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2014 CSEM-uae MSc. Thesis proposals to KTH/Menu/general...company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, ) and

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Page 1: 2014 CSEM-uae MSc. Thesis proposals to KTH/Menu/general...company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, ) and

United Arab Emirates

CSEM-UAE Innovation Center LLC Al Jazeera Al Hamra Area T +971 (7) 244 6929 www.csem-uae.com PO Box 31208 F +971 (7) 244 6951 Ras Al Khaimah, UAE [email protected]

2014 Master Thesis proposals for KTH – SEE, DSEE, RENE, M3 and SELECT Master Thesis program students

Background CSEM-uae Innovation Center (www.csem-uae.com) is a nonprofit joint venture company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, www.csem.ch) and RAKIA (Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority, www.rak-ia.com) operational in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) - United Arab Emirates (UAE) since September 2005. The applied research and development bridging academic research to industrial development is the working area of the company. The company is located in the industrial area of Al Jazeera Al Hamra near RAK City. Objective CSEM-UAE is working for the development of innovative technologies in the field of renewable energy and environment focusing on solar and clean technology like PV, solar thermal, sea water desalination, solar assisted cooling, waste heat recovery and energy efficiency with applied research approach. We bridge fundamental research (University level) to users (Industry) smoothening the technology transfer to industry. In this context, input from both academia and industries is a must. The overall objective of the collaboration with KTH is to establish a common platform of research intended to bridge the gap, so that technology at fundamental research is validated from techno-economic standpoints and transferred to industries for application. Sharing the mutual experience & expertise and opening up research facilities of CSEM-UAE to KTH-SEE, DSEE masters students help strengthen the collaboration. Continuation of the collaboration with KTH After successful completion of 15 MSc thesis projects and the launching of a PhD thesis during the period 2010-2013, CSEM-UAE is interested to continue its collaboration with KTH at masters MSc and PhD thesis levels for the year 2014. The targeted group is students enrolled at one of the MSc programs offered by the Department of Energy Technology (SEE, DSEE, ME3, RENE and SELECT). Some of the Master MSc thesis projects can be extendable to industrial PhD Thesis, whereas an industrial PhD research can be done, in or using CSEM-uae R&D platforms, under the leadership of a KTH professor. Master Thesis positions-opening for 2014 Nine projects have been prioritized for Master Thesis. Ensuing paragraphs presents a brief introduction of those research projects. Applications Applications (CV + transcript + accreditations + motivation letter) are to be sent to CSEM-uae (Dr. Hamid Kayal ([email protected])) with copy to KTH (Prof. Andrew Martin). The application deadline is 29 Nov 2013. CSEM-uae financial support Round-trip air ticket, medical insurance, working days lunch and a monthly salary for accommodation and other living costs are offered to the selected M.Sc. students.

Page 2: 2014 CSEM-uae MSc. Thesis proposals to KTH/Menu/general...company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, ) and

United Arab Emirates

CSEM-UAE Innovation Center LLC Al Jazeera Al Hamra Area T +971 (7) 244 6929 www.csem-uae.com PO Box 31208 F +971 (7) 244 6951 Ras Al Khaimah, UAE [email protected]

M.Sc. Thesis position opening for 2014

Design of a Low/ Zero Energy Building for CSEM-UAE Offices in SOLAB - UAE

Background Several Master Thesis, addressing the low / zero energy building, have been recently achieved in CSEM-uae. They addressed on energy analysis of existing building in UAE and studied the potential of passive and active solutions. A solar calorimeter has also been built in CSEM-uae outdoor Solar Laboratory (SOLAB) to test the performance of diverse building materials for passive energy saving potential. In parallel, technical and economical evaluation of active technologies such as Solar Cooling, Solar Water Desalination and PV Mini-grids was done by CSEM-uae in SOLAB. The present thesis work is to synthesis the obtained data and results accumulated by CSEM-uae by building an innovative Zero Energy Space to host about 30 people’s offices, meeting rooms, labs, workshop and canteen in SOLAB. Purpose Based on the latest know how and cumulated CSEM-uae research on local conditions and the available construction technologies and techniques, propose an innovative design of a cost effective / energy efficient (low/zero) working space to be built in CSEM-uae Outdoor Solar Laboratory. Objectives

Define the surface, the energy needs after considering passive solutions and the electricity (DC and AC) and water needs for the office space

Select the efficient active energy saving technologies (BIPV, etc.)

