Search

Over the period of 1985 through 1990, there have been numerous papers published on the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Expert Systems (ES) applications at nuclear power plants. A selection of these papers is given herein, arranged in the following categories: General Descriptions of AI/ES Techniques, Specific AI/ES Applications, Knowledge Base Development and Modelling Techniques, Maintenance and Diagnostics, Operations and Training Support, Procedural Assistance and Emergency Response, Risk Assessment and Reliability, and Design Tools.

This letter gives the correction to a few mistakes in the illustrations of a paper published by the authors in the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ENERGY CONVERSION. Index Terms--Induction generators, self-excitation, Steinmetz connection.

Fault diagnosis and fault tolerant (FT) control of electric drive systems have been extensively studied by many researchers. Naturally, one would like to use fault diagnosis information to improve FT control to achieve good post-fault performance while it is safe to do so. In this paper, a novel FT control method is proposed for permanent magnet synchronous motor with inter-turn short circuit fault. Given fault severity, the proposed FT control can reduce torque ripple while keeping reasonable torque output. The theoretical derivation, simulation, and experimental validation are presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The articcle lists best papers in IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion for the period 2015–2016 on topics including interior permanent magnet machine for electric vehicle applications, acoustic noise reduction of switched reluctance motor and synchronous machines.

Enhancing power electronics (PE) converter reliability is crucial for ensuring a reliable operation of current and future operating Wind Turbines (WTs). Achieving high reliability of variable speed WT PE systems requires careful consideration of their operation, and particularly their thermal cycling. This paper presents a methodology for evaluating and reconsidering operational strategies of WTs with relation to the thermal loading and lifetime consumption of the converter. The methodology is applied to compare control strategies for the WT generator and evaluate their impact on the converter reliability by observation of the thermal cycles and by calculating the resultant lifetime consumption of those stress cycles. The thermal stress on both the Machine Side Converter (MSC) and the Grid Side Converter (GSC) is examined and compared. It is shown that the least reliable of the three evaluated control strategies is the one that tracks the power curve below rated speed most closely. This paper suggests that dynamic transients associated with the WT control largely influence the IGBT module wear-out and their modelling needs to be prioritized for lifetime studies. These dynamic transients are captured by the improved model whose value is confirmed for the comparisons in the case study of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article lists the best papers for the period 2014-2015, and the star reviewers for 2015 for the periodical "IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion."

In this paper, a new modulation strategy based on the carrier-based switching strategy for the non-square direct matrix converters (MC) is proposed to control the active power of distributed generation (DG) units. In this strategy, the active power of DGs is controlled by the central input current control of the non-square direct MC independent from the voltage and frequency. Conventionally, each DG has a converter, and for supplying a load with N number of DGs, N number of converters are needed and each converter has its own modulation switching and control strategy to control the power output of each DG. Needless to say, in a microgrid with N number of DGs, the control strategy of each converter has more complex structure than that of a microgrid with one converter, and surely the former strategy entails more volume and price. Using the proposed converter in this paper, it is possible to supply a load with N number of DGs through one converter. Also, the power outputs of all DGs are controlled by a central control strategy. The proposed central control strategy is described and simulated for a typical microgrid. Experimental and simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed converter and the proposed strategy. The results demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of the system and verify the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on best papers that were published in the periodical during the period of 2013?2014, and includes a list of reviewers of the articles, whom the editorial board of the periodical would like to thank, including Thomas Bishop, Edson Bortoni and Ion Boldea.

