Author: Isaac Gendler

Signal Processing

Signal Processing

Signal Processing

03/06/18

“How can we analyze time-dependent data signals?”

 

Signals are one of the fundamental components of modern day electronics, whether it be with the radio we hear in our cars, the broadband that powers our internet, or the electricity that is driven to our homes. However, this data can be bundled with a lot of noise and complications, making analysis very difficult. So how can we use our engineering mindset to circumvent this problem? Well, what if we were to simply apply numerical methods to filter, modify, and extract this data? This is the fundamental idea behind Signal Processing and is one of the foundations of modern control engineering.

Simpson’s Rule

Simpson’s Rule

Simpson’s Rule

03/05/18

“What is a more accurate way for approximating integrals?”

 

If we have a particular function, then there are many simple ways to approximate the area under the curve without integrating. However, is there a more accurate way to do this? Well, let’s use our mathematical mindset to find out. If we were to fit a third-degree polynomial over our function and then take its integral, we would arrive with an area very close. This method is known in the English speaking world as Simpson’s Rule, and is represented by the formula Area = (b-a)/6 * ( f(a) + 4f((a+b)/2) + f(b) ), with a being the start point and b being the endpoint.

Transactive Energy

Transactive Energy

Transactive Energy

03/04/18

“How will people trade energy in the future?”

 

With the developing distributed energy world, energy transmission will now take place bidirectionally. One consequence of this is that people will be able to buy and sell energy from one another instead of the utility in a form known as transactive energy. Like online retail for consumer products, transactive energy will enable homeowners to barter and profit from self-generated renewable energy.

Zener Diodes

Zener Diodes

Zener Diodes

03/03/18

“Is there a diode that can allow for current to flow in both directions?”

 

When you hear the word diode, you probably think of circuit elements that limit the current to only one direction. However, is it possible to have bidirectional current flow with a diode? Well, it turns out that there is something called a Zener diode which allows for exactly this! When Zener Diodes reach a certain critical value in the negative direction known as the Zener voltage, then a break will occur which will allow for current to pass through! As seen in the graph, the Zener voltage is much higher in magnitude than its positive equivalent. Zener diodes are commonly used in microelectronic system to regulate voltage.

Traffic Simulations

Traffic Simulations

Traffic Simulations

03/02/18

“Is it possible to simulate traffic to improve it?”

 

If you have ever ridden a car in a crowded area, then you probably have experienced traffic. It’s slow, annoying, and worst of all unsustainable. Because of this traffic engineers are trying to design better and better ways to assist people with their daily commutes. One of the tools that they use at their disposal is known as a traffic simulation. Traffic simulations use mathematical frameworks to model how travel moves and what can be done about it. With the data generated by these systems, urban planners can optimize future city designs, making our living space safer, quieter, and ultimately less congested!

Grid Flexibility

Grid Flexibility

Grid Flexibility

03/01/18

“How can we quantify how flexible the grid is?”

 

The electric grid is currently in a state of transition. With the advent of renewable energy, electricity is transitioning from its old-fashioned monodirectional centralized power generation paradigm to a transactive distributive one. As such, the grid will have to wrap around this new dynamics system and increase its own flexibility  

Grid Defection

Grid Defection

Grid Defection

02/28/18

“Can Solar Plus Storage make the grid obsolete?”

 

In the 20th century, back when we were reliant on massive power plants to produce energy, if you wanted to have electricity in your home then you had to sign up an electrical utility. But with the advent of Solar Plus Storage Systems, this might become a thing of the past. Now that people can not only generate but store their own electricity at their home, there is no longer a need to be attached to the grid. In some cases, it’s actually cheaper to become off-grid! As a result, many people are undergoing grid defection and turning to generate their own electricity.

Fault Detection and Diagnostics for Solar Plus Storage Systems

Fault Detection and Diagnostics for Solar Plus Storage Systems

Fault Detection and Diagnostics for Solar Plus Storage Systems

02/27/18

“Can we use fault detection and diagnosis on solar plus storage systems?”

 

In the past, Fault Detection and Diagnostics was typically used in conventional energy power plants. However, with the advent of distributed energy resources, we must take into account how they might fail. As such, Fault Detection and Diagnostics for Solar Plus Storage Systems is becoming an up and coming research topic.

Solar Plus Storage Systems

Solar Plus Storage Systems

Solar Plus Storage Systems

02/26/18

“What is the next phase of standalone solar systems?”

 

Until recently, solar energy was thought to be a simple, stand-alone product. However, with the global proliferation of PV, the frontier of sustainability has been expanded. With the advent of distributed energy resources, it is no longer sufficient to simply generate electricity from renewables but also storage. Here, a very interesting technology called Solar Plus Storage Systems comes into play. Solar Plus Storage Systems are the combination of solar panels and battery storage systems communicating with one another to allow for optimal use of energy generation, whether it be in demand-side response, microgrids, or energy back up.