0000000001263872
AUTHOR
A. O. Di Tommaso
High Performance FOC for Induction Motors with Low Cost ATSAM3X8E Microcontroller
In this paper the Authors present the Arduino Due board application for an induction motor field oriented control (FOC) algorithm. The low cost Arduino Due board is equipped with a ATSAM3X8E microcontroller that performs the algorithm calculation, data processing, current signals and speed/position data acquisition. The control algorithm has been developed with the help of the open source Arduino integrated development environment, whereas a user friendly control interface, used to manage the speed or position set point, has been developed in Java language by means of an other open source software, namely, Processing. An experimental test bed has been set up in order to validate the FOC sys…
Design and experimental characterization of a low-cost, real-time, wireless AC monitoring system based on ATmega 328P-PU microcontroller
This paper describes the development and experimental characterization of a real-time, low-cost, wireless AC monitoring system based on ATmega 328P-PU microcontroller. The proposed system is composed by a main brain for the acquisition and the processing of the data measured by smart meters. From the experimental tests discussed in this work it is demonstrated that the proposed system can monitor, with adequate accuracy, the working cycles of electrical loads in order to evaluate its energy consumption.
DC link voltage swinging and load current unbalance in fault tolerant VSI. overview and compensation strategies
The topic of this paper is the discussion on the performance of a three-phase fault tolerant inverter with particular attention to the underrated aspect of current unbalances occurring due to the DC link voltage fluctuates after the inverter reconfiguration. Capacitor voltage unbalance affects not only the average output voltage of the inverter, but also its performance. In fact, the inverter performance depends on the fluctuating DC-link voltage components rather than on the average DC-link voltage. After a brief analysis of the voltage fluctuation phenomena resulting from fault tolerant configuration and their effect on load current unbalance, the Authors consider different compensating p…
Numerical Analysis of Medium Scale PV Plants and Their Power-Flow Control System With a Simple Three Phase Inverter
This paper presents a mathematical analysis of a medium scale Photovoltaic (PV) power generation system connected to the distribution network and of its control system, in which the conversion stage is unique thanks to the absence of a boost chopper. Boost choppers are usually used as actuator for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The conducted analysis leads to the conclusion that the used inverter presents two degrees of freedom that can be easily exploited in a control system in which the inverter simultaneously realizes the interconnection to the grid and at the same time realizes the MPPT control. The structure of the control system is then presented, discussed and then validated by…
Efficiency Enhancement of Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor Drives by Online Loss Minimization Approaches
In this paper, a new loss minimization control algorithm for inverter-fed permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), which allows for the reduction of the power losses of the electric drive without penalty on its dynamic performance, is analyzed, experimentally realized, and validated. In particular, after a brief recounting of two loss minimization control strategies, namely, the "search control" and the "loss-model control," both a new modified dynamic model of the PMSM (which takes into account the iron losses) and an innovative "loss-model" control strategy are presented. Experimental tests on a specific PMSM drive employing the proposed loss minimization algorithm have been performed…
Current fault signatures of Voltage Source Inverters in different reference frames
This paper considers different current patterns used to identify the correct fault signatures in Voltage Source Inverters (VSI). At the beginning, the Authors consider the currents patterns from which a simple or a double fault can be encompassed both in the case of controllable device only or with its free wheeling companion diode. After the discussion of diagnosis algorithm suitable for electrical drives and principally based on a persistent near zero current condition current in the natural phase reference frame, the stationary reference frame is then considered as a tool to identify both the faulted phase as the device or various combination of faulted devices. On the contrary, the Auth…
Wind Electrical energy generating systems EMC. A dedicated experimental simulator for tests
In wind electrical energy generating systems, due to fast voltage and current fluctuations, the power converter represents a source of electromagnetic disturbances. EMI problems of stand alone wind generators are here analysed in order to take into account many different power quality problems which result in voltage fluctuations and harmonics in the net. This paper, moreover, presents a wind turbine experimental simulator (WTES) that moves a wind electrical energy generating system (WEEGS) to carry out EMI measurements and the relative experimental results. The WEEGS here taken into account comprises a wound rotor induction generator (WRIG) in which the frequency transformation from the ro…
Closed-loop bandwidth impact on MVSA for rotor broken bar diagnosis in IRFOC double squirrel cage induction motor drives
This paper investigates the detectability of rotor broken bars in indirect rotor flux oriented control (IRFOC) for variable speed double cage induction motor drives, using vibration signature analysis techniques. The Impact of the closed loop control system cannot be neglected when the detection of rotor asymmetries in the machine is based on the signature analysis of electrical or mechanical variables. Therefore, the investigation of rotor fault components for different bandwidths of closed-loop regulators is necessary to evaluate its relevance in the above listed variables. This paper investigates the impact of the control system on relevance of the fault components computed from axial an…
Enhanced Modelling for Extended Performance Analysis of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine Drive fed with Cascaded H-Bridges Multilevel Inverter
This paper presents a comparative simulation analysis of an Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (IPMSM) performance once fed by a traditional three-phase two-level inverter and then using a three-phase five-level Cascaded H-Bridges Multilevel Inverter (CHBMI). For this purpose, an enhanced mathematical model of the IPMSM, that take into account simultaneously saturation, cross-coupling, spatial harmonics and iron loss effects, has been employed. Furthermore, two different PWM modulation strategies have been considered. The study was conducted for several working conditions, evaluating the impact of CHBMI adoption on the IPMSM performance in terms of improved efficiency and torque …
A Flux and Speed Observer for Sensorless SPIM Applications
It is usual to find single-phase induction motor (SPIM) in several house, office, shopping, farm, and industry appliances, which is become more sophisticated and requires the development of high performance alternatives to drive a SPIM. All proposed strategies to improve the performance SPIM need the evaluation of the rotational speed or position information. Since the use of conventional sensors to measure the rotational speed cannot be justified for SPIM applications, the adoption of a sensorless strategy is a more reasonable option for these cases. This paper presents a flux and speed observer for sensorless applications involving SPIMs. The performance of the proposed observer is verifi…
Performance Comparison of modified modulation Techniques for Quasi-Z-Source Converters
The single-stage converters represent an innovation in the field of power electronics thanks their features. Aim of this work consists in the improvement of the performances of quasi-Z-Source converters by adopting a modified modulation technique, which is based on the Maximum Constant Boost Control (MCBC) and Switching Frequency Optimal (SFO). The results in terms of voltage stress and harmonic content are compared with those obtained with conventional techniques, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed modulation scheme.
