Pesquisa – LEA – Laboratório de Energia e Ambiente

Energia

Hidro

In this research axis applied research of hydrodynamics and technology of hydraulic turbomachines is explored. Brazil is one of the most important country where the hydro power plants is the basis of its electricity generation. The focus of the research projects is devoted to the study of the technologies of hydrokinetic turbines (for rivers and tidal applications) and the hydrodynamical aspects of conventional hydro-turbines. R&D projects are developed in collaboration of some Brazilian energy companies (ELETROBRAS-Eletronorte, AES-Brasil, etc.).

Important research projects: Hydrokinetic turbines for remote communities in Amazon. Tucunaré project (hydrokinetic energy in hydro power plants remaining energy). Hydro-K project (modular hydrokinetic turbines). Pathology of hydro turbines (axial machines – bulb and kaplan)

Energia Eólica

The Thermal Systems research developed in the Energy and Environment Laboratory employs the concepts of Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics, focusing on Free Convection and Multiphase Flows, to approach relevant issues related to energy conversion and heat transport. Applied and fundamental problems are studied using theoretical, numerical, and experimental methods in a complementary way. Among the specific subjects we treat in this axis are Free Convection in Cavities, Concentrated Solar Power Conversion Systems, and Multiphase Flows in microfluidics.

Solar PV e CSP

In the Smart Grid Laboratory, the technical, economical aspects and the impacts of the insertion of smart grid technologies in the electric network are analyzed. Therefore, a laboratory infrastructure and a pilot which provide the development of research and the dissemination of knowledge has been implemented, and consequently, the formation of manpower in the Brazilian Midwest region.

In this workspace, the parameters related to electric power quality, such as voltage unbalance, harmonics and interharmonics, voltage cuts and momentary voltage variations, with regard to their effects on equipments of the electric sector, measurement protocols, quality monitoring and other technical and economical aspects involving the mentioned phenomena are investigated.

Sistemas Térmicos

Energia da Biomassa

Experimental gasification and torrefaction biomass thermochemical conversion processes are studied in experimental benches and simulation models to identify optimal energy conversion conditions. R&D projects are developed in partnership with Brazilian energy companies (Eletrobras) and Brazilian and International biomass production research centers (Embrapa and Brazilian Forest Institute, and Cirad-France).

Ambiente

Ecologia Industrial

Industrial ecology research aims at identifying the main economic, environmental and social impacts of industrial activities. The studies encompass main economic sectors of Brazilian region, namely bio-based products, and construction and electronic sectors. The analysis makes use of internationally acknowledge diagnostic tools – Life Cycle Assessement, Material Flow Analysis and Input Output Table – to assess energy and mass flows throughout the whole life cycle of the supply chains, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal (landfill, recycle or reuse). R&D projects are developed in partnership with Brazilian companies (Energy – Petrobras; Buildings – Brazilian Chamber of Construction Industry; Brazilian Industry Confederation), Brazilian and International biomass production research centers (Bio-based products – Embrapa, Brazilian Forest Institute, and Cirad-France; Information Technology Research Center – Electronics), as well as Brazilian government agencies (Ministries of Science and Technology and Innovation, of Industrial Development and Trade, of Environment).

Energia e Sustentabilidade

This research axes of energy and sustainability considers a wider sense of energy and its use in our society. Apart from the technological dimension of energy, this axes also treats the economical, social and environmental dimensions of energy generation and use, with special focus on its sustainability.
Some of the research themes are: Sustainable use of energy, Supply and production chain of renewable energy, Public policies for energy and sustainable development, Rural electrification, Universalization of the access of modern energy services and products, Productive use of energy, Alternative energy for Isolated communities.

Camada Limite Atmosférica

This research axis meets this demand with the Field Laboratory deployment proposal, with measuring energy and mass flows and carbon stocks in adjacent fields of native Cerrado vegetation and eucalyptus plantations in the Fazenda Água Limpa (FAL), property the University of Brasilia. FAL presents itself as the ideal location for such a facility because the scientific vocation and research projects that are underway in its grounds. The Field Laboratory comprises flux towers (measuring turbulent fluxes by eddy covariance method), micro-meteorological variables, variables related to soil and vegetation inventories in both ecosystems. The premise is that being adjacent areas, weather and soil conditions are identical, thus isolating the effects of vegetation permitting the characterization of the effects of replacing cerrado by eucalyptus in biosphere- atmosphere interactions. The data collected will served not only the characterization of different flows and carbon stocks in natural Cerrado and eucalyptus plantations, but also for parameterization models of ecosystems to be used on economic feasibility analysis and environmental impact of eucalyptus plantation in savanna areas.