Manuel S. Alvarez-Alvarado

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Professor (Associate) at Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral

This study explores the potential for co-locating floating photovoltaics (FPVs) with existing hydropower plants (HPPs) in Ecuador. Ecuador’s heavy reliance on hydropower for electricity generation, combined with recent blackouts caused by prolonged dry seasons, underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources. The integration of FPVs with...

Floating photovoltaics (FPV) has been a rapidly growing source of renewable electricity for the past 15 years since first commercial systems were installed. In this work, the insights from SERIS FPV database are shared. This is likely the largest database of its kind and contains the information from 1142 FPV systems in operation, totalling 5.9 GWp...

This paper provides a comprehensive review of machine learning strategies and optimization formulations employed in energy management systems (EMS) tailored for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). EMS stands as a pivotal component facilitating optimized power distribution, predictive and adaptive control strategies, component health monitorin...

Electric motors play a fundamental role in various industries, and their relevance is strengthened in the context of the energy transition. Having efficient tools and techniques to detect and diagnose faults in electrical machines is crucial, as is providing early alerts to facilitate prompt decision-making. This study proposes indicators based on...

In this study, the sizing problem of hybrid diesel–photovoltaic–battery systems was determined using a particle swarm optimization approach. The goal was to optimize the number of solar panels and batteries that could be installed to reduce the overall cost of an isolated grid system, originally powered by diesel generators, located on Isabela Isla...

The primary contributions of this paper include the systematic organization of existing research and an in-depth analysis of significant milestones in the field of CPPS, leading to the development of a taxonomy for categorizing various drivers. Furthermore, this paper elucidates current strategies for defining clear terms, models, methodologies, an...

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide due to their potential to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. However, the widespread adoption of EVs presents significant challenges for the power grid, particularly in managing the increased demand for electricity. Under this need, this chapter proposes a Demand-Si...

The integration of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technology in Smart Grids has emerged as a transformative approach to modernizing energy infrastructures and enhancing operational efficiency. This comprehensive review paper explores the advancements, challenges, and future perspectives of SDN implementation in Smart Grid environments. It delves...

This paper investigates income dynamics through the lens of econophysics,employing a model designed for a weakly open economy. The model featuresagents engaging in random interactions involving money exchange, whichundergo Brownian motion with noise derived from a first-order Edgeworthexpansion. A third-order Fokker-Planck equation is formulated to...

With the advancements in information and communications technologies, new teaching approaches arise. In this context, project-based learning (PBL) and science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics model (STEAM) emerge as the most popular in the education field, attributed to their efficacy on students’ learning capacity. This article...

The concept of orbital angular momentum has gained significant interest in recent years across various fields of science, particularly in physics and biology. In this paper, we present a novel approach to investigating the acceleration and deceleration of the phase distribution of a Laguerre-Gaussian beam. Our model proposes a topological transform...

This paper presents a system that analyzes a real-time captured image of a burning forest and produces an answer about which trees are burning, obtaining the tree species and the state of life (healthy, burning, or burnt). An architecture was implemented using several technologies that communicate with each other, exchanging data that generates a m...

Communication difficulties in people with hearing disabilities can cause anxiety, isolation, and even frustration. Their environment plays an essential role in personal and professional development. This paper proposes the deployment of a sign language interpretation system with a high-availability computational architecture for environment automat...

Based on orbital angular momentum (OAM) properties of Laguerre–Gaussian beams LG(p,ℓ), a robust optical encoding model for efficient data transmission applications is designed. This paper presents an optical encoding model based on an intensity profile generated by a coherent superposition of two OAM-carrying Laguerre–Gaussian modes and a machine l...

In the past few years, orbital angular momentum beams have contributed significantly to many applications in the optical-related fields due to their unique phase characteristics. Here, a novel approach about phase-helices structure for Laguerre-Gaussian beams carrying orbital angular momentum is presented. This proposal is based on numerical simula...

Based on orbital angular momentum (OAM) properties of Laguerre Gaussian beams LG(p,ℓ), a robust optical encoding model for efficient data transmission applications is designed. This paper presents an optical encoding model based on intensity profile generated by a coherent superposition of two OAM-carrying Laguerre-Gaussian modes and Machine-learni...

This paper aims to present a robust algorithm developed that aims to minimize the number of sensor nodes in a WSN using three quantum-behaved swarm optimization techniques based on Lorentz (QPSO-LR), Rosen–Morse (QPSO-RM), and Coulomb-like Square Root (QPSO-CS) potential fields. The algorithm aims to allocate the minimum number of wireless sensors...

As the installation of solar-photovoltaic and wind-generation systems continue to grow, the location must be strategically selected to maintain a reliable grid. However, such strategies are commonly subject to system adequacy constraints, while system security constraints (e.g., frequency stability, voltage limits) are vaguely explored. This may le...

In the last years, a few experiments in the fields of biological and soft matter physics in colloidal suspensions have reported ”normal diffusion“ with a Laplacian probability distribution in the particle’s displacements (i.e., Brownian yet non-Gaussian diffusion). To model this behavior, different stochastic and microscopic models have been propos...

