A Novel Induction Heating System Using Multilevel Neutral Point Clamped Inverter

Contribution to Knowledge: The main knowledge contribution of the dissertation can be summarized as follows: 1-A new design of induction heating power supply configuration with two categories of LLC topologies: A Novel induction heating power supply topology using multilevel neutral point clamped inverter (MNPCI) is investigated and verified. The proposed converter topology decreases the switching losses by decreasing the DC link voltage to half its DC rail voltage value with the aid of operation under soft switching mode condition. Depending on the modified LLC optimum design being introduced, it shares the advantage features of both voltage fed and current fed inverters with the capability to absorb the undesired parasitic components in the design. The new design involves adding new circuit parameter that helps in controlling the power transfer from the MNPCI to the resonant load tank. All the analytical analysis made and the corresponding experimental work verifies the prototype configuration. This contribution was presented by the author and published in: {B.M. Flayyih; M.Z. Ahmed; M. Ambroze, ''A Novel Hybrid Voltage-Current Fed Induction Heating Power Supply System Using Multilevel Neutral Point Clamped Inverter '', Energycon 2014 IEEE International Energy Conference, Dubrovnik-Croatia. From 13th - 16th May 2014}. 2-An optimum power control of induction heating system by reducing harmonic distortion content: The development of IH system has become a pressing need to improve the power transfer from power supply to the IH load of the application required, and due to variable characteristic of IH load workpiece during the heating cycle, it is necessary to develop an IH system that operates using resonant inverters with switching frequency that changes according to changing load conditions during the IH application process, in order to keep tuning with natural resonant frequency of the system and keep working under optimal operational point. A novel super frequency induction heating power supply using MNPCI with optimum control algorithm is introduced. The control strategy is to keep phase shift angle between voltage and current approximately zero at all load conditions to ensure maximum power transfer whatever the load parameters changes, that is necessary to reduce the switching losses and increase the efficiency. The load topology being used consists of variable LLC resonant tank with values chosen carefully to coincide with the design. Afterword, an Optimum Harmonic Control of a proposed induction heating power supply with MNPCI is also introduced in this research. The proposed system achieves the soft switching mode for both current and voltage with low harmonic distortion and the capability to maximize the heating power by controlling the harmonics. The modulation strategy depends on changing the ON switching time of the prototype to an optimized value that achieves natural switching with lowest possible harmonic distortion and thus, gaining highest heating power efficiency. This contribution was also presented by the author and published in {B.M. Flayyih; M.Z. Ahmed; S. MacVeigh, ''A Comprehensive Power Analysis of Induction Heating Power Supply System Using Multilevel Neutral Point Clamped Inverter With Optimum Control Algorithm '', 2015 IEEE 11th International Conference on Power Electronics and Drive Systems (PEDS), From 9th - 12th June 2015, Sydney, Australia}. This contribution is also presented by the author in: {B.M. Flayyih; M.Z. Ahmed; M. Ambroze, ''An Optimum Harmonic Control of Induction Heating Power Supply System Using Multilevel Neutral Point Clamped Inverter'', The IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference and Expo Asia-Pacific (ITEC2016), Busan, Korea on 1st - 4th June, 2016}.This thesis investigates a novel DC/AC resonant inverter of Induction Heating (IH) system presenting a Multilevel Neutral Point Clamped (MNPCI) topology, as a new part of power supply design. The main function of the prototype is to provide a maximum and steady state power transfer from converter to the resonant load tank, by achieving zero current switching (ZCS) with selecting the best design of load tank topology, and utilizing the advantage aspects of both the Voltage Fed Inverter (VFI) and Current Fed Inverter (CFI) kinds, therefore it can considered as a hybrid-inverter (HVCFI) category . The new design benefits from series resonant inverter design through using two bulk voltage source capacitors to feed a constant voltage delivery to the MNPCI inverter with half the DC rail voltage to decrease the switching losses and mitigate the over voltage surge occurred in inverter switches during operation which may cause damage when dealing with high power systems. Besides, the design profits from the resonant load topology of parallel resonant inverter, through using the LLC resonant load tank. The design gives the advantage of having an output current gain value of about Quality Factor (Q) times the inverter current and absorbs the parasitic components. On the contrary, decreasing inverter current means decreasing the switching frequency and thus, decreasing the switching losses of the system. This aspect increases the output power, which increases the heating efficiency. In order for the proposed system to be more reliable and matches the characteristics of IH process , the prototype is modelled with a variable LLC topology instead of fixed load parameters with achieving soft switching mode of ZCS and zero voltage switching (ZVS) at all load conditions and a tiny phase shift angle between output current and voltage, which might be neglected. To achieve the goal of reducing harmonic distortion, a new harmonic control modulation is introduced, by controlling the ON switching time to obtain minimum Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) content accompanied with optimum power for heating energy.Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.Al Shuhadaa Establishment of Iraq

