2011 Participants
The following students participated as mentees in the 2011 Smart Energy and Smart Systems REU Site.
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Imen Ben-Neticha Faculty Advisor: Dr. Haiyan Wang SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS SIGNIFICANCE: This project studies the processing and characterization of the YBCO high temperature superconductors to enable the more efficient transmission of electric power across long distances. This will greatly improve the efficiency of future power grids.OVERVIEW OF STUDENT PROJECT: Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) thin films doped with 10 atom% Yttrium Oxide (Y2O3) were deposited on single crystalline Strontium Titanium Oxide (SrTiO3, STO) (001) substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). To explore the effects of laser energy density on YBCO superconducting properties, the YBCO thin films were deposited under two different laser energies. This was realized by applying an additional metallic block, with a defined exit laser dimension, to control the laser energy during deposition while maintain the other PLD conditions the same as the standard sample. The results of Resistance to Temperature (RT) measurement using Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) showed obvious differences in the superconducting properties of the YBCO thin films with/without modifying the laser energy. The sample without the metal block has a clear two step transition, i.e., one at 90K and one at 40K; after modifying the laser energy, the critical transition temperature (Tc) is 90K. Further microstructure characterization using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a better crystallinity and epitaxy in the laser-energy-modified YBCO thin film compared with the unmodified one. Therefore, the laser energy density in PLD procedure plays an important role in the deposition rate, the quality, and thus the superconducting property of the YBCO thin films. |
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Coreth Borneman Alfred University, Village of Afred, NY Primary Project: Cyber-Physical Modeling of a Smart Grid Faculty Advisors: Drs. Deepa Kundur and Karen Butler-Purry SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS SIGNIFICANCE: Many describe the smart grid as the marriage of information technology with the existing power grid. In order to understand the complex dependencies and emergent properties of such integration, powerful cyber-physical modeling tools are needed to understand critical dependencies. This project studies a dynamical-systems model approach of a smart grid in order to identify critical sensors that if corrupted could lead to denial-of-energy service for loads. OVERVIEW OF STUDENT PROJECT: The US Electrical Grid is currently creeping closer to its limitations do to the growth of electrical usage. Today’s grid is a centralized planned and controlled infrastructure, which limit its potential and leaves the grid open to attacks. To prevent this, researchers are working towards a decentralized and more interactive grid, which is called the “Smart Grid”. In this work, we focus on the model synthesis stage where both cyber and physical grid entity relationships are modeled as directed graphs. These are governed by dynamical system equations that model the physical interactions for electrical grid components, or functionality for cyber grid elements. A Single Generator System and a 13 Node Distribution Test System were simulated in MATLAB /SIMULINK and PSCAD respectively to conduct the cyber attack impact analysis. The Single Generator System includes one generator and two loads, while the 13 IEEE Node Distribution Test System includes three generators and ten loads. A potential type of cyber attack modifies a load sensor that measures its power. By adding or subtracting a bias to a sensor, a power generation system could end with four possible outcomes. It could stay the same, cause a blackout, deny certain loads, or reconfigure the priorities of the loads. The four different scenarios are ultimately determined by which switches are affected by the bias in the cyber attack. |
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Jarrett David Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jose Silva-Martinez SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS SIGNIFICANCE: This project focuses on the design of low power data converters that can significantly reduce the energy required for common signal processing tasks. In addition, the circuits can be used for advanced signal processing in emerging smart grid intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). OVERVIEW OF STUDENT PROJECT: As the performance of integrated circuits increases so does the need for robust and faster analog to digital converters to accurately convert signals from analog to digital. This solution must be compatible with the semiconductor technology trend towards more digital and less analog parts. One solution is the Sigma Delta Analog/Digital Converter (ΣΔ-ADC) because of its high performance, low-power consumption, low-noise, wide bandwidth, and high dynamic range. The ΣΔ-ADC employs a loop filter that is embedded in the system to provide the required noise shaping; this analog filter which is required by all data converters, plays a critical role in loop stabilization. We analyzed, modeled and designed a 20MHZ ΣΔ-ADC for broadband wireless communication standards. This device is required in WiMAX, CDMA and other multi-standard devices with audio and video capabilities. A major downside with continuous time sigma delta modulators is the circuit non-idealities, which can significantly hinder its performance. We implemented a continuous time 3rd order sigma delta modulator for the following benefits: high bandwidth and amplitude range, low power, and good trade-off between resolution and cost. For our model, we employed Simulink for simulating the block diagram while the transfer function of the filter and signal to noise ratio were calculated using Matlab. In determining system sensitivity, the following non-idealities were examined: clock jitter, excess loop delay, and the finite open loop gain and bandwidth of the operational amplifiers. The results were graphed and compared to the ideal case to determine the system sensitivity. |
