0000000000936577
AUTHOR
Gianpaolo Vitale
Optimal matching between optical rectennas and harvester circuits
This paper deals with optimal coupling issues between rectennas and harvesting circuits. An optical rectenna consists of a nanoantenna usually coupled with an ultra-high speed rectifier. These devices aim to receive and convert solar and thermal radiation in a DC voltage, while a harvester circuit provides the energy to be stored. The rectenna impedance is influenced both by its structure and by the rectifying diode, the harvester circuit impedance has to be matched to optimize the power transfer. The purpose of this contribution is to discuss the best impedance conditions by taking into account the constraints that are due to the individual devices the conversion system consist of. Finally…
Neural based MRAS sensorless techniques for high performance linear induction motor drives.
This paper proposes a neural based MRAS (Model reference Adaptive System) speed observer suited for linear induction motors (LIM). Starting from the dynamical equation of the LIM in the synchronous reference frame in literature, the so-called voltage and current models of the LIM in the stationary reference frame, taking into consideration the end effects, have been deduced. Then, while the inductor equations have been used as reference model of the MRAS observer, the induced part equations have been discretized and rearranged so to be represented by a linear neural network (ADALINE). On this basis, the so called TLS EXIN neuron has been used to compute on-line, in recursive form, the machi…
Social robots and therapeutic adherence: a new challenge in pediatric asthma?
Social Robots are used in different contexts and, in healthcare, they are better known as Socially Assistive Robots. In the context of asthma, the use of Socially Assistive Robots has the potential to increase motivation and engagement to treatment. Other positive roles proposed for Socially Assistive Robots are to provide education, training regarding treatments, and feedback to patients. This review evaluates emerging interventions for improving treatment adherence in pediatric asthma, focusing on the possible future role of social robots in the clinical practice.
Numerical simulation of radiated EMI in 42V electrical automotive architectures
The work is focused on the evaluation of radiated electromagnetic interference generated by dc/dc converters in 42 V systems automotive environment. The results obtained by using the method of moments and the finite difference time domain method, separately, are presented and validated in comparison with those measured in a semi-anechoic electromagnetic chamber. A measurement system set up by the authors is employed. Both the used numerical approaches are proved to be an useful tool for radiated disturbance prediction, and also for electromagnetic compatibility oriented design of the vehicle electrical architecture.
FDTD simulation for electromagnetic radiated emissions in 42 V vehicle electrical systems
In this paper a full 3D approach, based on finite difference time domain method, is used to predict the electromagnetic radiated emissions from 42 V vehicle electrical loads. An experimental set-up has been arranged on purpose. A comparative analysis among measured and computed results is performed. The good agreement obtained among simulated and measured data enables to validate the numerical scheme. The proposed methodology contributes to predict electromagnetic emissions in the automotive environment since the design stage. Moreover, the proposed numerical tool can be used to define, for new vehicle electrical architectures, low cost test methods for electromagnetic compatibility and sui…
Supercapacitor diagnosis using an Extended Kalman Filtering approach
This paper deals with the model-based analysis of a Supercapacitor for diagnostic purposes. A two legs nonlinear physical model is assumed for the Supercapacitor and the corresponding second-order nonlinear state-space mathematical model is obtained. Then, an Extended Kalman Filter is tuned so that the estimated outputs reproduce the voltages at the equivalent capacitance terminals; they give information on the state of health of the supercapacitor but are not directly measurable. In particular, an optimization problem is firstly formulated, involving the experimental input-output data and those given by the Extended Kalman Filter.
Design of a LLC Resonant Converter for Powering a PEM Electrolyzer
International audience; This paper proposes the design of a LLC resonant converter to supply a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. The PEM requires a low voltage with high current, a reduced output voltage ripple, and an overdamped dynamic behavior of the converter to avoid voltage overshoots. The designed converter allows satisfying the design constraints, minimizing switching and reverse recovery losses; the efficiency is influenced mainly by the output rectifier's conduction losses.
