Students: Jack Smiley
Project: DC-DC Boost Converter Design and Solar Energy Applications | View Poster (PDF)
Major: Electrical Engineering
Advisor: Javad Khazaei
Abstract
Renewable energy technology is beginning to play a crucial role in combatting the world’s worsening climate crisis. Clean energy sources like wind and solar now supply over ten percent of all power in the United States. Being a relatively new field, products such as solar panels are being improved constantly to yield more energy and interact with the grid more dynamically. Solar hardware in specific is a sector which evolved greatly in recent years, and which needs to continue to do so for solar energy to become a viable, large-scale power source.
This project explores the design and control of DC-DC boost converters and their applications within the field of solar energy production. With the increasing demand for renewable energy sources, solar power stands out as a promising solution. However, the intermittent nature of sunlight poses challenges in maintaining a robust power supply. Optimizing the behavior and control of DC-DC boost converters within solar panels will ensure that energy efficiency is consistently maximized. Through prototype design and simulation studies, this project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of boost converters in stepping up supply voltages and of closed loop control systems in mediating boost converter function.
About Jack Smiley
Jack Smiley is a sophomore electrical engineering undergraduate student at Lehigh University. He began his research endeavors with Lehigh’s INTEGRITY Lab in the fall of 2023, investigating electrical power systems under Professor Javad Khazaei. His research is focused on DC-DC boost converters and their control and application to solar energy. His future career interests include power system design and renewable energy grid integration. Outside of research, he is active in the Lehigh University Space Initiative CubeSat Team as the Power Systems Co-Lead.