuracy, an experimental wind farm was tested in a wind tunnel. On the basis of... more
This paper defines a new procedure for optimising wind farm turbine placement by means of Monte Carlo simulation method. To verify the algorithm’s accuracy, an experimental wind farm was tested in a wind tunnel. On the basis of experimental measurements, the error on wind farm power output was less than 4%. The optimization maximises the energy production criterion; wind turbines’ ground positions were used as independent variables. Moreover, the mathematical model takes into account annual wind intensities and directions and wind turbine interaction. The optimization of a wind farm on a real site was carried out using measured wind data, dominant wind direction, and intensity data as inputs to run the Monte Carlo simulations. There were 30 turbines in the wind park, each rated at 20 kW. This choice was based on wind farm economics. The site was proportionally divided into 100 square cells, taking into account a minimum windward and crosswind distance between the turbines. The resul...
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In the current work, a heat release model, based on the First Law of the Thermodynamics, has been implemented using a genetic approach. Using this approach, the evaluation procedure of the calibration? s constants becomes automatic and... more
In the current work, a heat release model, based on the First Law of the Thermodynamics, has been implemented using a genetic approach. Using this approach, the evaluation procedure of the calibration? s constants becomes automatic and accurate. The more accurate is the ...
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ABSTRACT The continuous increase of pollutants and fine particulates is mainly caused by cars circulating worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to replace internal combustion engines with the cleanest electric motors. The short term... more
ABSTRACT The continuous increase of pollutants and fine particulates is mainly caused by cars circulating worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to replace internal combustion engines with the cleanest electric motors. The short term solution is represented by Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) due to its environmental and efficiency characteristics. In the present paper a dynamic feed-forward mathematical model for a hybrid vehicle performance analysis is proposed. Torque and power, pollutant emission, fuel consumption, battery pack state of charge, as well as speed and acceleration have been evaluated by means of simulation of United State and Japanese standard driving cycles. In order to carry out simulations on a real hybrid configuration, the model has been based on the powertrain installed on the Toyota Prius (Toyota Hybrid System – THS). A mathematical sub-model of each vehicle component has been implemented to simulate the real vehicle behavior in all possible running conditions. To do so, a rule-based control strategy was also implemented to manage the energy flows during vehicle motions taking into account battery pack state of charge, vehicle speed, engine and motor torques, as well as power generation in regenerative breaking condition. In order to assess the effectiveness and accuracy of the implemented mathematical model, different simulations on standard driving cycles have been carried out, and results have been compared with experimental data found in scientific literature. The comparison shows a well evident agreement between simulated and experimental data in different running conditions. Furthermore, in an acceleration test from 0 km/h to 100 km/h, the response of the simulated vehicle has been evaluated, and results showed a good agreement between simulated and experimental data. The developed mathematical model is a powerful tool to study the dynamics of powertrain system and the interaction between components. It is also possible to try out new control strategies able to reduce fuel consumption and pollutants emissions maintaining at the same time the required performance.
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Electrochemistry, Biotechnology, Response Surface Methodology, Multidisciplinary, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and 15 moreBiofuel, Reaction Time, Ethanol Production, Ethanol, Temperature, Methane, Electrons, Fermentation, Oxygen, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Conversion Efficiency, Oxalic acid, Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation, Bioresource technology, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
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The present paper deals with the dynamic analysis of a heavy duty combustion turbine running on natural gas. Hence, a mathematical model of the power plant has been implemented. The model is able to simulate the engine behavior during... more
The present paper deals with the dynamic analysis of a heavy duty combustion turbine running on natural gas. Hence, a mathematical model of the power plant has been implemented. The model is able to simulate the engine behavior during steady state, as well as transient conditions. In order to test the model efficacy and accuracy, a dynamic analysis of a Siemens V94.3A running as topper in a Combined Cycle (CC) complex has been carried out. Therefore, numerical results have been compared with experimental data extracted from the monitoring system of the plant for different running conditions. Comparison results analysis highlighted that the developed mathematical model is able to simulate correctly engine behavior in different combustion turbine conditions.
