Electrical Engineering

Dynamic Modeling of Commercial-Scale Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems in MATLAB Simulink

This study successfully designed, simulated, and analyzed a 100 kWDC grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system, incorporating Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and grid synchronization control. The system configuration consists of a two-stage power conversion process, utilizing a boost converter and an inverter to achieve efficient energy conversion and stable grid integration. The MPPT control, based on the Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm, effectively tracks the maximum power point, while the inverter, controlled by a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) with a Synchronized Reference Frame Phase-Locked Loop (SRF-PLL), ensures grid synchronization.

Energy Engineering

Technical Feasibility and Cost Analysis of a Utility-Scale Solar Farm

This project evaluates the feasibility of a utility-scale solar farm in Southern Alberta by examining energy market conditions, climate data, battery storage, and PV system design simulations. The goal is to identify the most optimal and economical setup, with a capacity of 462 MW. Performance modeling using the System Advisor Model (SAM) confirms these findings. The study also looks at inverter sizing, module selection, and other design parameters, with an estimated levelized cost of energy (LCoE) of 7.97 ¢/kWh.

Technical and Economic Feasibility Analysis of a Utility-Scale Wind Farm

This project explores the development of a wind farm near the Whitla Substation 251S in Southern Alberta, an area with excellent wind resources. The site, located 18 km from the nearest substation, offers an average wind speed of 7.84 m/s. Using 35 Vesta V112 3.0MW wind turbines in a staggered pattern, the wind farm will achieve a nameplate capacity of 105 MW and generate over 300 GWh per year with a capacity factor of 35.1%.

Array losses are minimized by 11% with optimal turbine spacing and ensure reliable performance with Vesta turbines. The installation cost is estimated at $1,645 per kW, with a projected net present value (NPV) of $63,145,198 and a return on investment (ROI) of 11.51% over 25 years. A sensitivity analysis confirms profitability even with a 20% drop in electricity prices, demonstrating strong economic fundamentals for the proposed wind farm.

Off-Grid Solar System Design Project

The team successfully designed an off-grid solar system for a luxury 500 sqft cabin in Las Vegas, Nevada, by analyzing sun patterns to determine the optimal panel orientation (54 degrees facing south) and roof pitch. They calculated a minimum power requirement of 9515 kWh annually and designed a system to produce 10650 kWh, ensuring 100% consumption without sunlight for one day. The system includes 16 flooded lead-acid batteries for storage, a Schneider Electric inverter rated at 6.8 kW, and panels optimized for efficiency. The total cost is $39,304 USD before rebates, reduced to approximately $31,000 USD with rebates, making it suitable for the average homeowner interested in going off-grid.

HVAC System & Energy Modeling for Calgary Office Building

This HVAC project focuses on designing and analyzing HVAC systems for a mixed-use building in Calgary, Alberta, using eQuest simulation software. The building comprises an office on the ground floor and a restaurant on the top floor. The HVAC system modeled is a Packaged Single Zone DX with Furnace, with separate units for each floor. The cooling system uses a DX Cooling Coil powered by electricity, while the heating system utilizes a natural gas furnace. Key results include a peak cooling load of 30 kW for the entire building, a peak heating load of -73.40 kW, and an annual energy consumption of 1,052 GJ. Temperature data for calculations was extracted from the Calgary weather station.

Investigating The Efficacy of Smart Grids

EcoGrid EU’s smart grid project is used as a case study to demonstrate the efficacy and efficiency of the smart grid. Denmark’s energy portfolio is mostly represented by wind power and industry cogeneration. EcoGrid EU developed the most ambitious smart grid demonstration project of 2000 homes winning the EU Sustainable Energy Award in 2016 for their efforts.

It was discovered that the demonstration successfully reduced peak power demand by 1.2%, demonstrating the potential of smart grids to improve energy production and transmission reliability, makeup, and efficiency.

Proposal for a Hydroelectric Dam in British Columbia

This proposal outlines a hydroelectric plant in Canada with a capacity of 3000 MW, located in British Columbia on the Columbia River after its confluence with the Kootenay River. Technical evaluation indicates a theoretical production capacity of 3,125 MW at 90% efficiency and a flow rate of 3000 cubic meters per second. A case study on the Robert-Bourassa generation complex highlights potential requirements and issues in dam construction. Environmental concerns include mercury buildup, wildlife damage, and flooding, requiring agreements with First Nations reserves and extensive power line construction. The study addresses upstream and downstream ecosystem impacts, proposing minimum flow releases to mitigate sedimentation and erosion. Compliance with federal and provincial laws, such as the Dominion Water Power Act and British Columbia's Water Sustainability Act, is discussed.

Chemical Engineering

Atmospheric Carbon Capture vs Flue Gas Through Amine Scrubbing

This project aims to establish a plant near Fort McKay to recover carbon dioxide (CO2) using Amine Scrubbing, a process that employs an amine solvent to absorb CO2 from flue gas. Alberta's high demand for natural gas results in significant CO2 emissions, estimated at 135,100 tonnes per day. The project's capital cost was estimated at $19 million USD, with a 10% contingency factor, resulting in a total fixed capital investment (FCI) of $21 million USD. With location factor and working capital considered, the final FCI was approximately $38 million USD. Utility costs were estimated at $51 million USD, with equipment having a book value of $17 million USD and a salvage value of $3.6 million USD after 10 years using straight-line depreciation.

