Search

In a common dc-link dual-fed open-end winding permanent magnet synchronous motor (OEW-PMSM) topology, it is well known how the additional flow of a zero-sequence current (ZSC) is permitted. The low zero-sequence impedance characteristic of high-speed machines leads to high-intensity and high-frequency ripple of the ZSC. Therefore, there is a necessity to eliminate the zero-sequence-voltage (ZSV) produced by the two voltage source converters that feed the machine. Furthermore, the non-sinusoidal back electromagnetic force (back EMF) causes the circulation of a third harmonic ZSC. An OEW-PMSM high-speed starter-generator fed by a dual-inverter with a single dc-link is considered. Part I of this paper proposes a modulation for the considered topology able to eliminate instantaneously the ZSV produced. In this paper, a detailed analysis of the deadtime (DT) effect on the ZSV has been carried out and a novel hysteresis control for the ZSC using the DT as a control action is presented. The DT produces a ZSV distortion on the zero-axis that can be used to control the third harmonic ZSC flowing due to the non-sinusoidal machine back EMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved hybrid unified power flow controller (IHUPFC) is developed in this paper to control the power flow and increase the utilization rate of the existing transmission lines. The IHUPFC is composed of an improved “Sen” transformer (IST) and a small capacity unified power flow controller (UPFC). After a detailed introduction of the structure and voltage regulation performance of the IST, this paper derives the capacity relationship between the IST and the UPFC. Then, this paper introduces the technology of the IHUPFC in power flow regulation and transmission capability improvement. Besides, the advantages of the IHUPFC in performance and structure are analyzed. The IST has simpler structure and larger power flow control area than a “Sen” transformer, and the IHUPFC provides a continuous active and reactive power flow control. Simulation and experiment studies are used to verify the practicability and superiority of the IHUPFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the damping ability of point of common coupling (PCC) voltage feedforward is analyzed in order to improve the stability of current control, in which interference with an LCL filter of a battery energy storage system (BESS) and synchronous inductance of a diesel generator is considered in a stand-alone microgrid. A BESS can be charged by a diesel generator when the state of charge of the battery bank is significantly insufficient and where the BESS operates with constant current constant voltage control and the diesel generator provides constant voltage constant frequency control. In this case, large synchronous when the diesel generator is in a steady state may severely cause the instability of current control. The stability analysis should be required to guarantee the paralleled operation between BESS and diesel generator. An equivalent circuit model of the diesel generator is needed to perform these processes. To bring availability of analysis, this paper considers a simple equivalent circuit model considering synchronous inductance in the steady state, and it has very large inductance corresponding 1 per unit. The resonance issue is attenuated by the damping ability of PCC voltage feedforward where it is possible to improve the stability by appropriately adjusting the gain of the voltage feedforward. The effects of the synchronous inductance and the feedforward loop are analyzed in the s-domain and z-domain. The gain of the voltage feedforward is determined to be 0.2 and 0.4 based on stability analysis. To verify the validity of the damping effect of PCC voltage feedforward, a demonstration site is constructed and the stability is verified through simulation and experiment with a full model, and total harmonic distortion of current is improved to 2.44%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a neutral-point deviation and ripple compensating control method applied to a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) converter. The neutral-point deviation and its harmonic components are analyzed with a focus on the average current flowing through the neutral-point of the dc link. This paper also proposes a control scheme compensating for the neutral-point deviation and dominant harmonic components under generalized unbalanced grid operating conditions. The positive and negative sequence components of the switching functions and ac input currents are employed to accurately explain the behavior of three-level NPC converter. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the validity of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a simplified implementation technique for direct torque control (DTC) of asymmetric six-phase induction motor drive. Current harmonics of fifth and seventh order are observed in the phase currents if conventional DTC scheme is extended for the asymmetric six-phase machine. These harmonic components are not responsible for torque production, thus causing losses in the motor winding. Synthetic vectors are generally used for reduction of current harmonics. Average voltage in $xy$ subspace is maintained to zero by synthetic vectors leading to reduction of currents in $xy$ subspace. A simplified method of implementation of synthetic vectors is proposed in this paper, which eliminates the need for designing of switching sequence and requirement of field-programmable gate array. Also, the number of synthetic vectors that can be possibly produced is increased compared with the ones developed by techniques available in the literature. The experimentation is carried out on a laboratory-developed prototype and the experimental results are presented in this paper to verify the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The groundings of the power distribution, signaling, and power systems of a railway system are individually performed to realize fail safe, and the groundings are often installed in close proximity. Thus, when a grounding electrode is invaded by a lightning current, its ground potential rises together with the potential of the adjacent grounding electrodes; hence, there is a possibility of a large overvoltage being applied to the connected devices. In this paper, we have investigated the potential spread between two rod-shaped electrodes widely used in the grounding of the power, signal, and distribution systems of a railway system using the finite-difference time-domain method. The results of this paper are organized in such a way that the extent of the potential spread to the neighboring grounding electrodes can be understood from information such as the grounding resistivity at the installation location of the ground electrode and the wavefront