TrUE Scholars
I have been working with Dr. Ren this semester on the usage of DC-DC converters for solar panels through code simulations and experimental training. Dr. Ren's lab, Dynamic Intelligent Systems, Control & Optimization (DISCO), focuses on a vast amount of control systems including microgrids, wind turbines, solar panels, unmanned aerial vehicles, and MEMS devices. Previous to this semester, my knowledge of renewable energy was mostly superficial. One of the most interesting things I've learned is that regulating the voltage output that goes through solar cells in turn results in higher efficiency. Engineers have been able to do so through Maximum Power Point Trackers, which refers to the inclusion of DC-DC Converters to change the Duty Cycle of IGBT switches in order to increase or decrease the voltage output of a solar cell. The biggest challenge I anticipated having to overcome during the research process was knowledge limitations regarding circuits theory. Nevertheless, I have had a wonderful experience working with Dr. Ren. She is supportive of me and makes sure to provide me with constructive feedback. My direct mentor is a Ph.D. student with a background in Mechanical Engineering. From the beginning, he has set up manageable deadlines and expectations for me. I've been delivering weekly reports on research progress and any problems I faced throughout the week. On top of the help I've received from my mentors, Texas Tech offers various resources that have guided me through the process. For instance, the Engineering Opportunities Center offered a MATLAB workshop recently. MATLAB is a programming platform designed specifically for engineers and scientists to analyze and design systems. Similarly, Simulink is a block diagram environment for Model-Based Design. Even though I was familiar with both programs, the workshop refreshed basic concepts that I have been able to implement in photovoltaic array simulations. This experience has been incredibly rewarding and has allowed me to meet people interested in academia, including other graduate and undergraduate students. Even though their research involvement is not directly related to renewable energy, having these connections helps me understand the extent of control systems in Engineering design.