Design cost effective / low cooling load space integrating the selected material

Propose the cost / energy effective solutions for the AC, water and electricity

Propose a final building and infrastructure design for implementation

Method of attack Review the literature and the previous work in CSEM-uae. Identify the people’s needs of space and energy in the building. Estimate the energy types / needs in the building. Select the active energy saving technologies (BIPV, Thermal panels, etc.) which can be integrated in the building. Design a cost effective and robust building and assembly solutions integrating this material. Propose the building design and calculate the cooling load and other energy needs of the proposed building. Calculate the DC and AC electrical energy needs. Calculate the water quantity and quality needed. Propose the most energy efficient and economic solutions for the infrastructure (cooling, electricity and water) of the designed building.

Page 3: 2014 CSEM-uae MSc. Thesis proposals to KTH/Menu/general...company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, ) and

United Arab Emirates

CSEM-UAE Innovation Center LLC Al Jazeera Al Hamra Area T +971 (7) 244 6929 www.csem-uae.com PO Box 31208 F +971 (7) 244 6951 Ras Al Khaimah, UAE [email protected]

M.Sc. Thesis position opening for 2014

Solar Thermal Driven Co-generation of Cooling by single effect absorption chiller and Pure Water by Membrane Distillation

Background Chilled water production for air conditioning and fresh water production through sea water desalination involves large amount of heat and electricity consumption. Large scale desalination plants are combined with thermal power plants and centralized district cooling plants are replacing local chillers, window or roof top units. In both cases, increasing energy prices propels the demand for development of highly efficient systems. CSEM-uae R&D platforms demonstrate performance of solar absorption cooling of 10 TR and Membrane Distillation (MD) desalination system of a capacity of 40 l/day. While individual operation accounts for high energy demand and also seasonal variations in cooling demand lead us to focus on efficient co-generation approach for optimized energy usage from the solar collector field. This application would be very promising for regions with high insolation, scarcity of fresh water sources and need of cooling, if the economical drawbacks for commercial deployment of Solar Cooling and MD could be properly addressed.

Purpose The purpose of the thesis is to evaluate the technical feasibility of such integration by simulation leading to detail engineering design of the prototype system considering the prevailing solar cooling and MD facility. Furthermore, the thesis project will enlighten its techno-economic scale effect with simulation/calculation considering real case of a district size.

Objectives Determine interface conditions for co-generation application

Conceptualize and define system model from thermodynamic view point

Evaluate and optimize the performance of system using TRNSYS simulation

Produce detail engineering design and drawing at prototype level

Provide a techno-economic feasibility lookout of a real scale application.

Method of attack Review literature on Solar cooling and MD systems. Understand the requirements and limitations to define the interface conditions for proposed co-generation. Theoretically conceptualize and define the system model and mimic the model in TRNSYS platform. Evaluate the performance of the system in simulation environment. Considering prevailing solar cooling and MD facility at SOLAB, design the modification to address the co-generation concept. Provide a brief technical feasibility study of a district scale application.

Page 4: 2014 CSEM-uae MSc. Thesis proposals to KTH/Menu/general...company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, ) and

United Arab Emirates

CSEM-UAE Innovation Center LLC Al Jazeera Al Hamra Area T +971 (7) 244 6929 www.csem-uae.com PO Box 31208 F +971 (7) 244 6951 Ras Al Khaimah, UAE [email protected]

M.Sc. Thesis position opening for 2014

Design and Simulation of Solar Thermal and PV Driven Desalination Systems for Techno-Economical Comparison