duration of the lightning current, and these findings will be useful for grounding design. We also investigate the effect of the insulator between two neighboring electrodes to prevent the potential spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High resistance grounding (HRG) is a well-proven technology for improving electric reliability for many industrial and utility facilities such as used in petrochemical, automotive, and generating plants. Many such facilities require the increased reliability for production and operational reasons. This paper will discuss the improved personnel safety aspects of using HRG on low-voltage systems. In particular, this paper will discuss the following: 1) the probability of the three common faults occurring within an industrial plant, namely, three-phase, phase-to-phase, and ground faults; 2) how the probability of a ground fault can be used to improve electrical safety with HRG; 3) the impact of a ground fault on a system and the speed at which the ground fault on a solidly grounded system may propagate into a multiphase fault; 4) the risk reduction of a ground fault on an HRG system propagating into a multiphase fault; 5) the potential reduction in serious and fatal arc blast injuries through the use of an HRG system; and 6) potential single-pole breaker clearing issues when a second ground fault occurs on a second phase. This paper will include comments from recent testing, which was conducted at the KEMA Laboratories and presented in a recent IEEE Industry Applications Society Petroleum and Chemical Industry Committee paper in September 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grounding system in a solar farm has unique characteristics due to its extended footprint and varying type of grounding components. The changing physical properties of the soil within the perimeter of a solar farm result in the nonuniform resistivity of the top soil layers. Measurements of the as-built grounding grid could indicate higher grounding resistance than that predicted by design. Once this difference is detected, it is the duty of the designer to modify the existing grounding grid such that the touch potential is below the limits specified by the applicable codes. This paper presents the analysis of the touch potentials in solar farms and also provides some recommendations to reduce these potentials when the grounding resistance is higher than that predicted by the design. An actual grounding grid design and field measurements are used in an example to illustrate the concepts introduced in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It is common practice in the industry for electrical workers to be exposed to shock and arc blast and arc flash hazards as they perform routine maintenance and diagnostic testing on equipment enclosed in motor control centers (MCCs). This paper will illustrate the influence that various IEEE conferences, including the Electrical Safety Workshop, has had on changing the electrical safety culture related to equipment diagnostics. End users are now requesting manufacturers of low- and medium-voltage MCCs to develop or add features and functionality into their products that enhance the ability of electrical maintenance and operating personnel to conduct routine diagnostic and troubleshooting tasks without being directly exposed to energized electrical equipment. This paper will explore some of these features and provide some examples of routine maintenance and diagnostic tasks that can be performed while doing troubleshooting and diagnostic tasks on operating equipment without opening enclosure doors and exposing workers to the hazards associated with exposed energized equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents an algorithm for detection, classification, and characterization of voltage sags and swells in electricity networks using three-phase voltage ellipse parameters. The proposed method employs the instantaneous magnitude of three-phase voltage signals in three axes, which are separated from each other by 120 ^\circ . Thus, the resultant rotating vector, namely, the three-phase voltage vector, traces an ellipse. Then, the parameters of the ellipse, which include minor axis, major axis, and inclination angle, are used to develop the proposed algorithm for classification and characterization of voltage sags and swells. The proposed method is validated using real data of the IEEE working group and some measured real data of the Belgian transmission grid. The method is further tested for the sags and swells generated due to balanced and unbalanced faults at different buses, in test distribution networks (radial and mesh type) embedded with distributed generation and in a practical distribution network of Australia. This paper also demonstrates the proposed algorithm as a real-time sag/swell monitoring tool. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a vector control strategy for independent control of two permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) using a single four-leg inverter (4LI). An expanded two-arm modulation to obtain a balanced three-phase output voltage is described. This paper also proposes a method to compensate for the fluctuations in the neutral point voltage of two split capacitors in the dc link. The experimental results show that independent speed and position control of two PMSMs can be achieved using a single 4LI with the proposed vector control method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The active power distribution network operation with the integration of various renewable distributed generations (DGs), storage units, and dynamic loads are attracting a lot of interest due to substantial benefits in maximizing the penetration of available renewable energy resources (RES). However, the risk of voltage violation in the active distribution system (ADS) is exacerbated due to increasing penetration of DGs. It has become a bottleneck to maximize the DG penetration into the system. This bottleneck can be handled by effective voltage regulation and reactive power support into ADS. Nowadays, power electronic devices are frequently used for voltage and reactive power support over the conventional approaches. In this paper, an approach to maximize the penetration of RES, such as solar, wind, etc., into ADS by maximum utilization of existing solar photovoltaic inverters (SPVI) in the system is presented. Optimal utilization of SPVI may enhance the voltage stability of the ADS and wind power penetration into the system. The proposed SPVI control approaches are depended on active power generation of solar photovoltaic (SPVG), rating and capability of SPVI, and required reactive power in the ADS. In this paper, the problem of maximum penetration of RES is formulated as an optimal power flow embedded nonlinear optimization