Elisabeta Spunei

Dr. Elisabeta Spunei

Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

15Years (2012-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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12 October 2024 in Energies
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Journal Article
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Cristian Paul ChioncelCristian Paul Chioncel
Cristian Paul Chioncel
Elisabeta SpuneiElisabeta Spunei
Elisabeta Spunei
GELU OVIDIU TIRIANGELU OVIDIU TIRIAN
GELU OVIDIU TIRIAN
One of the most important and efficient sources of green electricity is catching air currents through wind turbine technology. Wind power plants are located in areas where the energy potential of the wind is high but it varies. The time variation of the wind generates fluctuations in the power produced by the wind farms that is injected into the grid. This elevates, depending on the intensity, problems of network stability and the need for balancing energy, thus raising both technical and cost issues. The present paper analyzes the behavior of a wind turbine (WT) over time in varying wind speed conditions, highlighting that without automation algorithms, a WT is far from the operation at the maximum power point (MPP). However, even when it is brought to operate at MPP, there are still significant variations in the power injected into the network. These power variations can be compensated if the wind system has energy storage facilities for the captured wind. All of these assumptions are analyzed using improved mathematical models and processed in simulations, with experimental data used as input from a wind turbine with an installed power of 2.5 [MW] in operation on the Romanian Black Sea coastal area. Consequently, the paper demonstrates that during an operation in the optimal area, from an energy perspective, the wind turbine’s maximum power point requires a storage system for the captured wind energy.

11 March 2025 in Applied Sciences
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Cristian Paul ChioncelCristian Paul Chioncel
Cristian Paul Chioncel
Elisabeta SpuneiElisabeta Spunei
Elisabeta Spunei
GELU OVIDIU TIRIANGELU OVIDIU TIRIAN
GELU OVIDIU TIRIAN
The conversion of air currents through wind turbine technology stands as one of the most significant and effective means of generating green electricity. Wind turbines featuring a horizontal axis exhibit the greatest installed capacity. The study establishes a mathematical model for large wind turbines, categorized by megawatt output, utilizing measured data for key parameters, including wind speed, power output from the generator, and rotational speed. The analysis of the system’s behavior on startup—the cut-in wind speed, is conducted by transitioning the electric generator into motor mode. A mathematical model has been established for the dual-powered motor configuration, wherein both the stator and rotor are connected to a common frequency network, facilitating a shift to synchronous motor functionality. The equation that describes the kinetic moment highlights the importance of attaining optimal velocity, while simultaneously accounting for variations in the load angle. These fluctuations are observable in both the power output and the electrical currents. The simulations that have been processed are derived from experimental data, specifically inputs obtained from a 1.5 MW wind turbine located in the Oravita region of southwestern Romania. The paper thus outlines essential elements concerning the functionality of high-power wind turbines that utilize wound rotor induction generators, aiming to guarantee optimal performance from the moment the wind speed reaches the cut-in threshold.

13 July 2022 in Sustainability
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Elisabeta SpuneiElisabeta Spunei
Elisabeta Spunei
Natalita-Mihaela FrumusanuNatalita-Mihaela Frumusanu
Natalita-Mihaela Frumusanu
Roxana MunteanRoxana Muntean
Roxana Muntean
Gabriela MǎrgineanGabriela Mǎrginean
Gabriela Mǎrginean
Even though we live in a period when the word digitization is prevalent in many social areas, the COVID-19 pandemic has divided mankind into two main categories: some people have seen this crisis as an opportunity to move the activities online and, furthermore, to accelerate digitization in as many areas as possible, while others have been reluctant, keeping their preferences for face-to-face activities. The current work presents the results of an analysis on 249 students from 11 engineering faculties. The study aims to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ educational experiences when switching from face-to-face to online education during a public health emergency or COVID-19-related state of alert. The overall conclusion was that, although the pandemic has brought adverse consequences on the health and life quality of many people, the challenges that humankind has been subjected to have led to personal and professional development and have opened up new perspectives for carrying out the everyday activities.

24 March 2024 in Sustainability
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Cristian Paul ChioncelCristian Paul Chioncel
Cristian Paul Chioncel
Elisabeta SpuneiElisabeta Spunei
Elisabeta Spunei
GELU OVIDIU TIRIANGELU OVIDIU TIRIAN
GELU OVIDIU TIRIAN
Wind turbines are one of the leading renewable sources of electricity. They are located in areas where the energy potential of the wind is high and more or less permanent. Their efficient operation depends on certain technical characteristics of the entire wind system (wind turbines, generator, automation system, regulation, and control). This paper analyses experimental data from wind turbines, WT, in the Dobrogea area: wind speed, v, velocity, n, and power, PEG, at the electric generator, EG. These are used to identify the local maxima of wind turbine power at different wind speeds. Based on this, a mathematical model for wind turbines and the power losses caused by inefficient control are determined. The mathematical model is used to visualize the maximum energy zones. At the end of this study, an algorithm is given that allows for the visualization of the optimal energy zone. The algorithm resulting from the analyzed case studies can be implemented by the control system in order to maximize the produced electricity with any variation in wind speed.
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23 November 2020 in Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Engineering
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Elisabeta SpuneiElisabeta Spunei
Elisabeta Spunei
IPIon Piroi
Ion Piroi
FPFlorina Piroi
Florina Piroi
To reduce the consumption of classically produced electric energy, which is an important green gas pollution factor, various renewable energy sources are now implemented on larger and larger scale. Both industrial and household consumers make use of such renewable energy sources. This work presents the characteristics and performance of a 40 kW photovoltaic installation mounted on the roof of an industrial production hall. The design and the implementation of the photovoltaic installation allows it to function while connected to the local power grid. On-site measurements have shown that the installation ensures symmetric voltages and currents, functioning at the planned parameters.

15 May 2025 in Energies
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Cristian Paul ChioncelCristian Paul Chioncel
Cristian Paul Chioncel
SCSamuel Ciucurita
Samuel Ciucurita
Elisabeta SpuneiElisabeta Spunei
Elisabeta Spunei
This paper examines two contradictory aspects of wind turbine operation: the positive aspect of functioning at the maximum power point (MPP) and the negative aspect of power gaps that occur during significant fluctuations in wind speed. The analysis utilizes experimental data from a 2.5 MW wind turbine operating in the Dobrogea region, focusing on identifying the optimal energy zone. To maintain operation within this optimal zone, a control algorithm based on kinetic energies is developed. The control aims to adjust the load on the electric generator in relation to the wind speed value. The proposed approach ensures operation within the MPP through a control algorithm based on kinetic energies, which adjusts the load on the generator according to the wind speed values.