Optimized design of high power density EMI filters for power electronic converters
Nowadays, power density of power converters and related EMI filters is gaining more and more attention. This severely impacts on the design constraints in several application domains. A conventional design of the EMI filter does not guarantee the selection of components/configuration leading to the best power density. For this reason, an optimized design procedure of discrete EMI filters in terms of power density is proposed in this paper. It is based on a previously developed rule-based design procedure, introducing here additional features to obtain a more effective optimization of EMI filter's power density. The proposed approach has been validated in terms of EMI filter's performance an…
A New Adaptive Neural Harmonic Compensator for Inverter Fed Distributed Generation
This paper deals with the command of inverters in DG (distributed generation) systems by use of linear neural networks in such a way that, with a slight upgrade of their control software, they can be used also to compensate for the harmonic distortion in the node where they are connected (local compensation), that is in the in the point of common coupling (PCC). To this purpose a neural estimator based on linear neurons (ADALINEs) has been developed which is able to act as a selective noise cancellers for each harmonic of the node voltage. The use of linear neurons permits the drawbacks of classical neural networks to be overcome and moreover the neural estimator is easy to implement, thus …
ODEF: An interactive tool for optimized design of EMI filters
The impact of EMI filters on volume and weight of power converters is significant. For this reason, filter's size optimization is a strategic step towards the improvement of the power converter's power density. An EMI filter design that follows a conventional procedure does not guarantee the selection of components/configuration leading to the best power density. Therefore, in order to help EMI engineers and scientists in pursuing a fast and effective choice of optimal discrete EMI filter components and configuration, a novel tool is proposed in this paper, namely ODEF (Optimized Design of EMI Filters). ODEF is an interactive software application running in Matlab® environment. It suitably …
GaN and SiC Device Characterization by a Dedicated Embedded Measurement System
This work proposes a comparison among GaN and SiC device main parameters measured with a dedicated and low-cost embedded system, employing an STM32 microcontroller designed to the purpose. The system has the advantage to avoid the use of expensive laboratory measurement equipment to test the devices, allowing to obtain their behavior in operating conditions. The following KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are measured and critically compared: threshold voltage, on-resistance and input capacitance. All the measurements are carried out in a short time interval and on a wide range of switching frequencies, ranging from 10 kHz to 1 MHz. This investigation is focused on the deviation of the figu…
Computer Aided Optimal Design of High Power Density EMI Filters
Power density of power converter systems is becoming an increasingly stringent design constraint for a wide range of applications. Size reduction of EMI filter in power converters is an important aspect due to its significant impact on the overall converter volume and weight. In order to take on this issue, a computer aided procedure for a fast selection of optimal discrete EMI filter components and configuration is described in this paper. The proposed technique is a rule-based automatic procedure based on suitable databases that consider datasheets information of commercially available passive components (e.g. magnetic cores, capacitors). It allows the minimization of the filter's volume …
Non-Linear Inductor Models Comparison for Switched-Mode Power Supplies Applications
The use of non-linear power inductors, intended as devices exploited up to a current at which the inductance is halved, is of great interest in switched-mode power supplies (SMPSs). Indeed, it allows the use of lighter and cheaper inductors improving the power density. On the other hand, the analysis of SMPSs equipped with non-linear inductors requires appropriate modeling of the inductor reproducing the inductance versus current. This paper compares two main analytical models proposed in the literature: the former is based on a polynomial, and the latter exploits the arctangent function to reproduce the non-linearity of the inductance. Performance is compared by considering the effort of r…
Descriptor-type Kalman Filter and TLS EXIN Speed Estimate for Sensorless Control of a Linear Induction Motor.