problem subject to the physical limitations of the SPVI. The results of the analysis performed on an IEEE 33 bus system show that the proposed SPVI control strategies can improve the voltage profile of the ADS with minimization of curtailment of wind power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents theoretical and experimental discussions on low-voltage-ride-through operation of a modular multilevel single-delta bridge-cell (SDBC) inverter intended for utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems. Modern grid codes require grid-tied inverters to provide dynamic grid support during grid-fault events by injecting reactive current. This paper discusses decoupled positive- and negative-sequence reactive-current control, focusing on asymmetric voltage sags with imbalanced magnitude and phase relationships. The main objective is to present a feedforward control method based on calculation of the zero-sequence current required for achieving power balance during normal and grid-fault conditions. Moreover, this paper demonstrates a practical method that minimizes overcurrent stress in the three inverter clusters by adjusting active power drawn from PV arrays. Experimental results on a three-phase 12.6-kVA system prove that the SDBC inverter is capable of seamlessly operating through asymmetric voltage sags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a theoretical and experimental discussion on a modular multilevel triple-star bridge-cell converter with focus on mitigating the capacitor-voltage fluctuation contained in each bridge cell. A new control method proposed in this paper is characterized by properly superimposing both common-mode voltage and circulating currents in the whole speed range. Moreover, this paper optimizes the amplitude and frequency of the superimposed common-mode voltage on the basis of theoretical analysis, thus resulting in minimizing the voltage fluctuation. The optimized control method makes both voltage fluctuation and cluster-current amplitude smaller than do the existing methods. Experimental waveforms obtained from a three-phase downscaled system using a 370-V, 15-kW, 75-Hz, six-pole, permanent-magnet synchronous motor verify good start-up performance from a standstill to the rated speed, keeping both capacitor-voltage and cluster current within acceptable levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the flexible dc capacitor voltages balancing control method for star-connected cascaded H-bridge converters. In this paper, the power flows are analyzed by investigating all the converter's control freedoms. Based on the analyses, users can accomplish the dc capacitor voltage balancing with both negative-sequence current and zero-sequence voltage. These two kinds of control options are further integrated together with the defined weighting factor $K$. The low-voltage ride-through operation of a proposed control method is also discussed in this paper. The control method is verified with a 220-V 1-kVA static synchronous compensators based on the star-connected cascaded H-bridge converters, and the experimental test results show that all the dc voltages are well regulated at the commanded value with different weighting factor $K$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a vernier motor with a spoke permanent-magnet (PM) structure instead of a surface PM is proposed in order to obtain higher power factor (PF) and flux density. However, upon investigating this structure with a single gap, unique effects that virtually eliminate the vernier effect are analytically identified. To avoid these effects and improve the PF, a spoke PM vernier motor with a double gap is then proposed. Analytic equations for back electromotive force and the PF are then derived for this motor in terms of various geometric factors such as the numbers of magnets and winding poles, the magnet thickness, etc. For a case study, the practical achievable maximum power and PF are calculated and verified with accurate simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operating principle of the clamp circuits like clamping diodes and flying capacitor in three-level LLC converter is different from other three-level converters, because the mean value of the resonant tank current is always zero and pulse-frequency modulation control is generally used instead of pulsewidth modulation control. And the converter with only the clamping diodes or flying capacitor is difficult to realize voltage balance. In this paper, the characteristics of the three-level LLC converter with single clamp circuit are first analyzed. Then, the operation principle of the hybrid-clamped circuit under the unbalanced voltages on input capacitors is described with the mode analysis, based on which the mechanism for voltage autobalance is elaborated and the effects of two clamp circuits are derived. Then, the design of the clamping diodes and the flying capacitor is also involved. Finally, a three-level LLC converter prototype is built and the experimental results verify the validity of the theoretical analysis and design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a dual-fed (DF) common dc-link topology open-end winding permanent magnet synchronous motor for aircraft high-speed starter–generator application is considered. While on one hand the common dc bus configuration significantly simplifies and reduces the costs of the topology, on the other hand it allows the zero-sequence current (ZSC) to flow freely in the system. High-speed machines are characterized by low phase inductance, which implies low zero-sequence impedance. A small time constant of the zero-sequence circuit produces a high-frequency, high-intensity ZSC ripple with the risk of harming the switching devices. This paper presents a novel hybrid space vector pulsewidth modulation that allows to instantaneously eliminate the zero-sequence voltage (ZSV) produced by the two voltage source converters (VSCs) by square wave modulating one of the two VSCs. The non-sinusoidal machine back electromotive force (EMF) has been considered and the effect of the converters’ dead time on the ZSV has been analyzed. The square-wave-modulated VSC uses insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) devices, whereas the other uses Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology. The proposed topology is tested through both simulations and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resonant grounding is one of the possible methods of the system neutral grounding for the medium voltage distribution. IEEE standards do define this grounding configuration, but important advantages and drawbacks of the resonant grounding might not be fully known, due to its rather uncommon application in North America. On the other hand, resonant grounding in Europe is imposed by the increased