A Low-cost Lightning sensing network using cloud technology

Transcription

1 A Low-cost Lightning sensing network using cloud technology Ch. Hatzigeorgiou 1, K. Bosioli 2, P. Papageorgas 3, K. Agavanakis 4 Department of Electronics Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Piraeus, P Ralli & Thivon 250, Egaleo, Greece. 1 chrihatz@gmail.com, 2 kalliroyboss@hotmail.com, 3 ppapag@teipir.gr, 4 k.agavanakis@gmail.com In this article the development of a lightning sensing and reporting platform is presented based on a contemporary lightning sensor an open-source microcontroller platform and cloud technology. The sensor used can measure the lightning distance through a novel RF signal processing algorithm while integrates an appropriate algorithm for rejecting interference signals. The open-source platform selected is the Launchpad supporting the MSP430 family of microcontrollers. The development of the software was accelerated due to the open-source code repository available for the Launchpad ecosystem. The lightning sensor data are reported through a Wi-Fi module integrated in the platform and the ADSL router utilized to a remote server. The model of client- server usually utilized for web reporting of sensor data was tested but found unable to simultaneously manage the amount of data by multiple sensors in short intervals. The solution to this problem is the Internet of things (IoT) technologies and the cloud services that are provided using virtual resources in order to manage huge amounts of data (Big Data) in a dynamic way and at real-time. Microsoft is one of the companies that provide cloud computing services with a platform called Azure. Our development was based on this platform for reporting and processing of our sensor data. The first tests conducted revealed that at least of one million of simultaneous events can be serviced from the particular realization presented that is adequate for a worldwide deployment of our lightning sensing and reporting platform. Keywords: Lightning sensor, Open Source Software, Open Source Hardware, Launchpad, Cloud services, Azure 1

2 An Electric Network Power Quality evaluation model using Fuzzy Sets and Field Measurements Acronym: NPQFM The extensive use of sensitive electronic equipment, the increase of distributed generation and the energy market deregulation as well as the increased use of nonlinear loads explain the need for better power quality supply. Power Quality (PQ) is a complex term and indicates the compliance of the supplied power to various international standards. PQ is an issue that is becoming increasingly important to electricity consumers at all levels of usage. The electrical characteristics (v, i, f) must follow pre-specified limits for an acceptable PQ. The estimation of PQ in all 10 different disturbance types is a complex, time-consuming task. The variety of disturbances does not help to characterise the PQ at a certain network point. The aim of this research proposal is to develop a Fuzzy Expert System (FES) methodology able to calculate a Fuzzy Total Power Quality Index (FTPQI). In order to develop a reliable FES adequate knowledge is requested as data, such as the international PQ standards, specific Questionnaires to end-consumers and field measurements of all possible PQ disturbances that occur at an examined site. All the above, including the proper measuring procedure and the detailed statistical analysis of the field measurements are crucial for a successful FES model. FES will be based on the Fuzzy and multi-criteria decision making theory developing a complex mathematical model, which will calculate a unique FTPQ Index for every measured site using as input the measurements of this network point for a specific time period. FTPQI of the specific point includes a global and concentrated information about its PQ level. This research will contribute to the evaluation of examined electric network nodes and provide a ranking between them in terms of PQ using the corresponding FTPQI. This tool will provide the system administrator a reliable and scientific way to check the total PQ of electric networks providing also the possibility of ad-hoc network improvement remedies. 2