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Monica Duran Faculty Advisor: Drs. Deepa Kundur SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS SIGNIFICANCE: Alternative forms of transportation that make use of non-petroleum-based energy sources are imperative to reduce our ecological footprint and enable a smart energy society of the future. This project introduces students to battery modeling and implementation issues for the creation of electric bikes (ebikes). OVERVIEW OF STUDENT PROJECT: Vehicle efficiency has become a major topic of discussion due to the depletion of petroleum. This summer’s research was focused on discovering a form of transportation that could be manipulated, and converted to electrical in order to produce a more proficient vehicle. Compared to cars and other forms of transportation a bicycle is considered to be the most adept way of getting from point A to point B. Main reason being, the alteration for a bicycle to electric is more simplistic and affordable than for other vehicles. The transition for an electric bicycle is more viable, because of the materials and parts that are conveniently in abundance. One of the significant components to an ebike are the batteries that are selected to supply the power and energy to propel an individual. Lithium although recently becoming scarce has sparked interest in the electric vehicle industry. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries were chosen for this research experience, because of the advantages they provide over other battery types. Lithium has a higher energy density than most rechargeable batteries, and there is no memory effect that occurs when it is repeatedly discharged incompletely and then recharged. Lithium ion batteries have around 3.6 volts, allowing for some battery packs to use a single cell instead of multiple cells. They also operate at a higher voltage, and can retain their charge longer than other rechargeables. |
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Brook Feyissa Faculty Advisor: Dr. Xie Le SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS SIGNIFICANCE: : The batteries of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and general electric vehicles can be used as a storage mediumOVERVIEW OF STUDENT PROJECT: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicles have functions that help the environment other than saving money on gas. By utilizing the capacities of the batteries of these vehicles effectively and efficiently in conjunction with the smart grid, the customers have the opportunity to save money as well as contribute to the welfare of the power system. These goals can be accomplished by contracting owners of PHEV/EVs with an aggregator so the PHEV owner can provide the unused space of their vehicle’s battery in exchange for cheaper charging prices while the aggregator uses the space to provide ancillary services. Using a newly developed Android application, the customers will also have the option to choose their charging preferences allowing the aggregator to both ensure his own best interests as well as guarantee the customer’s vehicle is charged in an acceptable time frame. The Android application allows the charging algorithm to optimize when and at what rate to charge each battery while providing the maximum amount of ancillary services at the same time. This provides the most profit for the aggregator which in turn allows for cheaper charging rates for the customers. For this research project the charging algorithm was simulated in MATLAB with information sent over Wi-Fi from the Android application in the form of a text file containing data about the users charging needs. The most recent real-time market prices, day-ahead-market prices, and also average regulation prices were directly obtained from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ (ERCOT) website. The purpose of using all these sources of information is to emulate the real world situations where the costumers’ preferences and the electricity prices change on a real-time basis from the aggregator’s point of view. The results of this simulation show how much profit the aggregator makes even while continuing to provide ancillary services to the power system operations. |
