Decaying DC offset current mitigation in phasor estimation applications: A Review

Decaying DC (DDC) offset current mitigation is a vital challenge in phasor current estimation since it causes malfunctioning/maloperation of measurements and protection systems. Due to the inductive nature of electric power systems, the current during fault inception cannot change immediately and it contains a transient oscillation. The oscillatory component acts similar to an exponential DC signal and its characteristics depend on the X/R ratio of the system, fault location, and fault impedance. DDC attenuates accurate phasor estimation, which is pivotal in protection systems. Therefore, the DDC must be eliminated from the fault current (FC) signal. This paper presents an overview of DDC mitigation methods by considering different groups—before the discrete Fourier transform (pre-DFT), after the discrete Fourier transform (post-DFT), the least square-based (LS-based), and other methods. Through a comprehensive review of the existing schemes, the effects of noise, harmonics, multiple DDCs (MDDCs), and off-nominal frequency (ONF) on the accuracy of DDC estimation, were recognized. A detailed discussion (along with some simulation results) are presented to address the main advantages/disadvantages of the past studies. Finally, this paper presents a few suggestions for future researchers, for researchers to investigate more implementable solutions in this field

Estimation of PM Machine Efficiency Maps from Limited Data

This article investigates the accuracy of the estimation of efficiency maps for permanent magnet (PM) machines using the stator resistance, d- and q-axis flux-linkages versus the corresponding axis current and the iron loss versus the speed characteristic. The ultimate goal is to apply this approach to the experimental measurements, but this article performs initial investigation using only the finite-element (FE) data. Detailed FE data for 50-kW surface PM (SPM) and interior PM (IPM) machines are used to determine the 'actual' or exact efficiency map and, hence, the accuracy of using approximations. This article examines the effect on the torque-speed capability curve when ignoring cross-saturation effects. It also examines the modeling of the variation of iron losses as a function of load in the constant torque and power regions. A novel approach based on scaling the no-load (NL) losses as a function of load is proposed and shown to give promising results. FE results from two other machines are also provided, which show good correspondence

The effect of particle size on the core losses of soft magnetic composites

In the field of electrical machines, the actual research activities mainly focus on improving the energetic aspects; for this reason, new magnetic materials are currently investigated and proposed, supporting the design and production of magnetic cores. The innovative aspects are related to both hard and soft magnetic materials. In the case of permanent magnets, the use of NdFeB bonded magnets represents a good solution in place of ferrites. For what concerns the soft magnetic materials, the adoption of Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs) cores permits significant advantages compared to the laminated sheets, such as complex geometries and reduced eddy currents losses. SMC materials are ferromagnetic grains covered with an insulating layer that can be of an organic or inorganic type. The proposed study focuses on the impact of the particle size and distribution on the final material properties. The original powder was cut into three different fractions, and different combinations have been prepared, varying the fractions percentages. The magnetic and energetic properties have been evaluated in different frequency ranges, thus ranking the best combinations. The best specimens were then tested to evaluate the mechanical performances. The preliminary results are promising, but deeper analysis and tests are required to refine the selection and evaluate the improvements against the original composition taken as a reference.In the field of electrical machines, the actual research activities mainly focus on improving the energetic aspects; for this reason, new magnetic materials are currently investigated and proposed, supporting the design and production of magnetic cores. The innovative aspects are related to both hard and soft magnetic materials. In the case of permanent magnets, the use of NdFeB bonded magnets represents a good solution in place of ferrites. For what concerns the soft magnetic materials, the adoption of Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs) cores permits significant advantages compared to the laminated sheets, such as complex geometries and reduced eddy currents losses. SMC materials are ferromagnetic grains covered with an insulating layer that can be of an organic or inorganic type. The proposed study focuses on the impact of the particle size and distribution on the final material properties. The original powder was cut into three different fractions, and different combinations have been prepared, varying th..

