Integration of a mean-torque diesel engine model into a hardware-in-the-loop shipboard network simulation using lambda tuning

This study describes the creation of a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environment for use in evaluating network architecture, control concepts and equipment for use within marine electrical systems. The environment allows a scaled hardware network to be connected to a simulation of a multi-megawatt marine diesel prime mover, coupled via a synchronous generator. This allows All-Electric marine scenarios to be investigated without large-scale hardware trials. The method of closing the loop between simulation and hardware is described, with particular reference to the control of the laboratory synchronous machine, which represents the simulated generator(s). The fidelity of the HIL simulation is progressively improved in this study. First, a faster and more powerful field drive is implemented to improve voltage tracking. Second, the phase tracking is improved by using two nested proportional–integral–derivative–acceleration controllers for torque control, tuned using lambda tuning. The HIL environment is tested using a scenario involving a large constant-power load step. This provides a very severe test of the HIL environment, and also reveals the potentially adverse effects of constant-power loads within marine power systems

Cascaded- and Modular-Multilevel Converter Laboratory Test System Options: A Review

The increasing importance of cascaded multilevel converters (CMCs), and the sub-category of modular multilevel converters (MMCs), is illustrated by their wide use in high voltage DC connections and in static compensators. Research is being undertaken into the use of these complex pieces of hardware and software for a variety of grid support services, on top of fundamental frequency power injection, requiring improved control for non-traditional duties. To validate these results, small-scale laboratory hardware prototypes are often required. Such systems have been built by many research teams around the globe and are also increasingly commercially available. Few publications go into detail on the construction options for prototype CMCs, and there is a lack of information on both design considerations and lessons learned from the build process, which will hinder research and the best application of these important units. This paper reviews options, gives key examples from leading research teams, and summarizes knowledge gained in the development of test rigs to clarify design considerations when constructing laboratory-scale CMCs.This work was supported in part by The University of Manchester supported by the National Innovation Allowance project ``VSC-HVDC Model Validation and Improvement'' and Dr. Heath's iCASE Ph.D. studentship supported through Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and National Grid, in part by the Imperial College London supported by EPSRC through the HubNet Extension under Grant EP/N030028/1, in part by an iCASE Ph.D. Studentship supported by EPSRC and EDF Energy and the CDT in Future Power Networks under Grant EP/L015471/1, in part by University of New South Wales (UNSW) supported by the Solar Flagships Program through the Education Infrastructure Fund (EIF), in part by the Australian Research Council through the Discovery Early Career Research Award under Grant DECRA_DE170100370, in part by the Basque Government through the project HVDC-LINK3 under Grant ELKARTEK KK-2017/00083, in part by the L2EP research group at the University of Lille supported by the French TSO (RTE), and in part by the Hauts-de-France region of France with the European Regional Development Fund under Grant FEDER 17007725

Advanced flight control system study

The architecture, requirements, and system elements of an ultrareliable, advanced flight control system are described. The basic criteria are functional reliability of 10 to the minus 10 power/hour of flight and only 6 month scheduled maintenance. A distributed system architecture is described, including a multiplexed communication system, reliable bus controller, the use of skewed sensor arrays, and actuator interfaces. Test bed and flight evaluation program are proposed