Fabio Di Napoli

Bio: Fabio Di Napoli is an academic researcher from University of Naples Federico II. The author has contributed to research in topics: Photovoltaic system & Maximum power point tracking. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 21 publications receiving 577 citations. Previous affiliations of Fabio Di Napoli include Information Technology University.

An FPGA-Based Advanced Control Strategy of a Grid­Tied PV CHB Inverter

Abstract: In this paper, an advanced control strategy for grid­tied photovoltaic (PV) cascaded H­bridge (CHB) inverter is proposed. The circuit topology consists of a proper number of power cells (H­bridge configuration) connected in series and supplied by individual PV modules. The adopted control method is a mixed staircase­PWM technique performed by means of a sorting algorithm to determine cells' switching state. The cells' state is related to the need of charging or discharging a particular cell much more than the others by calculating the voltage error at each dc­link (e.g., by considering the difference between the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) reference and the measured quantity). A dedicated PO thus, increasing the power extraction even in mismatched conditions. In order to prove the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach, a set of experiments are performed on a laboratory prototype of a single­phase five­level PV CHB. The control section is implemented on FPGA by using a dSPACE real­time hardware platform; thus, obtaining fully dedicated digital circuits. Experimental results show good performance in terms of MPPT efficiency, total harmonic distortion, and power factor in both normal operation and mismatch conditions.

Butanol production by Clostridium acetobutylicum in a continuous packed bed reactor

Abstract: In this study, we report on a butanol production process by immobilized Clostridium acetobutylicum in a continuous packed bed reactor (PBR) using Tygon® rings as a carrier. The medium was a solution of lactose (15–30 g/L) and yeast extract (3 g/L) to emulate the cheese whey, an abundant lactose-rich wastewater. The reactor was operated under controlled conditions with respect to the pH and to the dilution rate. The pH and the dilution rate ranged between 4 and 5, the dilution rate between 0.54 and 2.4 h−1 (2.5 times the maximum specific growth rate assessed for suspended cells). The optimal performance of the reactor was recorded at a dilution rate of 0.97 h−1: the butanol productivity was 4.4 g/Lh and the selectivity of solvent in butanol was 88%w.

Monitoring and Diagnostics of PV Plants by a Wireless Self-Powered Sensor for Individual Panels

Abstract: In this paper, an innovative sensor suited to perform real-time measurements of operating voltage and current, open-circuit voltage, and short-circuit current of string-connected photovoltaic (PV) panels is presented. An effective disconnection system ensures that the sensor does not affect the behavior of the string during the measurement phase and offers many benefits like the automatic detection of bypass events; moreover, the sensor does not require additional cables thanks to a wireless communication and a power supply section based on energy harvesting. An extensive experimental campaign is performed to prove the reliability and usefulness of the sensor for continuous monitoring of PV plants. The capability to detect faults and accurately localize malfunctioning panels in a PV string is highlighted.

Chemical Engineering Scienceについて

Abstract: First Year – Fall ......................... .............................................................................................. Credits MAT 210 ..................................... Calculus I ............................................................................. 4.0 ENG 110...................................... Expository Writing ............................................................. 3.0 CHE 210 ...................................... Chemistry I .......................................................................... 4.0 HUM 100 OR SOC 101 OR PSY 101 ........................................................................................ 6.0 Subtotal ...................................... .............................................................................................. 17

Fault detection and diagnosis methods for photovoltaic systems: A review

Abstract: Faults in any components (modules, connection lines, converters, inverters, etc.) of photovoltaic (PV) systems (stand-alone, grid-connected or hybrid PV systems) can seriously affect the efficiency, energy yield as well as the security and reliability of the entire PV plant, if not detected and corrected quickly. In addition, if some faults persist (e.g. arc fault, ground fault and line-to-line fault) they can lead to risk of fire. Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) methods are indispensable for the system reliability, operation at high efficiency, and safety of the PV plant. In this paper, the types and causes of PV systems (PVS) failures are presented, then different methods proposed in literature for FDD of PVS are reviewed and discussed; particularly faults occurring in PV arrays (PVA). Special attention is paid to methods that can accurately detect, localise and classify possible faults occurring in a PVA. The advantages and limits of FDD methods in terms of feasibility, complexity, cost-effectiveness and generalisation capability for large-scale integration are highlighted. Based on the reviewed papers, challenges and recommendations for future research direction are also provided.

A comprehensive review on reduced switch multilevel inverter topologies, modulation techniques and applications

Abstract: Recently multilevel inverters (MLI) have attracted more attention in research and industry, as they are changing into a viable technology for several applications. The concept of MLI was introduced for high power and high/medium voltage applications as they can provide an effective interface with renewable energy sources. Developing of reduced switch MLI topology has been a rapid research topic since the past decade, which has not been reviewed so far. Therefore, this review article focuses on the different reduced switch MLI topologies under three categories such as symmetric, asymmetric and hybrid configurations. The important knowledge on these topologies is carefully tabulated based on the three categories in the comparison tables to understand the essential parameters of the MLI topologies. These configurations are not only generating higher voltage levels to improve the power quality but also to reduce the passive filter requirements. Also, this review includes a detailed perspective of various modulation techniques and control strategies for MLI topologies. In addition to that, the different performance parameters of MLI and its calculation methods are discussed with appropriate mathematical expression. This review will help in the selection of appropriate MLI topology for FACTS, motor drives and renewable applications.