Sorin-Gabriel Vernica

Dr. Sorin-Gabriel Vernica

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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29 August 2024 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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PLPetru Livinti
Petru Livinti
CGCulea George
Culea George
Ioan Viorel BanuIoan Viorel Banu
Ioan Viorel Banu
Sorin-Gabriel VernicaSorin-Gabriel Vernica
Sorin-Gabriel Vernica
This work presents a comparative study of a step-down converter controlled through the algorithm MPPT Perturb and Observe (P&O) with or without a fuzzy logic controller supplied by a photovoltaic system. This study aimed at increasing the quantity of electric energy taken over from the photovoltaic systems by the load through the DC-DC convertor. To follow up the maximum power point where the transfer is performed from the photovoltaic system to the load at maximum power, the Perturb and Observe (P&O) method was used. Two programs were elaborated in MATLAB-Simulink R2018a to control the buck convertor commanded through the P&O algorithm with or without a fuzzy logic controller. The analysis of the results showed that a higher quantity of energy is transferred from the source to the receptor circuit in the case of the buck convertor controlled through the P&O algorithm with a fuzzy logic controller. The P&O algorithm was implemented on an experimental stand at the Laboratory of Electrical Machinery and Drives of the Engineering Faculty in Bacau, with the help of a program issued in the Arduino IDE programming environment. The analysis of the results showed that for an increase in the power conveyed to the receptor circuit, there will also be an increase in the filling factor of the PWM signal that controls the power transistor in the structure of the DC-DC convertor. The P&O algorithm with a fuzzy logic controller may also be implemented in the DC-DC converters in the structure of the driving systems of electric vehicles.

15 March 2024 in Energies
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Roxana GrigoreRoxana Grigore
Roxana Grigore
Sorin-Gabriel VernicaSorin-Gabriel Vernica
Sorin-Gabriel Vernica
SPSorin Eugen Popa
Sorin Eugen Popa
Ioan Viorel BanuIoan Viorel Banu
Ioan Viorel Banu
This paper offers a theoretical and experimental examination of the concurrent production of electricity and heat using photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) technology. The efficiency performance of the PV/T system is meticulously analyzed using MATLAB/Simulink software environments. Notably, the proposed PV/T system shows reliable performance, and its validity is confirmed through experimental validation on a test stand with a single PV/T panel positioned at a 45-degree angle to the horizontal and a 0-degree azimuth angle. The measurements were conducted during the summer season, and two models were suggested to calculate the overall efficiency of the PV/T system. The variance between the results obtained from the two models was minimal, below 5%. For the examined panel type, the following average values were derived: electrical efficiency = 12.01%, thermal efficiency = 47.21%, and overall efficiency = 59.23%.

27 September 2024 in Energies
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Roxana GrigoreRoxana Grigore
Roxana Grigore
AHAneta Hazi
Aneta Hazi
Ioan Viorel BanuIoan Viorel Banu
Ioan Viorel Banu
SPSorin Eugen Popa
Sorin Eugen Popa
Sorin-Gabriel VernicaSorin-Gabriel Vernica
Sorin-Gabriel Vernica
Cogeneration is widely recognized as one of the most efficient methods of electricity generation, with gas turbine-based systems playing a critical role in ensuring reliability, sustainability, and consistent power output. This paper presents an energy efficiency analysis of a 14 MW high-efficiency cogeneration unit, featuring a modernized gas turbine as its core component. Since gas turbines often operate under varying loads due to fluctuating demand, this study examines their performance at 100%, 75%, and 50% load levels. It is observed that the efficiency of the gas turbine declines as the load decreases, primarily due to losses resulting from deviations from the design flow conditions. A detailed energy balance, Sankey diagram, and a comparative analysis of performance metrics against the manufacturer’s guarantees are provided for each load scenario. The results indicate that net thermal efficiency decreases by 10.7% at 75% load and by 30.6% at 50% load compared to nominal performance at full load. The performance at full load closely aligns with the values guaranteed by the gas turbine supplier. The gross electrical power output is 1.33% higher than the guaranteed value, and the thermodynamic circuit’s efficiency is 0.49% higher under real conditions. This study represents the initial phase of transitioning the turbine to operate on a fuel blend of natural gas and up to 20% hydrogen, with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions. As a novel contribution, this paper provides a systematized method for calculating and monitoring the in-service performance of gas turbines. The mathematical model is implemented using the Mathcad Prime 8.0 software, which proves to be beneficial for both operators and researchers.