With the rapid growth of renewable energy and power electronic loads, voltage source converters (VSCs) have been commonly applied in different VSCs-based power systems, which also bring in stability issues due to their power electronic characteristics. The impedance-based stability theory and corresponding reshaping method can be used to analyze and solve system stability issue. However, dc stability issue in VSCs-based power systems becomes more complicated when considering ac/dc coupling relationship. This paper proposes an improved reshaping control strategy based on the detailed impedance model considering grid impedance and control delay. The influence of grid impedance, control delay and control parameters of VSC on dc stability are further analyzed to identify the cause of potential resonance risk. The proposed impedance reshaping method considers the trade-off between stability improvement and control performance, and compensates the impacts of grid impedance and control delay at the same time. The validity of stability analysis and reshaping method is further verified through the simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To research the impact of temperature-dependent characteristics of windings and magnets on the electromagnetic power loss and thermal properties of high-speed (HS) interior permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs), an electromagnetic-thermal bi-directional coupling method (BDCM) is proposed for water-cooled HS PMSMs considering the assembling gaps between the motor components in this paper. The electromagnetic power loss is calculated by 3-D transient finite-element method and loaded into the 3-D temperature field according to the actual loss distribution, and the materials’ properties are in turn updated according to the temperature distributions. The loss and temperature calculation results of a 15kW HS amorphous metal PMSM are calculated by two different coupling methods in the conditions of the rated-load sinusoidal supply and converter supply, and compared with the measured results in the case of converter supply. The results obtained by the BDCM are more consistent with the experiment results, verifying the superiority of the proposed analyzing method in improving the calculation accuracy of motor loss and temperature rise. In addition, the applicable conditions of the proposed method are also summarized in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to the characterisation of the brushless doubly fed induction machine (BDFIM), which is attractive as a variable speed generator in applications (off-shore wind turbine) with minimum maintenance requirements. The BDFIM has two three-phase stator windings of different pole numbers housed within the same stator slots and a short-circuited rotor winding capable of coupling fields of different pole numbers. The stator windings and rotor winding create a magnetic field distribution with a range of characteristics different to those of conventional induction machines. This paper presents an analysis to identify the field characteristics and discusses their impact on the analysis and design of the BDFIM. The characteristics are determined from an analysis of the sum of two rotating sinusoidal field waveforms and confirmed by comparison with time-stepping finite element results and measured magnetic flux density data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few of the challenges with development of a single on–board motor for direct–drive electric vehicles include high torque density and low torque ripple. Therefore, in this paper, a 36–slot, 34–pole consequent pole six–phase permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) has been optimized to address the aforementioned challenges for direct–drive application. Existing literature on optimization processes that rely solely on finite element models are restricted to three–phase machines only and also take longer computation time. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel optimization approach based on supervised machine learning for six–phase PMSM. In this approach, a non–conventional extended dual dq–frame model that accounts for higher order space harmonics in inductances and flux linkages has been developed and used for accurate computation of average torque and torque ripple of six–phase PMSM. Using the performance characteristics obtained from the extended dual dq–frame model for a set of initial design candidates, support vector regression algorithm is employed for supervised machine learning and increasing solutions in the design space. Furthermore, pareto front is used for selecting optimal machine models with maximum torque density and reduced torque ripple. Multi–objective trade–offs and comparison of initial and optimized designs based on average torque, torque ripple, efficiency and cost are performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High specific power electric motor is a key enabling technology for electric/hybrid-electric propulsion for aircraft. High-frequency, air core machine topologies show potential for high specific power when the machines are integrated within jet engines at high speed, e.g. 15,000 rpm. In this paper, we explore how these machines scale to a boundary layer ingestion (BLI) fan application in newly proposed Single-aisle Turboelectric Aircraft with an Aft Boundary Layer Propulsor (STARC-ABL). Detailed analytical models that have been experimentally verified, and an evolutionary genetic algorithm are utilized to choose an optimized design for the BLI propulsor. Analyses show that a 2.6 MW, 11 kW/kg, 98% electric motor is achievable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present a solution for real-time multi-FPGA simulation of energy conversion systems based on the Latency-Based Linear Multistep Compound (LB-LMC) simulation approach. The approach relies on a nodal decomposition approach derived from multiport network analysis, and fast parallel communication between Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices. The results presented in this paper –using a microgrid example– demonstrate how the developed real-time platform overcame the resource scalability limit of single FPGA solvers while achieving a time step size of 100 