Sensorless torque estimation in multidegree-of-freedom flexible systems

This paper presents a sensorless torque estimation algorithm for multidegree-of-freedom flexible systems. The proposed algorithm makes it possible to estimate externally applied torques due to flexible system s interaction with the environment without taking any measurement from the system. The algorithm is based on modifying the disturbance observer in order to decouple the reflected torque waves out of the total disturbance on the actuator. Then Reflected torque waves are used along with the actuator s current and velocity to estimate flexible system parameters, dynamics and the external torques or disturbances. Several experimental results are included in order to confirm the validity of the proposed torque estimation algorithm

Multiport power electronics circuitry for integration of renewable energy sources in low power applications : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

The increasing demand for electricity and the global concern about environment has led energy planners and developers to explore and develop clean energy sources. Under such circumstances, renewable energy sources (RES) have emerged as an alternative source of energy generation. Immense development has been made in renewable energy fields and methods to harvest it. To replace conventional generation system, these renewable energy sources must be sustainable, reliable, stable, and efficient. But these sources have their own distinguished characteristics. Due to sporadic nature of renewable energy sources, the uninterrupted power availability cannot be guaranteed. Handling and integration of such diversified power sources is not a trivial process. It requires high degree of efficiency in power extraction, transformation, and utilization. These objectives can only be achieved with the use of highly efficient, reliable, secure and cost-effective power electronics interface. Power electronics devices have made tremendous developments in the recent past. Numerous single and multi-port converter topologies have been developed for processing and delivering the renewable energy. Various multiport converter topologies have been presented to integrate RES, however some limitations have been identified in these topologies in terms of efficiency, reliability, component count and size. Therefore, further research is required to develop a multiport interface and to address the highlighted issues. In this work, a multi-port power electronics circuitry for integration of multiple renewable energy sources is developed. The proposed circuitry assimilates different renewable sources to power up the load with different voltage levels while maintaining high power transfer efficiency and reliability with a simple and reliable control scheme. This research work presents a new multiport non-isolated DC-DC buck converter. The new topology accommodates two different energy sources at the input to power up a variable load. The power sources can be employed independently and concurrently. The converter also has a bidirectional port which houses a storage device like battery to store the surplus energy under light load conditions and can serve as an input source in case of absence of energy sources. The new presented circuitry is analytically examined to validate its effectiveness for multiport interface. System parameters are defined and the design of different components used, is presented. After successful mathematical interpretation, a simulation platform is developed in MATLAB/Simscape to conduct simulations studies to verify analytical results and to carry out stability analysis. In the final stage, a low power, low voltage prototype model is developed to authenticate the results obtained in simulation studies. The converter is tested under different operating modes and variable source and load conditions. The simulation and experimental results are compiled in terms of converter’s efficiency, reliability, stability. The results are presented to prove the presented topology as a highly reliable, stable and efficient multiport interface, with small size and minimum number of components, for integration of renewable energy sources

Micro-peat as a potential low-cost adsorbent material for COD and NH3-N removal

Micro-peat (M-P) was demonstrated in the present study as a potential low cost natural adsorbent for the removal of COD and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) from landfill leachate. A series of batch experiments were carried out under fixed conditions and the influence of mixture ratio was investigated. The characteristics of leachate were then determined. Results indicated that leachate is non-biodegradable with high concentration of COD (2739.06 mg/L), NH3-N (1765.34 mg/L) and BOD5/COD ratio (0.09). The optimum ratio for activated carbon (AC) and M-P in the removal of COD and NH3-N obtained were at 2.5:1.5 (87%) and 1.0:3.0 (65%) respectively. The low-cost natural adsorbent used in the present investigation is an attractive alternative to the conventional adsorbent (AC). Thus, M-P can be appropriated for use in leachate treatment that could be cost-effective due its local availability and adsorption property

Sliding modes in electrical drives and motion control

In this paper application of Sliding Mode Control (SMC) to electrical drives and motion control systems is discussed. It is shown that in these applications simplicity in implementation makes concepts of SMC a very attractive design alternative. Application in electrical drives control is discussed for supply via different topologies of the supply converters. Motion control is discussed for single degree of freedom motion control systems as an extension of the control of mechanical coordinates in electrical drives. Extension to multi-body systems is discussed very briefly

State-space average modelling of 18-pulse diode rectifier

The paper presents an averaged-value model of the direct symmetric topology of 18-pulse autotransformer AC-DC rectifiers. The model captures the key features of the dynamic characteristics of the rectifiers, while being time invariant and computationally efficient. The developed models, validated by comparison of the resultant transient and steady state behaviours with those obtained from detailed simulations can, therefore, be used for stability assessment of electric power systems with diode rectifiers, multiple power electronic converter-controlled loads and electrical drives

Multilevel Converters: An Enabling Technology for High-Power Applications

| Multilevel converters are considered today as the state-of-the-art power-conversion systems for high-power and power-quality demanding applications. This paper presents a tutorial on this technology, covering the operating principle and the different power circuit topologies, modulation methods, technical issues and industry applications. Special attention is given to established technology already found in industry with more in-depth and self-contained information, while recent advances and state-of-the-art contributions are addressed with useful references. This paper serves as an introduction to the subject for the not-familiarized reader, as well as an update or reference for academics and practicing engineers working in the field of industrial and power electronics.Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología DPI2001-3089Ministerio de Eduación y Ciencia d TEC2006-0386

To develop an efficient variable speed compressor motor system

This research presents a proposed new method of improving the energy efficiency of a Variable Speed Drive (VSD) for induction motors. The principles of VSD are reviewed with emphasis on the efficiency and power losses associated with the operation of the variable speed compressor motor drive, particularly at low speed operation.The efficiency of induction motor when operated at rated speed and load torque is high. However at low load operation, application of the induction motor at rated flux will cause the iron losses to increase excessively, hence its efficiency will reduce dramatically. To improve this efficiency, it is essential to obtain the flux level that minimizes the total motor losses. This technique is known as an efficiency or energy optimization control method. In practice, typical of the compressor load does not require high dynamic response, therefore improvement of the efficiency optimization control that is proposed in this research is based on scalar control model.In this research, development of a new neural network controller for efficiency optimization control is proposed. The controller is designed to generate both voltage and frequency reference signals imultaneously. To achieve a robust controller from variation of motor parameters, a real-time or on-line learning algorithm based on a second order optimization Levenberg-Marquardt is employed. The simulation of the proposed controller for variable speed compressor is presented. The results obtained clearly show that the efficiency at low speed is significant increased. Besides that the speed of the motor can be maintained. Furthermore, the controller is also robust to the motor parameters variation. The simulation results are also verified by experiment