A new high accuracy software based resolver-to-digital converter
Tracking resolver-to-digital conversion (R/D converter or simply RDC) has emerged as one of the most robust method for obtaining high resolution position and angular speed information from resolvers. In this paper a low cost software based RDC is presented. The main features are: high accuracy, simple set up, high reliability and stability and good performances. Some experimental results, showing the capabilities of the proposed system, are presented and discussed. An output signal comparison between the proposed RDC and a commercial encoder is also presented.
A modular approach in teaching thyristor rectifiers with equation-oriented softwares
This article is devoted to some issues of teaching power electronics in university courses. In the modern education system the students are expected to be no longer subject of passive learning, but that, within a certain extent, they collaborate in their training interactively with the teacher to develop the applications and the topics of the studied framework. For this purpose, this article presents a modular approach for teaching module regarding three-phase thyristor rectifiers. A simulator based on the MATLAB equation solver has been developed by considering the detailed physical operation of such converters. In particular, the realized simulator takes various aspects into account, incl…
A photovoltaic charging system of an electrically assisted tricycle for touristic purposes
In this paper the design, realization and testing of a photovoltaic charging system suitable for the management of an electrically power assisted tricycle are described. This vehicle uses a photovoltaic module as a source of electric energy for the battery recharging. In this work, an overview on the needs of sustainable mobility and on the commercial electrically power assisted velocipedes is presented. The electrical rickshaw prototype, developed in the SDELab laboratory of the University of Palermo, is presented in detail, underlining the design, implementation and developing phases of the photovoltaic charging system assembled on the velocipede. Moreover, tests oriented on the setting u…
Energy management of multi-carrier smart buildings for integrating local renewable energy systems
The proposed paper aims at defining a Building Management System (BMS) able to control energy flows inside a smart building integrated with various energy networks and Renewable Energy Resources (RES). The smart building envisaged in this work interacts with different energy carriers and is equipped with cogeneration and RES systems, as well as storage devices, which enable a certain degree of flexibility in the energy usage. The smart building is modelled as a multi-carrier hub, by defining the graphical and mathematical model of the building system. Moreover, the control criteria of the BMS are explained and the implementation of the BMS itself is depicted, along with some early results. …
A review of multiple faults diagnosis methods in Voltage Source Inverters
This paper examines, as in short review, the methods of diagnosis of simple and multiple faults on Voltage Source Inverter (VSI). The methods examined here are essentially based on the inspection of the load currents. Some of these diagnosis methods are characterized by low computational effort, other for a better reliability avoiding faultless positive tests. Some solutions are characterized by a share of these benefits while others prefer an enforcement of trustworthiness, in spite of the lower calculation amount. The analysis of the technical literature, certainly, offers a glimpse about the creation of new algorithms and significant advances for the future.
Local DoS applications with micro wind generation systems
In this paper a wind electrical power generation system for Distributed on Site (DoS) applications is proposed. This system was developed and conceived in order to guarantee simple installation, use and service, obtaining a product that can be easily industrialized and put into the market with limited costs. The field of application of such an electrical generation system is addressed towards domestic or at the most toward condominium applications concerning moreover the opportunity of working in addition to combined photovoltaic and solar-thermal systems to enhance the renewable energy generation at house level (DoS). The proposed system has its hot spot in the blades shape, in the wind fl…
An IPMSM torque/weight and torque/moment of inertia ratio optimization
In this paper, a torque/weight and torque/moment of inertia ratio optimization procedure for interior permanent magnet syncronous motors (IPMSMs) is presented. More in detail, a performance comparison between several IPMSM rotor structures has been carried out in order to determine the optimum geometry that can maximize the torque/weight and torque/moment of inertia ratios. A commercial motor, with known electrical and mechanical characteristics, has been taken as reference. Its rotor structure has been modified several times, obtaining different rotor geometries and, therefore, many IPMSM models with different electrical and mechanical characteristics. The finite element method (FEM) analy…
Fast procedure for the calculation of maximum slot filling factors in electrical machines
This paper presents an algorithm for the calculation of maximum slot filling factor in electrical machines. The determination of whole wire cross section that occupy the area of a stator slot is very important in order to estimate the copper losses: The greater is the filling factor the lower are copper losses. The main goal of this paper is to define a simple algorithm for the determination of slot filling factors suitable for all type of slot profiles. The algorithm can be considered as an additional useful tool for the fast design of electrical machine windings.
Experimental investigation on high efficiency real-time control algorithms for IPMSMs
This paper describes an experimental investigation on the power losses variations occurring in an Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) with respect to the direct axis current component. Such investigation can be useful to determine a mathematical model accounting for copper, iron and mechanical friction losses, and for the arrangement of a speed control drive system equipped with a real-time power losses minimization algorithm. In particular, a test bench has been set up in order to carry out all measurements and the final power loss identification. The test bed is composed by a IPMSM drive with a field oriented control (FOC) strategy, a power analyzer, a dynamometric brake a…
Design issues for wind farms grid tied Inverter
In this paper the Authors give indications for the design of a grid tied Voltage Source Inverters (VSI) aimed to optimal use in energy conversion from wind source. In particular, the design of the inverter is more focused on the control system planning, with a particular glance on the grid synchronization problem. After the exposition of general issues concerning renewable energies and associated topics, the case of a grid tied inverter is considered and a methodology of design is sketched starting from the consideration of the DC side and also considering the power device losses, the protection issue against over voltages and over-currents, snubber circuits, heat sinks and, finally the con…
A novel improved matlab-based software for the electric and magnetic analysis and design of rotating electrical machines
The aim of this paper is to present a software for the analysis and design of windings of rotating electrical machines, considering both the electric and the magnetic specifications on the machine. The considered machines are induction motors (IM) and PM synchronous motors (PMSM). The software accounts for the case of buried magnets (IPMSM), but with some limits, because the calculations require a much more detailed analysis regarding the magnetic circuit. However, this initial limitation of the software, that will be removed in a later version, does not constitute a major limitation as confirmed by the examples presented in this paper.
Selective harmonic mitigation with asymmetrical staircase voltage waveform for a three-phase five-level Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter
Selective harmonics elimination or mitigation strategies are used in all applications where it is necessary to rise the efficiency and reliability of the overall system. This paper presents a simple approach to reduce the low order harmonics amplitude of an asymmetrical staircase voltage waveform for a five-level, three-phase Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter without solving non-linear equations. Through this simple approach, polynomial equations to evaluate the control angels in real-time operations have been found. The effectiveness of the harmonic mitigation method has been tested through the simulation analysis in MatLab/PLECS environment.
