https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116595 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:01:24 GMT 2026-04-22T06:01:24Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/117397 Title: The monitoring and control of the energy in a production plant Abstract: The increase in energy prices experienced by the industrial sector has enticed consumers to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic systems to meet their energy demand and hence reduce their energy costs. However, in the occurrence of a power outage or unstable grid conditions the grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) systems cannot be utilised since the utility grid is unavailable. Therefore, to continue with their production, industrial consumers use diesel-powered generators known to be significantly more expensive to operate when compared to the utility grid. Therefore, the aim of the project is to design and implement a system that in the event of a power outage, automatically synchronises the PV systems with the back-up diesel generator and thus reducing fuel costs. The main problem with synchronising PV systems with a generator was that due to its poor frequency regulation, the PV inverters would not connect due to their anti-islanding protection. Therefore, two possible solutions to address this problem were designed and implemented. The first system consisted of a master/slave inverter topology, which provided a solution that respected the grid code standards and also allowed the operation with the diesel generator. This system also maintains the overall power stability of the microgrid by switching the PV inverters on and off as required. The second solution approached the problem differently. A flywheel energy storage system (FESS) was designed to mitigate the frequency variations that occurred when an impulse load was applied to the electrical system. The aim was to keep the frequency variations within limits defined in the inverters’ grid standard, thus enabling parallel operation with the generator. The test results of the two systems showed that for successful synchronisation of the grid-tied photovoltaic inverters with a diesel generator, the master/slave inverter system should be primarily used for the microgrid operation to ensure that power stability is maintained. Additionally, the FESS can be used to regulate the system frequency when optimal frequency regulation is required by certain types of equipment used in the industry. Description: B.Eng. (Hons)(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/117397 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/117395 Title: Electro-magnetic design and analysis for a high performance, aerospace electrical machine Abstract: The ever-growing need for more sustainable transport is leading to the push for higher performance electrical machines. Substantial innovation was, and still is being carried out in the automotive and aerospace industry. This drive for more power dense electrical machines is required for them to be feasible for real-world applications. The need for reliability is of equal importance particularly in aerospace applications, hence the elimination of mechanical gearing is beneficial. A solution to this is direct drive. Conversely, to implement direct drive the need for high torque density machines is required. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor’s (PMSM) are notorious for their ability to be power dense as well as torque dense, but are also able to produce minimal ripple torque with suitable design techniques and a proper control drive. The aim is to design, simulate and analyse an electrical machine that is most fit for aerospace applications. For the electrical machine to meet the performance requirements needed for aerospace applications, an inter-disciplinary approach which considers both the electro-magnetic and thermal models and designs was utilized. Geometric models of the stator, rotor and magnets were constructed and optimized with the use of finite element techniques. A 30kW PMSM is to be designed and analysed for use as a high performance, aerospace electrical machine. The scope of this motor is to be used in conjunction with a propeller as the main propulsion for a two seater all electric aircraft. Description: B.Eng. (Hons)(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/117395 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z