A generalized approach to planar induction heating magnetics

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2012.This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.Cataloged from student submitted PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 85-90).This thesis describes an efficient numerical simulation technique of magnetoquasistatic electromagnetic fields for planar induction heating applications. The technique is based on a volume-element discretization, integral formulation of Maxwell's equations, and uses the multilayer Green's function to avoid volumetric meshing of the heated material. The technique demonstrates two orders of magnitude of computational advantage compared to existing FEM techniques. Single-objective and multiobjective optimization of a domestic induction heating coil are performed using the new technique, using more advanced algorithms than those previously used due to the increase in speed. Both optimization algorithms produced novel, three-dimensional induction coil designs.by Richard Yi Zhang.S.M

New Developments in Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is defined as the energy which naturally occurs, covers a number of sources and technologies at different stages, and is theoretically inexhaustible. Renewable energy sources such as those who are generated from sun or wind are the most readily-available and possible solutions to address the challenge of growing energy demands in the world. Newer and environmentally friendly technologies are able to provide different social and environmental benefits such as employment and decent environment. Renewable energy technologies are crucial contributors to world energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and provide opportunities for mitigating greenhouse gases. International public opinion indicates that there is strong support for a variety of methods for solving energy supply problems, one of which is utilizing renewable energy sources. In recent years, countries realized that that the renewable energy and its sector are key components for greener economies

Applicazione di energia nel campo delle microonde in processi innovativi dell’ingegneria chimica e dei materiali

Obiettivo della ricerca, oggetto di studio del presente dottorato, è l’analisi delle applicazioni del riscaldamento a microonde in alcuni settori dell’ingegneria chimica e della produzione di materiali. L’interesse dei settori di ricerca, anche industriale, nelle applicazioni delle microonde riguarda settori speciali che portino a prodotti distintivi o comunque difficilmente ottenibili con altre tecnologie. E’ necessario infatti considerare il riscaldamento volumetrico non un’alternativa a quanto già si fa, ma uno strumento per ottenere processi e prodotti differenti che sfruttino le specificità della tecnologia considerata, eventualmente affiancandola ed ibridandola con altre tecnologie. L’attività di ricerca teorica e sperimentale è stata incentrata sull’analisi di alcuni particolari processi chimici nei quali l’impiego delle microonde come sistema di riscaldamento alternativo a quello convenzionale fosse in grado, almeno in linea teorica, di apportare dei vantaggi non solo dal punto di vista della riduzione dei tempi di trattamento, ma anche del miglioramento del processo stesso o di un incremento nella qualità del prodotto ottenuto. Le tematiche che sono state esaminate hanno riguardato il settore della produzione di materiali per quanto l’infiltrazione in fase vapore a microonde per la produzione di compositi a base di carburo di silicio, mentre per quanto riguarda l’ingegneria chimica ambientale è stato studiata la tematica della bonifica a microonde di terreni contaminati da idrocarburi. La scelta di affrontare argomenti appartenenti ad aree di interesse piuttosto dissimili tra loro è stata dettata dalla necessità di acquisire una conoscenza ad ampio raggio sulle diverse modalità che hanno le microonde di interagire con i materiali e sulle numerose potenzialità che offre il riscaldamento dielettrico in alcuni settori dell’ingegneria chimica. In conclusione, prendendo in considerazione il caso di applicazione delle microonde nel settore della bonifica di suoli contaminati, questo può essere ritenuto un’operazione innovativa e vantaggiosa per i tempi richiesti e la qualità finale del terreno decontaminato, nei casi di quantità ridotte di suolo da decontaminare e in presenza di un adeguato contenuto di umidità. La tecnica di infiltrazione chimica in fase vapore assistita a microonde è risultato un caso in cui l’elevato valore aggiunto del prodotto ottenuto è in grado di supportare la complessità tecnologica e gli elevati costi d’investimento richiesti dagli impianti a microonde, dal momento che è particolarmente indicata per la produzione di una classe di materiali destinati al settore spazio in grado di resistere a sollecitazioni severe e ambienti ostili dal punto di vista aereo-termo-chimico, (alte temperature di funzionamento e pesi ridotti)