This paper proposes a speed observer for linear induction motors (LIMs), which is composed of two parts: 1) a linear Kalman filter (KF) for the online estimation of the inductor currents and induced part flux linkage components; and 2) a speed estimator based on the total least squares (TLS) EXIN neuron. The TLS estimator receives as inputs the state variables, estimated by the KF, and provides as output the LIM linear speed, which is fed back to the KF and the control system. The KF is based on the classic space-vector model of the rotating induction machine. The end effects of the LIMs have been considered an uncertainty treated by the KF. The TLS EXIN neuron has been used to compute, in …
Intelligent Energy Management System
Energy management is nowadays a subject of great importance and complexity. It consists in choosing among a set of sources able to produce energy that will give energy to a set of loads by minimising losses and costs. The sources and loads are heterogeneous, distributed and the reaction of the system, the choice of sources, must be done in real-time to avoid power outage. The goal of this paper is to present a system able to self-regulate a heterogeneous set of power sources and loads organised as a coherent group of entities that is called micro-grid, in order to optimize several criteria such as: cost and efficiency. This system is based upon the Multi-Agent Systems paradigm. Each micro-g…
Design and experimental validation of a high voltage ratio DC/DC converter for proton exchange membrane electrolyzer applications
Abstract This paper deals with hydrogen production via water electrolysis, which is considered the most attractive and promising solution. Specifically, the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind electric power generators, is hypothesized for supplying the electrolyzer, aiming to strongly reduce the environmental impact. In particular, micro-wind energy conversion systems (μWECSs) are attractive for their low cost and easy installation. In order to interface the μWECS and the electrolyzer, suitable power conditioning systems such as step-down DC-DC converters are mandatory. However, due to the requested high conversion ratio between the DC bus grid, i.e. the output of a three-phase d…
Non-linear inductor modelling for a DC/DC buck converter
The paper is focused on the modelling of an inductor to exploit its non-linear behaviour in the roll-off region when it is employed in a DC/DC converter. The model is set up on the basis of experimental data measured in operating conditions, which are fitted to a polynomial curve describing the inductance variations. The analysis of the buck converter, performed by including the proposed model, is validated by experimental tests.
Comparison of power quality impact of different photovoltaic inverters- the viewpoint of the grid
This paper presents the results of an experimental analysis performed with the aim of evaluating the effect of many photovoltaic plants on power quality of the grid. Several parameters as voltage and current distortion, flicker, voltage variations at fundamental frequency and power factor have been observed. The measured values have been compared with the limits reported in the standards and, when possibiIe, their dependence on the characteristics of the grid in terms of its impedance has been pointed out.
Characterization of Non-linear Inductors Including Thermal Effects for Power Applications
This paper is focused on the behaviour of non-linear inductors employed in DC/DC switching converters considering the effects due to variations of both current and temperature. The characterization of the inductors is performed by a buck converter operated to stimulate the inductor under test by a constant current with superimposed a large signal. The measurements are carried out at several inductor’s temperature values. Data are automatically collected by a novel virtual instrument developed by the authors in LabVIEW® environment aiming to obtain a polynomial based analytical model. The deep knowledge of the inductor model allows its design to be optimized improving the power density of th…
Design and Modeling of an Interleaving Boost Converter with Quasi-Saturated Inductors for Electric Vehicles
This paper is focused on the analysis and modeling of DC-DC boost converters in interleaving configuration exploiting inductors in the quasi-saturation region. The converter is designed to optimize the power density by minimizing the size of the inductors. A simulation study for electric vehicle applications is conducted analyzing the effects of duty cycle and temperature variation on the ripple of the input current giving, moreover, information on the performances and dynamics of the converter for further implementation and optimizations.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a High Power-Density EMI Filter for PWM Inverter-Fed Induction-Motor Drives
This paper presents the design of an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter for a low-voltage high-current induction-motor drives supplied by dc power grids. In order to effectively design the EMI filter, a suitable common-mode/differential-mode (CM/DM) separation technique has been used. Due to the high operating currents, the software-based separation technique using time-domain measurements has been applied. The proposed technique allows the CM and DM sections of the EMI filter to be properly selected in a more economical way, i.e., without the need of a dedicated hardware or costly radio frequency (RF) instrumentation. The design has been done according to a power-density criterion. …
A stacked interleaved DC-DC buck converter for proton exchange membrane electrolyzer applications: Design and experimental validation
Abstract Since the two last decades, hydrogen production has been attracting the attention of the scientific community thanks to its inherent very low pollution when energy coming from renewable energy sources (RESs) are used. However, it implies the use of DC/DC converters to interface source and load. These conversion systems must meet several requirements from current ripple point of view, energy efficiency, and performance to preserve the sustainability of hydrogen production. This article proposes the design and realization of a stacked interleaved buck converter to supply a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. The converter is designed to ensure a low output current ripple and a sui…
