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Asfaw Beyene, Ph.D. ON-GOING PROJECTS
Morphing Blades: The most common and typical wave turbine, the Wells turbine, is symmetrical but rigid, whereas wind turbine blades are asymmetrical with some intended (adaptive) or unintended flexibility. Unlike the Wells turbine which is rigid, the morphing blade is flexible, allowing chord-wise bend from the leading to the trailing edge. The morphing blade we propose is also symmetrical. It is based on an airfoil that is, in an unloaded state, geometrically similar to the NACA0012 airfoil. The blade's flexibility results in a shape that differs from the NACA0012 airfoil if a load is applied. The intended function of the flexible blade has similarities to the function of blade flaps or ailerons and controlled deformations of flight surfaces with aerospace applications, introduced as a measure of improving efficiency and maneuverability of aircrafts at velocities other than the cruising speed. This project entails modeling, design, and wind tunnel test of flexible blade for wind and wave energy conversion.
Combined Heat and Power Systems (CHP):
Ongoing projects include the use of such systems in ethanol production
from sugarcane, as well as performance and efficiency related issues with
combined heating, cooling and power systems. Because of its superior efficiency
and peak load mitigation capabilities, considerable attention has been
given recently to combined Cooling, Heating and Power (CCHP). The technology
enjoys tax benefits, incentives, accelerated permit processes, etc both
at the local, state, and federal levels. One serious challenge to the
implementation of CCHP systems is matching and sizing of the system to
strongly and frequently varying load conditions. We involved in research
addressing matching and sizing related challenges of CCHP systems with
emphasis on load factors. We are actively collecting field data to evaluate
the field performance and sizing challenges of CHPs.
Heat Recovery from Traction Engines for Absorption Chiller: Under this project, we recover the waste heat from automobile engine and use it to run ammonia based absorption chiller.
Ozone-free Refrigerants for Low Grade Heat Recovery: Low grade waste heat is very common in manufacturing plants. Because of associated cost and poor efficiency, recovering low grade heat poses a serious challenge. Conversion to high quality useful form such us electricity requires the use of proper refrigerant with suitable properties that also addresses today's environmental and handling/hazardous challenges. Under this project, we develop a Rankine cycle for low grade heat recovery that runs on acceptable refrigerants.
Comparison PV and Rankine Cycle for Solar Energy Conversion Using: With several years of payback, PV has so far been considered uneconomical for solar energy conversion. In the hope to cut down cost the cost and make it competitive with PV, we are considering Rankine cycle for solar energy conversion.
The Industrial Assessment and the Pacific Region CHP Application Centers may also have projects for senior and graduate students.
PLANNED PROJECTS Please contact Dr B.
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