Solid state transformer technologies and applications: a bibliographical survey

This paper presents a bibliographical survey of the work carried out to date on the solid state transformer (SST). The paper provides a list of references that cover most work related to this device and a short discussion about several aspects. The sections of the paper are respectively dedicated to summarize configurations and control strategies for each SST stage, the work carried out for optimizing the design of high-frequency transformers that could adequately work in the isolation stage of a SST, the efficiency of this device, the various modelling approaches and simulation tools used to analyze the performance of a SST (working a component of a microgrid, a distribution system or just in a standalone scenario), and the potential applications that this device is offering as a component of a power grid, a smart house, or a traction system.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Advanced modeling of solid state transformer

The solid state transformer (SST) is seen as a proper replacement of the conventional iron-and-copper transformer in the future smart grid . The SST offers several benefits (e.g. enhanced power quality performance or reactive power control at both primary and secondary sides) that can be of paramount importance for the development of the smart grid . This research focuses on the development and implementation of an advanced model of a three stage bidirectional SST in Matlab/Simulink. The goal is to obtain an realistic SST model (i.e. as close to the real SST as possible) that could duplicate the performance of a real MV/LV SST. This considered design consists of three main stages: medium voltage (MV) stage, isolation stage, and low voltage (LV) stage. When the power flows from the MV side to the LV side, the input power-frequency ac voltage is converted into a MV dc voltage by the three-phase ac/dc converter, which in such case works as rectifier. The isolation stage, which includes a high-frequency transformer (HFT) and the two corresponding MV- and LV-side converters, first converts the MV-side dc voltage into a high-frequency square-wave voltage applied to the primary of the HFT; the secondary side square-wave signal is then converted to a LV dc waveform by the LV-side converter, which also works as rectifier. Finally, the output LV-side three-phase dc/ac converter, which works as inverter, provides the output power-frequency ac waveform from the LV-side dc link. Si-based semiconductor technologies can be used for MV applications using a multilelvel configuration. Recently, modular multilevel converter (MMC) topologies have attracted attention for high or medium voltage applications. These converters can provide an effective topology for the MV side of the SST; their main advantages are modularity and scalability: the desired voltage level can be easily achieved by a series connection of MMC sub-modules (SMs). In addition,a MMC topology can provide high power quality and efficiency with reduced size of passive filters. These features made the MMC option an attractive topology for the MV stage of the SST. This thesis proposes a three-stage SST configuration based on MMC technology for MV converters. * The input stage of the SST is connected to the distribution system via RL filters and its three-phase configuration uses a MMC technology. A half-bridge configuration is proposed for each SM. * The isolation stage consists of three parts: a MV single-phase MMC, the high-frequency transformer (HFT), and a single-phase LV PWM converter. * The LV side of the SST uses a three-phase four-leg PWM converter, with an RL impedance for filtering currents and a capacitor bank for filtering voltages. The converters and their controller have been implemented adn tested considering models without and with semiconductor losses, while the SST model has been tested as a stand-alone device and a compnent of a distribution system. The model has been tested under severe dynamic and unbalanced conditions. The simulation results support the choices made for any SST stage and proves that the proposed design could be a feasible choice for the future SST.El Transformador de Estado Sólido ("Solid State Transformer" por sus siglas en inglés) es visto como un reemplazo adecuado del transformador convencional en las futuras redes inteligentes (smart grids ). Este nuevo dispositivo presenta una amplia gama de prestaciones (p.e. mejora de la cualidad de suministro) que pueden ser de crucial importancia para el desarrollo de las redes inteligentes. El principal objetivo de esta tesis es que desarrollar e implantar el en Matlab/Simulink un modelo realista de estado sólido trifásico y bidireccional, que pueda duplicar el comportamiento de un transformador de estado sólido de Media-Baja tensión. El diseño considerado consiste en tres etapas: etapa en media tensión (MT), etapa intermedia, etapa en baja tensión (BT). Cuando la potencia fluye del terminal en media al terminal en baja tensión, la tensión alterna en el terminal de entrada a media tensión y frecuencia de operación 50 Hz se convierte en continua a media tensión mediante un convertidor trifásico rectificador. La etapa intermedia es un puente activo dual, que incluye un transformador de alta frecuencia y los correspondientes convertidores en media y baja tensión: primero, la media tensión continua es convertida en media tensión alterna a alta frecuencia; esta tensión es reducida a baja tensión preservando la alta frecuencia mediante el transformador, finalmente, la tensión en el terminal de salida del transformador es rectificada y convertida en baja tensión continua). La entrada en la etapa de salida en BT es, por tanto, una tensión continua que es convertida en tensión alterna a frecuencia de operación 50 Hz mediante un convertidor que funciona como inversor. Puesto que el diseño del dispositivo estudiado en esta tesis es bidireccional, en caso de que la potencia tenga que fluir desde el lado de BT al lado de MT, la función de los convertidores se invierte (es decir, los rectificadores pasan a operar como inversores, los inversores pasan a operar como rectificadores) en cualquiera de las etapas. Los actuales semiconductores solo pueden ser utilizados en aplicaciones de media y alta tensión empleando convertidores multi-nivel. Durante los últimos años ha ganado popularidad la tecnología MMC (modular multilevel converter), que permite diseñar configuraciones adecuadas para el lado de MT de un transformador de estado sólido; sus principales ventajas están en modularidad y escalabilidad: el nivel de tensión adecuado se puede conseguir mediante la conexión en serie de tantos sub-módulos como sea necesario. Además con la tecnología MMC se puede obtener una alta calidad en las ondas de tensión y corriente, así como un elevado rendimiento con tamaño reducido en los filtros de entrada. Esta tesis propone un diseño trifásico bidireccional con las siguientes características: - La etapa de entrada está conectada a una red de distribución en MT mediante filtros RL y su configuración trifásica usa convertidores de tecnología MMC. - La etapa intermedia contiene tres secciones: un convertidor monofásico en configuración MMC, un transformador de MT/BT y alta frecuencia, y un convertidor monofásico en BT. - La etapa de salida en BT usa un convertidor trifásico PWM (pulse wide modulation), con un filtro RL para las corrientes y un banco de condensadores para filtrar tensiones. Los convertidores han sido implantados en Matlab/Simulink y simulados considerando modelos con y sin pérdidas en los semiconductores, mientras que el modelo completo de transformador de estado sólido ha sido analizado considerando dos configuraciones distintas del sistema a estudiar: el transformador aislado y formando parte de una red de distribución en MT. Los modelos de transformador con y sin pérdidas han sido simulados bajo ciertas condiciones de operación. Los resultados confirman que la configuración seleccionada para cada etapa del nuevo dispositivo permite obtener un diseño fiable que puede mejorar el funcionamiento de las futuras redes inteligentes