A regenerative braking system for internal combustion engine vehicles using supercapacitors as energy storage elements - Part 2: Simulation results
Abstract In this two-part work, an electric kinetic energy recovery system (e-KERS) for internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) is presented and its performance evaluated through numerical simulations. The KERS proposed is based on the use of a supercapacitor as energy storage, interfaced to a brushless machine through a properly designed power converter. In Part 1, the system is described and analysed, and the mathematical model used for the simulations is presented. For each component of the KERS, the real efficiency and the power or energy limitations are adequately considered. In Part 2, the energetic and economic advantages attainable by the proposed KERS are evaluated using MATLAB S…
Sensorless Control of PMSM Fractional Horsepower Drives by Signal Injection and Neural Adaptive-Band Filtering
This paper presents a sensorless technique for permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) based on high-frequency pulsating voltage injection. Starting from a speed estimation scheme well known in the literature, this paper proposes the adoption of a neural network (NN) based adaptive variable-band filter instead of a fixed-bandwidth filter, needed for catching the speed information from the sidebands of the stator current. The proposed NN filter is based on a linear NN adaptive linear neuron (ADALINE), trained with a classic least mean squares (LMS) algorithm, and is twice adaptive. From one side, it is adaptive in the sense that its weights are adapted online recursively. From another si…
Environmental Data Processing by Clustering Methods for Energy Forecast and Planning
This paper presents a statistical approach based on the k-means clustering technique to manage environmental sampled data to evaluate and to forecast of the energy deliverable by different renewable sources in a given site. In particular, wind speed and solar irradiance sampled data are studied in association to the energy capability of a wind generator and a photovoltaic (PV) plant, respectively. The proposed method allows the sub-sets of useful data, describing the energy capability of a site, to be extracted from a set of experimental observations belonging the considered site. The data collection is performed in Sicily, in the south of Italy, as case study. As far as the wind generation…
PEM Fuel Cell System Model Predictive Control and real-time operation on a power emulator
Fuel Cell Systems (FCS) seem to be among the most reliable devices to produce clean energy, although they still suffer for many problems, mostly related to the fragility of the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM). Particularly, this paper focuses on the oxygen starvation, that leads both a decrease of the FCS performance and a shortening in the FCS lifetime. The purpose is to use the Model Predictive Control (MPC) and its capacity of accounting for linear constraints for managing the air system without risking to damage the fuel cell. Two control inputs and no static feed-forward actions have been used. Results show that the MPC is able to avoid the oxygen starvation, even with a sudden incr…
High Frequency Model of PV Systems for the Evaluation of Ground Currents
A high frequency model of a photovoltaic (PV) plant is developed and analysed to investigate the common mode (CM) currents circulating through the ground connections of the plant. The modelling method is based on the measurement of the impedance frequency response of photovoltaic module and on a high frequency representation of the power conversion unit. An overall lumped parameters circuit model is obtained and then implemented in PSpice. The CM leakage currents are evaluated by simulation.
Experimental Analysis of Power Quality Issues in a Mobile House supplied by Renewable Energy Sources
This paper presents the results of an experimental analysis performed on a renewable hybrid system in order to evaluate the power quality of its electrical power network, which can be influenced by three factors: the variations in the power supplied by renewable energies due to the meteorological conditions, the adopted inverter and its control strategy, which is very meaningful for the performance of the whole system, the presence of non linear loads, which in recent years have dramatically increased. The results of the experimental analysis of the power quality parameters are presented in detail and investigated also with regard to European technical standards. The main parameters which h…
A Temperature Dependent Non-Linear Inductor Model for a DC/DC Boost Converter
This paper is focused on the use of non-linear inductors in DC/DC switching converters, as well as their behaviour due to changes in current and temperature. The model of an inductor is set up on the basis of experimental data, which are automatically acquired by a virtual instrument; from those data, a polynomial curve describing the inductance variations is obtained. The analysis of the converter, performed by including the proposed model, is validated by experimental tests.
EMI Analysis in Electrical Drives under Lightning Surge Conditions
In this paper, a complete model of a power drive system including the earth electrodes is proposed to evaluate electromagnetic conducted interference due to lightning pulses. Circuit model of a power drive system is joined with a full-wave approach for the simulation of the time behavior of the grounding system. The proposed model enables to predict the electromagnetic conducted interference generated in the power drive system when lightning conditions involve the earth electrodes.
EMI Filter Re-Design in a SMPS with Inductor in Saturation
This paper analyzes the design issues of the input EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) filter's in a switching mode power supply where the power inductor is operated in saturation. Starting with a SMPS equipped with linear inductor, the input filter is firstly designed to comply with Standards. Then, a new inductor with a smaller core size is employed in the same SMPS to exploit saturation. The EMI filter is re-designed, taking into account the increase of EMI introduced by the non-linear operation of the inductor. Finally, the reduction of the inductor's size and cost is compared with the increased size and cost of the EMI filter.