Energy production from renewable sources has increased considerably around the globe. In electrical systems with a high penetration of renewable resources, there are periods in which the available renewable energy exceeds the total system demand; therefore, the surplus renewable energy is not used, and it is curtailed. In this context, this project...

In the last years, a few experiments in the fields of biological and soft matter physics in colloidal suspensions have reported “normal diffusion” with a Laplacian probability distribution in the particle’s displacements (i.e., Brownian yet non-Gaussian diffusion). To model this behavior, different stochastic and microscopic models have been propos...

This paper states a digital model of a forest to analyze fire behavior using variables such as the rate of combustion and the time it takes for a species to be wholly burned. A simulation environment of a wooded area was designed that includes native species of a protected forest, where the height, diameter, and density are considered in each speci...

In the last two decades, the number of strategies for planning the maintenance of power systems have increased considerably. As societal dependence on power system infrastructure continues to grow, there is an increased need to identify the best practices in the field of power system maintenance planning to ensure the continued reliable operation o...

Ultra-high voltage at transmission systems enables to reduce the electrical power losses due to the Joule effect. However, if the environment is not the proper (i.e., polluted, high humidity, high temperatures, etc.) this fact may lead to an air ionization causing a Corona discharge. As a result, electromagnetic parameters in the transmission line...

Electric vehicle growth is creating a larger share of mobile load in power systems. This can affect system stress in potentially constrained areas of the grid, during a period that may already be an emergency. This paper proposes a novel model to reflect the behavior and spatiotemporal charging demand of electric vehicles during a natural disaster...

Based on the behavior of the quantum particles, it is possible to formulate mathematical expressions to develop metaheuristic search optimization algorithms. This paper presents three novel quantum-inspired algorithms, which scenario is a particle swarm that is excited by a Lorentz, Rosen–Morse, and Coulomb-like square root potential fields, respec...

This paper proposes an innovative algorithm for the determination of the optimal outdoor evacuation routes in hills. The algorithm uses web services to obtain the Google Image Tile (a portion of the area to evaluate) and each area’s geographic information. Then, the routes are calculated using cellular automata in 3D and graph theory with geographi...

This paper proposes a new method to optimize the scheduling of off-grid systems composed of solar panels, batteries, and diesel generators in real time. The approach takes into account the load and irradiance forecasted values for the near future to determine the optimal power generation and the operation of the different energy sources which achie...

Distributed generation is essential for smart distribution systems. This prospect mainly depends on the efficient use of renewable resources. Therefore, it is compelling to provide an optimum design framework that allows a thorough modeling to select the most convenient size, location, and renewable energy combination that maximize system reliabili...

Increasing penetration of distributed generation (DG) is imminent in the new age of power distribution networks, which are smarter than the conventional grids. They enable the integration of DG into the power distribution network. This paper presents an assessment methodology for determining the optimal capacity and location of DG to ensure high re...

Generation system interruptions in net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) may result in missing the net-zero targets by a great margin. Consequently, it is significant to incorporate a realistic reliability model for renewable energy systems (RESs) that considers aging and long-term weather conditions. This study proposed a robust design optimization me...

Meeting the rising energy demand and limiting its environmental impact are the two intertwined issues faced in the 21st century. Governments in different countries have been engaged in developing regulations and related policies to encourage environment friendly renewable energy generation along with conservation strategies and technological innova...

This article presents a comprehensive study of human physiology to determine the impact of body mass index (BMI) on human gait. The approach followed in this study consists of a mathematical model based on the centre of mass of the human body, the inertia of a person in motion and the human gait speed. Moreover, the study includes the representatio...

Preventive maintenance plan of generators is essential to ensure the availability of electricity supply in a power system. There are several types of preventive plans of which the periodic preventive maintenance (PPM) and reliability-centred maintenance (RCM) are most popular in the power system industry. Nevertheless, these plans do not consider t...

In order to provide a reliable service and supply the demand most of the time, all generators in a power grid shouldbe subjected to an effective maintenance plan. The smarter the maintenance performed could result in a better performance ofthe system. However, a challenge is to minimise maintenance costs that do not compromise the benefits. Conside...

This paper proposes an innovative smart maintenance (SM) model for scheduling proactive preventive maintenance of static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs). The approach is primarily useful for optimal operational planning of STATCOMs to maximize net benefit that comes from the difference between the power losses reduction savings and the cost of...

In education, decades have been spent investigating what kind of beliefs and attitudes students may have in relation to learning. The relevance of these lies on the implications that it brings concerning students' alternative conceptions. This research focuses on the inclusion of Peer Instruction (PI) as a methodology to address the alternative con...

The rapid evolution of power electronic solutions in all around the globe brings a common problem, which is the adoption of nonlinear loads. This fact carries out a strong impact over the quality of power systems and consequently on energy efficiency, since nonlinear loads act as sources of harmonic currents that flow to other loads or even sources...

