A low-power, linear, permanent-magnet generator/energy storage system

This paper describes the design, analysis and characterization of a linear permanent magnet generator and capacitive energy storage system for generating electrical power from a single stroke of a salient-pole armature. It is suitable for applications that require relatively low levels of electrical power, such as remote electronic locks. An electromagnetic analysis of the generator is described, and a design optimization methodology for the system is presented. Finally, the performance of a prototype is validated against measurement

Design of a miniature permanent-magnet generator and energy storage system

The paper describes a methodology for optimizing the design and performance of a miniature permanent-magnet generator and its associated energy storage system. It combines an analytical field model, a lumped reluctance equivalent magnetic circuit, and an equivalent electrical circuit. Its utility is demonstrated by means of a case study on a 15-mW, 6000-r/min generator, and the analysis techniques are validated by measurements on a prototype system

A novel spherical permanent magnet actuator with three degrees-of-freedom

The paper describes a new version of spherical actuator, which is capable of three degrees-of-freedom and a high specific torque. The three-dimensional magnetic field distribution is established using an analytical technique formulated in spherical co-ordinates, and enables the torque vector and back-emf to be derived in closed forms. This facilitates the characterisation of the actuator, and provides the foundation for design optimisation, actuator dynamic modelling and servo control developmen

Analysis and design optimization of an improved axially magnetized tubular permanent-magnet machine

This paper describes the analysis and design optimization of an improved axially magnetized tubular permanent-magnet machine. Compared with a conventional axially magnetized tubular machine, it has a higher specific force capability and requires less permanent-magnet material. The magnetic field distribution is established analytically in the cylindrical coordinate system, and the results are validated by finite-element analyses. The analytical field solution allows the analytical prediction of the thrust force and back-electromotive force (emf) in closed forms, which, in turn, facilitates the characterization of a machine, and provides a basis for design optimization and system dynamic modeling

A general framework for the analysis and design of tubular linear permanent magnet machines

A general framework for the analysis and design of a class of tubular linear permanent magnet machines is described. The open-circuit and armature reaction magnetic field distributions are established analytically in terms of a magnetic vector potential and cylindrical coordinate formulation, and the results are validated extensively by comparison with finite element analyses. The analytical field solutions allow the prediction of the thrust force, the winding emf, and the self- and mutual-winding inductances in closed forms. These facilitate the characterization of tubular machine topologies and provide a basis for comparative studies, design optimization, and machine dynamic modeling. Some practical issues, such as the effects of slotting and fringing, have also been accounted for and validated by measurement

A novel spherical actuator: Design and control

The paper describes the design and control of a novel spherical permanent magnet actuator which is capable of two-degrees-freedom and a high specific torque. Based on an analytical actuator model, an optimal design procedure is developed to yield maximum output torque or maximum system acceleration for a given payload. The control of the actuator, whose dynamics are similar to those of robotic manipulators, is facilitated by the establishment of a complete actuation system model. A robust control law is applied, and its effectiveness is demonstrated by computer simulatio

Fringing in tubular permanent-magnet machines: Part II. Cogging force and its minimization

In Part I of the paper, analytical field solutions, which account for the fringing flux associated with the finite length of the ferromagnetic armature core in tubular permanent-magnet machines, are established. In Part II, the technique is applied to both slotless and slotted machines, and the results are verified by finite-element calculations. The analytical field solutions enable the resultant cogging force associated with the finite length of the armature to be determined as a function of the armature displacement, for both radially and Halbach magnetized stators. Thus, they not only provide an effective means for evaluating the influence of leading design parameters on the cogging force waveform, but also facilitate its minimization

Precipitation and latent heating distributions from satellite passive microwave radiometry. Part I: improved method and uncertainties

A revised Bayesian algorithm for estimating surface rain rate, convective rain proportion, and latent heating profiles from satellite-borne passive microwave radiometer observations over ocean backgrounds is described. The algorithm searches a large database of cloud-radiative model simulations to find cloud profiles that are radiatively consistent with a given set of microwave radiance measurements. The properties of these radiatively consistent profiles are then composited to obtain best estimates of the observed properties. The revised algorithm is supported by an expanded and more physically consistent database of cloud-radiative model simulations. The algorithm also features a better quantification of the convective and nonconvective contributions to total rainfall, a new geographic database, and an improved representation of background radiances in rain-free regions. Bias and random error estimates are derived from applications of the algorithm to synthetic radiance data, based upon a subset of cloud-resolving model simulations, and from the Bayesian formulation itself. Synthetic rain-rate and latent heating estimates exhibit a trend of high (low) bias for low (high) retrieved values. The Bayesian estimates of random error are propagated to represent errors at coarser time and space resolutions, based upon applications of the algorithm to TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) data. Errors in TMI instantaneous rain-rate estimates at 0.5°-resolution range from approximately 50% at 1 mm h−1 to 20% at 14 mm h−1. Errors in collocated spaceborne radar rain-rate estimates are roughly 50%–80% of the TMI errors at this resolution. The estimated algorithm random error in TMI rain rates at monthly, 2.5° resolution is relatively small (less than 6% at 5 mm day−1) in comparison with the random error resulting from infrequent satellite temporal sampling (8%–35% at the same rain rate). Percentage errors resulting from sampling decrease with increasing rain rate, and sampling errors in latent heating rates follow the same trend. Averaging over 3 months reduces sampling errors in rain rates to 6%–15% at 5 mm day−1, with proportionate reductions in latent heating sampling errors

Effect of Chinese herbal medicines on rumen fermentation, methanogenesis and microbial flora in vitro

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of three Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) on rumen fermentation, methane emission and population of ruminal microbes using an in vitro gas production technique. Three healthy wethers of Dazu Black goats with similar bodyweights and permanent rumen fistulae were utilized as donors of ruminal fluid. The three botanical medicines were cablin patchouli herb (CPH), atractylodes rhizome (AR) and Amur cork tree (AC). Each CHM was added at a level of 25 g/kg to the substrate dry matter. In vitro gas production was recorded, and methane concentration was determined at 12 and 24 hours of incubation. After 24 hours, the incubation was stopped, and the inoculants were measured for pH, ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) concentrations. Total deoxyribonucleic acid of ruminal microbes was extracted from the inocula, and populations were determined by a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Populations of total rumen methanogens, protozoa, total fungi, Ruminococcus albus, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens were expressed as a proportion of total rumen bacterial 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid. Compared to the control, CPH decreased gas production and methane production at 12 and 24 hours of incubation, and inhibited methanogens and total fungi growth. AR decreased acetate to propionate ratio, and methanogens and total fungi populations, but increased propionate molar proportion. AC decreased total VFA concentration, acetate to propionate ratio, gas production at 12 and 24 hours of incubation, methane production at 12 and 24 hours of incubation, and methanogens and total fungi growth, but increased the propionate molar proportion. In conclusion, CPH and AC both suppressed methanogenesis significantly, and the suppression was mediated primarily via the direct action against the rumen microbes involved in methane formation. AC also indirectly abates methane release by occupying the hydrogen (H2) normally utilized for methanogenesis.Keywords: In vitro gas production, methane, rumen fermentation parameter, rumen microbe

On the Geometry of Planar Domain Walls

The Geometry of planar domain walls is studied. It is argued that the planar walls indeed have plane symmetry. In the Minkowski coordinates the walls are mapped into revolution paraboloids.Comment: 11 paghoj, Late