nanoseconds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a new nonlinear multidisciplinary design approach (NMDA) for axial-flux (AF) eddy current brakes (ECBs). The proposed NMDA is developed by nonlinear magnetic–thermal–structural coupled modeling. The nonlinear behaviors of the AF-ECB covering the BH curve, resistivity, heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and the temperature are jointly analyzed in time domain to investigate the actual brake properties and to determine brake operating range. In this paper, the nonlinear magnetic modeling based on two-dimensional (2-D) reluctance network is studied by a modified Newton–Raphson method. Furthermore, the nonlinear thermal modeling is carried out by lumped-parameters considering the change of heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and the temperature and updating the data in the evaluation process. Finally, the nonlinear structural modeling is performed to obtain the deflection and the mechanical safety factor of the brake. The nonlinear modeling methods in the proposed NMDA are validated by independent 3-D electromagnetic, thermal, and structural finite element analyses (FEAs), and the proposed NMDA is tested with two different AF-ECB prototypes. The experimental results confirm that the proposed NMDA has high accuracy, and compared to 3-D-FEA approaches, it provides a fast solution to predict the AF-ECB performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a nonlinear dynamic simulation model of an ultracapacitor (UC) bank and the associated control system. The control system at hand consists of two levels: the lower level controls the inverter of the UC bank, while the upper control level is responsible for providing charging/discharging active power set points to be followed by the lower control level. This paper focuses on the development of the upper control level for frequency control. Specifically, two simulation case studies are developed so as to assess the performance of the proposed control framework. In the first case study the upper control level is developed using a classical Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller. In the second case study the upper control level is devised using a Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithm based on internal linear prediction model of a nonlinear UC bank. In both cases, a nonlinear UC bank simulation model is used. The simulation case studies are modelled and tested in Matlab/Simulink. The response of the MPC-controlled UC bank is compared to the 3 existing PID-control algorithms for frequency control. The simulation results show that the MPC algorithm outperforms the conventional PID controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-inertia microgrids are prone to large frequency fluctuations due to high penetration of inverter-fed renewable sources. A virtual synchronous machine (VSM) is capable of handling these frequency fluctuations. VSM imparts inertial behaviour in grid-connected inverters with the help of an electric storage device. Most of the reported VSM control schemes use a constant inertia parameter that leads to an inadequate dynamic frequency response. In this paper, a fuzzy controller-based self-adaptive VSM control scheme is proposed. Here, the value of the inertia parameter is decided using fuzzy rules which take the penetration index of renewable energy, frequency deviation and rate-of-change-of-frequency as the input parameters. These rules are formulated with the help of the sample data obtained from simulations done in MATLAB/Simulink, where the inertial parameter is optimized using a genetic algorithm for various cases. The proposed method is validated for solar photovoltaic-fed microgrid test systems using power–hardware-in-the loop and the results indicate a reduction in maximum frequency deviation compared to the constant inertia parameter based VSM schemes. The introduction of renewable energy penetration level and fuzzy expert system in modifying the inertia parameter are the novel contributions in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In practical microgrids, the inhomogeneous initial values are widely appeared due to soft-starting operation. If traditional model order reduction approaches are applied, the input-output maps error between the original system and reduced-order system is large. To address this problem, this paper proposes a reduced-order aggregate model based on balanced truncation approach to provide the preprocessing approach for the real-time simulation of large-scale converters with inhomogeneous initial conditions in DC microgrid. Firstly, the standard linear time-invariant model with inhomogeneous initial conditions is established through non-leader multiagents concept. To end this, it is convenient for scholars to build complex system modeling with switched topology. Furthermore, the full system is divided into two components, i.e., the unforced component with nontrivial initial conditions and forced component with null initial conditions. Moreover, this paper presents an aggregated approach that involves independent reducing component responses and combining reducing component responses. Based on this, the input-output maps error is reduced. Then, the approximated error estimate of the reduced-order aggregate model regarding large-scale converters in DC microgrid is first provided, which provides prior knowledge and theoretical basis for DC microgrid designers. Finally, the simulation results illustrate the accuracy of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