This paper presents the design of a permanent magnet synchronous generator with outer rotor for wind power application. The proposed model incorporates a control system for the injected active power and also to avoid permanent magnet demagnetization. In addition, it considers a high-frequency harmonics filter to mitigate wave distortions at the loa...

By the employment of quantum mechanics, this paper proposes a Multi-Stage Accelerated Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (MSAQPSO) to maximize savings due to electrical power losses reduction, which is subject to bus voltage constraints. The methodology incorporates Static Var Compensators (SVCs) integrated in a power system. The optimization prob...

This paper presents an extension of a state-space model for a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in order to include water and steam properties stated by the International Association for Properties of Water and Steam Industrial Formulation 1997 (IAPWS IF-97). The CCGT thermal cycles were implemented using MATLAB XSTEAM IF-97 functions,...

Electrified Urban Massive Transportation Railway Systems require the supply of electric power that conforms to electromagnetic standards, safety levels and operational regulations. This paper presents a mathematical modelling of substations, autotransformers, power lines, and trains for a dual 50 kV AC railway system. The innovation of this study l...

Este artículo presenta un diseño innovador para el dimensionamiento y ubicación de capacitores en un sistema de potencia cuyo objetivo es mejorar sus aspectos técnicos y económicos basados en un criterio de reducción de pérdidas eléctricas. Empleando conceptos de mecánica cuántica, se propone la aplicación de un algoritmo Optimización por Enjambres...

A study on Home Energy Management System (HEMS) integrated with Renewable Energy Sources (RES) for effective Demand Side Management (DSM) in smart grid is presented. HEMS refers to a network that coordinates among various appliances in order to save energy and minimize its cost. Energy cost minimization model is solved using single Knapsack algorit...

Increasing penetration of distributed energy resources, varying load demands and big data of smart meters require new load models to support power system studies. The big data of smart meters and non-linearities in the load demand require the smart meter data to be represented in an alternative way to use in stochastic simulations to enhance proces...

This study presents a novel mathematical formulation to describe repairable components reliability model based on their bathtub curve and repair rate behaviour. The model is derived from the concept of Markov chain, which allows defining component's lifetime process. In addition, the formulation brings components’ degradation quantification. The pr...

This paper states an experimental research that establishes a relationship between the Body Mass Index (BMI) and human walking. Its mathematical formulation employs bio-mechanical anthropometry concepts. To validate the results in a realistic scenario, a novel algorithm that uses graph theory is proposed. This allows us to obtain the optimal route...

This paper presents an algorithm that employs a Sequential Monte Carlo Simulation (SMCS), to estimate operational states of components connected to a grid. Then, by the use of an Accelerated Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization (AQPSO), the algorithm determines the optimum size and location of Static Var Compensators (SVCs). The approach maximizes t...

As time passes through, components tend to be less reliable because they suffer a degradation produced by aging. Focusing on reliability assessment for generation adequacy, generator reliability model hardly considers this fact. This assumption produces an inaccurate reliability assessment. This paper proposes a novel mathematical formulation that...

Electrified Urban Massive Transportation Railway Systems require the supply of electric power that complies to electromagnetic and safety standards, as well as operational regulation. This paper presents a mathematical modelling of a complete Autotransformer Configuration Railway System. The innovation of this study relies on the consideration of g...

This paper proposes a new method to determine the sizing and siting of diesel generators (DGs), photovoltaic solar panels (PV) and batteries for off-grid systems. In this work, the objective is to reduce total system cost while fulfilling the load demand and maintaining power quality of the system, among other constraints. This is achieved by emplo...

This study presents an innovative design for the optimal sizing, placement, and dispatch approach of distribution static var compensators (D-SVCs) in a radial power distribution system to improve the technical and economic aspects of the grid. The approach incorporates the total harmonic distortion (THD) effects into the assessment with the presenc...

This study focuses on heuristic instruction as a method of logical thought processes. The objective is to raise and establish a framework for problem-solving in the application of separation of variables for the wave equation. This leads to a simple and easy pathway to make the topic at a manageable level for the students. This paper proposes a bas...

This paper presents a reliability model of a Static Var Compensator (SVC) using an innovative algorithm based on sequential Monte Carlo simulation and Markov chains. The method employs the equivalent circuit of a SVC and takes the failure rate and repair time of each component as input in order to compute the failure rate and repair time of the who...

This paper presents the mathematical model of a three phase Solid State Transformer (SST). The model is designed in PLECS. The model is integrated into a grid with high penetration of non-linear loads. The model addresses constraints including smooth voltage regulation, permitted Total Harmonic Distortion and the incorporation of distributed genera...

The scope of this paper is to analyze the performance of a homemade dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) which presents a high potential based on its low fabrication costs and wide application field. In this investigation, the procedure to create a homemade DSSC is given. Its parametersare analyzed obtaining an efficiency of 26.4∙10-4% (IV measurement)...

This paper focuses on the employment of the peer instruction methodology to address the alternative conceptions presented on the topic of Einstein's special relativity. An investigation is performed to expose the importance of this topic as typical approaches employed by many institutions around the globe do not generate the desired results. The al...