Power Balancing in Cascaded H-Bridge and Modular Multilevel Converters Under Unbalanced Operation: A Review

Multilevel Voltage-Source Converters (VSC) based on modular structures are envisioned as a prominent alternative for grid and industry applications. Foremost among these are the Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) and the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC). In this context, depending on the application and the power conversion structure, unbalanced operating conditions can be asked to the converter. Previous investigations regarding the operation and the solutions for modular structures under unbalanced conditions have already addressed this topic, but information is dispersed over a wide number of sources. This paper identifies, classifies, and analyzes the intercluster active power balancing strategies for the adequate operation of the most commonly used modular structures in some typical unbalanced operating scenarios: the Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) under unbalanced voltage and/or current conditions, the unequal power generation in large-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plants, and the uneven power distribution in a battery energy storage system (BESS). Each of the applications has been independently studied so as to provide a comprehensive analysis of the alternative techniques found in the specialized literature, clearly explaining their respective strengths and drawbacks. Several future challenges have been identified during the study, which will involve greater research effort in this key research topic

Identification of Ni-vacancy defect in Ni-Mn-Z (Z = Ga, Sn, In): An experimental and DFT positron annihilation study

[EN] By means of experimental positron-annihilation-lifetime measurements and theoretical density functional theory (DFT) positron-lifetime calculations, vacancy-type defects in Ni50Mn50−xSnx (x=25, 20,15,13,10) and Ni50Mn50−xInx (x=25,20,16,13) systems are systematically studied. The study is extended to Ni-Mn-Ga systems as well. Experimental results are complemented with electron-positron DFT calculations carried out within the local density approximation and generalized gradient approximation, where five different parametrizations accounting for the γ(r) enhancement factor are analyzed. Theoretical results indicate that the Boronski-Nieminen parametrization of γ(r) is the one that best predicts the experimental results, which ultimately enables us to identify VNi as the vacancy present in the studied samples. The characteristic positron lifetime related to VNi ranges between 181 and 191 ps in Ni-Mn-Sn/In systems. Positron-annihilation-lifetime spectroscopy results in these two systems delimit the lower bound of the achievable vacancy concentration, which is much larger compared with the reported values in Ni-Mn-Ga systems. The present work, along with setting the basis for positron simulations in Ni-Mn based Heusler alloys, delimits the effect that the variation of vacancies has in the martensitic transformation in Ni-Mn-Sn systemsThis work is supported by the Basque Government and Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness under grants IT-1005-16, IT-756-13 and MAT2015-65165-C2-R (MINECO/FEDER). I. Unzueta also wants to acknowledge the Basque Government Grant PRE-2014-214

Vacancies mediated ordering in Ni-Mn-Ga shape memory alloys

[EN] Vacancy mediated diffusion is the main atomic mechanism that controls the ordering of substitutional alloys. In particular, in Ni-Mn-Ga shape memory alloys vacancies control the evolution of the L21 atomic order degree and consequently most of the order-dependent properties of the martensitic transformation. This work adapts a general phenomenological model to quantify the evolution of the vacancy concentration during the ordering process for three different Ni-Mn-Ga alloys. The results show that out of equilibrium vacancies are responsible of the ordering process, fixing the set of parameters governing it. The present work shows the suitability of the model to determine the vacancy dynamics throughout any process in which they intervene.This research was funded by Projects RTI2018-094683-B-C5 (4,5) (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) and Basque Government Grant IT-1005-16

Low temperature magnetic properties of a Ni50Mn34In16 ball-milled metamagnetic shape memory alloy

[EN] The effect of the atomic disorder induced by ball-milling on the structure and the magnetic properties has been analyzed in a Ni50Mn34In16 metamagnetic shape memory alloy. The as-milled samples displayed an amorphous structure which crystallizes to a disordered B2 structure on annealing. On further annealing, several recovery processes leading to the austenitic L21 structure and the subsequent martensitic transformation are observed. As a result of the recovery processes, the magnetic order drastically varies concurrent with the long-range atomic order. In particular, the magnetism evolves from a frustrated magnetic state compatible with a canonical spin-glass, observed in the amorphous structure, to the well-developed ferromagnetic state.This work has been carried out with the financial support of the Spanish “Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad” and FEDER funding, projects no. MAT2012-37923 and MAT2015-65165-C2-R. I. Unzueta acknowledges financial support from the Basque Government Grant nos. IT-443-10 and PRE_2014_214

Experimental observation of vacancy assisted martensitic transformation shift in Ni-Fe-Ga alloys