The centrifugal pumping, also known as rotational augmentation, is a 3D phenomenon which is of utmost importance in the aerodynamics of HAWTs. A clear physical explanation about the rise and development of this phenomenon is still missing... more
The centrifugal pumping, also known as rotational augmentation, is a 3D phenomenon which is of utmost importance in the aerodynamics of HAWTs. A clear physical explanation about the rise and development of this phenomenon is still missing in the scientific literature. Indeed, several empirical approaches have been proposed for taking into account the rotational effects inside 1D design codes. However, at the state, these approaches lead to results, which are quite different amongst each other. In the present paper the authors propose a thorough analysis of the rotational augmentation in an experimental micro HAWT. For this purpose, previously validated CFD 3D models were used. These models were developed using ANSYS Fluent solver with a calibrated RANS transition turbulence model. The post-processing analysis, presented in this paper, demonstrates that the strong increase of the aerodynamic forces is mainly due to the presence of a strong helical vortex which develops in the inner p...
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Strathprints is designed to allow users to access the research output of the University of Strathclyde. Unless otherwise explicitly stated on the manuscript, Copyright © and Moral Rights for the papers on this site are retained by the... more
Strathprints is designed to allow users to access the research output of the University of Strathclyde. Unless otherwise explicitly stated on the manuscript, Copyright © and Moral Rights for the papers on this site are retained by the individual authors and/or other copyright owners. Please check the manuscript for details of any other licences that may have been applied. You may not engage in further distribution of the material for any profitmaking activities or any commercial gain. You may freely distribute both the url (https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/) and the content of this paper for research or private study, educational, or not-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge.
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The present paper deals with the implementation, calibration and validation of a back-forward mathematical model for pollutant source spatial localization and characterization. In particular, a Gaussian model, used as a sort of reverse... more
The present paper deals with the implementation, calibration and validation of a back-forward mathematical model for pollutant source spatial localization and characterization. In particular, a Gaussian model, used as a sort of reverse engineering tool, was implemented to analyse plume dispersion. In this paper particulate matter was the pollutant agent. In order to calibrate model parameters and verify its accuracy, an extensive experimental campaign of plume dispersion was carried out in a controlled environment. In details, a wind tunnel was used to generate wind effect on plume and aerosol particles spatial concentrations were measured by means of a sensor network. On the basis of the obtained results it is possible to state that the implemented model is able to identify position of the sources and emission rate with low errors.
The most efficient energy management strategies for hybrid vehicles are the “Optimization-Based Strategies”. These strategies require a preliminary knowledge of the driving cycle, which is not easy to predict. This paper aims to combine... more
The most efficient energy management strategies for hybrid vehicles are the “Optimization-Based Strategies”. These strategies require a preliminary knowledge of the driving cycle, which is not easy to predict. This paper aims to combine Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) low section short trips with real traffic levels for vehicle energy and fuel consumption prediction. Future research can focus on implementing a new strategy for Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) energy optimization, taking into account WLTC and Google Maps traffic levels. First of all, eight characteristic parameters are extracted from real speed profiles, driven in urban road sections in the city of Messina at different traffic conditions, and WLTC short trips as well. The minimum distance algorithm is used to compare the parameters and assign the three traffic levels (heavy, average, and low traffic level) to the WLTC short trips. In this way, for each route assigned from Google maps, vehicle’...
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Nowadays the automotive market is oriented to the production of hybrid or electric propulsion vehicle equipped with Energy Management System that aims to minimize the consumption of fossil fuel. The EMS, generally, performs a local and... more
Nowadays the automotive market is oriented to the production of hybrid or electric propulsion vehicle equipped with Energy Management System that aims to minimize the consumption of fossil fuel. The EMS, generally, performs a local and not global optimization of energy management due to the impossibility of predicting the user’s energy demand and driving conditions. The aim of this research is to define a driving cycle (speed time) knowing only the starting and the arrival point defined by the driver, considering satellite data and previous experiences. To achieve this goal, the data relating to the energy expenditure of a car (e.g. speed, acceleration, road inclination) will be acquired, using on-board acquisition system, during road sections in the city of Messina. At the same time, the traffic level counterplot and others information provided, for these specific sections, from GPS acquisition software will be collected. On-board and GPS data will be compared and, after considerin...