Use, Operation and Maintenance of Renewable Energy Systems:Experiences and Future Approaches

The aim of this book is to put the reader in contact with real experiences, current and future trends in the context of the use, exploitation and maintenance of renewable energy systems around the world. Today the constant increase of production plants of renewable energy is guided by important social, economical, environmental and technical considerations. The substitution of traditional methods of energy production is a challenge in the current context. New strategies of exploitation, new uses of energy and new maintenance procedures are emerging naturally as isolated actions for solving the integration of these new aspects in the current systems of energy production. This book puts together different experiences in order to be a valuable instrument of reference to take into account when a system of renewable energy production is in operation

Analysis and Design of a Linear Tubular Electric Machine for Free-piston Stirling Micro-cogeneration Systems

The UE investments for the renewable source development, in order to achieve the set goals (Kyoto protocol and “20-20-20” targets), push to investigate in new technologies and to develop the existing. In this context, the cogeneration (CHP) plays a fundamental role, and in particular, the micro-CHP has wide development margins. Among the different cogeneration process, the systems driven by a free-piston Stirling engine are one of the most significant challenges in the research area. In such systems, the thermal energy, coming from primary energy source (for example renewable energy), is converted into mechanical energy through a Stirling engine, and then a linear generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy, finally, the generator is connected to the electric grid or to the load by means of an electric converter. The use of the linear generator, instead of the traditional systems of linear to alternating motion conversion (rod-crank system), allows achieving several advantages, including: improving the system reliability, noise and cost reduction. Finally, this kind of system, if well-designed, allows improving the system efficiency. In this thesis a linear generator, directly coupled to a free-piston Stirling engine in a CHP system, was developed and analysed. It was found, after a first phase of the study and literature review, that the most convenient choice, from the technical and economic point of view, is a single-phase tubular permanent magnet linear generator. In particular, the magnets are made of plasto-neodymium, while, for the realization of the stator magnetic circuit, due to the geometrical complexity, soft magnetic composites (SMC) materials have been considered. In order to determine the generator performance, an analysis method based on FEAs was developed. This simplified method (HFEA) allows the study and the comparison of different magnetization patterns and current supply strategies. The proposed methodology exploits the representation of the magnetization spatial harmonics through an analytical processing that allows taking into account different magnetization profile of the permanent magnets. Thus, it was possible to reconstruct the most important quantities, such as the flux density and the flux linkage, superposing the effect of each harmonic obtained through the Fourier analysis. Furthermore, a procedure, able to reproduce the effects of magnetic saturation of the mover, generally not negligible in such kind of machines, was developed. For this purpose, an appropriate surface current distribution on the yoke of the mover was introduced, in order to reproduce the demagnetizing effect due to the saturation. By means of the air gap flux density, the force provided by linear generator was calculated, while, by means of the flux density sampled on suitable points on the stator and mover yokes, the iron losses were estimated and then the machine efficiency. By means of the flux linkage the emf provided by linear generator was determined. The results show a very good agreement with corresponding FEAs. The proposed analysis method allows carrying out a parametric analysis with a lower computational effort. Thanks to this feature, different magnetization patterns, supply strategies and SMC materials can be compared in order to optimize the machine design. A prototype based on the design guidelines was built; then, a procedure based on experimental measurement was developed to characterize the electromagnetic parameters. To determine the magnetization profile of the magnets, the flux density on the mover surface was carried out by means of a Gaussmeter. As regards the SMC materials that compose the stator core, a calculation method was developed from suitable experimental elaborations, in order to determine the most important magnetic properties, such as the BH curve and core loss coefficients. From experimental results, it can be noted that the actual characteristics are poorer than those provided by the manufactured datasheets, likely due to the manufacturing processes and spurious air gaps between the SMC modules. The update electromagnetic parameters are used to determine the actual performance of the machine, particularly to estimate the efficiency, the emf and the force. Finally, a simplified model of the cogeneration system was developed in order to predict the dynamic behaviour and particularly, the actual values of the speed, output power and efficiency. This model allows developing the control strategy of the linear generator acting on the electric converter

