title: Supecapacitor-assisted Temperature Modification Apparatus (SCATMA) and Fast Supercapacitor Charger

authors: Gurusinghe, Nicoloy

subjects: SCATMA

abstract: This thesis presents the design and development of the supercapacitor-assisted "instant" water heating system as well as a new power converter topology to fast charge a supercapacitor bank. 
Delayed delivery of hot water in domestic water heating systems wastes over 15 million cubic metres of treated water per annum in New Zealand. The patent pending supercapacitor assisted temperature modication apparatus (SCATMA), solves this problem by using pre-stored supercapacitor energy. These supercapacitors deliver short-term high-power bursts into heater coils placed in the final half meter of pipe connecting the faucet. During a period of less than a minute, 100-200 Wh of energy is released to the heater coil at a rate between 10-20 kW. 
Based on the cost constraints of a commercial system and the regulatory authority requirements, a supercapacitor-only solution becomes prohibitively expensive. A review of current state-of-the-art energy storage systems show that no battery chemistry can withstand the associated charge-discharge cycles to reach the expected service life of 5-10 years. While developing the unique two-stage fast supercapacitor charger, a battery-supercapacitor hybrid system was developed for SCATMA as a commercially viable solution for rapid water heating.
Dividing a supercapacitor bank into three parts and circulating them through a `charge-idle-discharge' sequence was already investigated for the surge resistant uninterrupted power supply. The effectiveness of this technique mandates fast supercapacitor charging. The proposed new charger achieves fast charging by using a high voltage source to overcome the five time constant charging time and a series coupled inductor to charge the capacitor bank by dividing it into two parts. One part is charged using an overvoltaged dc source with capacitor bank terminal voltage monitoring and the other part is charged by the coupled-inductor using the energy stored in the inductor. 
This topology is specifically developed for applications with limited energy requirements. Design procedure and results for a 600 W, 2 Wh charger is presented to illustrate the fast charging ability, the inherent power factor correction capability and the scalability of the topology.

text: Supecapacitor-assisted Temperature Modification Apparatus (SCATMA) and Fast Supercapacitor Charger This thesis presents the design and development of the supercapacitor-assisted "instant" water heating system as well as a new power converter topology to fast charge a supercapacitor bank. 
Delayed delivery of hot water in domestic water heating systems wastes over 15 million cubic metres of treated water per annum in New Zealand. The patent pending supercapacitor assisted temperature modication apparatus (SCATMA), solves this problem by using pre-stored supercapacitor energy. These supercapacitors deliver short-term high-power bursts into heater coils placed in the final half meter of pipe connecting the faucet. During a period of less than a minute, 100-200 Wh of energy is released to the heater coil at a rate between 10-20 kW. 
Based on the cost constraints of a commercial system and the regulatory authority requirements, a supercapacitor-only solution becomes prohibitively expensive. A review of current state-of-the-art energy storage systems show that no battery chemistry can withstand the associated charge-discharge cycles to reach the expected service life of 5-10 years. While developing the unique two-stage fast supercapacitor charger, a battery-supercapacitor hybrid system was developed for SCATMA as a commercially viable solution for rapid water heating.
Dividing a supercapacitor bank into three parts and circulating them through a `charge-idle-discharge' sequence was already investigated for the surge resistant uninterrupted power supply. The effectiveness of this technique mandates fast supercapacitor charging. The proposed new charger achieves fast charging by using a high voltage source to overcome the five time constant charging time and a series coupled inductor to charge the capacitor bank by dividing it into two parts. One part is charged using an overvoltaged dc source with capacitor bank terminal voltage monitoring and the other part is charged by the coupled-inductor using the energy stored in the inductor. 
This topology is specifically developed for applications with limited energy requirements. Design procedure and results for a 600 W, 2 Wh charger is presented to illustrate the fast charging ability, the inherent power factor correction capability and the scalability of the topology.

year: 2016

title: Note on paramoudra-like carbonate concretions in the Urenui Formation, North Taranaki: possible plumbing system for a Late Miocene methane seep field

authors: Nelson, Campbell S.

subjects: Taranaki Basin

abstract: A reconnaissance study of calcitic and dolomitic tubular concretions in upper slope mudstone of the Late Miocene Urenui Formation exposed along the north Taranaki coastline indicates that they have a complex diagenetic history involving different phases of carbonate cementation and likely hydrofracturing associated with build up of fluid/gas pressures. The concretions resemble classical paramoudra in the European chalk, but are not siliceous and do not have a trace fossil origin. Stable oxygen and carbon isotope data suggest that the micritic carbonate cements in the Urenui paramoudra were probably sourced primarily from ascending methane fluid/gases, and that they precipitated entirely within the host mudstone below the seafloor. We suggest the paramoudra may mark the subsurface plumbing networks of a Late Miocene cold seep system, in which case they have relevance to the evolution and migration of hydrocarbons in Taranaki Basin, at this site perhaps focussed along the Taranaki Fault. The presence of dislodged and mass-emplaced paramoudra in the axial conglomerate of channels within the Urenui mudstone suggests there could be a connection between the loci of seep field development and slope failure and canyon cutting on the Late Miocene Taranaki margin.