STRATIGRAPHY OF THE LOWER OLIGOCENE NUMMULITIC LIMESTONES, NORTH OF SONQOR (NW IRAN)

The lower Oligocene hyaline and porcellaneous larger foraminifera of a carbonate platform setting, north of Sonqor, were studied for high-resolution biostratigraphy in the context of European standard zonation (Shallow Benthic Zones). According to the geological map of Kermanshah, these beds were previously ascribed to the Miocene. The identified larger foraminifera include Nummulites fichteli Michelotti, Nummulites vascus Joly & Leymerie, Operculina complanata (Defrance), Asterigerina rotula (Kaufmann), Planorbulina bronnimanni Bignot & Decrouez, Discogypsina discus (Goës), Gypsina mastelensis Bursch, Halkyardia maxima Cimerman, Stomatorbina concentrica (Parker & Jones), Praerhapydionina delicata Henson, Penarchaias glynnjonesi (Henson), Austrotrillina aff. paucialveolata Grimsdale, and Haddonia heissigi Hagn, associated with the coralline alga Subterraniphyllum thomasii Elliott. The foraminiferal association characterises the SBZ 21 Zone (early Rupelian)

Pemulihan akhlak di pusat perlindungan wanita: kajian di Baitul Ehsan dan Dar Assaadah

Dalam konteks Malaysia, masyarakat kini sememangnya sedang bergelut dengan masalah keruntuhan akhlak yang begitu membimbangkan khususnya membabitkan golongan remaja, antaranya masalah kehamilan luar nikah. Hakikatnya, perbincangan mengenai topik akhlak telah mengisi hampir satu pertiga daripada kandungan al- Quran. Selain itu, matlamat Nabi Muhammad SAW diutuskan juga adalah untuk memperbaiki akhlak manusia. Bertitik tolak dari kesedaran pelbagai pihak terhadap keutamaan akhlak sebagaimana yang ditekankan oleh Islam, maka usaha-usaha pemulihan akhlak kini giat dijalankan. Pusat perlindungan wanita menjadi antara institusi penting yang diwujudkan secara khusus bagi menjalankan proses pemulihan akhlak remaja bermasalah, sebagai contoh pusat perlindungan wanita Baitul Ehsan (BES) dan Kompleks Dar Assaadah (KDS). Justeru, satu kajian dijalankan bagi melihat sejauh manakah kedua-dua pusat perlindungan ini komited dalam menjalankan usaha-usaha pemulihan akhlak remaja bermasalah. Kajian kualitatif ini menggunakan beberapa teknik pengumpulan data iaitu dokumentasi, pemerhatian serta temu bual ke atas 6 orang kakitangan dari kedua-dua pusat perlindungan tersebut. Hasil kajian mendapati BES dan KDS memanfaatkan tempoh perlindungan pelatih dengan mewujudkan beberapa platform penting bagi tujuan pemulihan akhlak iaitu penganjuran kelas pemantapan ilmu agama dan kemahiran, pelaksanaan aktiviti berbentuk kerohanian dan ketahanan fizikal serta penguatkuasaan peraturan. Ringkasnya, kajian juga mendapati kesemua platform yang digunakan selari dengan konsep penyucian jiwa (tazkiyat al-nafs) sebagaimana yang disarankan oleh Islam bagi tujuan memperbaiki akhlak manusia ke arah yang lebih baik