A platform-independent software for the design and analysis of windings of rotating electrical machines
In this paper the Authors present a highly modular and platform-independent software, being based on the MATLAB® programming environment, which is proposed as a valuable aid in the design and analysis of the windings of rotating electrical machines. Unlike the major part of the commercial software, the cases of both symmetric and asymmetric (unbalanced) windings with any number of phases are here considered. The software can perform a considerable amount of calculations in order to determine automatically the optimal structure of the winding starting from its specifications. It is also able to draw the winding map and gives the results of calculation for the harmonic winding factors. The re…
Comparison of three control drive systems for interior permanent magnet synchronous motors
In a previous paper, we proposed a control strategy for interior permanent synchronous motors, which takes into account also the reduction of the motor power losses. The novelty of the suggested approach is that it takes into consideration the variations of all the motor parameters that have an influence on its efficiency. In order to verifyon the field the effectiveness of this new method, we implemented the proposed loss model algorithm in a control drive system and compared its performances, in terms of energy losses with respect to other conventional techniques.
Efficient contactless power transfer system for EVs
Based on the inductive power transfer (IPT), the contactless approach allows safe and comfortable operations of battery charging for Electric Vehicles (EVs). In this paper, a contactless system particularly suitable for E-bike battery charging is proposed. A practical realization of the system has been carried out, aiming at the system evaluation in terms of working and efficiency. Through a phase shift modulation, a power regulation has been implemented. The target power level is 100 W.
Analysis, characterization and minimization of IPMSMs cogging torque with different rotor structures
This paper presents the analysis, characterization and comparison of the cogging torque components generated by five different IPMSM rotor structures. More in detail, an IPMSM model (named IPMSM1), which is derived from a commercial geometry, is analyzed by using a Finite Element Method (FEM) approach. Then, four other IPMSM models, which are obtained by modifying the IPMSM1 rotor structure and by maintaining the same stator configuration, are proposed and analyzed. From the obtained simulation results, the cogging torque components for each structure are determined and compared. From this comparison, a significant cogging torque decrease is occurring for the modified geometries, without af…
Modelling, Simulation and Characterization of a Supercapacitor in Automotive Applications
The energy storage is one of the most discussed topics among Electrical Vehicles (EVs) research. Currently, supercapacitors (SCs) are collecting even more attention due to their unique features such as high-power density, high life cycle and lack of maintenance. In this paper, a supercapacitor model suitable for the simulation in automotive applications is identified. The model parameters are estimated and used to simulate the behaviour of a commercial SCs bank in different operating conditions. The model is finally validated considering experimental results.
Innovative Computational Approach to Harmonic Mitigation for Seven-level Cascaded H-Bridge Inverters
Low frequency modulation strategies are a good solution to increase the energy conversion efficiency in high power applications. The paper is devoted to presents an innovative way to low order harmonics mitigation for seven-level Cascaded H-Bridge Inverters. In particular, this approach is based on the mitigation of selected harmonics without solve non-linear equations for an extended range of the fundamental amplitude. In fact, in real-Time operation to evaluate the control angles the polynomial equations have been identified. Through circuit simulation analysis in MatLab/PLECS environment, the effectiveness of the harmonic mitigation method has been tested and compared with theoretical re…
Sensorless variable speed single-phase induction motor drive system
It is usual find single-phase induction motor (SPIM) in several house, office, shopping, farm, and industry applications, which are become each time more sophisticated and requiring variable speed drives. Considering the low cost of this machine, the adoption of sensorless speed control is the more reasonable option for SPIM drives. This paper presents a proposal for sensorless variable speed SPIM drive based on direct rotor field orientation techniques. An observer based on two independent linear close-loop control systems provides the estimation of the rotor flux and speed from the measurements of the stator currents and voltages. These estimatives are used by close-loop systems for speed…
Partial Discharge Measurements under DC Voltages Containing Harmonics Produced by Power Electronic Devices
Partial Discharge (PD) monitoring is one of the main diagnostic instrument to evaluate the reliability of modern electrical transmission and distribution systems. The widespread use of High voltage dc (HVDC) connections increase the demand of voltage source converters (VSCs) which, as a consequence, has brought about new challenges in the field of partial discharge measurements. In fact, the output voltage waveforms generated by AC/DC modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are affected by a significant harmonic content which influences the Partial Discharges (PDs) activity. For this reason, previous research mainly investigated the PD phenomenon on the AC side of the converter. The aim of the…
Investigation of motor current signature and vibration analysis for diagnosing rotor broken bars in double cage induction motors
This paper investigates the detectability of rotor broken bars in double cage induction motors using current signature and vibration analysis techniques. Double cage induction motors are commonly used for applications where successive loaded starts-up are mandatory. Experimental results were performed under healthy and faulty cases, and for different load conditions using each technique. Rotor broken bars fault detection based on sideband current components may fails due to the presence of inter bar currents that reduce the degree of rotor asymmetry, yielding to a decrease of the magnitude of these spectral components. But inter bar currents produce core vibrations in the axial direction, w…
A software for the evaluation of winding factor harmonic distribution in high efficiency electrical motors and generators
In this paper a software developed for the determination of winding connections, the calculation of winding factors and the evaluation of their harmonic distribution of three and two phase windings is presented by using as input data simply the number of slots, pole pairs and phases. The software is implemented as a function in MATLAB environment. By means of some examples, covering the most relevant winding types, the capabilities of this software will be shown. Particularly, integer and fractional single and double layer winding can be treated. Some examples are presented and briefly discussed. The connections, the winding factor harmonic distribution, the electro-motive force (e.m.f) THD…
Self training and meta-cognition goals. New approaches, trends and tools in modern teaching of power electronics
Teaching a complex discipline like power electronics is an open question and the best educational approach or the objectives to be achieved at the end of a power electronic course are still in debate. This paper presents a visual didactic approach chosen by the Authors in the last years in their respective courses in power electronics. It also discuss the objectives and the skills required to the students at the end of the course: in particular, some meta-cognition objectives recently fully entered into the education world in general. Such meta-cognition goals are now discussed for the particular case of power electronics courses. The Switching Functions (SFs) generalized approach is then d…
Enhanced Mathematical Modelling of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine Considering Saturation, Cross-Coupling and Spatial Harmonics effects
The Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous machine (IPMSM) conventional mathematical model is generally employed to investigate and simulate the IPMSM control and drive system behaviour. However, magnetic nonlinearities and spatial harmonics have a substantial influence on the IPMSM electromagnetic behaviour and performances. In order to simulate the IPMSM real electromagnetic behaviour, this paper describes an enhanced mathematical model that takes into account the saturation, cross-coupling and spatial harmonics effects. This model has been implemented in Matlab®/Simulink environment where the electric and magnetic parameters are derived from FEA investigations and implemented by the use o…
Experimental characterization of a proton exchange membrane fuel-cell for hybrid electric pedal assisted cycles
This paper presents a feasibility study on the prototyping of a hybrid EPAC (Electric Pedal Assisted Cycle) through an FC-B-UC (Fuel Cell — Battery — Ultra-Capacitors) power system. Aim of this work is the characterization of a PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) in order to confirm its theoretical performances and to verify the possibility of its installation on an e-bike.