[EN] Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy is used to experimentally demonstrate the direct relationship between vacancies and the shift of the martensitic transformation temperature in a Ni55Fe17Ga28 alloy. The evolution of vacancies assisting the ordering enables shifts of the martensitic transformation up to 50 K. Our results confirm the role that both vacancy concentration and different vacancy dynamics play in samples quenched from the L21 and B2 phases, which dictate the martensitic transformation temperature and its subsequent evolution. Finally, by electron-positron density functional calculations VNi is identified as the most probable vacancy present in Ni55Fe17Ga28. This work evidences the capability of vacancies for the fine-tuning of the martensitic transformation temperature, paving the way for defect engineering of multifunctional properties.This work is supported for the Basque Government Grant IT-1005-16 and by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness under the projects MAT2015- 65165-C2-R (MINECO/FEDER), MAT2014-56116-C4- 1-R and GIC1585. I. Unzueta wants to acknowledge the Basque Government Grant PRE-2014-214

Mechanically induced disorder and crystallization process in Ni-Mn-In ball-milled alloys

[EN] High mechanical deformation has been induced in a Ni-Mn-In metamagnetic shape memory alloy by means of ball milling. The evolution of both the martensitic transformation and the magnetic properties associated to the microstructural variations has been characterized. The as-milled nanometric particles display an amorphous structure with a frustrated magnetic state compatible with a canonical spin-glass. On heating, an abrupt crystallization process occurs around 500 K leading to a cubic B2 structure, which, in turn, does not show martensitic transformation. Modified Arrott plots point to competing long- and short-range magnetic couplings in the B2 structure. On further heating, a relaxation process takes place above 700 K concurrently with a B2-L21 atomic ordering, giving rise to an anomalous two-step thermal expansion. The combined effect of both processes makes possible the subsequent occurrence of a martensitic transformation, which takes place at the same temperature than in the bulk. The large relative-cooling-power linked to the magnetocaloric effect at the martensitic transformation in the annealed powder makes it interesting for practical applications of magnetic refrigeration at nanoscale.This work has been carried out with the financial support of the Spanish “Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad” (Projects number MAT2012-37923-C02 and MAT2015-65165-C2-R). We also acknowledge ILL and SpINS for beam time allocation (experiment CRG-2158). RCF acknowledges a Postdoctoral fellowship from the Univeridad Pública de Navarra (grant number: 1081/2015). JARV acknowledges CSIC for a JAEdoc contract. J. Pons is acknowledged for TEM observations

Proposal of New Safety Limits for In Vivo Experiments of Magnetic Hyperthermia Antitumor Therapy

Background: Lately, major advances in crucial aspects of magnetic hyperthermia (MH) therapy have been made (nanoparticle synthesis, biosafety, etc.). However, there is one key point still lacking improvement: the magnetic field-frequency product (H × f = 4.85 × 108 Am−1s−1) proposed by Atkinson–Brezovich as a limit for MH therapies. Herein, we analyze both local and systemic physiological effects of overpassing this limit. Methods: Different combinations of field frequency and intensity exceeding the Atkinson–Brezovich limit (591–920 kHz, and 10.3–18 kA/m) have been applied for 21 min to WAG/RijHsd male rats, randomly distributed to groups of 12 animals; half of them were sacrificed after 12 h, and the others 10 days later. Biochemical serum analyses were performed to assess the general, hepatic, renal and/or pancreatic function. Results: MH raised liver temperature to 42.8 ± 0.4 °C. Although in five of the groups the exposure was relatively well tolerated, in the two of highest frequency (928 kHz) and intensity (18 kA/m), more than 50% of the animals died. A striking elevation in liver and systemic markers was observed after 12 h in the surviving animals, independently of the frequency and intensity used. Ten days later, liver markers were almost recovered in all of the animals. However, in those groups exposed to 591 kHz and 16 kA/m, and 700 kHz and 13.7 kA/m systemic markers remained altered. Conclusions: Exceeding the Atkinson–Brezovich limit up to 9.59 × 109 Am−1s−1 seems to be safe, though further research is needed to understand the impact of intensity and/or frequency on physiological conditions following MH.This research was funded by Basque Country Government (grant number IT-1005-16)

119Sn Mössbauer Spectroscopy for assessing the local stress and defect state towards the tuning of Ni-Mn-Sn alloys