International Conference on Energy Efficiency Engineering

UBT Annual International Conference is the 8th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development.The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make them be aware of the recent advancements in different research fields, and provide them with a unique forum to share their experiences. It is also the place to support the new academic staff for doing research and publish their work in international standard level. This conference consists of sub conferences in different fields like: – Computer Science and Communication Engineering– Management, Business and Economics– Mechatronics, System Engineering and Robotics– Energy Efficiency Engineering– Information Systems and Security– Architecture – Spatial Planning– Civil Engineering , Infrastructure and Environment– Law– Political Science– Journalism , Media and Communication– Food Science and Technology– Pharmaceutical and Natural Sciences– Design– Psychology– Education and Development– Fashion– Music– Art and Digital Media– Dentistry– Applied Medicine– Nursing This conference is the major scientific event of the UBT. It is organizing annually and always in cooperation with the partner universities from the region and Europe. We have to thank all Authors, partners, sponsors and also the conference organizing team making this event a real international scientific event. Edmond Hajrizi, President of UBT UBT – Higher Education Institutio

Design and Development of a Multi-Frequency System for Microwave Heating

[ES] La utilización de sistemas de microondas para aplicaciones de calentamiento está muy extendida, principalmente por su uso en el calentamiento doméstico. El volumen de ventas del horno de microondas doméstico refleja un dato curioso: es el electrodoméstico más vendido en el mundo cada año. Por ello, el coste de producción del elemento principal, el magnetrón, presenta unos márgenes de beneficio imbatibles. Sin embargo, los avances en la fabricación de generadores de RF de alta potencia de estado sólido han puesto de manifiesto no solo las limitaciones de los sistemas basados en magnetrón sino también las grandes ventajas de la tecnología de transistores. Actualmente, los amplificadores de potencia de estado sólido han alcanzado una madurez suficiente como para competir en eficiencia, coste y calidad de la onda generada con el magnetrón. Las principales ventajas de los transistores son un reducido tamaño, tensiones de alimentación bajas, un espectro puro en frecuencia, un mayor tiempo de vida y el control digital directo. Los sistemas de microondas con esta tecnología están siendo introducidos en el mercado desde hace diez años, aunque las aplicaciones reales que los utilizan son escasas. La principal razón es la falta de diseños de aplicadores específicos para sacar el máximo provecho a las fuentes de estado sólido. , por tanto, es éste el objetivo de la tesis doctoral. Los sistemas S2MH (Solid-State Microwave Heating) se presentan en esta disertación doctoral como una alternativa que ofrece un calentamiento mejorado. La posibilidad de seleccionar la frecuencia exacta, ajustar la potencia de salida y realizar barridos de fase de forma coherente con múltiples iluminadores proporcionan al sistema un control preciso del proceso de calentamiento. El resultado directo de éste es un calentamiento homogéneo y el uso de la tecnología de microondas en procesos de alto valor añadido y fuerte dependencia con la temperatura. Esta tesis doctoral presenta el trabajo realizado en el diseño y fabricación de dos sistemas S2MH: el primero es un horno estático versátil para diferentes procesos químicos, y el segundo un horno de transporte para el secado de almendras. Estos dos sistemas están formados por el SSMGS (Solid-State Microwave Generator System), que incluye cuatro amplificadores de estado sólido (SSPA) con una generación de la onda coherente, y el aplicador. Para el diseño del SSMGS se han tenido en cuenta los requisitos de potencia y frecuencia de cada aplicación. Se ha utilizado un SSMGS con cuatro PA de 250 W a 2,450 MHz para el horno de aplicaciones químicas, mientras que el secado de almendras necesita cuatro PA de 500 W a 915 MHz. Los dos sistemas de generación de microondas permiten un control individual o combinado de los parámetros de los cuatro módulos amplificadores, i.e., potencia, frecuencia y fase. Todo el proceso de diseño ha sido llevado a cabo