State-of-charge (SoC) imbalance and bus voltage deviation are two of the main problems in autonomous dc microgrids. Based on this concern, this paper presents an improved dual-quadrant SoC weighted control strategy and a distributed optimization control method to achieve SoC balance, ensuring accurate power-sharing and bus voltage recovery. Firstly, this paper couples the injected/released power with the current SoC and observed average SoC value to weight the droop coefficient, which is based on the charge/discharge mode for the energy storage system. Then a secondary controller is designed based on distributed optimal control to eliminate the bus voltage deviation caused by the line impedance difference. The proposed optimal control method optimizes the average bus voltage to the nominal value and achieve accurate power-sharing by constructing the correlated variables and voltage independent intermediate variables exchanged among bulk energy storage units (ESUs). Since the voltage observer cannot accurately observe the true average bus voltage under the communication delay, the proposed distributed optimal control method without the voltage observer can ensure that the average bus voltage is optimized to the nominal value, thus improving the robustness of the control system. Finally, the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified in Simulink/MATLAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axial flux and radial flux cycloidal permanent magnetic gears are characterized by high gear ratios and high torque densities; however, their rotors experience large unbalanced forces, which stress the bearings used in the gear. This paper presents a new cycloidal magnetic gear topology that combines the radial and axial flux topologies. The paper analyzes the forces and torques contributed by the axial and radial magnets in this topology using 3D finite element analysis. It was found that the perpendicular force is necessary to transfer torque to the high-speed shaft and, thus, cannot be cancelled out, but the eccentric component of the magnetic forces can be largely cancelled out, potentially reducing bearing losses and increasing the lifespan of the bearings used in the gear. A proof-of-concept prototype was constructed. Experimental slip torque results matched 3D finite element analysis (FEA) simulations to within 15%, and testing showed that no-load losses were reduced and the slip torque was increased by combining both axial and radial topologies, compared to using an axial configuration alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the boundary discretization method is used to improve the traditional subdomain model. The improved model can be used to calculate the magnetic field distribution in the region containing non-orthogonal boundary, avoiding the influence of the simplified stator slot or permanent magnet shape on the results in calculating the motor magnetic field using the traditional subdomain model. In addition, the improved subdomain model can also be used to calculate the air-gap flux density when the rotor is eccentric, instead of segmenting the air-gap to an equivalent state without eccentricity. The calculation object of this paper is a surface-mount permanent magnet motor with a rectangular stator slot. The air-gap flux density under no-load and load conditions is calculated, respectively. Since the improved subdomain model does not need to simplify the stator slot shape, the magnetic potential in the stator slot is also calculated. Finally, the air-gap flux density under rotor eccentricity is calculated, and the influence of the calculating parameters on the results of the improved subdomain model is discussed. All the calculated results are compared with those obtained by the finite element method, which verifies the accuracy of the improved calculation model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual synchronous generator (VSG)-based control approaches for AC machine drivers have attracted much attention in recent years. The contradiction between the strong motor loading capacity and the small DC voltage fluctuation is disregarded in previous studies. A larger virtual inertia is required to raise the torque gain and drive the motor with heavier loads, thus resulting in greater DC voltage variations. A systematic method is proposed for the optimal design of the virtual inertia for VSG-based motor starting systems to achieve the maximal motor loading capacity and the low DC voltage fluctuation in this paper. Firstly, the relationship between the virtual inertia and the loading capacity is revealed on the basis of the closed-loop analysis. Considering the DC voltage variation, the constraint on the maximal value of the virtual inertia is proposed from the energy-balance perspective despite the unknown contribution of the DC capacitors to the virtual inertia. To fully exploit the energy storage capacity of the DC capacitors and raise the upper limit of the virtual inertia under the same permitted DC voltage variation, a modified DC voltage reference is introduced. Extensive simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy transition is aimed to take advantage of the operational flexibility of hydropower to extend the integration of intermittent renewable sources. Consequently, the hydrogenerators will have to operate in regimes far away from their designed best-point operation. In order to accurately assess the impact, this paper presents a useful approach to determine the overall operating efficiency of synchronous generators under intermittent operation. An accumulated average efficiency (AAE) model is proposed and compared against an alternative approach; the weighted average efficiency (WAE) model. It is found that the WAE approach produces unrealistic low efficiencies when the generator operates in synchronous condenser mode (SCM) for long periods. In general, the AAE supersedes the WAE for all the different load distributions that were investigated. This was further illustrated by a worked example and by constructing more complex load distributions. A load distribution dominated by SCM yields a difference as high as $33.18 \,\%$ , while an even distribution deviates $1.43 \,\%$ in their respective efficiencies. Finally, a yearly on-site measurement of our studied $103 \,\mathrm{MVA}$ generator’s concentrated load distribution revealed a discrepancy of $0.67 \,\%$ , which is a significant deviation considering what the operating regime would mean in terms of economic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These instructions give guidelines for preparing papers for this publication. Presents information for authors publishing in this journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unavoidably, the controlsystem of any permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is subjected to perturbations, e.g., motor nonidealities and inverter nonlinearities. To reject these perturbations, a new super-twisting (ST) control variant, called