18 February 2024 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
Roxana GrigoreRoxana Grigore
Roxana Grigore
Sorin-Gabriel VernicaSorin-Gabriel Vernica
Sorin-Gabriel Vernica
SPSorin Eugen Popa
Sorin Eugen Popa
Ioan Viorel BanuIoan Viorel Banu
Ioan Viorel Banu
This paper offers a theoretical and experimental examination of the concurrent production of electricity and heat using photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) technology. The efficiency performance of the PV/T system is meticulously analyzed using MATLAB/Simulink software environments. Notably, the proposed PV/T system shows reliable performance, and its validity is confirmed through experimental validation on a test stand with a single PV/T panel positioned at a 45-degree angle to the horizontal and a 0-degree azimuth angle.

5 November 2025
Verified
Conference Paper
Closed access
Roxana GrigoreRoxana Grigore
Roxana Grigore
Sorin-Gabriel VernicaSorin-Gabriel Vernica
Sorin-Gabriel Vernica
CPCatalin Ionel Paladie
Catalin Ionel Paladie
Ioan Viorel BanuIoan Viorel Banu
Ioan Viorel Banu
SPSorin Eugen Popa
Sorin Eugen Popa
This paper presents a comprehensive comparative study between conventional and condensing wallmounted boilers, focusing on energy efficiency, environmental impact, and practical installation outcomes. Experimental data was collected at the Thermoenergetics Laboratory of the Faculty of Engineering at 'Vasile Alecsandri' University of Bacau. Measurements include energy balance parameters, gas analysis, and heat exchange performance under standardized conditions. Based on the conducted energy balances, it was found that the efficiency of the condensing boiler is 8.1 % higher than that of the conventional boiler. This increase is primarily attributed to the recovery of latent heat from the flue gases through the condensation of water vapors.

11 March 2026 in Energies
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Roxana GrigoreRoxana Grigore
Roxana Grigore
CCCornelia Capat
Cornelia Capat
Ioan Viorel BanuIoan Viorel Banu
Ioan Viorel Banu
Sorin-Gabriel VernicaSorin-Gabriel Vernica
Sorin-Gabriel Vernica
The integration of hydrogen into natural-gas-fired gas turbines represents a promising transitional pathway for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in industrial power generation. This study presents a comparative thermodynamic and environmental assessment of a Solar Titan 130 gas turbine operating in combined heat and power (CHP) mode under two fueling conditions: conventional natural gas and a hydrogen-enriched CH4/H2 (80/20 vol.%) blend. The analysis combines validated operational data for natural gas with analytical thermodynamic modeling for the blended-fuel scenario to evaluate key performance indicators, including thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumption, power output, and carbon dioxide emissions. The results indicate that hydrogen enrichment leads to an increase in thermal efficiency from 34.1% to 36.6% and a reduction in specific CO2 emissions by approximately 13.7%, while maintaining similar thermal input within the adopted steady-state modeling framework. Compressor power consumption decreases, and net electrical output increases slightly under hydrogen-enriched operation, contributing to improved overall energy performance. Although the hydrogen-blended regime is assessed through modeling, the findings suggest that moderate hydrogen addition can enhance efficiency and environmental performance in industrial gas turbines without fundamental structural redesign of the turbine core, assuming appropriate fuel supply and control system adaptation. The study provides practical insights into the feasibility of hydrogen-assisted operation in existing CHP installations and supports its role in near-term decarbonization strategies.