NSF Org:	ECCS Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems
Recipient:	PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Initial Amendment Date:	August 12, 2011
Latest Amendment Date:	August 12, 2011
Award Number:	1102303
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Paul Werbos ECCS  Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems ENG  Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	September 1, 2011
End Date:	July 31, 2014 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$380,000.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$380,000.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 2011 = $55,207.00
History of Investigator:	Maryam Saeedifard (Principal Investigator) Steven Pekarek (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	Purdue University 2550 NORTHWESTERN AVE # 1100 WEST LAFAYETTE IN  US  47906-1332 (765)494-1055
Sponsor Congressional District:	04
Primary Place of Performance:	Purdue University 2550 NORTHWESTERN AVE # 1100 WEST LAFAYETTE IN  US  47906-1332
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	04
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	YRXVL4JYCEF5
Parent UEI:	YRXVL4JYCEF5
NSF Program(s):	EPCN-Energy-Power-Ctrl-Netwrks
Primary Program Source:	01001112DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s):	099E, 7423
Program Element Code(s):	760700
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.041

ABSTRACT

Research Objectives and Approaches:

The objective of this research is to advance hydrokinetic energy generation by developing methods to increase the power density and minimize the installation and maintenance costs of the generator, power conditioning system, and interface to the utility grid. The approach is to (i) establish the fundamental tradeoff between cost and power delivered of several alternative hydro-generation systems, (ii) explore alternative machine/converter architectures that reduce the installation and maintenance cost/power delivered, and (iii) develop modular, scalable, and efficient power conditioning and interface systems with high power quality.

Intellectual Merits: This project develops a generalized modular and scalable power conversion structure for further expansion and grid integration of hydrokinetic energy resources. It also establishes a rigorous derivation of the design tradeoffs between several competing technologies that will allow the community to make informed decisions on the architecture that is best suited for a given environment.

Broader Impact: The developed technology will help to increase the large-scale installation of hydrokinetic energy conversion systems and will contribute to the growth of the renewable energy sector. The results and outcomes of the proposed research will provide useful design guidance to reduce the cost of grid integration of hydrokinetic energy resources. The educational program will help to educate and equip the next generation of power engineers with the knowledge and skills required to address tomorrow?s energy challenges. This will contribute to local and national green businesses and industries.

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