The energy sustainability of producing biofuel from wet bioresidues needs proper energy integration to ensure sustainable exploitation. This study analyses the potentials of combined hydrogen, heat, power, and LOHC (Liquid Organic... more
The energy sustainability of producing biofuel from wet bioresidues needs proper energy integration to ensure sustainable exploitation. This study analyses the potentials of combined hydrogen, heat, power, and LOHC (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier) production from the residues of citrus juice production, at a factory scale. In this work, the main constituents of LOHC are DME (Dimethyl ether) and methanol. The proposed system is based on air-steam gasification and direct CO2-to-DME process, integrated with hydrogen purification and a CHP unit. The DME reactor is operated at 30 bar in the temperature range 493-533 K. A thermodynamic model, which is validated experimentally, simulates the proposed polygeneration system. In addition to the potential amount of biofuel, hydrogen production, and net power production, the energy and exergy efficiencies are analyzed. Despite the variation of LOHC yield with the temperature, the results show that the whole system’s energy efficiency is not af...
In the last decades, the public opinion has paid great attention to environmental pollution and global warming. Energy sector has a strong impact on environment. Thus, the use of renewable energies is becoming mandatory. The present paper... more
In the last decades, the public opinion has paid great attention to environmental pollution and global warming. Energy sector has a strong impact on environment. Thus, the use of renewable energies is becoming mandatory. The present paper deals with a study of ducted Savonius turbine performance as a function of geometric and operating parameters. Ducted turbines could be used as power take-off in multiple applications. In this paper, two main applications were studied. The first application is related to the possibility to install the turbine inside building with the purpose of architectonic integration of the system. The second one is related to wave energy harvesting. In both cases the same type of turbine was used to convert input energy (wind or wave energy) into electricity. Turbine performance were studied as a function of turbine overlap ratio, as well as air flux oscillating frequencies. On the basis of the obtained results, turbine performance increase in ducted configurat...
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Wind power generation differs from other energy sources, such as thermal, solar or hydro, due to the inherent stochastic nature of wind. For this reason wind power forecasting, especially for wind farms, is a complex task that cannot be... more
Wind power generation differs from other energy sources, such as thermal, solar or hydro, due to the inherent stochastic nature of wind. For this reason wind power forecasting, especially for wind farms, is a complex task that cannot be accurately solved with traditional statistical methods or needs large computational systems if physical models are used. Recently, the so-called learning approaches are considered a good compromise among the previous methods since they are able to integrate physical phenomena such as wake effects without presenting heavy computational loads. The present work deals with an innovative method to forecast wind power generation in a wind farm with a combination of GISbased methods, neural network approach and a wake physical model. This innovative method was tested with a wind farm located in Sicily (Italy), used as a case study. It consists of 30 identical wind turbines (850 kW each one), located at different heights, for an overall Power peak of 25 MW. ...
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The simulation of very small vertical axis wind turbines is often a complex task due to the very low Reynolds number effects and the strong unsteadiness related to the rotor operation. Moreover, the high boundary layer instabilities,... more
The simulation of very small vertical axis wind turbines is often a complex task due to the very low Reynolds number effects and the strong unsteadiness related to the rotor operation. Moreover, the high boundary layer instabilities, which affect these turbines, strongly limits their efficiency compared to micro horizontal axis wind turbines. However, as the scientific interest toward micro wind turbine power generation is growing for powering small stand-alone devices, Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs)might be very suitable for this kind of application as well. Furthermore, micro wind turbines are widely used for wind tunnel testing, as the wind tunnel dimensions are usually quite limited. In order to obtain a better comprehension of the fluid dynamics of such micro rotors, in the present paper the authors demonstrate how to develop an accurate CFD 2D model of a micro H-Darrieus wind turbine, inherently characterized by highly unstable operating conditions. The rotor was tested i...
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Abstract The present paper deals with a study on the wind turbine wake mathematical modelling as well as experimental validation by means of wind tunnel experiments. In particular, different wind turbine wake’s equations were implemented... more
Abstract The present paper deals with a study on the wind turbine wake mathematical modelling as well as experimental validation by means of wind tunnel experiments. In particular, different wind turbine wake’s equations were implemented and results compared with experimental data. Therefore, an experimental setup was implemented in the wind tunnel test section with a small-scale wind turbine, while velocity deficit was measured. A design of experiment based on three parameters variation was defined: wind velocity, turbine rotational speed and distance from the wind turbine rotor. In the same experimental conditions simulations were carried out by means of three 1D equations. In particular, Jensen, Larsen and Frandsen equations were studied. Comparing theoretical and experimental results, it is evident that Larsen mathematical model is in good agreement with experimental data, while Jensen and Frandsen mathematical models are able to identify only mean and peak velocity deficit, respectively.
