Open Access
Electro-thermal modelling of a supercapacitor and experimental validation
(Elsevier, 2014) Berrueta Irigoyen, Alberto; San Martín Biurrun, Idoia; Hernández, Andoni; Ursúa Rubio, Alfredo; Sanchis Gúrpide, Pablo; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
This paper reports on the electro-thermal modelling of a Maxwell supercapacitor (SC), model BMOD0083 with a rated capacitance of 83 F and rated voltage of 48 V. One electrical equivalent circuit was used to model the electrical behaviour whilst another served to simulate the thermal behaviour. The models were designed to predict the SC operating voltage and temperature, by taking the electric current and ambient temperature as input variables. A five-stage iterative method, applied to three experiments, served to obtain the parameter values for each model. The models were implemented in MATLABSimulink , where they interacted to reciprocally provide information. These models were then validated through a number of tests, subjecting the SC to different current and frequency profiles. These tests included the validation of a bank of supercapacitors integrated into an electric microgrid, in a real operating environment. Satisfactory results were obtained from the electric and thermal models, with RMSE values of less than 0.65 V in all validations.
Open Access
Modeling of small wind turbines based on PMSG with diode bridge for sensorless maximum power tracking
(Elsevier, 2013) Urtasun Erburu, Andoni; Sanchis Gúrpide, Pablo; San Martín Biurrun, Idoia; López Taberna, Jesús; Marroyo Palomo, Luis; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
The Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) with diode bridge is frequently used in small Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS). This configuration is robust and cheap, and therefore suitable for small WECS. In order to achieve Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) with no mechanical sensors, it is possible to impose the relationship between the DC voltage and the DC current on the optimum operating points. However, this relationship is difficult to calculate theoretically since the whole system is involved. In fact, as there is no model of the whole system in the literature, the optimum curve IL*(Vdc) is obtained with experimental tests or simulations. This paper develops an accurate model of the whole WECS, thereby making it possible to relate the electrical variables to the mechanical ones. With this model, it is possible to calculate the optimum curve IL*(Vdc) from commonly-known system parameters and to control the system from the DC side. Experimental results validate the theoretical analysis and show that maximum power is extracted for actual wind speed profiles.
Open Access
Methodology for sizing stand-alone hybrid systems: a case study of a traffic control system
(Elsevier, 2018) San Martín Biurrun, Idoia; Berrueta Irigoyen, Alberto; Sanchis Gúrpide, Pablo; Ursúa Rubio, Alfredo; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
This paper proposes a methodology for sizing stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic-wind power generation systems. This methodology makes it possible to optimise the overall performance of the stand-alone system components, based on the premise of guaranteeing the power supply throughout the useful life of the installation at a minimum cost. The sizing is performed in two stages. Firstly, the components of the wind and photovoltaic power generation subsystem are obtained and, secondly, the size of the storage subsystem is determined. For the storage subsystem sizing, account is taken of the variation in efficiency according to the operating point and also the deterioration of the subsystem due to aging and, therefore, the loss of available energy during the useful life of the installation. This methodology is applied to a stand-alone traffic control system located on a secondary road in the Autonomous Community of Valencia (Spain). This system comprises wind and photovoltaic power generation components, a lithium battery bank and various traffic management components. Finally, an analysis of the proposed sizing is made. Satisfactory results are obtained, showing how the proposed methodology makes it possible to optimise the sizing of stand-alone systems with regard to the size of its components, cost and operation.
Open Access
Modelling of PEM fuel cell performance: steady-state and dynamic experimental validation
(MDPI, 2014) San Martín Biurrun, Idoia; Ursúa Rubio, Alfredo; Sanchis Gúrpide, Pablo; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
This paper reports on the modelling of a commercial 1.2 kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), based on interrelated electrical and thermal models. The electrical model proposed is based on the integration of the thermodynamic and electrochemical phenomena taking place in the FC whilst the thermal model is established from the FC thermal energy balance. The combination of both models makes it possible to predict the FC voltage, based on the current demanded and the ambient temperature. Furthermore, an experimental characterization is conducted and the parameters for the models associated with the FC electrical and thermal performance are obtained. The models are implemented in Matlab Simulink and validated in a number of operating environments, for steady-state and dynamic modes alike. In turn, the FC models are validated in an actual microgrid operating environment, through the series connection of 4 PEMFC. The simulations of the models precisely and accurately reproduce the FC electrical and thermal performance.
Open Access
Supercapacitors: electrical characteristics, modelling, applications and future trends
(IEEE, 2019) Berrueta Irigoyen, Alberto; Ursúa Rubio, Alfredo; San Martín Biurrun, Idoia; Eftekhari, Ali; Sanchis Gúrpide, Pablo; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoaren eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritzaren; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua, PI020 RENEWABLE-STORAGE
Energy storage systems are playing an increasingly important role in a variety of applications, such as electric vehicles or grid-connected systems. In this context, supercapacitors (SCs) are gaining ground due to their high power density, good performance and long maintenance-free lifetime. For this reason, SCs are a hot research topic, and several papers are being published on material engineering, performance characterization, modelling and post-mortem analysis. A compilation of the most important millstones on this topic is essential to keep researchers on related fields updated about new potentials of this technology. This review paper covers recent research aspects and applications of SCs, highlighting the relationship between material properties and electrical characteristics. It begins with an explanation of the energy storage mechanisms and materials used by SCs. Based on these materials, the SCs are classified, their key features are summarised, and their electrochemical characteristics are related to electrical performance. Given the high interest in system modelling and the large number of papers published on this topic, modelling techniques are classified, explained and compared, addressing their strengths and weaknesses, and the experimental techniques used to measure the modelled properties are described. Finally, the market sectors in which SCs are successfully used, as well as their growth expectations are analysed. The analysis presented herein gives account of the expansion that SC market is currently undergoing and identifies the most promising research trends on this field.