Computer Aided Optimization Via Simulation Tools of Energy Generation Systems With Universal Small Wind Turbines
This paper considers the general issues in the project and the optimization of energy generation systems using small universal wind turbines, suitable in Distributed Generation (DG) and computer aided optimization for a better exploitation of wind source. Optimization in this field reveal to be more and more important because the local generation and consumption of electrical power, even for grid connected generators can suffers for unevenness of wind source exploitation, also in terms of wrong directions and in not regular wind flows. Computer aided design and optimization of small plants may give significant improvements in the development of the wind source also in accordance with the pr…
Analysis a DSP Implementation and Experimental Validation of a Loss Minimization Algorithm Applied to Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drives
In this paper a new loss minimization control algorithm for inverter-fed permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), which allows to reduce the power losses of the electric drive without penalty on its dynamic performances, is analyzed, experimentally realized and validated. In particular, after a brief recall of two loss minimization control strategies (the "search control" and the "loss-model control"), both a modified dynamic model of the PMSM, which takes into account the iron losses, and a "loss-model" control strategy, are treated. Experimental tests on a specific PMSM drive employing the proposed loss minimization algorithm were performed aiming to validate the actual implementation.…
Diagnosis of mechanical unbalance for double cage induction motor load in time-varying conditions based on motor vibration signature analysis
This paper investigates the detectability of mechanical unbalance in double cage induction motor load using motor vibration signature analysis technique. Rotor imbalances induce specific harmonic components in electrical, electromagnetical, and mechanical quantities. Harmonic components characteristic of this category of rotor faults, issued from vibration signals analysis, are closely related to rotating speed of the rotor, which complicates its detection under non-stationary operating conditions of the motor. Firstly, experimental results were performed first under healthy and mechanical load unbalance cases, for different load levels under steady-state operating conditions to evaluate th…
Monitoring and Diagnosis of Failures in Squirrel-Cage Induction Motors Due to Cracked or Broken Bars
In this paper three diagnostic procedures, based on on the vibration, current and instantaneous power monitoring for the detection and monitoring of incipient faults as cracks or bar breaks on squirrel cage motors are briefly reminded. The experimental investigations, carried out at the SDESLab (Sustainable Development Energy Savings Laboratory) of the University of Palermo in order to underline merits and drawbacks of the methods applied to the same die cast squirrel cage induction motor, are presented. The results of the investigations confirmed the effectiveness of the diagnostic procedures here considered.
Wireless Power Transmission for house appliances: A small-scale resonant coupling prototype
This paper presents a low cost prototype of wireless power transfer system based on resonant coupling. The system here proposed can be useful for house appliances battery charging systems: as a matter of fact, it consists mainly of two copper wire coils or windings, placed one in front of the other on the same axis. By exploiting the coils resonance coupling effect, electric energy can be transferred from the inductor coil to the receiver in order to charge the batteries. Low cost experimental tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed wireless power transfer prototype, being it capable to reach an efficiency of about 80% and more along a distance of 30 cm.
Experimental test on a Contactless Power Transfer system
Contactless Power Transfer (CPT) is an ever-growing technology in automotive market, due to the significant improvement brought by it to battery charging operation in terms of safety and comfort. CPT is based on inductive coupling between two coils, so that power cords can be avoided for vehicles battery charging and an important contribution towards a smarter mobility can arise. In this paper, a CPT prototype for E-bike is proposed. Magnetic design and power electronics system are described. Experimental results deriving from laboratory tests are presented and power efficiency of the system is addressed.
Enhanced loss model algorithm for interior permanent magnet synchronous machines
This paper presents an experimental study on the impact of the parameter variations over the performances of a LMA (Loss Model Algorithm) designed for an IPMSM (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine). In a previous work, the characterization was carried out by assessing, for several working conditions, the motor parameters that influence the motor efficiency. The proposed enhanced loss model algorithm is implemented in a rapid prototyping system and its performances, in term of efficiency, are compared with other control systems, obtaining promising results.
Experimental study on efficiency enhancement in Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous machines
This paper presents an experimental study on the efficiency variation occurring in an IPMSM (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) with respect to the direct axis current component and for several working conditions. Such investigation is the starting point for the arrangement of a speed control drive system equipped with a real-time power losses minimization algorithm. More in detail, a test bench is set up to carry out the measurements needed for the final power loss identification. The experimental investigation is developed by performing tests at different speed, magnetization and load conditions. From the obtained results, it can be stated that the IPMSM efficiency can be maximi…
A cogging torque minimization procedure for IPMSMs based on different laminate geometry
This paper presents a possible minimization procedure of the cogging torque generated by an IPMSM (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine) with a progressive modification of a basic geometrical structure of rotor laminates. More in detail, an IPMSM model is analyzed by using a Finite Element Method (FEM) approach. Then, other IPMSM models, which are obtained by modifying the geometry of the IPMSM rotor laminates and by maintaining the same stator configuration, are proposed and discussed. From the obtained simulation results, the cogging torque components for each structure are determined by means of FEM and compared to each other. From this comparison, it can be stated that the cogg…
Interior permanent magnet synchronous motors: Impact of the variability of the parameters on their efficiency
In the scientific literature, various authors presented different control strategies aimed to increase the efficiency of the interior permanent magnet synchronous motors. These strategies, starting from a well-known mathematical model of the dynamic behaviour of the motor, are able to reduce the power losses acting on the magnetizing component of the stator current. However, none of the proposed approaches takes into account that, varying the working conditions of the motor, also the values of the parameters, which have an impact on the power losses, can vary. In this paper, therefore, starting from an accurate measurement of the motor characteristics for various values of speed and load, w…
Wireless battery charging: E-bike application
Nowadays, Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) represents a widely investigated issue with respect to modern battery charging methods, by providing a wireless solution. IPT is applied across a large variety of applications, from Watt to kWatt power levels. Although IPT features great benefits in terms of safety and comfort, the most significant drawback consists of a relatively poor power conversion efficiency. In this paper, a 100W wireless charging equipment for E-bikes which improves efficiency is proposed. Complete magnetic structure design, as well as transmitter and receiver efficient architectures, are deeply exposed. The efficiency of the designed solution is shown by simulation results.