3 An Optimal Hybrid Renewable Energy System Analysis in Aegean Sea Islands. A GIS and Developer s Perspective Georgios Tzanes, George A. Xydis, Dimitris Zafirakis, John K. Kaldellis Lab of Soft Energy Applications & Environmental Protection Piraeus University of Applied Sciences URL: Tel , FAX P.O. Box 41046, Athens 12201, Greece jkald@teipir.gr Medium and small scale Aegean Sea Islands require significant quantities of imported oil in order to cover their electricity and water needs. This increases the electricity production cost, and for several small islands this is a burden towards sustainable development. In this context, under the framework of the PHAROS (Aristia-II) research project, several Aegean Sea islands have been analyzed in order to size the systems needed to meet the electricity demand of each one, with Renewable Energy Sources (RES) hybrid systems. The islands were classified according to their size and load in four categories. The optimal sizing method of Hybrid Systems (HS) has been analysed in two main directions. In the direction of the coverage of the energy and water needs with 100% RES, and in the direction of RES but with the participation of the existing diesel power plant up to a given percentage (e.g. 20%), presenting several alternative designs of RES hybrid systems taking into account also the environmental parameters. The main idea behind this analysis is for the project developer to choose the system to be installed based on what the island is in favour of - or needs to be promoted more depending on the eligibility of each RES subsystem. Furthermore, since the criteria examined are not only meeting the energy and water needs of each island, but also the integration of the proposed systems in the natural environment, a GIS analysis has also been performed for Dodecanese islands, where plenty of small and medium scale islands exist. Moreover, a map including constraints and evaluation of RES siting has been included in the work. This map points out the exclusion locations for planning RES hybrid systems in the islands under investigation and is a useful tool in the developer s hands. Keywords: RES hybrid system; Aegean islands; sizing, GIS 3

4 Analytical Simulation of a Combined Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production H 2 Storage D. Apostolou, K.A. Kavadias, J.K. Kaldellis Lab of Soft Energy Applications & Environmental Protection, Department of Mechanical Engineering, TEI of Piraeus, P.O. Box 41046, Athens 12201, Greece Tel: , Fax: , kkav@teipir.gr During the last decades, renewable energy sources (RES) have been established as one of the main solutions in coping with the future energy needs, without the negative effects caused by the profligate use of fossil fuels. The exploitation of renewable sources however, faces serious difficulties concerning the penetration limits in the local electrical grids. Wind and solar energy exhibit a stochastic and variable availability respectively, resulting in an enhanced mitigation of the RES maximum penetration during the daily and seasonal electricity demand fluctuations, particularly in small-scale autonomous networks. In order to confront this problem, the introduction of concepts such as energy storage systems (ESSs), where excess energy from RES installations can be stored for later use, is constantly gaining ground. One of the most promising technologies, for storing excess energy from RES systems during off-peak hours, is the production and storage of hydrogen through water electrolysis. Although water electrolysis is a mature and commercialized technology, the synergy between intermittent RES power and an H2 system is still under research and development. For this purpose, a simulation algorithm has been developed via the MATLAB software, in order to examine the case of storing excess energy through a hydrogen electrolysis production-storage apparatus. The developed algorithm has been subsequently applied to a system which uses as input, the excess energy of a 10 MW wind park operating in an autonomous electrical network. The obtained results indicate that the model is able to calculate the optimum size of the H2 production-storage system while, it analytically describes the parameters that affect the overall system s behavior under different operating conditions. Keywords: RES penetration, Energy Storage System (ESS), autonomous grid, Hydrogen production-storage. 4