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Wembley Leach Faculty Advisor: Dr. Xie Le SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS SIGNIFICANCE: : The batteries of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and general electric vehicles can be used as a storage mediumOVERVIEW OF STUDENT PROJECT: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicles have functions that help the environment other than saving money on gas. By utilizing the capacities of the batteries of these vehicles effectively and efficiently in conjunction with the smart grid, the customers have the opportunity to save money as well as contribute to the welfare of the power system. These goals can be accomplished by contracting owners of PHEV/EVs with an aggregator so the PHEV owner can provide the unused space of their vehicle’s battery in exchange for cheaper charging prices while the aggregator uses the space to provide ancillary services. Using a newly developed Android application, the customers will also have the option to choose their charging preferences allowing the aggregator to both ensure his own best interests as well as guarantee the customer’s vehicle is charged in an acceptable time frame. The Android application allows the charging algorithm to optimize when and at what rate to charge each battery while providing the maximum amount of ancillary services at the same time. This provides the most profit for the aggregator which in turn allows for cheaper charging rates for the customers. For this research project the charging algorithm was simulated in MATLAB with information sent over Wi-Fi from the Android application in the form of a text file containing data about the users charging needs. The most recent real-time market prices, day-ahead-market prices, and also average regulation prices were directly obtained from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ (ERCOT) website. The purpose of using all these sources of information is to emulate the real world situations where the costumers’ preferences and the electricity prices change on a real-time basis from the aggregator’s point of view. The results of this simulation show how much profit the aggregator makes even while continuing to provide ancillary services to the power system operations. |
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Jasmine Leon Faculty Advisor: Dr. Robert Balog |
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Omar Masud Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jose Silva-Martinez SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS SIGNIFICANCE: This project focuses on the design of low power data converters that can significantly reduce the energy required for common signal processing tasks. In addition, the circuits can be used for advanced signal processing in emerging smart grid intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). OVERVIEW OF STUDENT PROJECT: As the performance of integrated circuits increases so does the need for robust and faster analog to digital converters to accurately convert signals from analog to digital. This solution must be compatible with the semiconductor technology trend towards more digital and less analog parts. One solution is the Sigma Delta Analog/Digital Converter (ΣΔ-ADC) because of its high performance, low-power consumption, low-noise, wide bandwidth, and high dynamic range. The ΣΔ-ADC employs a loop filter that is embedded in the system to provide the required noise shaping; this analog filter which is required by all data converters, plays a critical role in loop stabilization. We analyzed, modeled and designed a 20MHZ ΣΔ-ADC for broadband wireless communication standards. This device is required in WiMAX, CDMA and other multi-standard devices with audio and video capabilities. A major downside with continuous time sigma delta modulators is the circuit non-idealities, which can significantly hinder its performance. We implemented a continuous time 3rd order sigma delta modulator for the following benefits: high bandwidth and amplitude range, low power, and good trade-off between resolution and cost. For our model, we employed Simulink for simulating the block diagram while the transfer function of the filter and signal to noise ratio were calculated using Matlab. In determining system sensitivity, the following non-idealities were examined: clock jitter, excess loop delay, and the finite open loop gain and bandwidth of the operational amplifiers. The results were graphed and compared to the ideal case to determine the system sensitivity. |
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Stephen McConnell Faculty Advisor: Dr. Robert Balog |
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Patrick Smith Faculty Advisor: Dr. Haiyan Wang SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS SIGNIFICANCE: This project studies the processing and characterization of the YBCO high temperature superconductors to enable the more efficient transmission of electric power across long distances. This will greatly improve the efficiency of future power grids.OVERVIEW OF STUDENT PROJECT: Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) thin films doped with 10 atom% Yttrium Oxide (Y2O3) were deposited on single crystalline Strontium Titanium Oxide (SrTiO3, STO) (001) substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). To explore the effects of laser energy density on YBCO superconducting properties, the YBCO thin films were deposited under two different laser energies. This was realized by applying an additional metallic block, with a defined exit laser dimension, to control the laser energy during deposition while maintain the other PLD conditions the same as the standard sample. The results of Resistance to Temperature (RT) measurement using Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) showed obvious differences in the superconducting properties of the YBCO thin films with/without modifying the laser energy. The sample without the metal block has a clear two step transition, i.e., one at 90K and one at 40K; after modifying the laser energy, the critical transition temperature (Tc) is 90K. Further microstructure characterization using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a better crystallinity and epitaxy in the laser-energy-modified YBCO thin film compared with the unmodified one. Therefore, the laser energy density in PLD procedure plays an important role in the deposition rate, the quality, and thus the superconducting property of the YBCO thin films. |