Optical Nanoantennas for Energy Harvesting
In the last decade, the increasing demand for renewable energy has been leading to the development of new devices, which overcome the disadvantages of the traditional photovoltaic conversion and exploit the thermal radiation created by the Sun, that is transferred in the form of electromagnetic waves into free space and finally absorbed by the surface of the Earth [1-2]. These new devices, called nanoantennas, have only recently been considered thanks to the development of electron beam lithography and similar techniques. Nanoantennas operate at nanometers wavelengths and their dimensions range from a few hundred nanometres to a few microns. They exhibit potential advantages in terms of pol…
Dynamic modelling of a quadratic DC/DC single-switch boost converter
This manuscript proposes the analysis of a Quadratic Boost Converter (QBC) transformer-less single switch typology. The state space average dynamic model and a constrained state space average model taking into account the mono-directional components of the converter (diodes, switches) have been analyzed. The static gain expression taking into consideration the parasitic elements of the converter and the small-signal transfer function of the QBC typology under study has been obtained. A sensitivity analysis has shown a high variation of the gain versus duty-cycle and of the derivative gain versus parasitic parameters of the converter in the range of the duty-cycle from 0.6 to 0.8 which is ra…
A Survey on LoRa for Smart Agriculture: Current Trends and Future Perspectives
This paper provides a survey on the adoption of LoRa in the agricultural field, and reviews state-of-the-art solutions for Smart Agriculture, analyzing the potential of this technology in different infield applications. In particular, we consider four reference scenarios, namely irrigation systems, plantation and crop monitoring, tree monitoring, and livestock monitoring, which exhibit heterogeneous requirements in terms of network bandwidth, density, sensors’ complexity, and energy demand, as well as latency in the decision process. We discuss how LoRa-based solutions can work in these scenarios, analyzing their scalability, interoperability, network architecture, and energy-efficiency. Fi…
Neural Sensorless Control of Linear Induction Motors by a Full-Order Luenberger Observer Considering the End Effects
This paper proposes a neural based full-order Luenberger adaptive speed observer for sensorless linear induction motor (LIM) drives, where the linear speed is estimated with the total least squares (TLS) EXIN neuron. A novel state space-vector representation of the LIM has been deduced, taking into consideration its dynamic end effects. The state equations of the LIM have been rearranged into a matrix form to be solved, in terms of the LIM linear speed, by any least squares technique. The TLS EXIN neuron has been used to compute online, in recursive form, the machine linear speed. A new gain matrix choice of the Luenberger observer, specifically taking into consideration the LIM dynamic end…
Automatic EMI filter design for power electronic converters oriented to high power density
In this paper, a complete computer aided procedure based on the power density concept and aimed at the automatic design of EMI filters for power electronic converters is presented. It is rule-based, and it uses suitable databases built-up by considering information on passive components available from commercial datasheets. The power density constraint is taken into consideration by imposing the minimization of the filter volume and/or weight; nevertheless, the system in which the automatically designed filter is included satisfies the electromagnetic compatibility standards limits. Experimental validations of the proposed procedure are presented for two real case studies, for which the per…
Assessment of MOSFET switching losses in an LLC converter by a calorimetric method
The present work aims to implement a calorimetric method to measure the power dissipated during MOSFET switching in a high efficiency LLC resonant converter. The power dissipated from switching can significantly impact the total power dissipated by the device and consequent efficiency, so correct quantification is fundamental for optimizing the devices and increasing the efficiency of the converters. In LLC converters, this type of dissipated power cannot be measured with standard methods such as measurement with oscilloscopes as some of the energy that is recovered and not dissipated. The calorimetric method requires reasonably accurate measurement of thermal resistance and the temperature…
NON-LINEAR INDUCTOR CONTRIBUTION TO HARMONIC SPECTRUM IN POWER CONVERTERS
The paper investigates the harmonic content in DC/DC power converters where the inductor is operated in the non-linear region. This operation is often exploited to use lighter and cheaper inductors; as a drawback, an increasing number of harmonics is noticeable. A theoretical analysis is proposed. It is based on a polynomial model of the inductor used in a boost converter. Results are given by the spectra of the output voltage performed on a circuit prototype.