text: Note on paramoudra-like carbonate concretions in the Urenui Formation, North Taranaki: possible plumbing system for a Late Miocene methane seep field A reconnaissance study of calcitic and dolomitic tubular concretions in upper slope mudstone of the Late Miocene Urenui Formation exposed along the north Taranaki coastline indicates that they have a complex diagenetic history involving different phases of carbonate cementation and likely hydrofracturing associated with build up of fluid/gas pressures. The concretions resemble classical paramoudra in the European chalk, but are not siliceous and do not have a trace fossil origin. Stable oxygen and carbon isotope data suggest that the micritic carbonate cements in the Urenui paramoudra were probably sourced primarily from ascending methane fluid/gases, and that they precipitated entirely within the host mudstone below the seafloor. We suggest the paramoudra may mark the subsurface plumbing networks of a Late Miocene cold seep system, in which case they have relevance to the evolution and migration of hydrocarbons in Taranaki Basin, at this site perhaps focussed along the Taranaki Fault. The presence of dislodged and mass-emplaced paramoudra in the axial conglomerate of channels within the Urenui mudstone suggests there could be a connection between the loci of seep field development and slope failure and canyon cutting on the Late Miocene Taranaki margin.

year: 2004

title: My tūpuna were houseless once too: Aspirations of ‘home’ for rangatahi Māori in transitional housing

authors: Manuirirangi, Kayla

abstract: This research explores the concept of ‘home' for rangatahi Māori experiencing housing insecurity and residing within a transitional housing service in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. Conducted in partnership with Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust (KFST), a kaupapa Māori community housing provider, this study aimed to identify rangatahi perceptions of ‘home’ and aspirations of 'home’ to contribute towards strategies for better housing supports and brighter rangatahi futures. A cohort of seven rangatahi Māori participants were involved in this study (all who identified as female; aged 15-19 years old). At the time of this study, rangatahi participants were residing in Kirikiriroa, experiencing housing insecurity and were living within a transitional house provided by KFST, either with whānau or independently. Guided by Kaupapa Māori methodology, there were a mixture of qualitative methods used to capture rangatahi voices, including Whakawhanaungatanga, Sticky Notes Brainstorms, Rangatahi Wānanga and Thematic Analysis. Through this data analysis process, a visual mind map was generated to draw out the key findings from the three main research areas: rangatahi aspirations for home; the current realities of home; and how to build a bridge to a better future. Key findings from this research conclude that: (1) Rangatahi need strength-based support; (2) Rangatahi need a permanent and stable place to call ‘home’; (3) Rangatahi need supportive adults in their life who they can trust; (4) Rangatahi need encouragement to realise their aspirations; (5) Rangatahi opinions matter; (6) Rangatahi experience contradictions; and, the need to (7) Prioritise intervention over punishment. For policy and decision-makers, these findings suggest that rangatahi Māori voices should be included in urban design process and that more Māori solutions should be utilised within this urban context. For researchers, the study highlights the importance of advancing Māori housing aspirations and deepening understandings of ‘home’ for rangatahi Māori living independent of their whānau.

text: My tūpuna were houseless once too: Aspirations of ‘home’ for rangatahi Māori in transitional housing This research explores the concept of ‘home' for rangatahi Māori experiencing housing insecurity and residing within a transitional housing service in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. Conducted in partnership with Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust (KFST), a kaupapa Māori community housing provider, this study aimed to identify rangatahi perceptions of ‘home’ and aspirations of 'home’ to contribute towards strategies for better housing supports and brighter rangatahi futures. A cohort of seven rangatahi Māori participants were involved in this study (all who identified as female; aged 15-19 years old). At the time of this study, rangatahi participants were residing in Kirikiriroa, experiencing housing insecurity and were living within a transitional house provided by KFST, either with whānau or independently. Guided by Kaupapa Māori methodology, there were a mixture of qualitative methods used to capture rangatahi voices, including Whakawhanaungatanga, Sticky Notes Brainstorms, Rangatahi Wānanga and Thematic Analysis. Through this data analysis process, a visual mind map was generated to draw out the key findings from the three main research areas: rangatahi aspirations for home; the current realities of home; and how to build a bridge to a better future. Key findings from this research conclude that: (1) Rangatahi need strength-based support; (2) Rangatahi need a permanent and stable place to call ‘home’; (3) Rangatahi need supportive adults in their life who they can trust; (4) Rangatahi need encouragement to realise their aspirations; (5) Rangatahi opinions matter; (6) Rangatahi experience contradictions; and, the need to (7) Prioritise intervention over punishment. For policy and decision-makers, these findings suggest that rangatahi Māori voices should be included in urban design process and that more Māori solutions should be utilised within this urban context. For researchers, the study highlights the importance of advancing Māori housing aspirations and deepening understandings of ‘home’ for rangatahi Māori living independent of their whānau.

year: 2025