Works presented

Summary
The aim of this Master's Thesis is to study, the optical characteristics of four dielectric guides prepared from a thin layer of photoresin deposited on sodalime glass slide plates. The refractive index of photoresin is higher than that of glass, so light guidance will be possible when the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle. The prism coupling method was used to excite the guiding modes of the guide. For this, two different procedures were carried out. Firstly, using a commercial instrument, the Metricón 2010, which allows us to measure the effective indices of the excitation modes, the refractive index and the thickness of the guides, with the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations, for the wavelengths of 632.8 and 787 nm. Next, an optical system has been assembled with which to perform the prism coupling of a beam of light from a polychromatic source to the optical guides. By using filters, the effective indices of the guiding modes can be measured for five different wavelengths. With them, the thickness of the guides and their refractive index can be calculated as a function of the wavelength, which allows studying the chromatic dispersion of the optical guides, with the representation of V-B dispersion diagrams.

Direction
DE LA FUENTE CARBALLO, RAUL (Tutorships)
MONTERO ORILLE, CARLOS (Co-tutorships)

Court
MOURIZ CEREIJO, MARIA DOLORES (Chairman)
AROSA LOBATO, YAGO (Secretary)
Gómez Varela, Ana Isabel (Member)

Summary
The scope of this work is to study the 3D reconstruction capability of events generated by neutrino interactions within the framework of the DUNE experiment, focusing on detectors based on liquid argon (LAr-TPC) and high-pressure gas with optical readout (HP GAr-TPC). As an example, we concentrate our study on the specific channel of lambda hyperon production and decay, which is of particular interest for understanding hadronic interactions at low energies. Following this goal, we develope a simulation and event visualization Framework that, combined with specific neutrino event interaction generators leads us to a realistic representation of both the event physics and detection-related effects. Using a parametric event reconstruction, obtained from the properties of individually reconstructed tracks, we can do an in-depth study of both media.

Direction
GONZALEZ DIAZ, DIEGO (Tutorships)
Amedo Martínez, Pablo (Co-tutorships)

Court
GOMEZ RODRIGUEZ, FAUSTINO (Chairman)
CALDERON BUSTILLO, JUAN (Secretary)
ADAM , CHRISTOPH (Member)

Summary
This Master's Thesis (TFM) presents the design and implementation of a shea butter processing center in Koumi, Burkina Faso. The project seeks to strengthen the economic autonomy of women producers through a sustainable production model, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Through a participatory approach, the main needs of the community have been identified, integrating technological solutions such as a photovoltaic system, a water well and a remediation lagoon to ensure energy efficiency and sustainability of the production process. In addition, training workshops have been designed to improve training and promote female empowerment. The expected results include increased production and marketing of shea butter, improved socioeconomic conditions of the community and reduced environmental impact through the use of renewable energy. The study highlights the importance of international cooperation models based on equity, local sovereignty and respect for sociocultural dynamics. Finally, the implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system, the establishment of strategic alliances and the promotion of fair trade networks are recommended to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.

Direction
LOPEZ AGUERA, Ma ANGELES (Tutorships)

Court
MIGUEZ MACHO, GONZALO (Chairman)
Rodríguez Figueiras, Óscar (Secretary)
REYES FERREIRA, OTILIA (Member)

Summary
Transition towards renewable energy sources is a global challenge driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. In Spain, the Estrategia de Transición Justa (ETJ) not only promotes the shift towards a more sustainable energy model but also fosters socioeconomic development in regions affected by the closure of polluting industries, ensuring that the process is fair and beneficial for local communities. This paper analyzes the capacity auctions in the Nudos de Transición Justa, a mechanism designed to allocate network access to renewable energy projects in these areas. The main objective is to provide recommendations for developers, aimed at maximizing the viability and competitiveness of their proposals in these auctions. To achieve this, an analysis of the calls published so far has been conducted, comparing the evaluation criteria and how their content and weighting have evolved across different editions. This analysis identifies the key factors that projects must consider to increase their chances of success, with a special focus on socioeconomic criteria, such as job creation, economic development, equity, and social inclusion, which carry the most weight in the evaluation, highlighting the alignment of these auctions with the ETJ.