5 Concrete Reinforcement Corrosion Protection by Organic Coatings and Corrosion Inhibitors S. Kalogeropoulou 1, P. Pantazopoulou 1, G. Batis 2 1 Electrical Engineering Department, Technological Educational Institute of Piraeus, P.Ralli & Thivon 250, Egaleo, Athens, Greece 2 Faculty of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece skalog@teipir.gr, parpant@teipir.gr The application of organic coatings on concrete is the most widespread method for the protection of both the surface and the steel reinforcement against weathering and corrosion, performing as well in decoration. Coatings prevent the access of harmful substances from the environment, such as chloride ions, carbon dioxide or sulphur dioxide, into the concrete. Exposure to sunlight, moisture and heat are the main factors influencing the durability of coatings and substrates. Corrosion inhibitors are used as admixtures to concrete to prevent corrosion of reinforcement. They work in two ways: moving through the pore structure of the concrete they reach the surface of reinforcing steel, where they form a protective film and they also reduce chloride ion ingress into concrete. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the performance of organic coatings and corrosion inhibitor in the protection of concrete reinforcement in corrosive environments. Five different organic coatings (a two-pack epoxy coating, a two-pack polyurethane coating, a nanotechnology coating and two acrylic dispersions) were applied on mortar specimens and their protective ability was assessed, either when used alone or concurrently with an aminoalcohol corrosion inhibitor. A variety of tests were performed, either on non-reinforced specimens, where important physicochemical properties of the organic coatings were examined, or on reinforced specimens, where the corrosion resistance of the reinforcement attributed to the influence of the organic coatings and the corrosion inhibitor was assessed. Firstly, for the fast evaluation of the anti-corrosive behavior of coatings applied on reinforced concrete, measurements were performed with the Strain Gauge (SG) technique. The gravimetric mass loss of reinforcing steel bars of coated specimens after a certain period of exposure in the corrosive environment was also determined. Subsequently, coated specimens without reinforcement were exposed to UV radiation and tests were performed before and after the exposure. Specimens were classified 5

6 according to their dry film thickness and their performance to cross cut test and pull-off strength test. Specimens were also visually inspected for fading, yellowing or chalking. Afterward, liquid water permeability and water-vapor transmission rate of the coatings were determined, given that these properties are closely related to reinforcement s protection. Carbonation depth in coated specimens of hardened mortars by the phenolphthalein method was also determined. Finally the half-cell potential of steel bars was periodically measured, during the exposure of coated reinforced mortar specimens in the corrosive environment of 3.5% wt NaCl solution for 18 months. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements were also performed and the electrochemical mass loss of reinforcing bars was calculated. Moreover the corrosion rate of reinforcement was determined by measuring the mass loss of the steel bars. The results of the techniques applied lead to a classification of the protective effect of the organic coatings against corrosion of the reinforcement, either when used alone or simultaneously with a corrosion inhibitor. Keywords: concrete reinforcement corrosion, organic coatings, corrosion inhibitors, protective ability. 6

7 Design of a Switched Beam Array for Wireless Sensor Networks Applications Symeon G. VASSILIADIS 1, Ioannis P. IGGLESIS 2, Stelios A. MITILINEOS 3, Stylianos P. SAVVAIDIS 3, Nikolaos A. STATHOPOULOS 3 Dpt. of Electronic Engineering, Piraeus University of Applied Sciences (TEI of Piraeus), Thivon 250, 12244, Aigaleo, GREECE Tel: , Fax: s: 1 symeonvassiliadis@gmail.com; 2 gig3r@yahoo.gr; 3 {smitil,ssavaid,nstath}@teipir.gr A Switched-Beam Array (SBA) is proposed for WSN applications at the 2.4 GHz ISM band. The array consists of four symmetrically placed printed dipoles for efficient coverage of the azimuth with four switched radiation patterns. Each pattern of the array is selected using digitally controlled RF switches. The proposed SBA is of low-cost and low profile and suitable for improving the performance of WSNs in terms of interference mitigation, lower energy consumption and larger network throughput. Keywords: Switched-beam array; Printed antenna array; Wireless Sensor Networks. 7