Inductive Power Transfer for 100W battery charging
Today, Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) is widely investigated to provide wireless battery charge. Potential applications range from a few Watts of handheld devices to kWatts of automotive applications. Despite of comfort and safety options, wireless charging features relatively poor power conversion efficiency. In the literature, several solutions are proposed addressing efficiency related issues. In this paper, a 100W wireless charging station for electric bikes which improves the power conversion efficiency is proposed. The magnetic structure design is analyzed thoroughly as well as the proposed power electronics system architectures of both the power transmitter and power receiver. The ef…
Voltage source inverters: An easy approach for fast fault detection
Fault-tolerant converters have been widely investigated for years and nowadays an extensive technical literature on this field exists. This paper presents a novel fault detection algorithm based on a simple geometrical approach. In the algorithm analysis both the case of faults in single device and the loss of an entire inverter leg have been considered. The proposed methodology is characterized by simplicity, low computational and implementation effort with a consequent fast execution and easy control integration. The suggested algorithm is verified by means of experimental tests and reveals a valid and suitable alternative to the existing state of the art in the field of inverter fault de…
Test Bench Realization and Application of Specific Working Cycles for the Characterization of Wheelchair Electrical Drives
The life quality of motion disabled people is increased by the use of more and more sophisticated electrical wheelchairs. Despite the diffusion of such aid tools, specific technical standards for the determination of characteristic parameters of their electric drives are not so developed as the ones available for urban electric vehicles. In this paper, in order to define new technical standards for wheelchairs electrical drives, a wheelchair test bench has been purposely carried out. Moreover two specific working cycles, previously conceived and defined by some of the Authors to characterize the performances of the propulsion systems suitable for electrical wheelchair applications, have bee…
Design of a grid connected inverter for sustainable small wind farms
The actual definition of sustainability is nowadays widely accepted. It provides a very general indication on what it is, but it reveals unable to assert how it should be reached. However, if one considers the multiplicity of human activities that have led to talk of real process of human settlement on the environment, it is then understood how it is close to the particular mankind activities. Then the task of providing a guidance on what to do within the sustainability concept is delegated case by case. In this paper, with reference to wind renewable source, The Authors give some indications in the design of a voltage source inverters aimed to optimal use of the wind source. In particular …
Efficiency Improvement of Inverter-Fed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors
In this paper a control algorithm for the efficiency improvement of inverter-fed permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) is presented. The proposed algorithm allows reducing the losses of the drive without reduction of its dynamic performances. In details, after recalling a dynamic model of the PMSM, which has been purposely modified and that takes into account the iron losses, the basic equations and the constraints to obtain the loss minimization are presented and discussed. Some simulations of a specific PMSM drive employing the proposed algorithm are performed. The results of these simulations show that the dynamic performances are maintained, and enhancement of the efficiency up to…
A general procedure for the construction of Gorges polygons for multi-phase windings of electrical machines
This paper presents a simple and effective procedure for the determination of the Gorges polygon, suitable for all possible winding configurations in electrical machines. This methodology takes into account the determination of a Winding Distribution Table (WDT), in which all the information about the distribution of the currents along the stator periphery is computed and from which the Görges polygon are easily derived. The proposed method can be applied to both symmetrical and asymmetrical multi-phase windings, including concentrated, fractional, reduced and dead-coil ones. The examples provided in this paper demonstrate the versatility of the proposed method.
Sensorless variable speed single-phase induction motor drive system based on direct rotor flux orientation
The single-phase induction motor (SPIM) is one of the electrical machines more used in the World, and can be found in several fractional and sub-fractional horsepower applications in houses, offices, shoppings, farms, and industries. The introduction of more sophisticated applications has required the use of variable speed drives for SPIM, where the adoption of sensorless techniques is the more reasonable option for speed control due to the low cost of this electrical machine. A proposal for sensorless variable speed SPIM drive based on direct rotor field orientation techniques is presented in this paper. None transformation is used in order to eliminate the asymmetry of the stator windings…
Sensorless low Range Speed Estimation and Parameter Identification of Induction Motor Drives Devoted to Lifts Automatic Rescue Devices
In this paper a sensorless rotor speed estimation and parameter identification algorithm is presented. The algorithm is designed specifically for induction motor (IM) drives devoted to automatic rescue devices (ARD) used in lifts and hoist applications. Its peculiarity is that it is based on the sinusoidal steady state mathematical model of the IM and, therefore, can be implemented on a low cost micro-controller in a simple way, however without lacking in terms of dynamic performance. It is also capable of self tuning so that no information is required about the specific IM used in the ARD drive. Finally the algorithm allows also an appreciable energy saving of the ARD when compared to olde…
Control subsystem design for wireless power transfer
Recently, the wireless power transfer has been increasingly employed. Particularly for the electric vehicles, the wireless solution is attractive for contactless battery charging, based on the Inductive Power Transfer (IPT). In this paper, a 150W prototype for IPT-based battery charging is presented and design criteria are reported. In addition to the power stage analysis, a proper control strategy is proposed. Simulation and experimental results are shown. The proposed control method aims at regulating the load current against variations in the magnetic coupling, so that the required amount of power can be supplied despite of unexpected decreases in the coupling efficiency.
FOC with Resolver Implementation for PMSM Drives by Using a Low Cost Atmel SAM3X8E Microcontroller
The aim of this paper is the low-cost experimental implementation of a field oriented control strategy for a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) by using an Atmel SAM3X8E microcontroller, mounted on an Arduino DUE board. In this electrical drive for PMSM, a resolver is used in order to measure the rotor position and speed: Therefore, the low-cost Arduino DUE performs not only FOC algorithm and phase currents data acquisition, but also a resolver-To-digital converter process, rotor position and speed data acquisition, and resolver signals management. The code has been implemented in the open source Arduino IDE, using C language, whereas the control and plot visualization interfaces hav…
Economic evaluation of PV system for EV charging stations: Comparison between matching maximum orientation and storage system employment
This article addresses the problem of the choice of a generation system to be implemented to reduce the impact of charging electric vehicles at University. Based on the behaviour of the student population, it is identified the electrical load. Two possible solutions are evaluated in order to manage the peak load: an orientation of the panels in order to increase the power at defined time and the use of storage system. The main strength and weakness points of two systems are investigated by taking into account the Levelized Cost of Energy.