EMTP model of a bidirectional cascaded multilevel solid state transformer for distribution system studies

This paper presents a time-domain model of a MV/LV bidirectional solid state transformer (SST). A multilevel converter configuration of the SST MV side is obtained by cascading a single-phase cell made of the series connection of an H bridge and a dual active bridge (dc-dc converter); the aim is to configure a realistic SST design suitable for MV levels. A three-phase four-wire converter has been used for the LV side, allowing the connection of both load/generation. The SST model, including the corresponding controllers, has been built and encapsulated as a custom-made model in the ATP version of the EMTP for application in distribution system studies. Several case studies have been carried out in order to evaluate the behavior of the proposed SST design under different operating conditions and check its impact on power qualityPostprint (published version

Penambahbaikan modul pendidikan Islam dengan mengaplikasi penyerapan unsur sains kesihatan

Pendidikan Islam perlu seiring bergerak bersama arus transformasi pendidikan negara sejajar dengan peranan Pendidikan Islam yang sangat penting dalam membentuk keperibadian individu, masyarakat dan negara. Sehubungan itu, para guru Pendidikan Islam disarankan supaya mengaplikasi dan mengamalkan kaedah pengajaran dan pembelajaran terkini seiring dengan proses globalisasi agar kekal relevan dan mampu menarik minat murid-murid untuk belajar. Oleh itu, kertas kerja ini akan membincangkan hasil analisis bagi pendekatan pengajaran dan pembelajaran yang efektif bagi meningkatkan minat belajar dalam kalangan pelajar. Keperluan terhadap penambahbaikan modul Pendidikan Islam yang sedia ada dengan mengaplikasikan Penyerapan Unsur Sains Kesihatan juga akan dibincangkan

Self-supporting graphene films and their applications

The self-supporting monolayer material which is graphene has excited enormous interest over the ten years since its discovery due to its remarkable electrical, mechanical thermal and chemical properties. In this paper we describe our work to develop chemical vapour deposition methods to grow monolayer graphene on copper foil substrates and the subsequent transfer process. Raman microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to examine the quality of the transferred material. To demonstrate the process we describe transfer onto patterned SiO2/Si substrates which forms freely suspended graphene with focus on circular wells forming graphene drums. These show interesting mechanical properties which are being explored as nanomechanical resonators.UK NMS Programme, the EU EMRP (European Metrology Research Programme) projects MetNEMS and GraphOh

Influence of field-dependent critical current on harmonic AC loss analysis in HTS coils for superconducting transformers supplying non-linear loads : harmonic analysis of HTS transformers

There are two main obstacles in front of the development of high temperature superconducting (HTS) technology for electric power network applications; tape price and cooling cost. In order to reduce cooling cost, it is vital to evaluate AC transport current loss of the tapes precisely and then reduce it by some design innovative approaches. In addition, AC transport current loss in HTS material is a critical design variable for large-scale power network applications such as HTS transformers, superconducting fault current limiters, and power cables, since they are continuously carrying the network/load current during their operating life. In existing power networks, harmonic production sources are commonly used and thus, currents are distorted. Therefore, the effect of nonsinusoidal current on the critical apparatus in the network such as transformer must be studied. In this paper, AC transport current loss of a single-turn 2G YBCO HTS coil was modeled and numerically calculated under nonsinusoidal transport current using finite element method. Furthermore, influence of dependency of critical current density to magnetic field on the AC transport current loss of HTS coil when carries distorted currents was considered. It was observed that nonsinusoidal current causes excessive losses in HTS coil. On the other hand, a case study on an HTS transformer supplying non-linear load was considered to study the loss increment as well as heat load change. It was observed that current harmonics increases the AC loss, and heat load of transformer and decreases the efficiency, consequently

Serological and molecular investigation of human brucellosis in participants of Famenin brucellosis cohort study, Hamadan, Iran

Background and Objectives: Brucella is an intracellular pathogen that causes brucellosis in humans and animals. This study aimed to assess the results of brucellosis seroprevalence among participants of the Famenin brucellosis cohort with molecular investigation technique and determine Brucella-approved species. Materials and Methods: Following the first phase of the Famenin brucellosis cohort in 2016 which investigated the seroprevalence of brucellosis among 2367 participants in Famenin city, a total of 575 people including all seropositive and some seronegative people were examined again by wright serological tests in 2019. The PCR assay was accomplished on all cases that have wright titers ≥ 1/20 for tracing Brucella DNA using BCSP31 target gene and IS711 locus. Results: Out of 575 studied cases, 145 people had wright titers ≥ 1/20. The PCR reactions of these 145 blood samples were positive in 63/145 (43.44%) tested samples using primers (B4/B5) for Brucella genus detection. In the second PCR assay using specific-primers for Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis, 18/63 (28.57%) of the samples were diagnosed as B. abortus, and 18/63 (28.57%) were diagnosed as B. melitensis. Conclusion: In this study, using the selected specific genes for the diagnosis of Brucella in the genus and species levels, the PCR technique was evaluated as a promising method for the rapid and safe detection of brucellosis besides the serological test for more accurate detection of brucellosis especially in cases that are not definitive