speed adaptive super-twisting (S-AST) control, is proposed in this paper. In the S-AST control, a proportional-integral (PI) and a ST controllers are merged using an adaptive law that is based on the motor speed measurement. This is done to reduce the chattering problems that the standard ST control presents. In addition, a mathematical design for the S-AST control is proposed, where the relationship between the chattering amplitude, the switching frequency and the system perturbations is shown. The main contribution in this paper is the application of the S-AST controller to reduce the total harmonic distortion (THDi) of the PMSM currents. By comparing the S-AST control against PI control, the THDi is reduced from 9.9% to 1.27%, in simulation, and the THDi is reduced from 22.79% to 1.56%, experimentally. These results demonstrate how the S-AST control is an excellent alternative to improve the waveform of the PMSM currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While much attention was given in the literature to improve the fault ride through (FRT) capability of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind energy conversion system (WECS) during various faults at the grid side, not much attention was given to investigate and improve the performance of the DFIG-WECS under ferroresonance conditions. This paper investigates the impact of ferroresonance on the overall performance of a DFIG-WECS. The paper also presents a new technique to improve the high voltage ride through capability of the investigated system under such condition. The proposed technique relies on incorporating a superconducting coil within the dc-link of the DFIG grid-side and rotor-side converters. Energy exchange between the coil and the system is controlled through regulating the duty cycle of the dc-chopper interfacing the coil with the dc-link. In this regard, a simple but yet effective proportional-integral (PI) controller is employed to regulate the dc-chopper duty cycle. Parameters of the PI controller are optimized using elephant herding optimization algorithm. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller in improving the overall performance of a DFIG-WECS during ferroresonance events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) with segmented skewed poles, the armature reaction magnetic field (AR-MF) changes nonlinearly due to the saturation of the rotor magnetic barrier. Meanwhile, this varies under different excitation currents. As a result, it is difficult to be calculated by means of analytical methods. In this paper, the calculation model of AR-MF of IPMSM is first established by vector superposition method, without considering the saturation effect of rotor and the slotting effect of stator. In the second step, the virtual magnetic field of the rotor is introduced to quantitatively calculate the influence of local inhomogeneous saturation on the AR-MF. The latter is derived by combining both the subdomain method and equivalent magnetic circuit method. The complex relative permeance is also introduced to establish the AR-MF accounting for the stator slotting effect. To validate the AR-MF calculation method proposed, an 8-pole 48-slot IPMSM with segmented skewed poles is considered as a case study, showing a comparison by both with finite element (FE) results and the electromagnetic torque measured on a test bench. The model proposed in this paper shows high accuracy and fast computation with respect to FE analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connection of an LC filter to the output of voltage source inverter (VSI) in squirrel cage induction motor (SQIM) drive converts the pulse-width modulated (PWM) voltages into smooth sinusoidal voltages. However, this connection may lead to closed-loop instability in the rotor flux-oriented (RFO) vector-controlled (VC) SQIM system. The closed-loop stability of the combined SQIM + LC filter (SQLC) system is complex and has not been analyzed properly in the literature. In this paper, a detailed closed-loop stability analysis of the SQLC system has been presented based on stability region (SR) and accordingly the PI gains of VC has been designed. The SR method is adopted to derive the common stability regions for the SQIM system and SQLC system. Thereby, the paper proves that connecting an LC filter in-between the VSI and the SQIM system does not always destabilize the closed-loop system. Further, for an SQLC system, the complete range of current controller gains is obtained at various operating points. The frequency-domain specifications have been used to select a proper stabilizing set and the effect of parametric variation of LC filter on the stabilizing set has also been discussed. The experimental results are provided to validate the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In renewable energy micro-source applications, a wide range of voltage conversion of the step-up converter is an essential part to equalize the typical low voltage of micro-source with DC-bus voltage of Inverter or motor drives. In order to meet this purpose, an ultra-voltage gain step-up DC-DC converter is proposed in this paper. The proposed converter has made an arrangement of the regenerative-boost fed switched inductor and capacitor configurations. Thereby, due to such an organization of structure, the proposed converter can develop an extremely high voltage-gain even at lower duty ratios. In addition, it has the advantage of lower switching stress across all power semi-conductive diodes. Furthermore, this paper describes the steady-state analysis and comparative features of the converter with existing recent literature. Finally, to validate theoretical analysis and test the feasibility and suitability of the proposed ultra-gain converter, the experimental results were observed by a 500 W fabricated prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article lists best articles of the journal for 2011 to 2013 including finite element analysis of turbine generator rotor winding shorted turns by M. Sasic and colleagues, modeling of salient-pole wound rotor synchronous machines for population-based design by M. Bash and S. Pekarek and accurate computation of multiphase synchronous machine inductances based on winding function theory by A.Tessarolo.