A Hybrid Storage Systems for All Electric Aircraft
A hybrid energy storage system specifically designed for a fully electric aircraft is presented in the paper. The analysis of the time evolution of the power demand of the electric propulsion system during a test mission of Maxwell X-57, an all-electric aircraft developed by NASA, has pointed out the presence of significant peak power during take-off and air tack. Considered the issues related to weight and the volume of the energy storage systems (ESSs) in all-electric aircraft, a hybridization of aircraft ESS with a Supercapacitors (SCs) bank, devoted to smooth peak power demand, has been investigated. A comparison between the simulation results of an electrochemical battery and hybrid ES…
Maximum Torque Per Ampere control algorithm for low saliency ratio interior permanent magnet synchronous motors
This paper presents an investigation on the comparison between the Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) and the Field Orientation Control (FOC) algorithms for interior permanent magnet synchronous machines (IPMSMs). In particular, this study was carried out on a small-power IPMSM with low salience ratio. Both control algorithms have been implemented in the Matlab/Simulink environment, obtaining promising results.
E-bike battery charging: Methods and circuits
Today, academic and industrial research is focused on innovative battery charging methods to ensure complete mobility of both handheld devices and electric vehicles. Wireless power transfer is actually the leading strategy even if efficiency related issues are to be solved for a successful marketing. In this paper, a wireless battery charging station is proposed for electric assisted pedal bikes. If compared with existing wireless solutions, the proposed system architecture improves power conversion efficiency of the charging equipment. The simulation model of the whole charging station is described in detail. The transmitter, receiver and inductive coupling circuits are described and desig…
Cogging torque comparison of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators with different stator windings
This paper presents the comparison between the cogging torques produced by four IPMSGs (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators) with different stator winding configurations. More in detail, an IPMSG model, which is derived from a commercial geometry, is analyzed through means of a FEM (Finite Element Method) approach. Then, three more structures are determined and analyzed by adequately changing the number of stator slots of the basic IPMSG stator structure and by maintaining the same rotor configuration. From the obtained simulation results, the cogging torque components for each structure are determined and compared. From this comparison, it can be stated that the use of dissymm…
Improved High-Fidelity IPMSM mathematical model Including Saturation, Cross-Coupling, Torque Ripple and Iron Loss effects
For enhanced control algorithm design purposes, accurate and high-fidelity electrical machine mathematical models are fundamentals. Usually, accurate evaluation of electrical machine behaviour requires finite element analysis (FEA) with consequent high-computational times. This paper presents an improved high-fidelity Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (IPMSM) mathematical model including saturation, cross-coupling, torque ripple and iron loss effects. This model has been implemented in Matlab®/Simulink environment and its parameters are implemented by the use of lookup tables. To validate the modelling approach proposed, a comparative analysis between the proposed Matlab®/Simuli…
A Geometrical Simple Approach for Power Silicon Devices Fault Detection and Fault-Tolerant Operation of a Voltage Source Inverter
Fault-tolerant converters have been widely investigated for years and nowadays an extensive technical literature on this field exists. This paper presents a novel fault detection algorithm based on a simple geometrical approach. In the algorithm analysis both the case of faults in single device and the lose of an entire inverter leg have been considered. False positive detections are avoided by considering a proper number of current samples. The proposed fault detection algorithm is characterized by simplicity, low computational and implementation effort with a consequent enough fast execution, easy control integration with the possibility to use it both in hardware in the loop systems and …
Finite-element performance comparison of IPMSMs with unsymmetrical double-layer windings
This paper presents a comparison of the performances between IPMSMs (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine) with a symmetrical and with two different types of unsymmetrical windings. The aim is to demonstrate that the adoption of slightly unsymmetrical windings does not significantly affect the performances of the machines, both in terms of cogging torque and torque/load angle characteristics, providing also the advantage of a higher possibility of choice in terms of slot number/poles ratio. More in particular, an IPMSM model (named IPMSM-1) derived from a commercial geometry equipped with a symmetrical winding is analyzed by using a Finite Element Method (FEM) approach. The simulat…
Uncertainty evaluation in the differential measurements of power losses in a power drive system
Abstract In order to guarantee a correct classification in the standardized energy efficiency classes, the current standards concerning the power drive systems prescribe that their power losses must be evaluated with great accuracy. This circumstance involves the usage of expensive measurement systems, since accurate instrumentation, skilled personnel and controlled environments are required. During the design stage of a power drive system, however, the measurement of the absolute value of its power losses is not always needed. Often, in fact, it is enough to assess the power losses variations caused by a modification of either hardware or software sections of the power drive system. In the…
Implementation on NI-SOM sbRIO-9651 and Experimental Validation of Multi-Carrier PWM Techniques for Three-Phase Five Level Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter
Multilevel Power Inverters (MPIs) represent a valid solution to improve the performances of energy production systems from renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the use of novel FPGA control systems allows simplifying the implementation of multicarrier PWM techniques for MPIs with computational benefits. This paper describes the implementation of several multicarrier PWM techniques on NI-SOM sbRIO-9651 for the control of a three-phase five-level cascaded H-bridge inverter. In detail, sbRIO-9651 is a control system in the field of Power Electronics and Drives (PED) programmable in the LabVIEW graphical programming environment. The paper is focused on modulation techniques implementation, te…
Experimental Comparative Analysis of Efficiency and THD for a Three-phase Five-level Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter Controlled by Several MC-PWM Schemes
Cascaded H-Bridges Multilevel Inverters are an innovative and promising solution in different application fields. This topology allows obtaining an improvement in the performance (e.g. reduced harmonic content, the low voltage stress on power components, and high efficiency) in respect to the traditional two-level inverters. In this context, the Multicarrier-PWM strategies play an important role thanks to their features. This paper presents an experimental investigation on the performance of a three-phase five-level Cascaded H-Bridge inverter by using different PWM modulation strategies. In particular, the paper is focused on the experimental validation of the main features of Multicarrier …
Development of Diagnostic Systems for the Fault Tolerant Operation of Micro-Grids
The progressive penetration level of Distributed Generation (DG) is destined to cause deep changes in the existing distribution networks no longer considered as passive terminations of the whole electrical system. A possible solution is the realization of small networks, namely the Micro-Grids, reproducing in themselves the structure of the main production and distribution of the electrical energy system. In order to gain an adequate reliability level of the micro-grids the individuation and the management of the faults with the goal of maintaining the micro-grid operation (fault tolerant operation) is quite important. In the present paper after the introduction of the aims of several diagn…
Double squirrel cage induction motors: A new approach to detect rotor bar failures
The purpose of this paper is to present a diagnosis technique, for rotor broken bar in double cage induction motor, based on a combined use of frequency sliding and wavelet transform analysis, to isolate the contribution of the rotor fault components issued from vibration signals in a single frequency band. The validity of the proposed diagnosis approach is not limited to the analysis under steady-state operating conditions, but also for time-varying conditions where rotor fault components are spread in a wide frequency range.