mediante modelado multi-físico, poniendo un especial cuidado en las propiedades termofísicas y dieléctricas de los alimentos y soluciones acuosas que tienen una importante dependencia con la temperatura. El comportamiento completo del sistema aplicador se ha estudiado con estas herramientas. Tras la fabricación de los dos prototipos o pruebas de concepto (PoC), los resultados obtenidos presentan un comportamiento similar al modelo y muestran, además, prometedoras mejoras frente a los sistemas actuales. El sistema de aplicaciones químicas presenta mejoras en la distribución de campo, independientemente de la aplicación y la carga. Y el sistema de secado de almendras proporciona un mayor control sobre el proceso evitando la pérdida de material por sobrecalentamiento.[CA] La utilització de sistemes de microones en aplicacions d'escalfament està molt estesa, principalment pel seu us en escalfament domèstic. El volum de ventes del forn de microones domèstic reflexa una informació curiosa: es l'electrodomèstic més venut anualment al món. Per això, el cost de producció del seu element principal, el magnetró, presenta uns marges de benefici imbatibles. No obstant això, els avanços en la fabricació de generadors de RF d'alta potencia d'estat sòlid han posat de manifest tant les limitacions dels sistemes basats en magnetró, com els grans avantatges de la tecnologia de transistors. Actualment, els amplificadors de potència d'estat sòlid son el suficientment madurs com per competir en eficiència, cost i qualitat de l'ona generada amb el magnetró. Els principals avantatges dels transistors son les dimensions reduïdes, tensions d'alimentació baixes, un espectre pur en freqüència, major temps de vida i el control digital directe. Els sistemes de microones amb aquesta tecnologia estan sent introduïts al mercat des de fa deu anys, malgrat les aplicacions reals son escasses. El principal motiu és la falta de dissenys de aplicadors específics per obtindré el màxim profit de les fonts d'estat sòlid. , por tanto, es éste el objetivo de la tesis doctoral. Els sistemes S2MH es presenten en esta dissertació doctoral com una alternativa que ofereix un escalfament millorat. La possibilitat de seleccionar la freqüència exacta, ajustar la potència d'eixida i realitzar un rastreig de fase de forma coherent amb molts il·luminadors proporcionen al sistema un control precís del procés d'escalfament. El resultat directe d'aquest es un escalfament homogeni i el us de la tecnologia de microones en processos d'alt valor afegit i alta sensibilitat a la temperatura. Aquesta dissertació doctoral presenta el treball realitzat en el disseny i fabricació de dos sistemes S2MH: el primer és un forn estàtic i versàtil per a diferent processos químics, i el segon es tracta d'un forn de transport per l'assecatge d'ametles. Tots dos sistemes estan formats pel SSMGS, que inclou quatre amplificadors d'estat sòlid (SSPA) amb generació coherent de l'ona, i l'aplicador. Per al disseny del SSMGS s'han tingut en compte els requisits de potència i freqüència de cada aplicació. S'ha utilitzat un SSMGS amb quatre PA de 250 W a 2,450 MHz per al forn d'aplicacions químiques, mentre que per al d'assecat d'ametla es necessita quatre PA de 500 W a 915 MHz. Ambdós sistemes de generació de microones permeten un control individual o combinat dels paràmetres dels quatre mòduls amplificadors, i.e., potència, freqüència i fase. Tot el procés de disseny ha sigut realitzat amb l'ajuda del modelat multi-físic, prestant una especial atenció a les propietats termofísiques i dielèctriques dels aliments i solucions aquoses, que tenen una important dependència de la temperatura. El comportament complet del sistema aplicador ha sigut estudiat amb estes ferramentes digitals. Després de la fabricació dels dos prototips o proves de concepte (PoC), els resultats obtinguts presenten un comportament similar al model i, a més a més, mostren millores prometedores front als sistemes actuals. El sistema d'aplicacions químiques presenta millores en la distribució de camp, independentment de l'aplicació i la càrrega. I el sistema d'assecatge d'ametlles proporciona un major control sobre el procés, evitant la pèrdua de material per sobreescalfament.