Research Areas

Solar Energy

  • Toward global rooftop PV detection with Deep Active Learning
    Matthias Zech, Hendrik-Pieter Tetens and Joseph Ranalli
    Advances in Applied Energy, vol. 16, pp. 100191, 2024
    [PDF - Forthcoming] [DOI]
  • Diversifying Training Data Does Not Improve Generalizability of Neural Network Models for PV Identification
    Joseph Ranalli, Matthias Zech and Hendrik-Pieter Tetens
    Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, in press, 2024
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Automating Methods for Validating PV Plant Equipment Labels
    Joseph Ranalli and William B. Hobbs
    presented at the 52nd IEEE PV Specialists Conference, Seattle, Washington, June, 2024.
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • PV Plant Equipment Labels and Layouts can be Validated by Analyzing Cloud Motion in Existing Plant Measurements
    Joseph Ranalli and William B. Hobbs
    IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 538-548, 2024
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Generalizability of Neural Network-based Identification of PV in Aerial Images
    Joseph Ranalli and Matthias Zech
    presented at the 50th IEEE PV Specialists Conference, San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 12-16, 2023.
    [PDF] [Poster] [DOI]
  • Validation of Inverter Labeling with Plant Transfer Functions
    Joseph Ranalli
    presented at the 50th IEEE PV Specialists Conference, San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 12-16, 2023.
    [PDF] [Poster] [DOI]
  • Analyzing Effects of Solar Variability and System Location on LMP Prices
    Mesude Bayrakci-Boz and Joseph Ranalli
    presented at the 49th IEEE PV Specialists Conference, Philadelphia, PA, June 6-10, 2022.
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Correlations In Spatial Variability When Accounting For Cloud Advection
    Joseph Ranalli
    presented at the 49th IEEE PV Specialists Conference, Philadelphia, PA, June 6-10, 2022.
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Downscaling of Spatial Irradiance Based on Cloud Advection using Transfer Functions
    Joseph Ranalli and Esther E.M. Peerlings
    presented at the 48th IEEE PV Specialists Conference, 2021
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Cloud Advection Model of Solar Irradiance Smoothing by Spatial Aggregation
    Joseph Ranalli and Esther Peerlings
    Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, vol. 13, no. 3, p. 033704, 2021
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Cloud Advection and Spatial Variability of Solar Irradiance
    Joseph Ranalli, Esther Peerlings and Thomas Schmidt
    presented at the 47th IEEE PV Specialists Conference, 2020
    [PDF] [Poster] [DOI]
  • Predicting PV Areas in Aerial Images with Deep Learning
    Matthias Zech and Joseph Ranalli
    presented at the 47th IEEE PV Specialists Conference, 2020
    [PDF] [Poster] [DOI]
  • Configurations of renewable power generation in cities using open source approaches: with Philadelphia case study
    Joseph Ranalli and Alaa Alhamwi
    Applied Energy, vol. 269, Jul. 2020
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Effect of a part-hour shading methodology on the sensitivity of shading calculations to horizon uncertainty
    Joseph Ranalli and David J. Starling
    Solar Energy, vol. 170, pp. 217-220, Aug. 2018
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Toward comprehensive solar energy mapping systems for urban electricity system planning and development
    Joseph Ranalli, Kirby Calvert, Mesude Bayrakci Boz, and Jeffrey R.S. Brownson
    The Electricity Journal, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 8-15, Jan. 2018
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Comparison of Accuracy in Several Site Survey Methods
    Joseph Ranalli and Robert Vitagliano
    presented at the ASES National Solar Conference, 2017
  • Sensitivity of shading calculations to horizon uncertainty
    Joseph Ranalli, Robert Vitagliano, Mauro Notaro, and David J. Starling
    Solar Energy, vol. 144, pp. 399-410, Mar. 2017
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Assessing demand impact of solar capacity growth in Philadelphia
    Joseph Ranalli, Mesude Bayrakci Boz, Kirby Calvert, and Jeffrey R.S. Brownson
    presented at the ASES National Solar Conference, San Francisco, CA, p. 7, 2016
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Trends in urban solar energy mapping and geospatial analysis: a state-of-art case study in Philadelphia, PA
    Kirby Calvert, Joseph Ranalli, Franklin Hardisty, Mesude Bayrakci Boz, Carolyn Fish, Yale Williams, Michelle Matheson, and Jeffrey Brownson
    presented at the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association "GIS-Pro 2015," Spokane, WA, 2015
  • Solar Survey: Development and validation of a smartphone-based solar site assessment tool
    Joseph A. Ranalli
    Solar Energy, vol. 122, no. 12, pp. 1199-1213, 2015
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Solar Charging Station for Electric Vehicles
    Angelo DeLuca, Joseph Ranalli, and David Starling
    presented at the ASES National Solar Conference, State College, PA, 2015
  • Application Development Using the SAM Simulation Core
    Joseph Ranalli, Franklin Hardisty, Kirby Calvert, and Jeffrey Brownson
    presented at the ASES National Solar Conference, State College, PA, 2015
  • Panel - Mapping solar energy futures: Emerging trends in geospatial decision-support for stakeholders
    Kirby Calvert, David Renne, Joseph Ranalli, David Lingfors, Carolyn Fish, and Jeffrey Brownson
    presented at the ASES National Solar Conference, State College, PA, 2015
  • Lessons Learned from SAM Simulation Core Application Development
    Joseph Ranalli
    presented at the System Advisor Model Virtual Conference, 2015
  • Bringing solar site analysis to smartphones
    Joseph Ranalli, Matthew Caccese, and Jesse Fox
    in 43rd ASES National Solar Conference, San Francisco, CA, pp. 138-144, 2014
    [PDF]
  • Sensitivity of Shading Calculations to Horizon Measurement Accuracy
    Joseph Ranalli and Jeffrey R.S. Brownson
    in 43rd ASES National Solar Conference, San Francisco, CA, pp. 444-448, 2014
    [PDF]
  • Testing a method for de-energizing solar panels for firefighting
    David Starling, Joseph Ranalli, Kenneth Dudeck, and Ron Steber
    in 43rd ASES National Solar Conference, San Francisco, CA, pp. 278-282, 2014
    [PDF]
Engineering students install a solar panel.