Background Fresh water is the most desirable resource in MENA region which has excellent conditions for development of coupled concentrate solar powered desalination systems. The direct coupling of CSP with Multi-effect distillation (MED) for desalination has advantages of reduction in primary energy consumption, reduced environmental impact and also on-site operation of such plants is very attractive approach for large consumers like hotel resorts or industrial parks. Focused on such applications, CSEM-uae has developed and successfully tested a Solar Island R&D platform http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxZf8ZLDCk8 tracking the sun azimuth angle with high precision for CSP application able to generate steam up to 200 to 300°C. In parallel a solar cooling R&D center with Evacuated tubes collector (ETC) field of 70 kW thermal was built that provides hot water at 95 to 110oC. More over a Mini-PV power plant of 60 kW is implemented. Based on these operational conditions, a theoretical design and simulation of a coupled CSP-MED and ETC - MED systems should be done and compared to the RO/PV systems cost. Purpose The proposed Master’s Thesis should provide designs of a CSP-MED system that could be deployable on the Solar Island Platform and an ETC-MED system that could be integrated with existing solar driven absorption chillers. The performance /cost of the proposed ETC-MED system should be compared to an RO/PV system. Objectives

Conduct detailed literature review on CSP-MED systems and RO systems

Design / Simulate the systems CSP-MED and ETC-MED for desalination

Market review/Propose MED system suitable for above applications

Compare the performance/cost of the proposed ETC-MED system to RO/PV Method of attack Review literature on existing RO systems and solar thermal driven MED systems, demonstration plants and review of various concepts. Identify suitable collectors for direct integration to MED. Design a suitable system and simulation of various configurations using INSEL software. Visit existing MED and RO desalination plants in UAE to obtain practical information, market survey of MED and RO/PV systems suitable for the cases under consideration and propose designs to integrate with existing solar thermal facilities at CSEM-uae.

Page 5: 2014 CSEM-uae MSc. Thesis proposals to KTH/Menu/general...company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, ) and

United Arab Emirates

CSEM-UAE Innovation Center LLC Al Jazeera Al Hamra Area T +971 (7) 244 6929 www.csem-uae.com PO Box 31208 F +971 (7) 244 6951 Ras Al Khaimah, UAE [email protected]

M.Sc. Thesis position opening for 2014

Assessment of a Linear Fresnel Mirrors’ Concentrator for CSP applications

Background To harvest the Solar Energy on sea near big cities of the Gulf, CSEM-uae is realizing the concept of the Solar Island (SI) in phasewise manner. The first phase included the successful development of a prototype having floating platform of 5000m² on a channel on shore and tracking the azimuth angle of the sun with high precision http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxZf8ZLDCk8 at CSEM-uae Solar Outdoor Laboratory (SOLAB). The second phase included the successful design and development of a Linear Fresnel mirrors’ Concentrator (LFC) Module which can be used to produce low temperature (150 ºC to 350 ºC) water / steam particularly suitable for thermal polygeneration applications. The LFC module is now operational and should be assessed in combination with diverse receivers available from the market or designed by CSEM-uae in its conceived third phase of development as the proposed master thesis. After the assessment and selection of the most suitable receiver for the LFC module, 68 of similar Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) modules should be produced and mounted on the Solar Island platform to generate 1 MWp Thermal. Purpose The purpose of this master thesis is to assess the LFC module prototype in CSEM-uae SOLAB using diverse receivers and to identify / propose the most adequate receiver keeping in mind the feasibility of mounting 68 of such LFC modules on the SI. Objectives To assess the performance of the LFC module

Optimize the trapezoidal receiver designed and tested indoor by CSEM-uae Select and test the receivers which can fit to the LFC module in SOLAB Measure the performance of the LFC module with the receivers Propose the most adequate receiver and arrangement to be used for SI Propose the assembly design of LFC modules and receivers maximizing the

energy conversion yield of one line of LFC modules on SI Method of attack 

Review the literature and the previous work in CSEM-uae. Select the solar receivers to be tested. Define the assembly and install the one(s) to be tested to the LFC module. Characterize the optical focusing and tracking of the LFC module. Calculate the thermal characteristics of the LFC module with the selected receiver to be tested. Measure the performance of the LFC module with the selected receiver(s) using the thermo-hydraulic test system. Compare to the predicted performance. Select the best solution. Conceive the optimum arrangement of LFC and receiver for SI Platform. Propose an assembly of a series of module in line on the SI platform. Predict the thermal performance of the proposed assembly.