Direction
RODRIGUEZ AÑON, JOSE ANTONIO (Tutorships)

Court
MIGUEZ MACHO, GONZALO (Chairman)
Rodríguez Figueiras, Óscar (Secretary)
REYES FERREIRA, OTILIA (Member)

Summary
As of 2023, primary energy demand remains largely dominated by fossil fuels, which account for 80 of the global energy mix. This energy model, combined with the continuous growth in demand, has led to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2, contributing to global warming. In response to this situation, the world's leading political and economic blocs have promoted policies to reduce emissions and accelerate the energy transition toward renewable sources. In this context, Spain has strongly committed to the development of photovoltaic solar energy. This study evaluates the feasibility of installing a photovoltaic solar power plant at the Instituto de Educación Secundaria y Bachillerato O Barral, located in the municipality of Ponteareas. The photovoltaic system will be installed on two rooftops of the building, one with an 8 degrees west 4 orientation and the other with an 82 degrees east orientation, with a total available surface area exceeding 550 m2. The project includes the installation of 96 photovoltaic modules of 600 Wp each and an inverter with a nominal power of 50 kW. Considering the electrical characteristics of the system and the climatic conditions of the location, the installation is expected to generate 74.43 MWh/year, with a specific production of 1,292 kWh/kWp year. Over its lifetime, the project will prevent approximately 455.4 tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Additionally, this installation is proposed to be complemented by a comprehensive educational plan aimed at the school community, addressing topics such as climate change, energy transition, photovoltaic solar energy, and its application in Galicia.

Direction
GARCIA LOUREIRO, ANTONIO JESUS (Tutorships)
Losada Pérez, Andrés (Co-tutorships)

Court
RODRÍGUEZ SOALLEIRO, ROQUE (Chairman)
GARCIA GUIMAREY, MARIA JESUS (Secretary)
SEOANE IGLESIAS, NATALIA (Member)

Summary
This work focuses on the design and analysis of a hybrid energy generation system, which combines wind and photovoltaic technology, and will be located in the province of Zamora, in Castilla y León. An in-depth study and evaluation of the mentioned area is carried out, analysing factors such as climatic conditions, expected production, access to electrical infrastructure or topography, among others, in order to select the ideal location for the installation of the park. Additionally, a series of criteria are also established for selecting the most suitable infrastructure and machinery. On the other hand, any type of impact, both environmental and social, or technical, will have to be considered, which may affect the subsequent lifting of the park, as well as its launch, having to carefully analyse the regulations corresponding. Furthermore, a hybridization study in conducted, which allows us to determine whether it is viable to hybridize several renewable energy sources for the selected location, thus evaluating efficiency and energy production throughout the year, and obtaining the best possible outcome. Finally, through an economic feasibility study, the total costs of the project are analysed, while also evaluating the economic return that the construction of this project will provide.

Direction
GARCIA LOUREIRO, ANTONIO JESUS (Tutorships)
Núñez Rodríguez, Alejandra (Co-tutorships)

Court
MIGUEZ MACHO, GONZALO (Chairman)
Rodríguez Figueiras, Óscar (Secretary)
REYES FERREIRA, OTILIA (Member)

Summary
To achieve an energy transition that can address the climate crisis, energy storage devices play a fundamental role. These include lithium-ion batteries, which offer high energy density, but present problems in terms of safety and operating temperature range, mainly due to the electrolytes they use. Therefore, in this TFM possible alternative electrolytes based on ionic liquids were characterized. Specifically, the lithium transfer capability, electrochemical stability and performance in charge and discharge cycles of the BMPyrrTFSI with LiTFSI were studied. At the same time, ionogels were developed and characterized by measurements of conductivity, electrochemical stability and calorimetry.

Direction
SALGADO CARBALLO, JOSEFA (Tutorships)
HERREROS LUCAS, CARLOS (Co-tutorships)

Court
RODRÍGUEZ SOALLEIRO, ROQUE (Chairman)
GARCIA GUIMAREY, MARIA JESUS (Secretary)
SEOANE IGLESIAS, NATALIA (Member)

Summary
The aim of this project is the design and sizing of a photovoltaic carport for charging electric vehicles in a parking lot at the University of Santiago de Compostela. This proposal provides an efficient and sustainable solution by taking advantage of underused spaces, such as parking lots, and transforming them into renewable energy generation points. Moreover, it seeks to foster sustainable mobility on campus by encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles through the expansion of charging infrastructure, addressing one of the main barriers to their implementation.