Quantitative Rotor Broken Bar Evaluation in Double Squirrel Cage Induction Machines under Dynamic Operating Conditions
Advanced monitoring techniques leading to fault diagnosis and prediction of induction machine faults, operating under non-stationary conditions have gained strength because of its considerable influence on the operational continuation of many industrial processes. In case of rotor broken bars, fault detection based on sideband components issued from currents, flux, instantaneous control or power signals under different load conditions, may fail due to the presence of inter-bar currents that reduce the degree of rotor asymmetry, especially for double squirrel cage induction motors. But the produced core vibrations in the axial direction, can be investigated to overcome the limitation of the …
Experimental comparison of two control algorithms for low-saliency ratio interior permanent magnet synchronous motors
In this paper, an experimental investigation on the comparison between the Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) and the Field Orientation Control (FOC) algorithms for interior permanent magnet synchronous machines (IPMSMs) is described, analyzed and discussed. This investigation was carried out on a small-power IPMSM with low saliency ratio. More in detail, after a previous simulation study, the control techniques have been experimentally implemented and validated through means of a dSPACE® rapid prototyping system. The performances of the two algorithms have been evaluated and compared, obtaining interesting results.
A novel method for harmonic mitigation for single-phase five-level cascaded H-Bridge inverter
The efficiency of a system is a very important parameter for high power electrical drives applications. Moreover, the efficiency of power converters plays a fundamental role. Aim of this work, is to propose a novel selective harmonic mitigation method without solving non-linear equations. Through a very simple approach, the polynomial equations which drive the control angles have been detected for a single-phase five-level cascaded H-Bridge inverter. The obtained polynomial equations can be easily implemented in a digital system to real-time operation. The paper also presents the simulation analysis and experimental validation.
Vibration signature analysis for rotor broken bar diagnosis in double cage induction motor drives
The paper investigates the diagnosis of rotor broken bars in field oriented controlled (FOC) double cage induction motor drives, using current and vibration signature analysis techniques. The Impact of the closed loop control system cannot be neglected when the detection of asymmetries in the machine are based on the signature analysis of electrical variables. The proposed diagnosis approach is based on optimized use of wavelet analysis by a pre-processing of phase current or axial/radial vibration signals. Thus, the time evolution of the tracked rotor fault components can be effectively analyzed. This paper shows also the relevance of the fault components computed from axial vibration sign…
Experimental Evaluation of Dead-Time Impacts on the Efficiency and THD for a Three-Phase Five-Level Cascaded H-Bridge Inverter
Cascaded H-Bridges Multilevel Inverter (CHBMI) is a fascinating solution for optimization purposes in several application fields. The CHBMI performance optimization can be reached both with hardware and software solutions. In detail, the CHBMI performances are a function of the modulation strategy adopted and its parameters such as modulation index, switching frequency, and dead time. This paper presents performance experimental analysis on dead time effects on CHBMI performance in terms of harmonic distortion and conversion efficiency. In this analysis, two different modulation strategies have been considered and implemented. The paper focuses on modulation strategies implemented, the test…
Active power maximizing for Wind Electrical Energy Generating Systems moved by a Modular Multiple Blade Fixed Pitch Wind Turbine
This paper proposes a new solution for wind electrical energy generating system (WEEGS). The system here taken into account is moved by a modular multiple blade fixed pitch wind turbine (MMBFPWT) and foresees a new MPPT algorithm whose main characteristics are low cost, low noise, buildings simplicity and modularity. The mathematical model of the entire WEEGS has been here developed taking into account all the components starting from the wind turbine and ending with the electrical grid. The WEEGS mathematical model has been implemented in Matlab-Simulink in order to carry out the simulations needed to test the effectiveness of the proposed WEEGS. The simulations results show the effectiven…
Hydrogen Supplied Wireless Charging System for Electric Vehicles
The aim of this work is the experimental characterization of a Wireless Charging System based on IPT (Inductive Power Transfer) supplied by a PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) in order to verify the possibility of its installation in not electrified areas. A hydrogen-based supply system is designed and assembled with the purpose of having an EV (electrical vehicle) charging station not connected to the main power grid. An efficiency analysis of the wireless transmission system is carried out taking into account external parameters such as distance and misalignment between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil, verifying the integration potentialities of both IPT and fuel cell …
Assisted software design of a wide variety of windings in rotating electrical machinery
In this paper a software developed by the Authors for winding design is presented. In particular, this software can be used as a valid aid in design and analysis for a wide variety of windings with generic number of phases, pole pairs, slot number, etc.. The calculation of winding factors and the evaluation of their harmonic distribution is also accomplished. The software is implemented in MATLAB® environment. By means of some examples, covering the most relevant winding types, the capabilities of this software will be shown. Particularly, integer and fractional slot, single and double layer winding, concentrated windings, imbrication, belt widening and belt shifting techniques can be treat…
Experimental Implementation of an Enhanced Field Oriented Control Strategy for Induction Motors Using a Low-Cost ATSAM3X8E Microcontroller
This paper presents a low-cost Micro Controller Unit (MCU) implementation of an enhanced Field Oriented Control (FOC) technique that takes into account the non-linearity of the ferromagnetic material. The algorithm is applied to a three-phase 5.5 kW Induction Motor (IM) and experimentally carried out by means of an ATMEL ATSAM3X8E microcontroller. The effectiveness of the enhanced control strategy is verified by comparing the dynamic performances of the electric drive with those obtained by means of a traditional FOC technique. For this purpose, an experimental test bench is set up for the implementation of the enhanced FOC technique. Finally, the technical and economic features of the simp…
Optimum Performance of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators Coupled to Wind Turbines
In this paper a control algorithm for the efficiency improvement of permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) is presented. The proposed algorithm reduces the losses of the generator without affecting its performances. In details, after a description of a dynamic model of the PMSG, which has been purposely modified in order to take into account the iron losses, the basic equations and the constraints to obtain the loss minimization are presented and discussed. Some simulations of a specific PMSG employing the proposed algorithm are performed. The results of these simulations show that enhancement of the efficiency up to 3% can be reached in comparison to a PMSG using a traditional cont…
Experimental validation of a general model for three phase inverters operating in healthy and faulty modes
The paper presents the experimental verification of a general mathematical model of Voltage Source Inverters (VSI) able to simulate fault conditions and which is also useful for the simulation of fault-tolerant systems for different applications. In general, in the past, the problem of faulty inverters modeling has been addressed specifically by considering faults on the different phases as separate cases. Furthermore, traditional models include only the faulty mode and not the healthy mode, so resulting then not able to predict transient phenomena. The model hereafter presented overcomes this drawback. It was formulated by introducing the concept of “healthy leg binary variables”. Such var…
Rotor bar pre-fault detection in the squirrel cage induction motors
The paper deals with a diagnosis technique to detect and monitor incipient faults in the rotor bars of squirrel gage induction motors. The failure mode analysis is performed monitoring the motor axial vibrations. To accomplish the task, the authors present a mathematical model that allows relating the occurrence and the severity of the faults to the presence and the magnitude of some frequency components of the axial vibration spectrum. To validate the proposed approach, the results obtained by applying the mathematical model are compared with the ones obtained by experimental tests done on both healthy and faulty motors.