Loss analysis and efficiency improvement of an axial-flux PM amorphous magnetic material machine

This paper presents research work on a 12-slot ten-pole tapered axial-flux permanent-magnet machine utilizing amorphous magnetic material in the stator core. Novel loss separation techniques are described, including mechanical loss and locked-rotor tests. Mechanical loss estimation is based on a combination of experimental tests and 3-D finite-element model analysis using an uncut stator. The locked-rotor test is introduced to separate the stator and rotor losses by eliminating the uncertainty associated with mechanical loss. High rotor yoke losses were identified in the baseline design. The rotor design was modified and a significant improvement in efficiency was demonstrated.Solmaz Kahourzade, Nesimi Ertugrul and Wen L. Soon

Losses in efficiency maps of electric vehicles: An overview

In some applications such as electric vehicles, electric motors should operate in a wide torque and speed ranges. An efficiency map is the contour plot of the maximum efficiency of an electric machine in torque-speed plane. It is used to provide an overview on the performance of an electric machine when operates in different operating points. The electric machine losses in different torque and speed operating points play a prominent role in the efficiency of the machines. In this paper, an overview about the change of various loss components in torque-speed envelope of the electric machines is rendered to show the role and significance of each loss component in a wide range of torque and speeds. The research gaps and future research subjects based on the conducted review are reported. The role and possibility of the utilization of the computational intelligence-based modeling of the losses in improvement of the loss estimation is discussed

Interior PM generator for portable AC generator sets

For portable ac electric generator sets, it is desired to maintain a constant output voltage under load. With wound-field synchronous generators, this is done using field current (excitation) control. This type of control is not possible with permanent magnet (PM) machines; however, theoretical analysis is used to show that acceptable output voltage regulation can be obtained by two alternative design approaches for interior PM machines. The design of an example 4-pole 16-kW machine is described, and experimental results are provided, demonstrating its sinusoidal output waveform, high voltage regulation, and high efficiency.Wen L. Soong, Solmaz Kahourzade, Chong-Zhi Liaw and Paul Lillingto

A comparative study of multi-objective optimal power flow based on particle swarm, evolutionary programming, and genetic algorithm

This paper compares the performance of three population-based algorithms including particle swarm optimization (PSO), evolutionary programming (EP), and genetic algorithm (GA) to solve the multi-objective optimal power flow (OPF) problem. The unattractive characteristics of the cost-based OPF including loss, voltage profile, and emission justifies the necessity of multi-objective OPF study. This study presents the programming results of the nine essential single-objective and multi-objective functions of OPF problem. The considered objective functions include cost, active power loss, voltage stability index, and emission. The multi-objective optimizations include cost and active power loss, cost and voltage stability index, active power loss and voltage stability index, cost and emission, and finally cost, active power loss, and voltage stability index. To solve the multi-objective OPF problem, Pareto optimal method is used to form the Pareto optimal set. A fuzzy decision-based mechanism is applied to select the best comprised solution. In this work, to decrease the running time of load flow calculation, a new approach including combined Newton-Raphson and Fast-Decouple is conducted. The proposed methods are tested on IEEE 30-bus test system and the best method for each objective is determined based on the total cost and the convergence values of the considered objectives. The programming results indicate that based on the inter-related nature of the objective functions, a control system cannot be recommended based on individual optimizations and the secondary criteria should also be considered

Analytical model and performance prediction of induction motors using subdomain technique

In this paper, the magnetic vector potential (MVP) equations are solved for a 5.5-kW radial-flux induction machine (RFIM) in five subdomains. The proposed modeling technique considers a uniform distribution of the current density in the rectangular slots of both rotor and stator. The RFIM is represented using a 2D model in the cylindrical coordinate system. The magnetic flux distribution in each region which is used to calculate the core losses and the machine inductances for the steady state analysis of the machine. T-equivalent circuit (T-EC) is considered to study the machine performance parameters. The rotor and stator resistances are calculated based on the geometry of the machine. The results demonstrate the accuracy of the model in prediction of the airgap flux density. The comparison of the machine performance parameters with the 2D FEA results demonstrate the reliability of the analytical model in the prediction of the machine behavior at the rated condition.Emad Roshandel, Amin Mahmoudi, Solmaz Kahourzade, Wen Soon

Efficiency Maps of Electrical Machines: A Tutorial Review

Efficiency maps (EffMs) illustrate the maximum efficiencies of electric machines over a range of torque-speed operating points. This article reviews the available techniques for efficiency map calculation and gives a general understanding of EffM modelling and interpretation for traction motors. It shows the accuracy versus calculation effort trade-off for different methods. The process of efficiency map calculation for sample induction motor and permanent magnet synchronous machines is explained. Calculation of EffMs using commercial software is also covered. Finally, possible future research opportunities in this field are suggested.Emad Roshandel, Amin Mahmoudi, Solmaz Kahourzade and Wen L. Soon