Direction
GARCIA LOUREIRO, ANTONIO JESUS (Tutorships)

Court
RODRÍGUEZ SOALLEIRO, ROQUE (Chairman)
GARCIA GUIMAREY, MARIA JESUS (Secretary)
SEOANE IGLESIAS, NATALIA (Member)

Summary
This Master's Thesis aims to develop a detailed manual for implementing a sustainability system in a biogas plant, based on the criteria of the international ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) and in compliance with the current European Union regulations, specifically Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and the Council, also known as RED II [1], recognizing the future entry into force of Directive (EU) 2023/2413 or RED III [3], approved in October 2023. Throughout the study, the applicable sustainability requirements are identified and analyzed, considering the necessary procedures to meet ISCC certification requirements within the European context. The methodology employed is based on a review of the sustainability criteria defined by European regulations and their implementation in biogas plants. The thesis develops a detailed manual serving as a guide to implementing a sustainability system, specifying the required documentation and records, as well as analyzing internal audit and certification processes. Additionally, the procedure for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is examined, aligned with European regulations, and applied to a biogas plant model, providing a practical example. The conclusions highlight the benefits of implementing a robust sustainability system in biogas plants and its positive impact on meeting the European Union's climate and energy objectives.

Direction
PROUPIN CASTIÑEIRAS, JORGE (Tutorships)

Court
RODRÍGUEZ SOALLEIRO, ROQUE (Chairman)
GARCIA GUIMAREY, MARIA JESUS (Secretary)
SEOANE IGLESIAS, NATALIA (Member)

Summary
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, driving industries to adopt more sustainable solutions that reduce their environmental impact. In this context, this study is based on the need to decarbonize the thermal processes of the Aludec Galvanic 2 plant, located in Pontevedra, where heat is an essential resource for chrome plating parts. The plant currently uses a gas boiler with an annual consumption of more than 2,500 MWh, generating approximately 545 tons of CO2 annually. The main objective of this project is to assess the technical and economic feasibility of replacing this boiler with a high-efficiency heat pump, analysing how this solution can significantly reduce carbon emissions, optimize operating costs and contribute to global decarbonization objectives. Through a technical-economic analysis, it seeks not only to quantify the energy and economic savings but also to demonstrate how this transition can be suitable in other industries with similar thermal demands. Ultimately, this project aims to demonstrate that electrifying thermal processes is not only a technically and economically viable solution but also a key strategy for reducing the carbon footprint and moving towards more sustainable production models.

Direction
SALGADO CARBALLO, JOSEFA (Tutorships)
Casas Lopez, María Trinidad (Co-tutorships)

Court
RODRÍGUEZ SOALLEIRO, ROQUE (Chairman)
GARCIA GUIMAREY, MARIA JESUS (Secretary)
SEOANE IGLESIAS, NATALIA (Member)

Summary
This work focuses on evaluaRng the environmental dimension of four wind farms located in the province of Zamora. For this purpose, a comprehensive analysis based on several methodologies has been carried out. First, the Environmental Impact Statements of nearby projects have been examined in order to identify background and possible environmental constraints. Subsequently, an analysis of the specific environmental constraints of the parks under study has been carried out, taking into account regulatory and ecological factors. In addition, Initial Environmental Documents have been elaborated to identify potential environmental impacts associated with each project. As a part of the process, pre-operational surveys have also been carried out to evaluate the environmental viability of the parks in future stages. The results obtained indicate that the four projects can continue without significant modificaRons in the current phase, ensuring at all times the respect and protection of the natural and cultural environment.

Direction
GOMEZ DIAZ, DIEGO (Tutorships)
Ureña Pérez, Marta (Co-tutorships)

Court
MIGUEZ MACHO, GONZALO (Chairman)
Rodríguez Figueiras, Óscar (Secretary)
REYES FERREIRA, OTILIA (Member)

Summary
This work addresses the importance of battery storage systems in integrating renewable energy sources during the transition toward a sustainable energy model and future. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, their intermittent nature limits their effectiveness without efficient storage technologies that enable surplus energy management and stabilize power grids. This study examines various battery technologies, including lithium-ion, sodium-sulfur, flow, and metal-air batteries, highlighting recent advancements in capacity, efficiency, and sustainability. It also discusses the technical, economic, and environmental challenges, such as reliance on critical raw materials, production costs, and recycling limitations, emphasizing the need for sustainable policies. Finally, the study concludes that battery storage systems are essential for a successful energy transition that ensures a clean and sustainable future, offering significant benefits for environmental sustainability, energy security, and economic development. However, to maximize their potential, it is necessary to foster technological innovation, improve regulatory frameworks, and ensure the responsible management of resources.