8 Development of a contemporary solar map for the Greek Region K.A. Kavadias 1, A.G. Paliatsos 2 1 Laboratory of Soft Energy Applications & Environmental Protection, Mechanical Engineering Dpt. 2 Laboratory of Environmental Technology, Electronic Computer Systems Engineering Dpt. Piraeus University of Applied Sciences (TEI of Piraeus), kkav@teipir.gr Tel , FAX , Athens, Greece The extended use of fossil fuels for the satisfaction of energy demand at the European Union (EU) level results in the degradation of the atmospheric environment and the increase of energy dependence. To address such issues, according to the European Directive 2009/28/EU, EU Member States have to achieve a challenging 20% of gross energy consumption covered by renewable energy sources (RES) by the year In this context, Greece must adhere to the respective national RES targets (Law 3851/2010), dictating that by 2020 contribution of RES should correspond to 20% of the national gross energy consumption and 40% of the national gross electricity consumption. Meanwhile, current contribution of RES in the electricity generation sector reaches only 16%, mainly owed to the contribution of large hydro power stations. At the same time, both introduction of RES systems in the urban environment and the fact that the building sector is responsible for a considerable share of energy consumption, have led the Greek government to enact -among others- measures for the promotion of solar energy systems in the building sector. The possession of up-to-date and accurate solar radiation data plays a key role in energy resource assessment of solar power systems. Given the low density and limited number of solar radiation measuring stations the use of solar radiation models is imperative. This research work presents an integrated procedure which was used in order to develop an updated Greek solar map based on the solar radiation data estimated by a solar radiation model for 39 meteorological stations of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service. The solar energy map created, provides solar resource information for any location over the country along with the general view of the distribution of the solar radiation. Keywords: Solar map, solar radiation, renewable energy sources 8

9 Hybrid Energy and Desalination Configurations for Solving the Energy and Water Problems of Remote Islands: Development of an Advanced Sizing Software D. Zafirakis, E. Zafeiraki, J.K. Kaldellis Laboratory of Soft Energy Applications & Environmental Protection, Mechanical Engineering Dept., Piraeus University of Applied Sciences (TEI of Piraeus) Tel , FAX , Athens, Greece Energy supply and water scarcity problems are common among several island regions around the globe. At the same time however, in many of these regions, the local renewable energy sources' (RES) potential is of medium-high quality. To this end, investigation of alternative energy and water supply solutions is lately carried out, aiming to the elimination of expensive oil-based power generation and costly freshwater transfers. Such energy and water solutions incorporate RES technologies, energy storage systems and desalination aspects, altogether in one integrated configuration centrally coordinated in order to achieve optimum operation. Considering that in many Aegean Sea islands, the cost of both electricity and freshwater supply is often extreme, the Soft Energy Applications Lab (SEALAB) research team has developed a novel numerical algorithm for the sizing of combined RES-based energy and water supply configurations. The specific algorithm comprises an extension of an already developed software, dedicated to the sizing of hybrid, RES-based energy storage configurations. The numerical algorithm has been devised in C# programming environment and offers the opportunity for the optimum exploitation of the existing RES potential, minimizing any RES production surplus not used for electricity supply purposes through the operation of desalination units for the production of potable water amounts. To validate the ability of the developed software to produce different energy and water supply configurations, representative case studies corresponding to actual Aegean Sea islands are currently used. Results produced indicate the ability of the proposed software to produce feasible alternative solutions that ensure minimization of oil-based power generation and water transfers. Keywords: Hybrid energy systems, energy storage, Aegean islands, desalination, sizing software 9

10 Intelligent garments for Ex-hospital care G. Priniotakis 1, I. Chronis 1, D. Pyromalis, B. Drosos, D. Tseles 1 1 Piraeus University of Applied Science, Greece, gprin@teipir.gr Ex hospital care is an essential term for the survival of the National Health Systems of developed countries. Studies have shown that a large percentage of patients occupying beds in hospitals, could be safely hospitalized at home, with adequate supervision. By the term Ex Hospital, we mean the period that the patient is hospitalised at home, before and after hospitalization. In most cases, this period can vary from a couple of days until months and finally increases the hospitalisation costs significantly. Furthermore, a patient in most cases, feels better in his/her home environment than in a hospital one and this is very important, for the success of his/her therapy. Smart medical garments, can monitor vital functions depending on the patient illness and therapy needs. The case of Post-Operative care, could be significantly advanced, from Ex Hospital care monitoring systems such as Intelligent garments. Post-operative care has fundamentally changed in the previous years. Earlier, patients were under close supervision after surgical operations in hospital for several days, whereas nowadays they return home only a couple of hours after completion of surgery. This is also possible, because the new anaesthesia methods, afford for easier and sooner departure from the hospital. The paper describes the new monitoring services offered by intelligent smart garments based in conductive textile materials developed in our labs. This research is implemented through Archimedes III, Operational Program "Education and Lifelong Learning" and is co-financed by the European Union (European Social Fund) and Greek national funds. Keywords: Intelligent garments, textile, medical, ex hospital care. 10