requirements for power quality, especially for medium-voltage (MV) industrial users, imposed to electric utilities by regulatory authorities, with the purpose to protect the interests of users and consumers. Level of the continuity of the service, magnitude and phase of ground-fault currents, magnitude of touch voltages, all depend on how the neutral is connected to ground. In this paper, the authors will discuss electrical safety features of the resonant ground, and analyze issues when a substation, originally operated with different methods of system neutral grounding, is reconfigured with a resonant ground. In particular, a conservative approach for preserving safety during high-voltage (HV)-MV substations’ reconfiguration is herein proposed; the cases of the substation reconfiguration from resonant grounding to isolated-from-ground and vice versa shall be analyzed. Finally, the analysis of the impact of the use of Petersen coil on the global grounding systems will be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides the nature and condition of the surfaces in contact, several factors influence the triboelectric charging of polymer slabs in frictional sliding contact: pressure load and relative velocity between the two bodies, number of friction cycles, ambient temperature, and humidity. This paper is aimed at pointing out the peculiarities of the statistic control of such a process. Thirty experiments were performed for the optimal combination of factor values (i.e., normal force: 10 N; sliding speed: 55 mm/s; number of sliding cycles: 10) that maximize the absolute value of the average potential at the surface of the tribocharged materials: 1600 V. The capability index calculated from the experimental data was satisfactory and two Shewart charts were established for the statistical control of the process. Two out-of-control situations were simulated, in order to test the efficiency of the charts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel grid synchronization method with bumpless start that requires minimal computational load and can selectively track the positive sequence of the grid voltage in an unbalanced and distorted three-phase weak grid. Only 12 floating-point operations are required to obtain the in-phase and quadrature components that define a synchronous frame which tracks the positive sequence of the grid voltage. Contrary to a phase-locked loop (PLL), the presented scheme does not require to measure any ac voltages. Therefore, this sensorless method is particularly suited for weak-grid conditions, in which the voltage at the point of common coupling may contain significant noise and can experience larger deviations from the grid voltage (compared to a strong grid) due to the voltage drop in the weak grid impedance. The error in the estimated phase depends on the accuracy of the plant model. If the LCL filter parameters are known, then both the proposal and a PLL-based scheme result in the same steady-state error. Experimental results show the advantages of the proposal compared to a moving average filter PLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design and implementation of a novel low-cost speed sensorless control technique for a permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor (PMa-SynRM). A robust adaptive speed (RAS) observer is designed for estimating the rotor speed and position, respectively. The RAS observer estimates the PMa-SynRM speed and position from the back electromotive force space-vector determination without voltage sensors by using the reference voltages issued from the current controllers instead of the actual ones. The novelty of the proposed RAS estimation technique is the adaptation of the feedback error of the actual values. Thus, the proposed observer structure promises a higher degree of robustness against PMa-SynRM parameter changes in the sensitivity analysis presented in this paper. The dynamic model and experimental realizations of the proposed control technique are introduced. A 6-kW PMa-SynRM drive test setup is constructed including a dSPACE 1104 board as the control heart of the proposed system. The hardware-in-the-loop Typhoon HIL 402 device is used to experimentally emulate the PMa-SynRM and the inverter connected to a dSPACE MicroLabBox. The proposed RAS observer robustness is evaluated using a HIL model and experimental results under different conditions. A comparative experimental analysis between the proposed RAS and Luenberger observers has been performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many methods to ground generators. This paper will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. This paper will progress from low-resistance grounding of a single source to complex systems with multiple sources. Although this paper is focused on medium-voltage bus-connected generators, there is no reason the techniques could not be utilized in low-voltage multiple-source systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papers, books, and standards consider the problem of mutual interactions of ground systems (GSs) by experimental data, parametric curves, mathematical approaches, and computer programs. This paper aims to analyze the physical phenomenon and basics, exemplifying the interference between GSs, such as their comparability, common intersection, mutual transfer resistance, and coupling factors. These characteristics assist to suppose the systems behavior in interaction and to suggest practical criteria for verifying the adequacy of GSs also versus the external interferences among them or/and with buried extraneous conductive part. The presence of a “global grounding system” (GGS) in the influence zone of a GS is a relevant case of interference. For definition, the GGS is not interfering, but can be locally interfered with unexpected increases of touch and step voltages. The global performance of an interfered GS can be defined by the overlap of two opposite and simultaneous behaviors: the passive and active behaviors, useful to characterize a GGS. In fact, a GGS essentially presents a passive behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of high-voltage direct current sea electrodes using different numerical techniques. The large volume of sea water that must be included in the analysis is represented using infinite (inclined layer model) and finite models (finite volume and hemispheroidal models). The comparison between the results obtained using these models is based on the potential rise of the electrode, the sea potential rise in the vicinity of the electrode, and the computational burden for utilizing each model. The analysis shows that the results obtained using finite models can predict the performance of the electrode more accurately and realistically. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper suggests an advanced approach in the verification of the adequacy of a grounding system (GS) located in a common zone of influence with other GSs, taking into account the mutual interferences between the GSs. In fact, the presence of other GSs can transfer inadmissible touch and step voltages on the testing GS, particularly sensitive for critical power systems as data centers and hospitals. The safety of a local GS or of a global GS (GGS) does not admit uncontrolled interferences. Simulation programs assume a relevant importance, because they allow analyzing the interferences of GSs, particularly in operational difficulties for the tests. GSs have to maintain within the installation lifetime their characteristics of integrity and continuity and their safety performances; hence, they require a management program. This paper highlights the relevance of intrinsically safe GSs that guarantee safe touch/step voltages lower than permissible permanent voltages such as GGSs. GSs in city centers and urban and industrial areas evolve in time. Each installation of a new GS can influence the performance of the GSs existent in the area. Inspections and measurements are also necessary, following variations that can influence essential requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To minimize ground fault during a line-to-ground fault condition, it has been a common practice to use high-resistance grounded (HRG) power systems, both at low voltage and at medium voltage (MV). The criteria for designing HRG systems are very well known to the industry; however, the opinion of industry experts has been divided on limiting the use of HRG systems for MV systems to voltages of less than 4.16 kV and phase-ground fault currents of less than 10 A without clarifying that it applies to systems that require continuous operation upon first detecting line-to-ground fault, as it is now in the Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems. This paper will review the background history of HRG power systems and their application to MV systems for specific industries and will make the case that voltages need not be limited to less than 4.16 kV and the phase-ground fault current to less than 10 A, so long as the faulted power system is isolated within ten cycles and that there are no directly connected motors. This paper will discuss the potential damage and protection requirements of HRG systems for MV applications to ensure that a line-to-ground fault is cleared before it involves other phases to make a multiphase arcing ground fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper applies a rigorous electromagnetic model to determine the transient distribution of potentials along a substation earth grounding grid subjected to lightning currents. The obtained results show that, in the initial period of the transient, equipment pieces that are earth grounded at distinct points of the grid and are electrically linked (for example, by aerial communication cables) experience impulsive loop currents. Such loop currents can cause equipment malfunctions, failures, and damage. A remarkable conclusion of this paper is that such loop currents can reach substantial values even in the case of soils of low resistivity. Some practical aspects are highlighted in order to reduce the risks due to the nonuniform distribution of potentials along earth grounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neutral-point voltage-balancing control is a critical issue of a neutral-point-clamped converter. The conventional control strategy is to inject the specific zero-sequence voltage to regulate the redundant vector, but it is unacceptable to the three-phase four-wire system. This paper provides a neutral-point voltage-balancing control by the dipolar modulation, and the control freedom of the zero-sequence voltage is flexible. Therefore, the proposed method is suitable for both three-phase three-wire and three-phase four-wire systems. Besides, the proposed method improves the control dynamic in a reactive power system. The proposed neutral-point voltage-balancing control is verified by the mathematical analysis and experimental results. The control dynamic, power loss estimation, and the output current performance are analyzed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper addresses the numerical investigation of an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) plume induced by a sharp blade electrode in a dielectric liquid. Different injection laws, namely, autonomous and nonautonomous ones, are considered, and the importance of the blade shape is emphasized, especially for nonautonomous injection laws. Different flow regimes arise according to the value of the Reynolds number based on the ionic mobility and the distance $d$ between the blade and the vertical plate. It is found that the critical Reynolds number for which the transition between steady and unsteady regimes occurs depends on the injection law, on the blade shape, on the $M$ parameter, and on the injection strength $C$. For much higher Reynolds number, the flow turns to be chaotic and behaves as a jet flow with the development of a Kelvin–Helmoltz instability. The use of different sharp blades indicates that a higher electric field at the tip of the blade plays a significant effect on the development of the EHD plume. The plumes have been characterized by their charge density distribution which shows, in the early stages of the simulation, that its dynamics is significantly dependent on the blade shape as well as on the nonautonomous injection law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causes of electrical accidents which occur during maintenance of power lines are sometimes not traceable. Unfortunately, a grounding practice which has been widely adopted in the utility industry in India, U.K., and some other countries unintentionally causes so many fatal accidents every year. The conclusion was arrived after analyzing some fatal accidents. This practice of protective grounding is still continued by many distribution companies without realizing the hazards involved. For de-energized line maintenance, grounding the line at source end is commonly practiced for the purpose of personal protection. This paper explains how this safety practice turns into hazard by transferring the substation ground grid potential to the worksite and why this transferred potential cannot be controlled by any means in three-wire overhead distribution systems which run with no separated ground wire. This paper suggests the solution to avoid the transferred potential and to describe it in IEEE Std. 1048—Guide for Protective Grounding of Power Lines, IEEE Std. 80-2000—Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding, British Std. 7430—Code of Practice for Earthing, and Indian Std. 3043—Code of Practice for Earthing to bring