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Abstract The present paper deals with a study of the damping induced by a turbine in the power take off of an small scale Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter. In order to study the turbine-induced damping, an experimental setup... more
Abstract The present paper deals with a study of the damping induced by a turbine in the power take off of an small scale Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter. In order to study the turbine-induced damping, an experimental setup was built. The experimental setup consists of a wave flume 2000 mm long, 190 mm high and 96 mm wide with an impermeable beach as a dissipative system at the end to avoid wave reflections. The system is all built in Plexiglas to allow optical real-time observation. An Oscillating Water Column chamber model was placed in the measurement area between the wave-maker and the dissipative beach. The chamber was 37 mm long, 200 mm high and 96 mm wide also built in Plexiglas. In order to study the effect of turbine-induced damping on the system, a calibrated and variable hole was used to simulate the turbine presence, while outflow and inflow air velocity were measured by means of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) method. Pressures and velocities of air and water as well as the free water surfaces evolution were measured at different wave frequencies and heights.
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Abstract The uncertainty about the world energy production, the lack of crude oil reserves, the environmental problems caused by a massive use of fossil fuels and their increased prices, are the main reasons inducing modern society to... more
Abstract The uncertainty about the world energy production, the lack of crude oil reserves, the environmental problems caused by a massive use of fossil fuels and their increased prices, are the main reasons inducing modern society to find alternative solutions for fuels production. According to this point of view, a great attention is addressed to the biodiesel production as substitute of diesel derived by fossil hydrocarbons. The use of biomasses from different sources for the energy production constitutes one of the main objects thanks to which European Community intends to reduce its dependence from oil importations and derived products over the medium to longer term. Several sources can be used for biodiesel production, among these Brassica carinata and Brassica napus are considered as possible dedicated energy crops. The present work is based on the implementation of a model that allows to analyze the insertion of agro-energetic farms, identifying and evaluating the crops previously mentioned, economically suitable to enter in rotation with cereals and legumes. Through the analysis of official statistical data and cereals and legumes production, an estimation of potential biodiesel production in relation with the considered territory chosen as case study. It was implemented a model based on a procedure of logistics and distribution management in Matlab and in a Gis environment in order to find the best location for a potential production plant. The model considered some collection points of crops according the administrative units of the territory of reference. Moreover, for the same territory, thanks to some simulations it was calculated how the potential biodiesel production could affect fuels consumption and the potential reduction of the amount of CO2 in the environment.
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ABSTRACT This paper deals with the theoretical and experimental analysis of carbon coke fed steam power plant performance. Thus, A mathematical model of the generator and of all power plant has been developed and implemented within... more
ABSTRACT This paper deals with the theoretical and experimental analysis of carbon coke fed steam power plant performance. Thus, A mathematical model of the generator and of all power plant has been developed and implemented within GateCycle workspace. Using experimental data the mathematical model has been finely tuned and tested in several running conditions in respect of refinery requests. Results analysis has shown that it is able to simulate power plant running in on-design and off-design conditions with low relative errors. Using mathematical model, the effects of steam extraction by the refinery from the “high, medium and low pressure level manifolds” on the turbine efficiency and heat consumption as well as on steam generators performance have been studied. Results analysis has been shown that steam extraction involves a turbine performance reduction. The developed mathematical model could be used to optimize steam turbine efficiency as well as generators performance in order to study the better control strategy.