Review of Infrared Nanoantennas for Energy Harvesting
The Sun is the greatest source of energy providing a continuous stream of power; its exploitation has stimulated several approaches and technologies to directly or indirectly achieve renewable energy. New devices, which exploit the thermal radiation created by the Sun, that is transferred in the form of electromagnetic waves into free space, and finally absorbed by the surface of the Earth, are under study. The aim of this contribution is to critically compare advantages and disadvantages of new types of suitable antennas operating at nanometers wavelengths, called nanoantennas, for infrared energy harvesting, focusing on the state of the art and its perspectives.
Explainable Post-Occupancy Evaluation Using a Humanoid Robot
The paper proposes a new methodological approach for evaluating the comfort condition using the concept of explainable post occupancy to make the user aware of the environmental state in which (s)he works. Such an approach was implemented on a humanoid robot with social capabilities that aims to enforce human engagement to follow recommendations. The humanoid robot helps the user to position the sensors correctly to acquire environmental measures corresponding to the temperature, humidity, noise level, and illuminance. The distribution of the last parameter due to its high variability is also retrieved by the simulation software Dialux. Using the post occupancy evaluation method, the robot …
Assessment of the Current for a Non-Linear Power Inductor Including Temperature in DC-DC Converters
A method for estimating the current flowing through a non-linear power inductor operating in a DC/DC converter is proposed. The knowledge of such current, that cannot be calculated in closed form as for the linear inductor, is crucial for the design of the converter. The proposed method is based on a third-order polynomial model of the inductor, already developed by the authors; it is exploited to solve the differential equation of the inductor and to implement a flux model in a circuit simulator. The method allows the estimation of the current up to saturation, intended as the point at which the differential inductance is reduced to half of its maximum value. The current profile depends al…
Self-Heating Induced Instability of a Non-Linear Inductor in a SMPS: a Case Study
This paper proposes a case study to show that the non-linear operation of a power inductor in a SMPS can induce instability of the control system leading to overheating of the inductor beyond its allowable temperature and to an excessive peak of the maximum current. The case study is performed by a commercial ferrite inductor employed in a synchronous boost converter encompassing a control system to adjust the duty cycle, assuring a constant output voltage. The thermal transient is described by the time domain waveforms and thermal images.
MRAS speed observer for high performance linear induction motor drives based on linear neural networks
This paper proposes a Neural Network (NN) MRAS (Model Reference Adaptive System) speed observer suited for linear induction motor (LIM) drives. The voltage and current models of the LIM in the stationary reference frame, taking into consideration the end effects, have been obtained. Then, equations of the induced part have been discretized and rearranged so as to be represented by a linear neural network the TLS EXIN neuron, which has been used to compute the machine linear speed on-line and in recursive form. The proposed NN MRAS observer has been tested experimentally on a suitably developed test setup. Its performance has been also compared to the classic MRAS speed observer.
Solar Nanoantennas energy based characterization
Solar nanoantennas appear a very interesting solution to exploit solar radiation, as a matter of fact, their operating principle allows heat losses to be lessened compared to traditional photovoltaic cells and efficiency to be increased. Anyway, some technological issues are to be overcome. Literature often proposes a characterization by radiation efficiency typical of traditional antennas. Since the aim of solar nanoantennas is to harvest energy, in this paper the most promising devices are characterized by the upper bound of deliverable power density calculated in the whole operating wavelengths range.
Thermal Stability of a DC/DC Converter with Inductor in Partial Saturation
Inductors operated in quasi saturation in dc–dc converters allow reduction of the core size and realization costs; on the other hand, they imply an increase of dissipated power that can jeopardize the thermal stability of the converter. In this article, this issue is studied by a mathematical model able to represent both the inductor nonlinearity and its temperature dependence. The main losses, such as ohmic, skin effect and magnetic, are taken into account in the model. The inductor is characterized by a polynomial curve whose parameters are a function of the temperature. Finally, the whole converter is modeled and simulation results, obtained on a boost converter, are compared with experi…
Adaptive tuning system and parameter estimation of a digitally controlled boost converter with STM32
. This paper proposes a diagnostic system of a power electronic converter, based on a cheap STM32 Nucleo board, aiming to extract some relevant measurements which gives back important values of the converter's parameters behavior. Moreover the designed system is also exploited for implementing the converter's auto tuning in order to optimize its dynamic performance.