Page 6: 2014 CSEM-uae MSc. Thesis proposals to KTH/Menu/general...company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, ) and

United Arab Emirates

CSEM-UAE Innovation Center LLC Al Jazeera Al Hamra Area T +971 (7) 244 6929 www.csem-uae.com PO Box 31208 F +971 (7) 244 6951 Ras Al Khaimah, UAE [email protected]

M.Sc. Thesis position opening for 2014

Solar Cooling System performance evaluation and automation

  

Background In United Arab and MENA region in general, due to intense solar radiation, the solar cooling during summer time, is matching well with the need of cooling to maintain the comfort in houses. To identify the potential of solar cooling systems, CSEM-uae developed and installed in its Solar Outdoor Laboratory (SOLAB) a 10TR solar cooling R&D facility. Simulation and modeling system mimicking the developed facility has been created in TRNSYS and performance has been evaluated. Comparison based on a limited operation period was accomplished. It has been identified that the design and implementation of an optimum operation and control strategy, allowing running continuously the system over a year, will lead to the identification and implementation of the improvements of the installed system. Beside the basic knowledge in thermal systems, the design of an automated operation control requires electrical engineering knowledge ideally with control and automation design knowhow. Purpose The purpose of this master thesis is the design an automated control system to optimize the operation (24/7) performance of a solar cooling system of 10 TR installed at CSEM-uae SOLAB. Objectives Considering the measured performances and simulated optimization of the existing system, the overall objectives are:

Study the operation on the existing system, confirm improvement factors Propose a control strategy for optimized automated operation of the system Identify the control/ automation components to implement the proposed logics Design and implement the proposed control and automation of the system Do an acceptance test of the implemented automation system

Method of attack Review the previous work and documents. Understand the electrical component used. Re-confirm a proposed control strategy for automation. Identify electrical requirements for control and automation (hardware and software). Define market available components. Check the compatibility with identified requirement. Design, implement and make the acceptance test.

Page 7: 2014 CSEM-uae MSc. Thesis proposals to KTH/Menu/general...company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, ) and

United Arab Emirates

CSEM-UAE Innovation Center LLC Al Jazeera Al Hamra Area T +971 (7) 244 6929 www.csem-uae.com PO Box 31208 F +971 (7) 244 6951 Ras Al Khaimah, UAE [email protected]

M.Sc. Thesis position opening for 2014

Monitoring, operations analysis and improvement of a Hybrid PV Mini-Grid

 Background In 2013, CSEM-uae achieved, in its Solar Outdoor Laboratory (SOLAB), the installation of a Hybrid PV Mini-Grid of 60 kWp powering all CSEM-uae R&D platforms in SOLAB; namely the Solar cooling Center (during the working days), the Solar calorimeter (24/7) The Solar Water Desalination, The PV performance test center and Solar Island together with the CSP module (randomly). To design the Mini-grid, several standard software, such as Homer, PolySun, was used. The environmental data (solar radiation, temperature, etc.) being systematically registered (http://www.csem-uae.com/csemsnapshots2.php) and analyzed by CSEM-uae, was used to estimate the expected behaving of the load / capacity and to design the Hybrid PV- Mini-grid. Following the successful implementation of the mini grid, it appears of prime importance to monitor it in order to compare its effective behavior to the predicted one by simulating using average data. The real-time follow up of the load capacity seems also to be an important factor for its smooth, stable and safe operation without installing an over capacity of PV panels. Purpose The purpose of the thesis is to design, install or improve the existing mini-grid power monitoring system; to automate the data collection and to compare them to the values foreseen by simulation. The analysis of the results should lead to a proposal of improvement of the present Mini-grid for a smoother, more stable and safer operation. Objectives

Review and complete the present design of mini grid power monitoring

Study the load balancing and protection system best suited for the existing mini grid

Propose distribution, safety, grid stabilization and protection components if needed

Define the pertinent system data to collect and automate their collection

Simulate the system and compare the simulation with the effective data collected

Display onscreen real-time monitoring values and alarms for any failure if needed.