11 Interface engineering for highly efficient hybrid polymeric light emitting diodes M. Vasilopoulou 1, D. G. Georgiadou 1, L. C. Palilis 2, A. M. Douvas 1, P. Argitis 1, D. Davazoglou 1, S. Savvaidis 3, N. Stathopoulos 3 1 Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (INN), National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece 2 Department of Physics, University of Patras, Patras, Greece 3 Department of Electronics Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Piraeus, Egaleo - Athens, Greece Growing concerns about global warming and energy security demand the expansion of renewable energy sources as viable alternatives to fossil-fuel-based technologies. This could explain the increasing amount of research devoted to new types of environmentally friendly and low power consumption devices, such as those based on semiconducting polymers, which fall into the category of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). In the context of this research effort, we demonstrate in this project the use of partially reduced transition metal oxides such as tungsten (WO3-x) or molybdenum (MoO3-x) oxides, as charge injection/transport layers for the realization of efficient hybrid polymeric LEDs (Hy-PLEDs). We specifically exploit the influence of partial reduction of those oxides on their electronic properties by using x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy whereas we also investigate changes in their electronic conductivity which could facilitate electron/hole transport to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO)/highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of a light emitting polymer from the respective electrodes (cathode/anode, respectively). In addition, we further demonstrate the simulation, design, development and the electrooptical characterization of HyPLEDs based on a combination of organic semiconductors and those oxides. Moreover, with the suitable selection/modification of materials (emitting organic semiconductors and inorganic oxides) and by controlling their deposition conditions, we anticipate the development of HyPLEDs with emission in the three basic colours and with improved operational characteristics like the illumination, the operational voltage, the stability and the efficiency. The proposed devices present the advantage of having independent control of both the emitting film and the inorganic films for the charge injection or the charge transportation. Additionally, from a design point of view and by using theoretical simulation models, the optimum combination of layer thicknesses will be calculated for maximum efficiency and light emission. 11

12 MEMS Acceleration Sensors for studying the Simple Pendulum in a General Physics Laboratory P Amprachamian 1, K Yiasemides 2, K Prekas 3, P Papageorgas 4 and K Zachariadou 5 Department of Electronics Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Piraeus, P Ralli & Thivon 250, Egaleo, Greece. 1 panoscode@hotmail.com, 2 kyiase@teipir.gr, 3 prekas@teipir.gr, 4 ppapag@teipir.gr, 5 zacharia@teipir.gr MEMS accelerometers with embedded data logger and wired/wireless communication capabilities are applied for the study of a mathematical pendulum, a physical system suitable to provide an understanding of inertial and non-inertial reference frames to undergraduate students. The proposed system utilizes Matlab s Fast Fourier Transform library for data analysis of the measurements of pendulum s motion as is studied in the context of a General Physics Laboratory in an Electronics Engineering Curriculum. It is expected that the real-time collection and analysis of the experiment s data using widely acceptable Software tools and appropriate electronics will motivate students to deepen into common physical phenomena. The real-time data acquisition and analysis pendulum platform realized has been partially developed in the context of a diploma thesis conducted in the Department of Electronics Engineering of the Technological and Educational Institute of Piraeus. Keywords: Sensors, Accelerometers, General Physics Laboratory, Pendulum, Non- Inertial Reference Frame. 12

