Habib, Mahpara
(2023)
Modeling Piezoelectric Wave Energy Harvesters and Novel Carbon Capture Solid Sorbents.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
The aim of this thesis is to explore ways to mitigate climate change, namely by establishing new methods to harvest renewable energy and by enhancing carbon capture processes. The first part of this thesis explores the different classes of piezoelectric materials (ceramics, polymers and composites) from a materials science viewpoint and suggests the applications they are best suited for based on each class’s strengths and weaknesses, with particular emphasis on sensor and energy harvesting applications. It is concluded that since composite materials can be tailor-fit to possess the most desirable set of properties needed for any given application, these are the class of piezoelectric materials that hold the greatest promise moving forward. Next, this thesis presents two piezoelectric energy harvester models that can be used to harvest wave energy for powering ocean observation buoys. The direct wave piezoelectric energy harvester model places piezoelectric elements in direct contact with ocean waves, which mechanically deform the flexible polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) elements to produce electrical energy. The indirect wave piezoelectric energy harvester, on the other hand, has its piezoelectric elements placed above water level and is indirectly excited by wave motion transferred to them via a frequency conversion mechanism. It is found that the indirect wave piezoelectric energy harvester produces better voltage and power output and thus has lower cost and volume associated with it. The last part of this thesis discusses the design of a fixed bed adsorber model packed with metal organic framework (MOF) solid sorbents, which can be retrofitted to a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant. This solid sorbent system can operate in two different modes to adsorb carbon dioxide emissions from the power plant, as well as from air during off-peak operation. It is shown that the solid sorbent system, when working in conjunction with a carbon capture membrane system, can achieve near-net zero carbon footprint for the NGCC power plant. The projects involved in this thesis share the common goal to curb global warming and climate change by promoting the use of clean energy and reducing the level of CO2 emissions.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
|
| Date: |
14 September 2023 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
12 May 2023 |
| Approval Date: |
14 September 2023 |
| Submission Date: |
30 July 2023 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
166 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
Swanson School of Engineering > Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science |
| Degree: |
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
piezoelectric materials, piezoelectric energy harvesting, ocean wave energy, carbon capture, direct air capture, fixed bed reactor modeling |
| Date Deposited: |
14 Sep 2023 13:46 |
| Last Modified: |
14 Sep 2023 13:46 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/45181 |
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