This paper presents a practical procedure regarding inertia estimation and speed loop auto-tuning for sensorless interior permanent-magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drives. In many applications, well-tuned speed controller is essential to enable dynamic and stable drive operations. However, high-performance speed controller design requires system parameters such as inertia which are unknown at the beginning of drive commissioning. Manual trial-and-error tuning is unattractive due to its blind, lengthy, non-optimal, and potentially unsafe nature. On the other hand, model-based tuning through inertia estimation has unique challenges at this step of self-commissioning. Determining the test torque for a safe and reasonably short test in inertia estimation is a real practical problem because the total inertia can be in wide range in different mechanical systems. Furthermore, feedback controllers are not usable to automatically determine the test torque due to unknown motor parameters. As a solution, this paper proposes an automated test torque selection procedure. Then it identifies the inertia and lastly tunes the speed controller using the identified parameter. Overall, a fully automated speed-loop auto-tuning method is proposed which aims minimal operator involvement. The findings are experimentally verified on an IPMSM drive. In addition, the proposed method can easily be extended to different motor types and sensored or sensorless vector control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventionally, for a tubular permanent magnet synchronous linear motor (TPMSLM), adopting a modular structure can effectively reduce the detent force; however, the thrust density is sacrificed via the large proportion of the flux barrier to the total primary component volume. To overcome this disadvantage, this paper proposes a novel modular TPMSLM, in which the unit primary component adopts the large slot structure containing several coils. Focusing on this motor, research on the flux linkage characteristic is performed to obtain the design principle, and then the detent force is analyzed and suppressed by reasonable design of end teeth. First, the flux linkage characteristics of the unit motor and the whole motor are investigated. Variation rule of the coil flux linkage affected by the end tooth is discussed, and the principle of realizing three-phase balance for the whole motor flux linkage is elaborated. Moreover, the principle of the detent force suppression is verified and the detent force is further suppressed through the end tooth design. Finally, a prototype is developed. The back electromotive force and the detent force were tested, which verified the effectiveness of the novel modular TPMSLM proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-phase grid-connected inverter modeling depends on the equivalent resistance and inductance between the inverter and the grid. However, these parameters are not fixed during the operation of the inverter and vary with the operating conditions. In this paper, a new globally stable adaptive controller is proposed to estimate these values online and update the controller during its operation. A model reference adaptive system (MRAS) based on two fictitious quantities with no physical significance is utilized, namely $M = v \cdot i^*$ and $N = v^* \times i$ , where $v$ and $i$ are the steady-state values of voltage and current in synchronously rotating frame of reference. Detailed stability analysis of the proposed estimation technique has been presented using a Lyapunov energy function-based approach proving the global stability of the technique. Small-signal modeling and analysis of the proposed scheme has also been presented so as to understand the local dynamics of the system. The guidelines to select the parameter of the proposed MRAS system along with updating the controller are elaborated in this paper. Detailed simulation based on MATLAB/Simulink and PLECS, along with experimental studies through a Texas Instruments TMS320F28377S microcontroller, validates the feasibility of the proposed control architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of efficiency for passive magnetic gear resulting from the selection of materials and structures in the magnetic circuit. A particular attention is paid to the structure of modulator, which forms the crucial element of the system, and which can be designed in a variety of ways. In this paper, the considered alternatives include a modulator design manufactured from soft magnetic composite material and from circumferentially and axially stacked lamination. Based on the experimentally determined efficiency versus load curves, the study demonstrates that the soft magnetic modulator has similar performance as for the case of a circumferentially and axially stacked lamination. The physical reasons of this result are explained by means of the finite element analysis of magnetic flux waveforms in the crucial parts of the systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to investigate the sensorless voltage control schemes for the promising wound-rotor brushless doubly-fed induction generator (BDFIG) in both the stand-alone and grid-connected systems. For sensorless target, a new rotor position observer using the space vector flux relations of BDFIG is suggested. The proposed sensorless algorithm does not require any additional observers for obtaining the generator speed by directly detecting the rotor position, which may reduce the cost of the overall control system. For the voltage control purpose, a direct voltage control (DVC) scheme is applied for the stand-alone systems. However, this control strategy did not handle the control of the generated-voltage phase angle and also did not consider the phase sequence issue which are very essential provisions for the smooth connection target in grid-connected applications. Hence, DVC strategy cannot guarantee all the intended provisions for a soft and smooth connection process with the grid side and therefore, an effective grid-synchronization algorithm is proposed. A comprehensive analysis to confirm the functionality of the proposed control strategies is discussed through both simulation and experimental results. The presented study in this paper verifies the efficacy of the proposed schemes for