13 Numerical simulation of a solar water heating system (SWHS) K.A. Kavadias 1, D. Zafirakis 1, A.G. Paliatsos 2 1 Laboratory of Soft Energy Applications & Environmental Protection, Mechanical Engineering Dpt. 2 Laboratory of Environmental Technology, Electronic Computer Systems Engineering Dpt. Piraeus University of Applied Sciences (TEI of Piraeus) kkav@teipir.gr, Tel , FAX , Athens, Greece Solar thermal systems are considered among the leading alternative solutions to face oil price volatility, gradual depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the consequent environmental impacts from combustion emissions. The idea of direct use of sun to heat water traces its roots back to more than 1000 years ago, where black painted water tanks were used as solar water heaters. However, the variability in solar radiation as well as in demand, together with the need for more efficient and controllable ways of water heating, has led to great advances in the solar heating technology. Solar water heating systems (SWHS) have now reached technical maturity since more than 35.9 million m2 of solar collectors have been across EU member states. Solar heating systems work better in sunny climates such as the one of Greece where the annual solar energy at horizontal plane varies between 1400 and 1800 kwh/m2. Moreover, Greece ranks 3rd in the EU market of domestic solar collectors with more than 4 million m2 of installed collector capacity. The optimum sizing of a SWHS, which is important in order to achieve maximum economic efficiency, relies on the proper sizing of its components. It includes both predictable (e.g. collector performance characteristics) and unpredictable (weather data and water consumption pattern) components. In most cases, given a specific hot water demand, the annual coverage achieved by a SHWS is calculated with the use of correlation-based methods considering results under restrictive assumptions (e.g. f- charts). These methods take into account hot water demand on a monthly basis rather than hourly hot water consumption patterns. For the above reasons, the current work aims to the optimum sizing of a domestic SWHS by estimating its hourly energy performance with a given time step. Basic mathematical relationships which describe the performance of a SWHS are used in order to establish a complete energy model of a typical system in the form of an algorithm. The algorithm is used to simulate the SWHS, offering the capability to explore the effects of the design parameters on the energy performance and thus define the optimum size of a typical SWHS under specific operational conditions. The final target is to estimate the size of both the solar collector area and the hot water storage tank (and therefore the initial cost) in order to achieve different hot water coverage values. Keywords: Water heating, solar collector, optimum sizing, thermal system 13

14 Power Quality Experts Questionnaire: Results and discussion E. Fezos, G.A. Vokas, P.A. Langouranis The aim of this paper is to create Power Quality disturbances weighting factors in order to use them to the Fuzzy power quality index model along with field power quality measurements. In order to do this task, a detailed questionnaire concerning Power Quality parameters was created including all necessary information about the electrical and power quality characteristics of industries, power production facilities like photovoltaic or wind parks and buildings. The questionnaire was delivered to over 200 such cases including experts on the power quality field like industry engineers, researchers, authorities and professionals. Over 65 answers were collected, a sample that is characterized as sufficient in order to statistically analyze the results in a transparent and comprehensive way and to further proceed to the power quality disturbances weighing factors. The results of this widely spread questionnaire are used in various Power quality models for the purposes of the Archimedes Research Program. 14

15 Power quality field measurements in Greece: Measurement Review and Analysis P.A. Kontaxis, P.A. Langouranis, G.A. Vokas, F.V. Topalis The aim of this paper is to present and analyze a series of Power Quality (PQ) field measurements that took place in different sites of the Greek electric grid, such as a nutrition industry, a photovoltaic park with nominal power of 100kW, a sludge treatment installation, a food industry, a Town hall and in several buildings of two educational institute. PQ distortions seem to be very important in Greece due to the fact that there are still no legislative rules covering this issue neither from the customers nor from the grid administrator side. The results of these measurements are used in a research project which aims to create a PQ evaluation model using fuzzy sets methodology in order to calculate a total PQ index of a specific point. In this paper an analysis of these measurements is presented. PQ disturbances are recorded according to EN 50160, while a comparison with other Standards and the procedures in EU countries is introduced. 15