[EN] The influence of defects and local stresses on the magnetic properties and martensitic transformation in Ni50Mn35Sn15 is studied at macroscopic and atomic scale levels. We show that both the structural and magnetic properties of the alloy are very sensitive to slight microstructural distortions. Even though no atomic disorder is induced by milling, the antiphase boundaries linked to dislocations promote the antiferromagnetic coupling of Mn, resulting in a significant decrease in the saturation magnetization. On the other hand, the temperature range of the transformation is considerably affected by the mechanically induced local stresses, which in turn does not affect the equilibrium temperature between the austenitic and martensitic phases. Finally, we demonstrate that the recovery of the martensitic transformation is directly related to the intensity of the non-magnetic component revealed by 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. This result opens the possibility of quantifying the whole contribution of defects and the local stresses on the martensitic transformation in Ni-Mn-Sn alloys.This work was supported for the Basque Government Grant No. IT-1005-16 by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness under the project MAT2015-65165-C2- R (MINECO/FEDER) and GIC1585. I. Unzueta also wants to acknowledge the Basque Government Grant No. PRE2014-1-214. ILL and SpINS are acknowledged for beam time allocation. J. Lopez-Garcıa acknowledges ILL for his Ph.D. contract

Study of the martensitic transition in Ni-Mn-Sn-Ti ferromagnetic shape memory alloys

In the present work, mechanical spectroscopy measurements as a function of temperature and strain have been performed in (at.%) Ni50Mn37Sn13-xTix (x=0, 0.5 and 2) ferromagnetic shape memory alloys in order both to study martensitic transition phenomenon and also to determine its temperature of appearance. For mechanical spectroscopy measurements, a five elements piezoelectric device recently developed has been used. In addition, other characterization techniques as, differential thermal analysis and superconducting quantum interference magnetic spectroscopy, were also used. Besides, relaxation processes near the martensitic transition temperature have been also observed.Fil: Bonifacich, Federico Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Ingeniería y Agrimensura. Escuela de Ingeniería Eléctrica. Laboratorio de Extensión e Investigación en Materiales; ArgentinaFil: Lambri, Osvaldo Agustin F.. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Ingeniería y Agrimensura. Escuela de Ingeniería Eléctrica. Laboratorio de Extensión e Investigación en Materiales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Pérez de Landazábal Berganzo, José Ignacio. Universidad de Navarra; EspañaFil: Recarte, Vicente. Universidad de Navarra; EspañaFil: Gargicevich, Damian. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Ingeniería y Agrimensura. Escuela de Ingeniería Eléctrica. Laboratorio de Extensión e Investigación en Materiales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Zelada, Griselda Irene. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Ingeniería y Agrimensura. Escuela de Ingeniería Eléctrica. Laboratorio de Extensión e Investigación en Materiales; ArgentinaFil: Mocellini, Ricardo Raúl. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Ingeniería y Agrimensura. Escuela de Ingeniería Eléctrica. Laboratorio de Extensión e Investigación en Materiales; ArgentinaFil: Sánchez Alarcos, Vicente. Universidad de Navarra; EspañaFil: Marenzana, Aldo Angel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Física de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Instituto de Física de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Plazaola Muguruza, Fernando. Universidad del País Vasco; Españ

Effect of high-energy ball-milling on the magnetostructural properties of a Ni45Co5Mn35Sn15 alloy

[EN] The effect of high-energy ball-milling on the magnetostructural properties of a Ni45Co5Mn35Sn15 alloy in austenitic phase at room temperature has been analyzed by neutron and high-resolution X-ray diffraction. The ball milling promotes a mechanically-induced martensitic transformation as well as the appearance of amorphous-like non-transforming regions, following a double stage; for short milling times (below 30 min), a strong size reduction and martensite induction occur. On the opposite, for longer times, the increase of strains predominates and consequently a larger amount of non-transforming regions appears. The effect of the microstructural defects brought by milling (as dislocations) on both the enthalpy change at the martensitic transformation and the high field magnetization of the austenite has been quantitatively estimated and correlated to the internal strains. Contrary to what occurs in ternary Ni-Mn-Sn alloys, the mechanically induced defects do not change the ferromagnetic coupling between Mn atoms, but just cause a net reduction on the magnetic moments.This work has been carried out with the financial support of the Spanish “Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad” (Projects number MAT2015-65165-C2-R) “Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades” (Projects number RTI2018-094683-B-C54 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE)), Navarra Government (Project number PC017-018 AMELEC) and Basque Government Grant No. IT-1005-16. We acknowledge ILL and ALBA for the beam time allocations: (http://doi.org/10.5291/ILL-DATA. INTER-411), CRG-2352, and ALBA BL04_MPSD beamline at ALBA Synchrotron with the collaboration of ALBA staff. PLR has received funding from “la Caixa” and "Caja Navarra" Foundations, under agreement LCF/PR/PR13/51080004