sensorless voltage control target of BDFIG in both the stand-alone and grid-connected applications with a good transient behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates energy storage requirements in the submodules of a class of converters known as hybrid cascaded modular multilvel converters (HC-MMCs). The complexities arising from the usage of different submodule types and their non-conventional arrangement necessitate detailed analysis of submodule capacitor voltage ripples, which are needed for development of guidelines for sizing submodule capacitors. This paper characterizes electric charge variations in the submodule capacitors to derive expressions for capacitor voltage ripples, and to determine the energy storage requirements of the converter. The paper uses detailed electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations and experimental results on a laboratory-scale MMC setup to verify and validate its findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a semi-consensus strategy for multi-functional hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs) in DC microgrids. Batteries in a HESS are regulated by conventional V-P droops and supercapacitors (SCs) are with integral droops (ID). Only batteries are assigned with local distributed compensators which exchange information through sparse communication links. Those SCs are exempted from data exchange process, which would save system investment costs. Within the semi-consensus scheme, the most essential function is the cooperation of V-P droop and ID that helps to naturally allocate low frequency components of load power to batteries and high frequency components to SCs, thus prolonging the overall life time of HESS. In addition to the transient power allocation function, there are other three functions endowed by the proposed strategy, which are autonomous DC bus voltage recovery to its nominal level, spontaneous SC state of charge (SOC) restoration, autonomous power sharing and SOC balancing among batteries. It is the simultaneous realization of above four functions with limit communications that makes up the main contributions in this paper. A generic mathematical modeling of HESS with the semi-consensus strategy is established. The model allows for dynamic analyses to theoretically validate the effectiveness of proposed method in both frequency and time domains. In-house experimental results are shown fully consistent with the dynamic analyses and also effectively corroborate the intended HESS multi-functional operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main drawbacks of conventional direct torque control (DTC) drives are erratic switching frequency and high torque ripples. The multilevel inverter fed DTC drives are proved to be an alternative for eliminating these drawbacks. Apart from the commonly used three-level inverter fed drives, this paper presents an even-level inverter fed DTC drive. In this paper, a space vector modulated DTC algorithm for a four-level DTC drive is proposed and is implemented by feeding both ends of an open-end-winding induction motor with two-level inverters. The space vector modulation (SVM) algorithm uses a fractal based design for switching voltage vector generation and allied computations are performed in 60 degree co-ordinate system. Representation of vectors as integer values in 60 degree co-ordinate planes avoids fractional arithmetic, which simplifies the algorithmic computations. Detailed analyses of the drive performance under dissimilar operating modes are presented. The loading performance of the drive is experimentally verified on a 5-HP induction motor with a strain gauge type mechanical loading system. No-load experimental results were obtained from a laboratory model 2-HP induction motor drive operated in closed loop mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformations between abc, stationary dq0 ($\alpha \beta 0$) and rotating dq0 reference-frames are used extensively in the analysis and control of three-phase technologies such as machines and inverters. Previous work on deriving the matrices describing these transformations follows one of two approaches. The first approach derives Clarke's matrix by modifying symmetrical components. Park's matrix can be subsequently found from a rotation matrix. The second approach derives Park's matrix using trigonometric projection by interpreting the transformation as a rotation in the plane of the cross-section of a machine. Then, Clarke's matrix can be found trivially using a reference angle of zero in Park's matrix. This paper presents a third approach to deriving the Clarke and Park transformation matrices: a geometric interpretation. The approach exploits properties of the linear transformation using the Cartesian representation. We introduce the locus diagram of a three-phase quantity and show how these diagrams have applications in power quality. We show that, unlike a phasor diagram, a single locus diagram can fully represent a three-phase system with harmonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a method to reduce the torque pulsation of the three-phase fractional-slot concentrated-winding (FSCW) interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor by lowering sub-harmonics. The key principle of this method is the selection of an optimized six-layer winding with different numbers of conductors. Firstly, the interaction of stator-rotor magnetomotive force (MMF) which contributes to the torque pulsation is analyzed. Additionally, the relationship between sub-harmonics (1st sub-harmonic and 2nd sub-harmonic) and torque pulsation orders is revealed. Then, different numbers of conductors are adopted in coils to eliminate the 2nd sub-harmonic. Nevertheless, the 1st sub-harmonic increases in the two-layer and four-layer windings. Therefore, the optimized six-layer winding is employed to suppress the 1st sub-harmonic and ensure that the 2nd sub-harmonic is zero. Besides, there are almost no other harmonics except the main harmonic and slot harmonics in the proposed IPM motor. Hence, the torque pulsation can be greatly reduced even under different current angles. Furthermore, the principle for torque pulsation reduction by lowering sub-harmonics is revealed. