Induction Generator in small Hydro- power plants (Palanga Fabio)
Abstract
This thesis will take a closer look in the modelling and control approach in order to obtain
a cheaper and elegant alternative to synchronous generators in small hydropower plants.
It will give a closer look into the control theory of back to back converters as well as the
whole control of the a hydropower plant. A brief explanation on the application purposes
of the thesis is given with some suggestion on when and where to use such an approach
will be explained and given.
An explanation on how to control such a Back to Back converter for an induction machine
is explained and a model reduction to a small signal model will be explained, for the
calibration of the PI controller.
Design and Implementation of an automated elctric spraying system able to reduce the drift of pesticides on apple orchads (Pjeci Sebastian)
Abstract
By 2030, the European Commission intends to halve the use of pesticides in agriculture
with the approval of the new Green Deal policy. The probable consequence of this ini-
tiative is that the yields of agricultural crops will decrease and among these, the most
affected will be the production of European apples.
In regions such as Trentino-South Tyrol where apple growing is a real economic
engine, this initiative would jeopardize the existence of both local farms and that of
industries closely linked to this sector. Given that currently it is not possible to do without
the use of pesticides, thanks to the introduction of new technologies such as electrostatic
spraying, the amount of their use can be drastically reduced by decreasing drift and
dispersions in the environment.
This thesis proposes the design and part of the implementation of the prototype of
an automatic battery-powered sprayer capable of replacing the fossil fuel agricultural
vehicles used for the current spraying of apple orchards.
After a general overview of the problem and the proposed solution on which the
entire work focuses, the first part provides the basis for understanding the functioning of
the subsystems of a sprayer. In particular, the fundamentals necessary for the design of
the electromechanical system with relative control are treated, which includes the motors,
the drivers and the energy storage device.
The second part establishes the method used for the design and implementation of
the final prototype with particular regard to the definition of the parameters, the sizing
and the selection of the components used.
Finally, the last part proposes the implementation and testing of the electromechani-
cal system of the prototype with particular regard to the tests carried out for battery cells
recovered from an old battery pack.
Any disadvantages and limitations of the prototype are discussed in the concluding
section with regard to possible improvements on its future development.