Advanced nonlinear modelling techniques for switched reluctance machines

This paper gives an overview of different modelling techniques to describe the nonlinear behaviour of both saturated switched reluctance machine (SRM) and power electronic converter. The current research contributes by comparing the de-coupled single-phase superposition method (lookup-tables) with a coupled analysis between drive model in Matlab/Simulink® and finite element model of the SRM motor. Experimental characterization techniques as well as finite element techniques are used to obtain the single-phase flux-linkage data. Transient electromagnetic analysis using the finite element method,coupled with a drive model and optimization strategy in Matlab/Simulink®, results in a more accurate SRM modelling. These results are more accurate because the mutual coupling between different phases is taken into account. Using this direct coupling, a complete analysis of the motor behaviour (local saturation, iron losses, …) can be modelled with the finite element software, keeping the complex drive and control strategy in Matlab/Simulink®.At every time step of the discrete solver, data is exchanged between the drive model and the coupled electric circuit of the finite element analysis.Simulation results are compared with measurements offlux-linkage, torque, phase current and iron losses. Pro’s and contra’s of the coupled and de-coupled modelling technique are discussed

Modeling of the behavior of AC undervoltage relays during voltage dips

This paper proposes a dynamic model for the behavior of an AC undervoltage protection relay during voltage dips. The behavior is expressed by means of standardized voltage tolerance curves and highly depends on the point on-wave (phase angle) of the dip initiation. Using the model, it can be explained that AC undervoltage relays are much more sensitive to voltage dips of e.g. 50% Urated than to short interruptions (0% Urated), caused by the magnetic behavior. The model takes into account the electrical, magnetic and mechanical system equations. An experimental set-up with a programmable power source as dipgenerator is build to validate the model. Finally, a complete weaving machine is represented to analyze the influence towards voltage dip immunity by adding an undervoltage protection relay

A practical approach to the influence of ground connection on inverter supplied electrical machines

It is known that the steep voltage changes caused byIGBT frequency inverters can cause overvoltage problems at motor terminals and in the motor winding [1,2,3]. Moreover,due to the distributed phase capacitances of the cable, these voltage changes cause a voltage variation in the ground wire[4], which can only be partially eliminated by introducing filters that limit the rate of change of the voltage [5]. This paper investigates, through a number of test measurements,the influence of cable type and cable length on the induced ground wire voltage for most practically applied combinations of ground connections

Green products through a multi-coloured approach, an experiment in multi-disciplinary education

Intensive Programme “Green products through a multicoloured approach”, a multidisciplinary workshop that was held at Howest (University College of West-Flanders) in Belgium between 9 and 20 February 2010. This workshop was based on the experience of conducting a similar multi-disciplinary workshop held three times in 2007-9. The focus of the workshop conducted over a period of 11 days was to foster inter-operability between the different disciplines (Engineering fields and Industrial Design) and work towards a common goal of understanding the paradigm of Innovation and implementing it in the modern European and Global context. The workshop IP 2010, similarly to the previous edition, will be repeated in a three year cycle between the partner institutions: University College of West-Flanders and the INDACO Department of Politecnico di Milano (playing the main organizational role) together with Escola Superior de Artes e Design, University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Haagse Hogeschool, Polytech’Savoie École d’ingénieurs. 170 students, 20 academic tutors and 5-10 industrial partners of the regional area of Kortrijk (Belgium), the hosting town of the event, participated in this event. It has been conceptualized that sustainability and green technologies are entirely too complex to be tackled alone by a single discipline. The workshop envisages to teach and test this theory in a live exercise where students from diverse disciplines, both technically competent and creative, work and execute a project as a coherent group. The themes of the projects were performed as a professional design project, for this reason the design briefs were assigned by the industrial partners. Parallel morning lectures in different specialized areas of sustainability (eco-design tools, sustainable energy, economic and management issues, legislation, socio-cultural aspects …) triggered the students to make the right decisions in their industrial project

Multidisciplinary teamwork as a crucial competence in modern engineering education programs

Abstract- The current process of designing and developing new industrial products has become more differentiated and complex. This has resulted in the need for multidisciplinary teams from the initial product development stage. Because engineers are mainly educated in designing typical technical product related aspects, the need for multidisciplinary competences arises. Simulation of real-life industrial innovation cases using multidisciplinary teams must be integrated in engineering education programs in order to develop the necessary competences. This paper describes the importance and implementation of multidisciplinary teamwork in modern engineering education programs as well as the evaluation of the non-technical competences, typically accompanying such project