A mathematical model of a heavy duty gas turbine has been implemented using GateCycle™ code. This model is able to simulate the engine behavior running on syngas and fuel oil. Also engine control logic is implemented using Microsoft... more
A mathematical model of a heavy duty gas turbine has been implemented using GateCycle™ code. This model is able to simulate the engine behavior running on syngas and fuel oil. Also engine control logic is implemented using Microsoft Excel™ VBA language. The model implemented has been finely tuned and tested with measured data. Test results show that it is able to simulate engine running in on-design and off-design conditions. Using this model, an extensive thermodynamic analysis of light fuel oil and syngas fed engine performance has been carried out in respect of ambient conditions. As it is possible to see in the results of the thermodynamic analysis, at high air temperatures performance reduction occur. Relative humidity have a slightly effect on engine performance when the latter is running on syngas. Instead it doesn’t have a relevant effect on the performance of the engine running on light liquid fuel oil in all the range of ambient temperature investigated. Results of this an...
ABSTRACT It is well known and proven by experience that gas turbine performance decrease while atmospheric temperature increases. Basing on theoretical and experimental data, it is also known that atmospheric air relative humidity it is... more
ABSTRACT It is well known and proven by experience that gas turbine performance decrease while atmospheric temperature increases. Basing on theoretical and experimental data, it is also known that atmospheric air relative humidity it is able to reduce power losses due to high external temperature. Moving from this consideration, it is possible to increase engine performance at high atmospheric temperatures using evaporative cooling technique. The present paper deals with the thermodynamic study of the performance of a syngas fed gas turbine with evaporative cooler into the compressor intake system from both a theoretical and experimental point of view. A mathematical model of the gas turbine has been developed using GateCycle code. Engine performance analysis at various values of atmospheric temperature, relative humidity and pressure has been carried out. Two control strategies of the artificial air humidifier have been implemented: the first is characterized by an air humidity constant at the intake of the compressor (set to 95%); the second one is characterized by an air temperature constant at the intake of the compressor (set to the temperature corresponding to maximum IGV opening). Results analysis shows that using both of control strategies power and efficiency losses recovery could be achieved depending on atmospheric air humidity and temperature.
ABSTRACT In order to carry out an accurate heat release analysis, it is necessary to solve a non linear set of chemical equilibrium equations to calculate concentrations of the species present in cylinder gases during the combustion... more
ABSTRACT In order to carry out an accurate heat release analysis, it is necessary to solve a non linear set of chemical equilibrium equations to calculate concentrations of the species present in cylinder gases during the combustion process. So, the thermodynamics properties of the mixture can be evaluated. The present paper deals with the study of the thermodynamics of combustion using a genetic approach. A genetic algorithm was used to solve the set of non linear equations. The goal of this method is the possibility of solving the equations set in a wide range of pressure, temperature and equivalence ratio combinations, where more traditional methods are often found to fail.
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The present paper deals with the performance analysis of gas turbines with online pulse jet system for air filter cleaning. In order to evaluate the engine performance before, during and after the cleaning procedure, a mathematical model... more
The present paper deals with the performance analysis of gas turbines with online pulse jet system for air filter cleaning. In order to evaluate the engine performance before, during and after the cleaning procedure, a mathematical model of GE MS6001FA gas turbine has been implemented using GateCycle software. The model was calibrated and tested using real engine monitoring data. A comparison of the engine behavior from the model and experimental data shows that the results can be calculated with errors below 2% for the input conditions simulated in the present study. The GateCycle model was used to evaluate engine performance before, during and after engine pulse jet activation. On the basis of the results it is possible to state that air filter cleaning slightly increase engine performance in normal industrial environment.
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ABSTRACT It is well known that gas turbines performance depend on ambient conditions. In particular, power production decreases when ambient temperature increases. It is possible to restore standard performance while running at critical... more
ABSTRACT It is well known that gas turbines performance depend on ambient conditions. In particular, power production decreases when ambient temperature increases. It is possible to restore standard performance while running at critical temperatures using a power boosting technique such as evaporative cooling. The present paper deals with analysis of gas turbines power boosting by means of an evaporative cooling technique. In order to study the impact of the technique on gas turbine performance, a mathematical model of a General Electric MS6001FA gas turbine has been implemented using GateCycle software. The mathematical model was calibrated and tested using real gas turbine data for different running conditions. Test results show that the model is able to simulate engine behavior in all considered conditions with low errors. Parametric analysis in function of ambient conditions at maximum load was carried out. It was imposed a specific value of artificial air humidity using real ambient temperature and pressure. Thus, performance analysis of gas turbine running was carried out.