Method of attack Review the literature and the previous work in CSEM-uae. Evaluate the existing solar mini-grid and the present monitoring system in place. Study various automated load balancing and protection methods available. Propose their implementation for safer and smoother mini-grid operation under variable or fluctuating load/capacity. Identify or design suitable solution for automated monitoring, data recording and protection of the mini grid by switch off or alarms. Implement an automated data collection / analysis and alarms if needed. Propose system improvements if needed.

Page 8: 2014 CSEM-uae MSc. Thesis proposals to KTH/Menu/general...company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, ) and

United Arab Emirates

CSEM-UAE Innovation Center LLC Al Jazeera Al Hamra Area T +971 (7) 244 6929 www.csem-uae.com PO Box 31208 F +971 (7) 244 6951 Ras Al Khaimah, UAE [email protected]

M.Sc. Thesis position opening for 2014

Solar Island platform Mechanical design of a PV panels mounting structure

Background CSEM-uae Solar Island (SI) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxZf8ZLDCk8) is a 5000 m² R&D platform tracking the azimuth of sun with precision below 0.02°. It has a particular mechanical structure consisting of a thin membrane (2mm thick) pressurized by air and tightly closed by a ring floating on the water in its periphery. The pre-tensioned (20kN) steel cables are supported on top of the membrane like a tennis racket wire formation. A central area of 4000 m² of this formation will be used to hold 68 Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) modules; a peripheral area of about 1000 m² is available to install PV panels. The peripheral area has two types of mechanical structure; one is on the floating ring (a rigid metallic structure supporting the Island) and the other is on the membrane, next to the CSP modules and above the steel cables (a flexible structure which can move/oscillate vertically depending on wind). A mechanical structure is to be designed and installed to support the PV panels on the top of each of these peripheral areas. This mechanical structure should be conceived to maximize the number of PV panels to be installed and to minimize the wind effect on the precision of focusing the sun radiation on the receiver of the CSPs’ modules. Purpose The purposed master’s thesis will be the design of a specific mechanical structure to hold the PV panels on the available peripheral area(s) of the solar Island and the analysis of the effect of wind on the precision of solar concentration on CSP modules. Depending on the simplicity of the proposal, the implementation of the proposed mechanical structure can be done. Objectives

Maximize number of the PV panels which can be placed on the Solar Island Design the mechanical support to decouple rigid and oscillating structures Simulate the system for equal load distribution on the Solar Island Validate the structure to withstand the wind with no disturbance on the CSP Implement and or test the proposed solution(s)

Method of attack Review literature and market for various PV systems implementer, preferably using standard profiles. Design / implement and or test the system after having:

Devise a strategy to utilize the empty area on the moving part of the platform

Conduct the Stress-Strain analysis using simulation on the fixation profile

Optimize the placement for an equal load distribution on the Solar Island

Analyze the dynamic stability of the structure/fixation under wind load

Page 9: 2014 CSEM-uae MSc. Thesis proposals to KTH/Menu/general...company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, ) and

United Arab Emirates

CSEM-UAE Innovation Center LLC Al Jazeera Al Hamra Area T +971 (7) 244 6929 www.csem-uae.com PO Box 31208 F +971 (7) 244 6951 Ras Al Khaimah, UAE [email protected]

M.Sc. Thesis position opening for 2014

Solar Island Platform Electrical design / implementation of a Mini-PV power plant