an end to the accidents caused by this safety practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The so-called integrated starter–alternator (ISA) is a high-efficiency electrical machine that is connected to an internal combustion engine obtaining mild hybrid electric vehicles. The ISA has a twofold task: starting up the engine and generating electrical energy to be stored into a battery. This paper is focused on the first task. Two different motors are investigated: an external rotor surface permanent magnet (SPM) machine and an interior permanent magnet (IPM) machine. For drive control, both motors require knowledge of their rotor position; then, a sensorless technique based on the high-frequency (HF) voltage injection for rotor position detection has been implemented. In order to create an HF anisotropy in the SPM rotor configuration, a ringed-pole solution has been adopted. Experimental tests have highlighted that the first machine has a clear capability of starting up the engine with good speed and position estimation in spite of the particular nonconstant load torque. As regard the IPM machine, the sensorless engine startup appears not possible because the anisotropy disappears at a high current level due to saturation effects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper investigates the powering of smart grid sensors with electric fields (E-fields) present in abundance near most medium-voltage to high-voltage (MV/HV) utility assets. A unique E-field energy harvester is proposed, which is integrated into a sensor's enclosure, thereby ensuring low-cost and compact size. The proposed energy harvester can be used with multiple assets by virtue of its shape, which also allows installation without interruption of the MV/HV asset. Design methodology of the harvester through Maxwell simulations along with a new and efficient circuit design for obtaining a regulated dc supply is presented. A medium-voltage prototype of the proposed E-field energy harvester integrated with a wireless voltage sensor is built and tested on a 35-kV bus. The prototype provides 17 mW of continuous power at 35 kV with a high energy density. This power is enough to operate a low-duty-cycle sensor node stuck on to an MV/HV asset. The prototype shows promising results and demonstrates the efficacy of using E-fields for powering smart grid sensors for MV/HV assets. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Multilevel converters are a proven solution for medium-voltage and high-power applications, including renewable energy conversion. Developing 6.6-kV converters is a key goal for the wind turbines industry. Considering the voltage rating of commercially available semiconductors, five-level converters are necessary to reach 6.6 kV. The five-level active neutral-point-clamped converter (5L-ANPC) is one of the most advantageous topologies among five-level multilevel converters. This paper presents a new 5L-ANPC topology that overcomes the features of the previously employed 5L-ANPC topology. Along this paper, the properties and working principle of this new 5L-ANPC are explained. Finally, the validity of the new converter is validated via simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are characteristics of permanent magnet (PM) motors, both by design and by application, that create new challenges in certifying for oil and gas environments. To date, certifications of PM motors are being handled on a case-by-case basis. This paper will identify areas in the standards that require additional clarification or assumptions when applying PM motors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an experimental discussion on an adjustable-speed electrical drive fed by a modular multilevel triple-star bridge-cell (TSBC) converter. The TSBC converter is suitable for medium-voltage high-power motor drives with regenerative braking. However, it suffers from capacitor-voltage fluctuation that becomes more serious as the motor frequency gets closer or equal to the supply frequency. This paper presents a practical solution of it with an acceptable increase in all the nine cluster currents. The solution is characterized by a motor-magnetizing-current controller that makes a significant contribution to theoretically eliminating the low-frequency component contained in each capacitor voltage. Experimental waveforms, which are obtained from a three-phase downscaled model rated at 400 V and 15 kW, verify exhibit satisfactory start-up performance from a standstill to the rated motor frequency that is equal to the supply frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel detached winding configuration for asymmetric six-phase double-stator axial flux permanent magnet machines aiming at fault-tolerant applications. Due to the machine unique double-stator structure, the six-phase winding can be separated into two three-phase windings with 30 electrical degree angle shift and arranged in different stators, which is the basic idea of the detached winding. In this paper, the connection of detached six-phase winding is first given, followed by a comprehensive comparison of the conventional six-phase winding and the detached winding in aspect such as the winding factor, electromotive force, inductances, rotor eddy current loss, and torque in normal condition. Performance under fault-tolerant operation is investigated by the copper loss minimization control strategy. The results show that by applying the detached winding instead of the conventional winding, rotor eddy current losses could be reduced by 25% and 70% under normal and fault-tolerant operation, respectively, without sacrificing torque output. This implies that under fault operation, the excess heating in rotor could be reduced and the machine durability can be enhanced. A prototype machine is built to validate the performance of the detached winding design. The experimental results match well with simulation analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent the high voltage direct current ground electrode from eroding, it is usually wrapped by a coke bed, which may affect the electrical performance of the electrode, such as current distribution and step voltage. In this paper, the effect is analyzed by a numerical method, which couples moment method with circuit theory by regarding the coke bed as several resistors connecting the ground electrode with soil. The method is simple and efficient. The calculated results are in good agreement with the measured ones. The current distribution, ground resistance. and step voltage of several typical electrodes with and without coke beds are calculated. The effect of the coke bed on the above parameters is summed up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified-virtual-space-vector-based dc-link voltage balancing strategy is proposed in this paper for a three-level inverter. In the proposed strategy, the summation of the three-phase currents for virtual vector needs not to be zero and it also keeps the two capacitor voltages balanced with wider range of load variations. The duty cycles for all the power switches are also derived in this paper using a nearest three-voltage vector scheme. Due to the reduced use of the medium voltage vectors, the proposed control strategy can considerably decrease the neutral-point voltage fluctuation for lower power-factor-based loads as well. Detailed simulation and experimental studies are also carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed system with a dc-link voltage balancing strategy with permanent magnet synchronous machine. Voltage and current harmonic distortions are also presented with change in modulation index. A Dspace-based real-time operating system is used for real-time implementation with a 6.0-kW surface permanent magnet synchronous motor. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper was written to share the experience acquired in the specification of surge suppressors (snubbers) for protection against switching transients’ overvoltage resulting primarily in dry-type transformers failures in some plants in Brazil and North America. This paper will also explain about the snubber ratings (damping resistor, surge capacitor, and surge arrester), the assembly special cares, system modeling, and simulations using the software Alternative Transient Program. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A novel approach of exploiting the stator-temperature-monitoring system to perform sensorless rotor-position estimation is described in this paper. The rotor position is, in fact, estimated by processing the voltages induced in thermistor cablings, which are modified in order to work as search coils (SCs). Using SCs, some typical drawbacks of sensorless position-estimation techniques based on the manipulation of fundamental components of stator voltages and currents, such as those related to inverter non-linearities, stator-resistance voltage drops, magnetic saturation and cross-coupling, can be overcome or mitigated. According to the proposed approach, a rotor-position-tracking technique for synchronous reluctance motor drives is developed independently from motor parameters. Such a sensorless rotor-position-estimation technique can be directly used to build up a sensorless controller or to improve the performance of conventional model based sensorless control systems. Simulations and experimental tests confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a practical machine learning-based fault diagnosis method is proposed for induction motors using experimental data. Various single- and multi-electrical and/or mechanical faults are applied to two identical induction motors in lab experiments. Stator currents and vibration signals of the motors are measured simultaneously during experiments and are used in developing the fault diagnosis method. Two signal processing techniques, matching pursuit, and discrete wavelet transform, are chosen for feature extraction. Three classification algorithms, support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), and ensemble, with 17 different classifiers offered in MATLAB Classification Learner toolbox are used in the study to evaluate the performance and suitability of different classifiers for induction motor fault diagnosis. It is found that five classifiers (fine Gaussian SVM, fine KNN, weighted KNN, bagged trees, and subspace KNN) can provide near 100% classification accuracy for all faults applied to each motor, but the remaining 12 classifiers do not perform well. A novel curve fitting technique is developed to calculate features for the motors that stator currents or vibration signals under certain loadings are not tested for a particular fault. The proposed fault diagnosis method can accurately detect single- or multi-electrical and mechanical faults in induction motors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The switching speeds of next-generation power semiconductor devices, such as those made of silicon carbide and gallium nitride are roughly ten times those of conventional devices (e.g., silicon insulated-gate bipolar transistors). This increases the frequency range of the electromagnetic noise accompanying the switching operations of pulsewidth modulated (PWM) converters and worsens the influence of radiated noise. The authors have previously proposed an active common-mode filter (ACF) that reduces the radiated noise from the power cables connected to a PWM converter and evaluated its effect in reducing radiated noise by using a function generator as a common-mode (CM) noise source. In this paper, the ACF is applied to a motor drive system fed by a three-phase PWM inverter, and the attenuation characteristics of the CM voltage are evaluated. To avoid saturating the ACF, the combination of an active common-noise canceller and the ACF is discussed. The experimental results show that the system constructed in this paper can suppress the CM voltage produced by the PWM inverter over a wide frequency range from 100 to 100 MHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-voltage dc distribution systems have gained significant attention over the last years, since they provide simpler and more efficient integration of distributed generators and storage devices, establishing a pathway to net zero energy buildings. In low-power units, transformerless utility interface is preferred to reduce footprint and losses. However, the lack of galvanic isolation introduces a common-mode (CM) path between the dc distribution bus and the utility service grounding, leading to the presence of high CM voltages at the dc bus feeders. The attenuation of the CM voltage reduces the touch voltage amplitude and leakage current, contributing to a safer environment. In this paper, a feed-forward active compensation of the CM voltage is proposed. It relies on utility voltage parameters, estimated by a phase locked loop, to generate a counter CM voltage; hence, it does not require previous knowledge of the system CM path model or the addition of voltage sensors. Experimental results show that this technique can attenuate the CM voltage to non-dangerous magnitudes without interfering with the microgrid differential mode behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses electrical distribution for refrigerated containers (reefers) in port terminals, characterized as parks of uniform distributed loads. Power systems of uniform distributed loads need configurations with modularity whenever possible, to ensure an easier installation, operation, and maintenance with significant cost reductions. This paper shows what has been the practice at ports in the past to provide Low Voltage (LV) supply to reefers from medium voltage (MV)/LV substations to cluster of reefer outlets panel with group of outdoor receptacles, used to connect power supply cord to each reefer. In the new method of power distribution system for the reefers, it is suggested to use a main MV underground distribution and portable containerized MV/LV transformer substations with close coupled LV distribution panel including reefer outlets. This potable power supply unit can be installed inside the reefer racks to supply locally a modular LV distribution to the reefers. This new method of supplying power to reefer racks has benefits over the past practice. It can offer a relevant flexibility for expansions and endorses development of new fitting components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power quality (PQ) is becoming more and more critical issue in shipboard microgrid systems (SMGs). Especially, the impact of voltage unbalance combined with harmonic distortions on the SMG behavior has not been fully investigated. In this paper, simple PQ assessment models and a series of controlled experiments are proposed and carried out in a real ship under sea-going conditions. The ship experimental results are presented and discussed considering nonlinear bow thruster load and high power ballast pump loads under unbalanced and harmonic voltage conditions. In addition, the analysis of bow thruster current harmonic surges during the ballast pump start-up is presented. Furthermore, the voltage/current distortions of a working generator, bow thruster and pump loads are analyzed. The paper provides a valuable analysis for coping with PQ issues in the SMG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many research works report the use of LCL filters for grid-interfaced PV systems. Indiscreet selection of passive LCL filter parameters may result in poor filtering and increased power losses. LCL filter parameter selection is critical to get a good performance and at the same time ensure that losses and costs stay low. This paper proposes a novel approach to design the LCL filter for a grid-interfaced PV system. A cost-based minimization approach on a cost per joule basis for each of the filter elements is explored to obtain the optimal filter design. Simulation results for a 10-kVA grid-connected inverter with an LCL filter are presented in order to verify the efficacy of the proposed design. The impact of designed filter parameters on the ripple current is also discussed in this paper. The total inductance of the LCL filter is varied and filter parameter values which give lowest cost is identified while meeting harmonic standard requirements and the fundamental voltage drop across the filter. Finally, the proposed design is also experimentally validated via a hardware prototype. Results validate the design method in terms of the harmonic attenuation and total harmonic distortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grid-interactive inverters allow distributed generation units to provide various ancillary services in microgrids. As the linear modulation region of inverters is restricted by the dc-bus voltage, providing ancillary services may drive the fundamental positive-sequence inverter voltage to the overmodulation region. Therefore, to operate in the linear modulation region the maximum active- and reactive-power of the inverter may have to be reduced unless pulsewidth modulation (PWM) references are adjusted. In this paper, an atypical PWM method is proposed for maximizing dc-bus utilization of grid-interactive two-level voltage source inverters (2L-VSI) providing ancillary services. Two important ancillary services, i.e., negative-sequence compensation and harmonic compensation are considered in this paper. The proposed method increases the maximum active- and reactive-power that a 2L-VSI can deliver when providing ancillary services by injecting a common-mode component in the references computed based on instantaneous reference magnitudes. The validity of the proposed technique is verified through simulation, as well as experimental data obtained using a 208-V three phase grid-connected 2L-VSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multifunctional grid-connected inverter (MFGCI) has been a promising solution to mitigate power quality problems in distributed generation system and microgrid applications. However, the capability of a conventional MFGCI is limited when compensating a voltage-based power quality problem. In this paper, a new configuration of MFGCI is proposed to improve both voltage-based and current-based power quality issues and is named shunt-series-switched MFGCI (SSS-MFGCI). The SSS-MFGCI can be connected in series or parallel to the grid by implementing bidirectional switches to provide different modes of operation depending on various grid disturbances. The required compensating current and voltage are analytically derived considering the grid and load conditions for voltage regulation. This paper also presents the compensation strategies, control scheme, and transition scheme between different modes of the proposed SSS-MFGCI. Simulation results to prove the concept are also included for unbalanced sag and swell cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of the losses in the integrated buck–flyback converter (IBFC) used as high-power-factor LED driver. The aim of the study is to investigate the possibilities of increasing the efficiency of the IBFC converter. The procedure of the improvement is done by obtaining the equations of the current through each component in terms of converter parameters. The current is found in an average value or rms value, depending on the type of the parasitic component, whether it is modeled by a parasitic forward voltage source or by a parasitic resistance, respectively. Using these equations and the parasitic model, the losses of each element of the converter are estimated. This paper proposes a technique to increase the efficiency of the IBFC by redesigning the converter parameters. Furthermore, this paper presents a case of study with a step-by-step efficiency enhancement process of an existing driver. The driver is operating under universal input conditions, and 38 V output, supplying an LED luminary of 26.5 W. The new design shows an improvement of the efficiency from 82% in the old design to 89% in the proposed one. Moreover, the new design shows an improvement in the power factor and the THD and a 50% reduction in the output current ripple. Furthermore, a reduction in the number of components has been achieved, as it is found by the analysis that by adjusting the converter parameters, one diode can be removed. Finally, the presented methodology is explained in detail so that it can easily be applied to other dc–dc converters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]