16 Production of Hybrid RES-based Energy Storage Solutions for Representative Aegean Sea Islands with the Use of a Novel Sizing Software D. Zafirakis, E. Zafeiraki, J.K. Kaldellis Laboratory of Soft Energy Applications & Environmental Protection, Mechanical Engineering Dept. Piraeus University of Applied Sciences (TEI of Piraeus), dzaf@teipir.gr Tel , FAX , Athens, Greece Aegean Sea islands as well as other island regions around the globe are determined by high quality wind and solar potential that could encourage the implementation of energy solutions based on renewable energy sources (RES). However, the current energy status suggests that RES penetration in the specific islands is limited in the order of 10%-15%, with oil-based power generation still holding a dominant role. Given this, energy security of the local consumers is subject to increased risk, linked with the volatile price of oil imports. In fact, smaller scale islands are faced with electricity production costs even exceeding 1 /kwh. To encounter the existing situation and optimally exploit the existing RES potential of the entire Aegean Sea area, investigation of alternative energy solutions is encouraged during the recent years. Such energy solutions correspond to hybrid, RES-based energy storage configurations that aim at the optimal exploitation of complementary energy sources such as wind and solar power, together with minimization of the required energy storage capacity and the contribution of oil-based power generators. Acknowledging the above, the Soft Energy Applications Lab (SEALAB) research team has developed a novel sizing software, in C#. This novel software incorporates an advanced numerical algorithm practicing analytical simulations by considering detailed input data such as climatic information and technical characteristics of the participating system components. To validate the ability of the developed software to produce different hybrid RES-based energy storage solutions, representative case studies corresponding to actual Aegean Sea islands are currently used. Results produced indicate the ability of the proposed software to produce feasible alternative energy solutions that ensure minimization of the required energy storage capacity and the contribution of oil-based power generators. Keywords: Hybrid energy systems, energy storage, Aegean islands, sizing software 16

17 Spatial interpolation methods applied over Greece for solar potential mapping F. Maleviti, K.A. Kavadias Lab of Soft Energy Applications & Environmental Protection Mechanical Engineering Dept., Piraeus University of Applied Sciences (TEI of Piraeus) Tel , FAX , Athens, Greece Renewable Energy Sources gradually attract a considerable proportion of investments, due to their ability to offer clean and at the same time widely distributed power. This shift towards RES has been dictated by the combination of remarkable technological progress along with major environmental and security of supply issues coupled with increasing worries regarding the depletion of fossil fuels. However, sustainable energy sources have not gained appropriate share, mainly as a result of their inherent intermittent nature. Specifically for solar power, despite the adequate maturity, its exploitation encounters significant obstacles mostly due to its variable character. A perfect example of the above described situation is the Greek territory where, despite the high solar potential, the absorption of solar energy still remains low. The authors suggest that the promotion of solar energy investments is directly related to the solar radiation s accurate prediction. In this sense, considerable scientific effort has been recently spent in the development of solar energy maps, by using a wide number of modelling methodologies. Although this can be verified by a large number of existing relative works, the majority of Greek solar maps employ particularly simplified models, affecting the validity of the overall prediction method. Accordingly, the scope of this research is to create a Greek solar map on the basis of advanced spatial interpolation models, in order to achieve high accuracy levels on a time and cost effective manner. More specifically, an integrated methodology is developed in GIS environment, by using 39 annual solar energy values, widely dispersed over Greece. At the same time, spatial explanatory analysis is selected to enlighten the process, so that the interpolation techniques properly fit in the solar energy dataset. Finally, the cross validation process leads to the designation of the optimum interpolation technique, allowing the generation of the Greek Solar Energy map. Keywords: Solar resource, Spatial prediction, Spatial interpolation, Geographical Information Systems 17