 Background CSEM-uae Solar Island (SI) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxZf8ZLDCk8) is a 5000 m² R&D platform tracking the azimuth of sun with precision below 0.02°. It has a particular mechanical structure consisting of a thin membrane (2mm thick) pressurized by air and tightly closed by a ring floating on the water in its periphery. The pre-tensioned (20kN) steel cables are supported on top of the membrane like a tennis racket wire formation. An area of 4000 m² of this formation will be used to hold CSP modules; about 1000 m² are available to install PV panels. The panels can be installed on the top of the floating ring and the other part on the membrane area (steel cables) will be dedicated to CSP modules. The number, tilt angle, assembly and technology of the PV panels should be determined to maximize the electrical energy output without harming the precision of the Solar Island. The design of the cabling of the panels should minimize the number of cables transmitting the electricity out of this rotating structure. The connection of this mini-power to CSEM-uae existing mini-grid should be optimized. Purpose The purpose of the thesis is to propose and participate to the electrical installation and performance test of a Mini-PV power plant on about 1000 m² of the Solar Island which should be: 1. Easy to be mechanically assembled on rotating and wind sensitive structure 2. Cabled to minimize the number of electrical transmission cables out of the Island 3. Optimized to be integrate in CSEM-uae Mini-grid or connectable to the city grid Objectives

Choose the PV panels to be mounted maximizing the electrical output

Propose the component to install a Mini-power plant connectable to grid or mini-grid

Design safe and easy to mount / maintain cabling of the PV panels on the SI

Design the assembled Mini-power plant components on the solar Island

Participate to the installation / acceptance test of the mini-power plant

Method of attack Review the literature and the previous work in CSEM-uae. Propose a solution to fill, with the most adequate PV panel technology, the available area of the SI platform. Select the PV panels to be mounted and calculate their electrical output as a function of the proposed solution. Propose the components (combiner box, inverter, cable, etc.) to be used. Design the electrical installation and cabling of the PV plant. Participate to its implementation and performance test.

Page 10: 2014 CSEM-uae MSc. Thesis proposals to KTH/Menu/general...company of CSEM (Center Suisse de Electronique et de Microtechnique-Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, ) and

United Arab Emirates

CSEM-UAE Innovation Center LLC Al Jazeera Al Hamra Area T +971 (7) 244 6929 www.csem-uae.com PO Box 31208 F +971 (7) 244 6951 Ras Al Khaimah, UAE [email protected]

M.Sc. Thesis position opening for 2014

Development of Standard Environmental Parameter Station   

Background CSEM-uae is involved with applied research and development and consultancy work in solar thermal, solar PV, solar water desalination, CSP and zero energy houses. In its Solar Outdoor Laboratory (SOLAB), CSEM-uae has several facilities dedicated to R&D. Each facility have its specific environmental parameters recording station such as solar direct or global radiation, Shaded or unshared temperature, wind speed, rain fall, etc. To rationalize the existing environmental measuring sensors in SOLAB at CSEM-uae, a standard environmental parameter station is to be developed considering weather variables required for all of its solar energy research. This station will be installed in an allocated area of SOLAB which is close to all of the experimental facilities. It should fulfill automated observation, collection, transfer and storage of all the meteorological variables and strictly follow the measurement procedure/practice in compliance with the World Metrological Organization (WMO) standards. Purpose The purpose of the thesis work is to develop a standard environmental parameter station for solar energy research at SOLAB following WMO standards and procedures ensuring data quality, reliability, storage, accessibility and ease of data analysis. Objectives

Review and evaluate existing weather station

Identify the need of the measured climatic variables for research at CSEM-uae

Identify and select the sensors that fulfills the need and standard

Design a standard environmental parameter station along with data acquisition and communication system

Prepare a location and placement drawing for sensors and its accessories

Analyze cost of new and/or upgraded system

Install, commission and test the developed station

Propose or implement a software for appropriate data analysis

Method of attack Review commercial systems and suppliers. Review standards. Understand the requirements. Use the available sensors. Procure required sensors. Assemble, calibrate and install the proposed station. Test and compare collected data to other stations. Test the integrity of data transmission. Propose an algorithm to eliminate noisy or flash data. Propose software to display data in a friendly and useful way to end users.