Engineering Pedagogy

  • Work in Progress: New Faculty Experiences in Integrating Retention Support Programming into Teaching
    Mesude Bayrakci-Boz, Joseph Ranalli and Katina Moten
    presented at the 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore, Maryland, 2023
    [PDF] [DOI-In Press]
  • What makes a solar engineer?
    Joseph Ranalli and Mesude Bayrakci-Boz
    presented at the 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore, Maryland, 2023
    [PDF] [DOI-In Press]
  • Adapting Capstone Design for the Solar District Cup Competition
    Joseph Ranalli
    presented at the 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore, Maryland, 2023
    [PDF] [DOI-In Press]
  • An Online Tool for Facilitating Thermodynamic Property Lookups
    Joseph Ranalli, Christopher Reed Martin and Jacob Preston Moore
    presented at the 2019 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Tampa, Florida, 2019
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • A Model for Development of Employer Engagement at a Small Campus
    Joseph Ranalli and Susan Chappell
    presented at the 2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Columbus, OH, p. 11, 2017
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Problem-based Learning Module for Teaching Thermodynamic Cycle Analysis using PYroMat
    Christopher Reed Martin, Joseph Ranalli, and Jacob Preston Moore
    presented at the 2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Columbus, OH, p. 13, 2017
    [DOI]
  • Targeted flipped classroom technique applied to a challenging topic
    J. Ranalli and J. Moore
    in 2016 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), Erie, PA, p. 4, 2016
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Teaching the foundations of thermodynamics with PYro
    C. R. Martin, J. P. Moore, and J. A. Ranalli
    in 2016 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), pp. 1-6, 2016
    [DOI]
  • 3D Printing Opto-Mechanics
    David Starling, Mari Magabo, Joseph Ranalli, and Kenneth Dudeck
    presented at the AAPT 2016 Winter Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 2016
  • An Actively Quenched Single Photon Detector with a Light Emitting Diode
    David J. Starling, Blake Burger, Edward Miller, Joseph Zolnowski, and Joseph Ranalli
    Modern Applied Science, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 114-120, Dec. 2015
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • A Mastery Learning Approach to Engineering Homework Assignments
    Jacob Moore and Joseph Ranalli
    presented at the 122nd ASEE Annual Conference, Seattle, WA, 2015
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • New Faculty Experiences with Mastery Grading
    Joseph Ranalli and Jacob Preston Moore
    presented at the 122nd ASEE Annual Conference, Seattle, WA, pp. 26.1187.1-26.1187.11, 2015
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • ABET Accreditation Model for a Multi-Option General Engineering Program at Multiple Locations
    Kenneth Dudeck and Joseph Ranalli
    presented at the Mid-Atlantic ASEE Conference, Philadelphia, PA, 2015
  • Sage-ly solar: Online math tools to teach solar energy
    Joseph Ranalli and Jeffrey R. S. Brownson
    in 42nd ASES National Solar Conference, Baltimore, MD, pp. 529-533, 2013
    [PDF]
  • Assessing the impact of video game based design projects in a first year engineering design course
    J. Ranalli and J. Ritzko
    in 2013 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), Oklahoma City, OK, pp. 530-534, 2013
    [PDF] [DOI]
Students test rocket designs in Kerbal Space Program.