18 TILOS - Technology Innovation for the Local Scale Optimum Integration of Battery Energy Storage - The Experience So Far D. Zafirakis, J.K. Kaldellis Laboratory of Soft Energy Applications & Environmental Protection, Mechanical Engineering Dept. Piraeus University of Applied Sciences (TEI of Piraeus), dzaf@teipir.gr Tel , FAX , Athens, Greece TILOS is an Innovation Action EU-funded project under the Local/Small Scale Storage Call of Horizon 2020, engaging a total of 15 partners. The project aims to demonstrate the optimal integration of local scale energy storage in a fully-operated, smart island microgrid that will also communicate with a main electricity grid. The main objective of the project will be the development and operation of a prototype battery storage system, based on NaNiCl2 batteries, provided with an optimum, real-environment smart grid control system and coping with the challenge of supporting multiple tasks, ranging from microgrid energy management, maximization of RES penetration and grid stability, to export of guaranteed energy amounts and provision of ancillary services to the main grid. The battery system will support both stand-alone and grid-connected operation, while proving its interoperability with the rest of microgrid components, including demand side management aspects and distributed, residential heat storage in the form of domestic hot water. At the same time, TILOS project addresses the high-priority area of the specific call, concerning island regions. In doing so, apart from Tilos island, TILOS also engages the islands of Pellworm, La Graciosa and Corsica, aiming to create an island platform that will enable transfer of technological experience by making use of the smart grid system of Pellworm on the one hand, and by offering new case studies for the development of similar projects on the other. Finally, by also addressing social issues, through public engagement, and by developing novel business models and policy instruments, TILOS puts emphasis on the market diffusion of the developed battery storage system and the integrated energy solution implemented on the island of Tilos. Having already covered the fist 7 months of project implementation, the aim of this paper is to give an overall presentation of the TILOS project and at the same time illustrate the main accomplishments and issues arising during this early stage. Furthermore, the current work aims to also reflect upon the realization of an actual, 18

19 demonstration project and elaborate on the application prospects deriving from the project successful implementation, with the focus given on Greek island regions. Keywords: Tilos island, hybrid energy systems, energy storage, smart grids, Horizon 2020 Transition metal and molecular oxides as novel, highly efficient, interfacial layers for hybrid organic photovoltaic cells L. C. Palilis 1, M. Vasilopoulou 2, A. M. Douvas 2, P. Argitis 2, G. Papadimitropoulos 2, D. Davazoglou 2, I. Kostis 3, N. Stathopoulos 3, S. Savaidis 3 1 Department of Physics, University of Patras, Patras, Greece 2 Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (INN), National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece 3 Department of Electronics Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Piraeus, Egaleo - Athens, Greece In the era of rapidly increasing energy demands and dwindling conventional energy resources, there is a pressing need to develop alternate energy sources. Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) based on conjugated polymers have attracted increasing attention as a future renewable energy source since they offer the simultaneous combination of mechanical flexibility, low-cost fabrication processes and long-term sustainability advantages when compared to silicon and other photovoltaic technologies in terms of energy payback time and global warming potential. Advanced interfacial engineering of novel hybrid OPVs (NHyOPVs) is employed here as an intelligent strategy to significantly improve device performance by facilitating interfacial charge transprort, modulating energetic barriers at electrode interfaces and tuning charge carrier extraction and recombination rates. Inorganic semiconducting transition metal and molecular oxides that can be deposited on various substrates by either vacuum or solution-based techniques as thin nanocrystalline films with varying formulations and controlled stoichiometries are implemented as multifunctional interfacial layers in order to realize efficient and stable hybrid organic solar cells, that employ various polymer donor:fullerene acceptor combinations in the photoactive blend. We review the optical, electrical and electronic properties of various transition-metal and molecular oxide thin films based on tungsten and molybdenum by employing a variety of spectroscopic characterization techniques and we correlate these properties with process and post-deposition parameters such as the deposition method and the environment, the precursors used as well as the annealing conditions employed. We demonstrate that the ability to control these properties together with the final oxide film morphology by forming nanostructured layers may result in large improvements of the 19

20 characteristics of hybrid organic photovoltaic cells, regardless of the specific donor:acceptor photoactive combination used. 20