A regenerative braking system for internal combustion engine vehicles using supercapacitors as energy storage elements - Part 1: System analysis and modelling
Abstract In this two-part work, an electric kinetic energy recovery system (e-KERS) for internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) is presented, and its performance evaluated through numerical simulations. The KERS proposed is based on the use of a supercapacitor as energy storage, interfaced to a brushless machine through a properly designed power converter. In part 1, the system is described and analysed, and the mathematical model used for the simulations is presented. For each component of the KERS, the real efficiency, and the power or energy limitations are adequately considered. In part 2, the energetic and economic advantages attainable by the proposed KERS are evaluated using MATLAB…
Dynamic performance enhancement of AC/DC PFC boost converters by means of MRAS observers
Controlling a Power Factor Corrected (PFC) boost converter is not a trivial task, because the higher the dynamic performance, the higher is the input current distortion. On the other hand, recent applications of these converters require fast transients in response to disturbances, such as sudden variations of load power, reference voltage and input voltage. Better performance can be obtained adding a feedforward action to the traditional control scheme, using observers to estimate the input voltage and the output current. However, the actual improvement depends on the dynamic performance of the chosen observers. This paper aims at evaluating the applicability and the performance of differen…
Identification and Robust Control of a Quadratic DC/DC Boost Converter by Hammerstein Model
This paper deals with the theoretical framework definition and the experimental application of the Hammerstein (HM) identification and related robust control technique to a quadratic dc/dc single-switch boost (Q-boost) converter. A set of fourth-order transfer functions (TFs) has been identified with the Hammerstein approach, on the basis of a pseudorandom-binary-sequence (PRBS) excitation signal. The set of identified TFs has been then used to design a suitable robust control technique, able to properly deal with the converter parameter uncertainty and load variations. The proposed approach has been tested in numerical simulation and validated experimentally on a suitably developed test se…
Equivalent Circuit Modelling of Ferrite Inductors Losses
The modelling of the magnetic losses in the core of ferrite inductors for power conversion circuits has been considered in this paper. On the basis of the Revised Generalized Steinmetz Model (RGSE) an equivalent circuital modelling has been obtained. The losses are modelled as an equivalent resistance connected in parallel to the inductor. The model has been tested under periodic triangular current waveforms.
A Humanoid Social Robot Based Approach for Indoor Environment Quality Monitoring and Well-Being Improvement
The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) monitoring inside buildings where people spend most of their time is essential for ensuring their well-being. Traditional approaches based on Building Automation and Control Systems consider buildings equipped with many different sensors. Unfortunately, the sensors are not always placed for taking the measurements at the right positions. Besides, users could feel a negative perception due to continuous supervision. The present work proposes an approach based on a social humanoid robot that monitors indoor environmental quality. It friendly interacts with occupants providing appropriate suggestions. Particularly, the social robot has been endowed with c…
Impact of Nonlinear Inductor on Efficiency and Power Losses in a SMPS: a Case Study
This paper proposes a comparative analysis focused on losses in two Switched Mode Power Supplies, adopting a linear inductor and an inductor operated up to saturation, respectively. The use of the nonlinear inductor saves weight and cost on the magnetic material, which is of great interest for automotive applications; however, it increases the peak current and can increase losses. The analysis aims to compare, by simulations, the impact on the efficiency of the different current waveforms throughout the converter. The losses are discussed in detail and calculated for each component of the converters.
