Design and Operation Optimization of Hybrid Energy Systems for a General Cargo Vessel: Well-to-Wake Emission Analysis and Plant Lifetime Estimation

The Global Shipping industry is responsible for transporting 90% of global commerce and is responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Addressing this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping by 40% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. This study explores Low...

Choosing a sustainable, economical energy supply system, considering all operational variables of an autonomous submarine dredger: A study as part of the development of the ALERD, which will serve as sustainable coastal maintenance in the service of The Netherlands

The Autonomous Low Energy Replenishment Dredger (ALERD) strives to revolutionize the dredging world. The ALERD operates autonomously underwater, which saves energy during the dredging process and transit. Autonomous underwater operation drives the need of alternative energy facilities. However, due to the energy savings of dredging, alternative...

Optimization of the efficiency of tandem solar cellsusing simulated annealing

In this thesis, a simulated annealing algorithm is implemented to optimize the efficiency of a tandem solar cell. The efficiency of a tandem solar cell is approximated by the current of the tandem solar cell. This current is determined by the simulation program GenPro4. Firstly, the general concepts of simulated annealing is described. After...

Development of an optimizing tool for design of tailored PV modules through Cell To Module (CTM) factor modelling

The advancement of innovative PV technologies has led to an all-time high integration of the same in the urban environment. Furthermore, development of decentralized power systems complements this rise as it supports in-situ power consumption. Due to space availability constraints in urban environments and a need for appealing aesthetics,...

Fuel Cell and Battery Hybrid System Optimization: Towards Increased Range and Endurance

Aircraft manufacturers are increasingly exploring emission-free flight or emission reduction for larger passenger aircraft. The low energy density of state-of-the-art battery technology limits the application to small, electric, fixed wing aircraft up to a flight time of approximately one hour. To overcome these limits, a combination of fuel...

Band gap grading of a–SiO_x:H and its effect on the performance of thin film solar cells

Solar cells are showing significant promise to become the solution for the growing energy needs of our world. However for this to happen, new disruptive technologies with high efficiency and low cost are needed in the market. One possibility comes from multijunction thin film solar cells based on a-Si alloys and nc-Si. For this purpose a–SiO<sub...

Optimizing electrodialysis processes for concentrating ammonium rich streams

Ammonia in aqueous environments leads to eutrophication and toxicity of the receiving water body (Metcalf &amp; Eddy, 2003). In order to prevent environmental pollution, ammonia needs to be removed from residual water streams, before the water can be discharged to the aqueous environment (Song et al., 2012). Waste water treatment plants (WWTPs)...

Development of three dimensional PV structures as shading devices for a Decentralized Facade Unit of the Future.

The first part of the Thesis consists of a research on topics related to Solar Energy, PV technologies and Materials used as part of active solar structures (from the active materials to substrates) as well as their integration in the form of custom shapes. The analysis of these topics reveals the potential of new and emerging PV technologies,...