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A European efficiency enhancement strategy for the grid-tied inverters with common dc bus and ac bus in parallel operation is proposed in this paper. Based on the inherent relationship between the dc bus voltage and the grid-feeding power, two dc bus voltage regulators with different output limits are employed in each grid-tied inverter. The operation of the dc bus voltage regulators depends on the grid-feeding power level. Therefore, the grid-tied inverter has priority up to the maximum efficiency operation point, and then, to operate at full load mode with the increase of the grid-feeding power. As a result, the European efficiency of the grid-tied system is improved without any communication link and extra hardware cost. The operation principle of the grid-tied inverter system is analyzed in detail with the implementation of the proposed control, and the design guidelines for key parameters are given and discussed. A prototype with three grid-tied inverters in parallel operation is built and experimental tests have been conducted on it in terms of steady-state performances and dynamic performances. The experimental results show that the operation modes of each grid-tied inverter depend on its sensing gain of the dc bus voltage. The European efficiency of the grid-tied inverter system with the conventional control and with the proposed control are 94.74% and 95.17%, respectively, which means the European efficiency has been enhanced by 0.43%. These results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The USA and Europe use different standards to provide electrical safety for employee workplaces. This paper examines the two standards NFPA70E and EN 50110, shows some of the similarities and differences, and looks at the possibilities for a gradual harmonization between the two systems. The paper would contribute to improve the electrical safety continuity in the worldwide globalization efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploitation of lignite in continuous surface mines requires removing masses of overburden, which are hauled to a dumpsite. There are some technological arrangements where the overburden is transported several dozen meters down to a spreader operating on a lower located dumping level. Depending on an angle of a declined transportation route, there is a possibility to convert the potential gravitational energy of conveyed down overburden masses into electric energy. To recover the maximum percentage of stored energy, an energy-effective and fully loaded belt conveyor should work in a generator mode. Due to the implementation of such a solution, a lignite continuous surface mine, which is a great electric energy consumer, can obtain the status of an electricity prosumer and reduce its environmental impact, in particular demonstrating significant savings in primary energy consumption. Though lignite surface mining is phasing out in Europe, the recuperative, overburden conveyors for downhill transport match up the targets of sustainable mining, understood as getting the maximum benefits from the exploited natural resources. According to the analyzed case study, an investment into the installation of regenerative inverters for the electric power supply of the declined overburden conveyor would pay off within 3–4 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]