Combustion

  • Spatially Resolved Raman Spectra of Diffusion Flame via Compressive Sensing
    David J. Starling and Joseph Ranalli
    in Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics, p. ATu4I.3, 2018
    [DOI]
  • Compressive sensing for spatial and spectral flame diagnostics
    David J. Starling and Joseph Ranalli
    Scientific Reports, vol. 8, no. 1, p. 2556, Feb. 2018
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Characterization of a Nitrogen Diluted Hydrogen Diffusion Flame for Model Validation
    Joseph A. Ranalli and Peter A. Strakey
    Combustion Science and Technology, vol. 187, no. 9, pp. 1351-1375, Sep. 2015
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Field testing the Raman gas composition sensor for gas turbine operation
    Michael P. Buric, Benjamin T. Chorpening, Jessica C. Mullen, Joseph A. Ranalli, and Steven D. Woodruff
    in Fiber Optic Sensors and Applications IX, Baltimore, MD, vol. 8370, p. 837009, 2012
    [DOI]
  • Simple Analysis of Flame Dynamics via Flexible Convected Disturbance Models
    Joseph A. Ranalli, Donald Ferguson, and Christopher Martin
    Journal of Propulsion and Power, vol. 28, no. 6, pp. 1268-1276, Nov. 2012
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Field tests of the Raman gas composition sensor
    M. P. Buric, B. T. Chorpening, J. C. Mullen, S. D. Woodruff, and J. A. Ranalli
    in 2012 Future of Instrumentation International Workshop (FIIW) Proceedings, Gatlinburg, TN, pp. 1-4, 2012
    [DOI]
  • Measurement of Flame Frequency Response Functions Under Exhaust Gas Recirculation Conditions
    Joseph Ranalli and Don Ferguson
    J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, vol. 134, no. 9, pp. 091502-091502-10, Jul. 2012
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Utilization of Exhaust Gas Recirculation for Control of Dynamic Combustion Instabilities
    Donald Ferguson and Joseph Ranalli
    presented at the 7th US National Technical Meeting of the Combustion Institute, Atlanta, GA, 2011
  • An equivalent flexible framework for linearized flame sheet model dynamics
    Joseph Ranalli, Donald Ferguson, and Christopher Martin
    presented at the 7th US National Technical Meeting of the Combustion Institute, Atlanta, GA, 2011
  • Measurements of ensemble averaged flame dynamics using spatially resolved analysis
    J. A. Ranalli, C. R. Martin, and U. Vandsburger
    Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, vol. 35, no. 7, pp. 1409-1417, Oct. 2011
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Use of exhaust gas recirculation as a control approach for thermoacoustic instabilities
    J. Ranalli and D. Ferguson
    in Fall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute, pp. 659-664, 2011
  • Characterization of Instabilities in a Low-Swirl Injector with Exhaust Gas Recirculation
    Donald Ferguson and Joseph Ranalli
    in 49th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Orlando, FL, vol. AIAA-2011-517, 2011
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Spontaneous Raman Scattering Measurements and CFD Simulations of Major Species and Temperature in a Turbulent Dilute Hydrogen Diffusion Flame
    Joseph Ranalli and Peter Strakey
    in 49th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Orlando, FL, vol. AIAA-2011-239, 2011
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Measurement of Flame Frequency Response Functions in a Low-Swirl Flame under Exhaust Gas Recirculation Conditions
    Joseph Ranalli and Donald Ferguson
    in 49th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Orlando, FL, vol. AIAA-2011-518, 2011
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Characterization of Instabilities in a Low-Swirl Injector with Exhaust Gas Recirculation
    Donald Ferguson and Joseph Ranalli
    in 49th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Orlando, FL, vol. AIAA-2011-517, 2011
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Convective wave motion during combustion instability in a low-swirl burner flame
    J. A. Ranalli and D. Ferguson
    in Western States Section of the Combustion Institute Spring Technical Meeting, pp. 11-19, 2010
  • Influence of exhaust gas recirculation on combustion instabilities in CH4 and H2/CH4 fuel mixtures
    Don Ferguson, Joseph Ranalli, and Peter Strakey
    in Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo, Glasgow, UK, vol. GT2010-23642, 2010
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Measurement of Flame Transfer Functions in Swirl-Stabilized, Lean-Premixed Combustion
    JA Ranalli, CR Martin, PR Black, U Vandsburger, and R West
    Journal of Propulsion and Power, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 1350-1354, Dec. 2009
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • Analytical modeling of spatial phenomena dictating the frequency response of turbulent premixed flames
    C. Martin, J. Ranalli, and U. Vandsburger
    in Fall Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute, pp. 23-30, 2009
  • A practical application of the bode criterion for prediction of thermoacoustic combustion instabilities
    J. A. Ranalli, C. R. Martin, and U. Vandsburger
    in Fall Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute, pp. 1-8, 2009
  • Characteristic linear dynamics of kinetically controlled burning. Part I: Traditional single-reactor models
    C. Martin, J. Ranalli, U. Vandsburger, and W. Baumann
    Combustion Theory and Modelling, vol. 13, no. 6, p. 921, 2009
    [PDF] [DOI]
  • On use of OH* and CO2* chemiluminescence for heat release rate measurement in diluted flames
    J. A. Ranalli, D. Ferguson, and J. Escobar
    in Fall Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute, pp. 497-503, 2009
  • Predicting dynamic heat release rate in turbulent flames with reduced-order models
    Christopher Martin, Joeseph Ranalli, Paul Black, William Baumann, Uri Vandsburger, and Robert West
    in Fall Technical Meeting of the Eastern States Section of the Combustion Institute, pp. 382-395, 2007
Flame