Direction
BELLO BUGALLO, PASTORA MARIA (Tutorships)

Court
RODRÍGUEZ SOALLEIRO, ROQUE (Chairman)
GARCIA GUIMAREY, MARIA JESUS (Secretary)
SEOANE IGLESIAS, NATALIA (Member)

Summary
In order to analyze heat recovery from the treatment of volatile organic compounds in an oven of an automotive paint shop, a system was modelled consisting of a recuperative thermal oxidizer with a secondary heat exchanger using the TESPy library in Python. The motivation for this simulation was presented through a literature review focused on energy consumption and emissions in the vehicle assembly process, with an emphasis on paint shops. The simulation results, within certain limitations, were as expected, serving as a preliminary test of the feasibility of implementing a system like the one studied in real-life applications.

Direction
BELLO BUGALLO, PASTORA MARIA (Tutorships)
Rodríguez Fernández-Arroyo, Eduardo (Co-tutorships)

Court
RODRÍGUEZ SOALLEIRO, ROQUE (Chairman)
GARCIA GUIMAREY, MARIA JESUS (Secretary)
SEOANE IGLESIAS, NATALIA (Member)

Summary
The boom in electric vehicles is associated with a boost in research and demand for new specific lubricants in order to improve its efficiency and extend its service life. Improving the properties of base lubricants by adding additives is a common practice, and nanoparticles are being touted as a promising option for this purpose due to their unique tribological qualities. The focus of this work is on formulating, characterization, and studying the tribological performance of nanolubricants based on two synthetic esters, applying nanoadditives of molybdenum trioxide (MoO_3) in different concentrations. Tribological tests were performed with two types of configurations and boundary conditions: ball on disk at ambient temperature and with a load of 20 N; and ball on three pins at 120 C and load 9.43 N per pin. Compared to base esters, there is a significant reduction in friction and wear, with a maximum decrease in friction coefficient of 21% in the nanodispersion based on Priolube 1976 ester with 0.05 wt% of MoO_3. at room temperature, the wear reduction is the highest, of 45%,for nanolubricant based on Priolube 1973 ester with 0.1 wt% of MoO_3 at 120 C. In addition, Raman mapping and roughness assessment suggest possible tribofilm formation and polishing effect as lubrication mechanisms.

Direction
GARCIA GUIMAREY, MARIA JESUS (Tutorships)
Liñeira del Río, José Manuel (Co-tutorships)

Court
MIGUEZ MACHO, GONZALO (Chairman)
Rodríguez Figueiras, Óscar (Secretary)
REYES FERREIRA, OTILIA (Member)

Summary
This Master's Thesis (TFM) deals with the development of a hybrid cooling system for wind turbines that operate in extreme climates, where very low and high temperatures occur. The research addresses the challenges posed by these conditions, such as thermal fluctuations that affect critical components, including generators and electronic systems, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. This TFM focuses on creating a sustained and effective system that integrates active and passive cooling technologies to improve heat transfer and save essential components. The work offers a detailed analysis of the state of the art, examining current solutions and their restrictions in situations of extreme cold and heat. Likewise, the theoretical foundations that support the design are explained, covering heat transfer principles, innovative materials and cooling fluids. Through an organized methodology, a conceptual design is suggested for a hybrid system that uses heat sinks, high-tech coatings and cooling circuits managed by smart sensors. Theoretical findings indicate a notable advance in thermal efficiency, reducing dangers such as ice creation in cold climates and overheating in hot climates. This system constitutes a promising alternative to improve the longevity and performance of wind turbines in adverse conditions, establishing the bases for future research and experimental tests that confirm its effectiveness in real situations.

Direction
FERNANDEZ PEREZ, JOSEFA (Tutorships)
García López, Francisco (Co-tutorships)

Court
MIGUEZ MACHO, GONZALO (Chairman)
Rodríguez Figueiras, Óscar (Secretary)
REYES FERREIRA, OTILIA (Member)