Despite being technically feasible and simulated on AspenHYSYS, the project was deemed economically infeasible due to high capital and operating costs compared to relatively low sales revenue from CO2, priced at $50 per metric ton, sold for enhanced oil recovery operations. The project does not generate profit without a government grant but offsets recovery costs.

SAGD Well-Pad Design Project

The project focuses on designing, simulating, and sizing a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) operation well-pad for bitumen and gas flows. The well-pad features six wells that collectively transport 786 m3/d of emulsion and 12,965 m3/d of gas to the Central Processing Facility (CPF). Three types of separation processes are employed at the well-pad: test separation to assess bitumen quality, group separation for gas-liquid separation, and produced gas separation to remove water. The simulation is conducted using AspenHYSYS, with an iterative design approach. A pure gas system is utilized, and a manifold allows individual well testing without requiring multiple Test Separators. The Group Separator incorporates a 2-phase separator, while the Test Separator uses a 3-phase separator that necessitates the injection of CFT Fort Saskatchewan Condensate. The successful design meets all specified parameters, and separate pipelines are used to transport gas and emulsion to the battery.

Data Analytics & Project Management

Human Temporal Routine Behavior - Data Analytics

The project involves a human temporal routine behavioral analysis for BellaBeat, a manufacturer of health-focused products, using R. The analysis follows the Ask, Prepare, Process, Analyze, Share, Act framework developed by Google engineers. BellaBeat, founded in 2013 by Urška Sršen and Sando Mur, produces technology that collects data on activity, sleep, stress, and reproductive health. The analysis aims to uncover growth opportunities by analyzing consumer data and gaining insight into smart device usage. The findings will be used to create recommendations for a new marketing strategy.

Baking a Wedding Cake - Project Management

This project is a practical exercise in project management through baking a custom wedding cake. It involves risk assessment, task planning, and financial viability evaluation. Key tasks include request processing, preparation, design, baking, and delivery, all critical to the timeline. Risks, like ingredient availability, are mitigated by using common ingredients and alternate suppliers if needed. The project demonstrates effective project management by delivering a high-quality cake on time and within budget.

Sustainability

Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of City of Calgary’s Micro-mobility Program

This life cycle assessment evaluates the environmental impact of e-scooters in Calgary, focusing on their global warming potential compared to other downtown transportation modes. By reviewing literature and correlating data, the study measures the e-scooters' impact in kg CO2e/passenger km within a defined system boundary, including production, use, charging, and recycling. Results show e-scooters only outperform full-sized gasoline cars, performing worse than other transportation modes. Sensitivity analysis reveals that lifecycle and passenger distance significantly affect outcomes, while disposal emissions and transportation impact have minimal influence. The assessment found Calgary's e-scooters perform worse than North Carolina's due to geographical and operational differences.

Bio-mimicry in Passive Cooling inspired from African Termite Mounds Case-Study

This case study investigates the potential of biomimicry in practical applications, focusing on passive cooling inspired by African termite mounds. It addresses the questions: What is passive design? How can we draw inspiration from African termites? How has this inspiration been applied in building design? Peer-reviewed scientific studies from MIT and Harvard were reviewed, and the notable development of the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe was examined. The case study demonstrates how the building consumes 35% less energy compared to similar structures.

The true mechanism of passive cooling in African termite mounds remains a subject of intense debate. This study also discusses the complexities of understanding the underlying physics and the challenges of translating these insights into real-life applications.

Urban Agriculture Project sponsored by Harvest Hub

The Harvest Hub Food Racking System project aims to upgrade Harvest Hub’s current technology to a semi-automated, user-friendly version called HUBTUB 2.0. This new system will feature centralized irrigation and fertigation, built-in sensor technology, and an integrated data collection system. Key variables for data collection will include temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, pH, and lighting/darkness levels, enabling better understanding and optimization of crop growth environments and paving the way for future automation capabilities.

Financial Modelling

Financial Model Assessment of Solara Nexus Inc. 247MW Solar System

This project entails the development of a dynamic financial model that evaluates the profitability of a fictional company called Solara Nexus's planning on installing a 247MW Solar Power Project with a $326 million CAPEX. The project is designed to support regional renewable energy goals of San Dulea, Yutacona. It calculates key financial metrics, including:

• Net Present Value (NPV) to assess the total value of future cash flows.

• Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and payback period to determine the project’s expected rate of return.

• Cash-on-Cash Return to measure actual returns on investment.

• Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) to evaluate the project’s ability to meet debt obligations.

The model also includes:

• Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCoE) to determine the cost per unit of energy.

• Sensitivity Analysis on PPA price, interest rates, and P50 production to test the impact of changes in key variables.

It provides a comprehensive assessment of the project’s financial viability. Results are promising and show an IRR of 16.5%, payback period of 6.4 years at a LCoE of $57.4/MWh. Sensitivity Results how that PPA price and Power Generation are the most sensitive factors to the project profitability.