Dr. Reg Pecen 2009

Interdisciplinary Research on

Renewable Energy 1

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Applied Research Projects on Renewable Energy

by Rećayi “Reg” Pecen, Ph.D.

Associate Professor & Program Coordinator

University of Northern Iowa

Department of Industrial Technology

Electrical & Information Engineering Technology

pecen@uni.edu http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eietUniversity of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Outline

– Conventional/Distributed Power Generation – 21st Century Power Systems

– Grid-connected wind energy systems -Challenges

– Promoting STEM using RE technologies -solar, wind, and hydrogen fuel –cell systems

– Promoting renewable energy applications on campus/off campus with applied research projects

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

The wind blows wherever it pleases.The wind blows wherever it pleases.The wind blows wherever it pleases.The wind blows wherever it pleases.You hear its sound, but you cannot tellYou hear its sound, but you cannot tellYou hear its sound, but you cannot tellYou hear its sound, but you cannot tellwhere it comes from or where it is going.where it comes from or where it is going.where it comes from or where it is going.where it comes from or where it is going.

John 3,8John 3,8John 3,8John 3,8

Conventional (Central) vs. Distributed Generation

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Stand alone vs Grid-Tied Wind

Power Systems

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Stand-Alone “Off-Grid” Wind Power Systems

• Have at least 10 MPH average wind speed.

• Property is unobstructed from tall buildings and

trees. Ideally, you should have at least 1/2 acre

or more and stand 30 feet above any object

• Local zoning allows the height of the tower you

desire to install

• Local utility has an existing interconnection

agreement

• Net Metering “generate first, reduce what you normally

purchase then check the balance monthly”

• Tax IncentivesUniversity of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Dr. Reg Pecen 2009

Interdisciplinary Research on

Renewable Energy 2

Challenges on Large Wind Farms Synchronization to Power Grid

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Our Goal Min 20% wind

power based

RES by 2020!

Grid accessPolitical Climate

Harmonics

Urgent Approval Procedures for

new EHV Transmission Lines AC

& HVDC, Overhead, Underground CablesHow to

synchronize

RES &

Infrastructure

Development

Administrative

/Legal Work

Ensure availability

of sufficient back-

up and balancing power due to

variability

“Wind blows where it wants”

Must have reliable

forecast tools

Data Acquisition/

Instrumentation

Nature

Protection/Public

Acceptance –

NIMBY “wind

power, oh yes,

but somewhere

else”

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen Source of Image: The Economist, ABB

Iowa’s Contribution to Energy Internet

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Applied Research Projects

• Project #1 UNI eBoat

• Worldwide annually 236,000 metric tons of oil & oil products from average pleasure boats is leaked into the water, equivalent to more than “7” times the amount spilled by the Exxon Valdez in Alaska in 1989.

• Aware of agricultural pollution in Iowa's lakes and rivers, however, oil and gas leaks from boats also require to develop eco-friendly boat technologies

• Developed for a ZERO EMISSION eco-friendly

boat for Iowa lakes & rivers!

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Solid Works Model and Manufacturing 2006 UNI

e-Boat with three PV modules.

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Motor mount with 3 PM motors and pulleys by Solid Works

& the actual motor mount manufactured

A sample “engineering

technology” application: From

Computer modeling to an actual motor frame manufacturing.

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

�2005 UNI Panthers Solar e-Boat received a trophy of

“Most Commercially Viable Hull”

�2006 UNI Panthers Solar e-Boat received another trophy of “Most

Commercially Viable Hull”

�eBoat was ranked as 9th overall out of 18 teams

Dr. Reg Pecen 2009

Interdisciplinary Research on

Renewable Energy 3

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Pro-E Models of 2007 Hull

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

June 2007 and June 2008 : UNI ranked; 4th in overall, 2007: 3rd in Qualifications, 3rd in engineering design of visual display.

2008: Outstanding Solar Power System Design, Fourth Overall, Best Engineering Visual Design Award

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

– Operating a gas mower for 1 hr produces the same pollution as driving a compact car 1300 miles.

– Each weekend, about 54 M Americans mow their lawns, using 800 M gallons of gas per year.

– An EPA study found that ~ 9 % of some types of air pollutants nationwide come from lawn & garden equipment small engines.

– How about a solar-powered Lawn Mower?

Project # 2 Eco-Friendly Lawn Mower “UNIMow”John Gregorich & R. Pecen

EIET 2006-07 Senior Design project

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Circuit Design

70A

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

UNIMow

Sponsored by

CNS SOAR Grant - 2007

Ind Tech Dept

John Gregorich

University of Northern Iowa Electrical and Information Engineering Technology http://www.uni.edu/indtech/eiet Dr. R. Pecen

Test Drive: Saturday, April 21, Earth Day (April 22)

Celebration in Waterworks Park, Des Moines.