[EN] Microwave systems are widely used for heating applications, mainly domestic food heating. The microwave oven sales figures place it as the first domestic appliance, giving its core element, the magnetron, an unbeatable production cost margin. However, recent improvements in RF high-power generator manufacturing have pointed out not only the limitations of these systems based on the magnetron but also the main benefits of the transistors technology. Nowadays, solid-state power amplifiers are mature enough to compete in efficiency, cost and quality with the magnetron. Transistors' main benefits are their reduced size, low operation voltages, pure frequency spectrum, lifetime, and straightforward digital control. Microwave systems based on solid-state power amplifiers have been recently introduced, although the real applications making use of them are rare. The main issue is the lack of applicator designs for specific solid-state sources that fully exploit the mentioned advantages; therefore, this is the main objective of the present PhD thesis. Solid-State Microwave Heating (S2MH) systems are presented in this PhD dissertation as an alternative that offers enhanced heating. Fine frequency selection, adjustable output power and coherent phase sweep in multiple outputs provide the system with accurate control over the heating process. The direct outcome of this control is the production of homogeneous heating and the application of microwave technology into high-added-value temperature-sensitive processes. The complete design and manufacture of two S2MH systems have been carried out and presented in this PhD thesis. The two designed systems are a multi-process chemical lab batch oven and an almond drying conveyorized oven. These two systems are composed of the Solid-State Microwave Generator System (SSMGS), consisting of four Solid-State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) with coherent wave generation, and the applicator. The design of the SSMGS has been carried out according to the power and frequency requirements of the application. A 4 x 250 W SSPA at 2,450 MHz SSMGS has been used for the chemical processes oven, while the almond drying application needs 4 x 500 W SSPA at 915 MHz. Both SSMGS allow the individual or combined digital control of the parameters of the four amplifying modules, i.e., power, frequency and phase. Multiphysics modelling has been thoroughly studied with special attention to the temperature-dependent thermophysical and dielectric properties of food and liquid solutions. The overall applicators' behaviour has been analysed with this tool. After completing the two PoC (Proof of Concept), the results show good agreement with the models. Both PoCs have shown promising improvements to the current state-of-the-art systems. The chemical applications PoC shows electromagnetic field distribution improvements, independent of the application or load. On the other hand, the almonds drying system provides increased control over the process avoiding material losses through overheating.Santón Pons, P. (2022). Design and Development of a Multi-Frequency System for Microwave Heating [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/19132

Renewable Energy

The demand for secure, affordable and clean energy is a priority call to humanity. Challenges associated with conventional energy resources, such as depletion of fossil fuels, high costs and associated greenhouse gas emissions, have stimulated interests in renewable energy resources. For instance, there have been clear gaps and rushed thoughts about replacing fossil-fuel driven engines with electric vehicles without long-term plans for energy security and recycling approaches. This book aims to provide a clear vision to scientists, industrialists and policy makers on renewable energy resources, predicted challenges and emerging applications. It can be used to help produce new technologies for sustainable, connected and harvested energy. A clear response to economic growth and clean environment demands is also illustrated

Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Innovations in Automation and Mechatronics Engineering (ICIAME2018)

The Mechatronics Department (Accredited by National Board of Accreditation, New Delhi, India) of the G H Patel College of Engineering and Technology, Gujarat, India arranged the 4th International Conference on Innovations in Automation and Mechatronics Engineering 2018, (ICIAME 2018) on 2-3 February 2018. The papers presented during the conference were based on Automation, Optimization, Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, Solar Energy etc and are featured in this book