Evaluation of radiated EMI in 42 V vehicle electrical systems by FDTD simulation
In this paper a full 3D numerical scheme, based on the finite difference time domain method, is used to predict the electromagnetic radiated interference generated by 42 V vehicle power electronic driven electrical loads. An experimental set-up has been arranged on purpose in order to validate the proposed simulation tool. To this aim, the features of a semi-anechoic electromagnetic chamber have been exploited in order to operate in a shielded test site for the measurement of near field radiated emissions. Two different three-dimensional geometrical configurations of realistic vehicle installations of the loads, are studied. A comparative analysis among measured and computed results is perf…
Design and performance evaluation of a high power density EMI filter for PWM inverter-fed induction motor drives
This paper presents the design of an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter for a low voltage high current induction motor drives supplied by DC power grids, such as those used in several vehicle applications. In order to effectively design the EMI filter a suitable Common Mode/Differential Mode (CM/DM) separation technique has been used. In consideration of the high operating currents, a software based separation technique using time domain measurements has been applied. The proposed technique allows the CM and DM sections of the EMI filter to be properly selected in a more economical way, i.e. without the need of dedicated hardware or costly radio frequency (RF) instrumentation. The de…
PVDF based vibration measurements and their correlation with torque estimation in a FOC induction motor drive
This paper presents a study concerning the vibrations generated by an induction motor drive controlled by field oriented control algorithm (FOC). The aim of the study is to identify suitable measurement points and analysis techniques in order to achieve information about vibration generated by an electric drive. Vibrations take origin both by the torque generated by the motor and the motor supply through an inverter, then they are transmitted to neighbouring structures. Torque is estimated on the basis of the estimated flux linkage; vibrations have been both measured and analysed numerically by FEM at two points of the cradle. The numerical and experimental analysis have been carried out fo…
Design of a robust controller for DC/DC converter–electrolyzer systems supplied by μWECSs subject to highly fluctuating wind speed
Abstract A buck-based, isolated, high-voltage-ratio DC/DC converter that allows supplying a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer from a micro-wind energy conversion system ( μ WECS) has been recently presented. It exhibits low ripple at the switching frequency on the output voltage and current and represents an attractive solution for low-cost hydrogen production. In this paper, a more accurate mathematical model of such a converter is derived and discussed. Then, a model-based robust controller is designed in the frequency domain using the Internal Model Control structure and in the context of H 2 ∕ H ∞ optimal control. The controller satisfies the condition of robust stability and …
Non-Linear Inductors Characterization in Real Operating Conditions for Power Density Optimization in SMPS
The exploitation of power inductors outside their linear region in switching converters can be achieved by raising the current until a decreasing of the inductance can be noticed. It allows using a smaller magnetic core increasing the power density of the converter. On the other hand, a detailed description of the magnetization curve including the temperature is required. Since this information is often not included in the inductor’s datasheets, this paper shows how to identify the behavior of an inductor when it is operated up to saturation and its temperature rises. In order to characterize the inductor in real operating conditions, a dedicated measurement rig has been developed. It consi…
A Measurement System for Power Inductors in Non-Linear Operating Conditions
The exploitation of power inductors in switching converters outside the linear region requires detailed information on the magnetization curve that often is not included among those usually available on their datasheets. This paper proposes an automatic system in which the inductor is characterized in real operating conditions taking into account also the core temperature. It is based on a switching converter suitably controlled by a virtual instrument. The system was tested by retrieving the inductance vs current curves of two commercial inductors for core temperatures up to 105°C, showing the different behaviors of the magnetization curves. Results are coherent with data given by manufact…
A Feasibility Analysis of an Electric KERS for Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles
In this work, the authors evaluate the energetic and economic advantages connected to the implementation of an electric Kinetic Energy Recovery System (e-KERS) on an internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV). The e-KERS proposed is based on the use of a supercapacitor (SC) as energy storage element, a brushless motor generator unit (MGU) for the conversion of the vehicle kinetic energy into electric energy (and vice versa), and a power converter properly designed to manage the power transfer between SC and MGU. The low complexity of the system proposed, the moderate volume and weight of the components selected for its assembly, together with their immediate availability on the market, make …
PMSM Drives Sensorless Position Control with Signal Injection and Neural Filtering
Vector Field Oriented Control (FOC) is one of the best control methods for high-dynamic electrical drives. To avoid the adoption of the speed/position sensor (resolver/encoder), a sensorless technique should be used. Among the various sensorless methods in literature, those based on machine saliency detection by signal injection seem to be most useful for thier giving the possibility of closing the position control loop. This paper proposes a method for enhancing both rotating and pulsating voltage carrier injection methods by a neural adaptive band filter. Results show the goodness of the proposed solution.
Comparison between SiC and GaN switching devices in fast-recharging systems for electric vehicles
Recently, the improvement of the semiconductor devices to achieve higher efficiency and higher power density has risen to interest. Si carbide and gallium nitride offer faster switching frequency and lower losses; however, the knowledge of the behaviour of these devices is not mature. In this paper, a system for fast charging of batteries for electric vehicles based on an isolated DC-DC converter equipped with both SiC and GaN devices is presented and an interesting experimental comparison among these two technologies will be given in terms of dynamic performances, electromagnetic compatibility, stability, efficiency, and so on.