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through the comparisons with finite element analysis and experimental test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops an improved dual-stator Vernier machine using ferrite magnet materials, aiming to replace an industrial interior permanent magnet machine with rare earth magnets in a low speed industrial application. The improved Vernier machine design adapts the single winding dual-stator topology with an empty inner stator core mainly to improve the torque density and eliminate the heat from the inner stator windings of conventional dual-stator Vernier machines. A drum rotor is also proposed to provide mechanical and structural enhancements. This paper compares the performance of the improved Vernier machine design against an industrial interior permanent magnet machine with rare earth magnets. The comparison shows that the improved design using ferrite magnets has even higher torque density and efficiency than those exhibited in the industrial interior permanent magnet machine with rare earth magnets. The improved Vernier machine design has considerable potential to replace industrial rare earth interior permanent magnet machines in low speed applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial shading condition drastically reduces the maximum power output of photovoltaic array. Partial shading occurs due to several factors, such as flying birds, trees, and passing clouds. Many ways can be mitigated partial shading problems in photovoltaic (PV) array. One among the way is reconfiguration techniques, namely reconfigure the location of PV modules in PV array based on irradiance levels in order to distribute shading effects and increasing maximum power. This paper proposed an optimal SuDoKu reconfiguration pattern for $9\times 9$ total-cross-tied (TCT) PV array to improve maximum power under partial shading conditions. In this approach, the physical location of PV modules in TCT array are rearranged based on optimal SuDoKu style without altering the electrical connections, so that the shading effects can distribute over the array. Further, the performance of proposed pattern investigated with existing SuDoKu pattern under different shading conditions by comparing the global maximum power point, mismatch losses, fill-factor, and efficiency using MATLAB-Simulink. Based on the results of this paper, it concluded that the proposed optimal SuDoKu reconfiguration arrangement is reducing the wiring arrangement and increasing the shading distribution over the array as compared to SuDoKu arrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the torque accuracy for open-end winding permanent magnet synchronous motor (OEW-PMSM) with common dc bus, it is necessary to eliminate the zero-sequence torque (ZST) caused by zero-sequence current (ZSC) and the third back electromotive force. But the third flux linkage mismatch can enlarge ZSC which causes torque ripple. To deal with the above problem, firstly, a q-axis current injection method combined with deadbeat predictive current control (DPCC) is adopted to inject an extra current into the reference q-axis current. The extra torque generated by this injected current can compensate for ZST. Secondly, to ensure the accuracy of the q-axis injected current, a parameter identification method based on recursive least square (RLS) algorithm with forgetting factor is presented to identify the third flux linkage accurately. The identification value can reduce ZSC and torque ripple under different working conditions. And the accurate q-axis injected current can be obtained to counteract ZST and output accurate torque. Finally, three methods are comparatively analyzed in this paper, namely the traditional DPCC method, the DPCC method with q-axis current injection and the proposed DPCC method based on RLS with forgetting factor. The simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed DPCC method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a control moment gyroscope (CMG) for small satellites, driven and controlled based on axial flux motor principle. The presented structure is coreless with Halbach array rotor and a stator to control the rotational speed/torque and effective gimbal rate/ angle. This topology allows a relatively simple mechanical structure with an equivalent dual gimbal control for limited angle. There are two sets of windings for torque generation along three orthogonal axes, one is 8 pole and other is 6 pole. The winding structure is novel in the sense of accommodating different number of poles $ (>\!4)$ using the same stator slots. Two 3 phase inverters are used to accurately control the torques by energising two sets of windings. Analytical formulation is provided to understand various torque generation mechanisms and 3D FEM simulations are performed to verify the operation and to get better quantitative torque generation capabilities of the CMG along different axes. Finally, a quick experiment prototype is developed to verify the operation with open loop speed control and closed loop tilt position control more qualitatively with off the shelf available components. Independent control of torque in 3 axes was achieved experimentally and the results are explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the short-term high torque output, an improved model predictive direct torque control (MPDTC) method with field enhancing is proposed to increase torque. In order to avoid the possible loss of synchronism while increasing torque, the MPDTC method limits the load angle in the cost function. Under the constant load angle limitation, the improved method increases the torque output capability by increasing the magnetic field. This paper starts from the torque calculation, theoretically analyzes the torque-load angle characteristics, and illustrates the flux vector trajectory with the voltage limit circle and current limit circle. The proposed method maintains the dynamic and static performance of the traditional MPDTC method while ensuring the system stability. The experimental results show that the torque capacity of the proposed method has been improved, and it has stable extreme output torque. So, some applications, such as electric load simulators, can choose the motor with small capacity and small inertia, thereby weakening negative effects of the inertia torque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]