Experimental analysis with FPGA controller-based of MC PWM techniques for three-phase five level cascaded H-bridge for PV applications
The FPGA represents a valid solution for the design of control systems for inverters adopted in the field of PV systems because of their high flexibility of use. This paper presents an experimental analysis of the MC SPWM techniques for a three-phase, five-level, cascaded H-Bridge inverter with FPGA controller-based. Several control algorithms are implemented by means of the VHDL programming language and the output voltage waveforms obtained from the main PWM techniques are compared in terms of THD%. Simulation and experimental results are analysed, compared and discussed.
Sensorless Speed Control for Double-Sided Linear Induction Motor Applications
In this work, a flux and speed observer for double-sided linear induction motor applications is presented and experimentally validated. More in detail, from a Double-Sided Linear Induction Motor (DLIM) prototype, the complete modelling and the determination of the related parameters are here reported. Furthermore, the equations for a d-flux and q-flux observer are conceived and several simulation tests are performed. From the good agreements between the trends over time of the speed estimated by the observer and the simulated one, it can be stated that the observer is well designed. Moreover, in order to experimentally validate the proposed observer, a test bench is set-up for the DLIM/obse…
Speed Control of a two-Degrees of Freedom Induction Motor with Rotor Helical Motion for Industrial Applications
This paper describes the realization of a two-degrees of freedom induction motor prototype with rotor helical motion, suitable for several industrial applications as grinders, augers, drilling and milling spindles, robotic arms and drives for medical tools and prostheses. This prototype was realized by combining a three-phase tubular linear induction motor (TLIM) with the stator of a three-phase rotary induction motor, resulting in a THMIM (Tubular Helical Motion Induction Motor). Moreover, a possible simple electrical drive, capable to control the helical motion, is proposed, simulated and analyzed. In particular, the mathematical model of the THMIM has been initially developed and, then, …
Sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motors for wide speed range applications
This paper deals with sensorless control of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (IPMS) based on the estimation of speed and rotor angular position. The above estimate is based on the injection of high frequency stator currents able to generate a signal similar to that generated by a resolver connected to the axis of the motor. A new digital algorithm has been designed to demodulate the above signal whose implementation can be carried out on the same DSP that processes the control algorithm. In this paper a new scheme of speed and angular position estimator is proposed and justified on the theoretic point of view. The experimental results here shown validate the effectiveness of the…
Improvement of IPMSM performance through a mixed radial-tangential rotor structure
In this paper an IPMSM (Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) rotor configuration optimization is proposed in order to increase the performances in terms of torque, limiting at the same time the rotor leakage flux. The final mixed radial and tangential rotor configuration here proposed and described determines a reduction in PM material quantity of about 25% compared to a tangential IPMSM one with the same dimension and weight, together with an increase of the motoring torque of about 50%. Some simulation carried out by using a FEM software and a comparative analysis with two traditional IPMSMs rotor configurations show that a significant improvement can be achieved with limited chan…
Efficiency Maximization of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators Coupled to Wind Turbines
In this paper a control algorithm for the efficiency improvement of permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG), the relative simulations and their results are presented. The proposed algorithm reduces the losses of the generator without affecting its performances. In details, after a description of a dynamic model of the PMSG, which has been modified in order to take into account the iron losses, the basic methodologies to obtain the loss minimization are presented and discussed. Many simulations of a specific PMSG employing the proposed algorithm were carried out and are presented. The results of these simulations show that enhancement of the efficiency up to 3% and more can be reached…
Experimental characterization of a wind generator prototype for sustainable small wind farms
This paper presents the experimental characterization of a wind turbine prototype used for micro wind farms. The proposed prototype, whose advantages can be summarized in versatility of application, low noise and compactness, can generate 1 kW of rated power for a wind speed equal to 4 m/s. The tests here reported and carried out by means of an experimental test bench confirm that the prototype is well designed and adequate for the purpose of its application.
Investigation of inductive coupling solutions for E-bike wireless charging
Wireless charging of electric vehicle batteries is a major topic for academic and industrial research. The wireless charging is based on the inductive coupling between a primary coil, connected to the grid, and a secondary coil, connected to the vehicle battery. Wireless battery charging provides benefits in terms of comfort for the drivers, who should just park to start the charging operation, without needing to plug in the vehicle. Wireless charging is particularly convenient for E-bike users. For the bicycle charging, the inductive coupling should be implemented through a compact and light-weight solution. In this paper, different options of inductively coupled coils for E- bike charging…
Characterization of the parameters of interior permanent magnet synchronous motors for a loss model algorithm
Abstract The paper provides the results of a detailed experimental study on the variations of the characteristics of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor, when load, speed and/or magnetization conditions vary. In particular, the characterization is carried out by assessing, for several working conditions, the motor parameters that influence its efficiency. From the knowledge of the variability of these parameters, it is possible to develop a dynamic model of the motor, which accurately describes its behaviour and allows estimating the power losses for whatever speed and load. In order to validate the model, the values of the power losses obtained by using the model are compared wi…
Test cycles for the characterization of electrical drives devoted to wheelchair applications
Today electrical wheelchairs are giving valuable increase of the quality of life of disabled people in developed countries. Despite the increasing diffusion of such an aid tool, specific standards for the characterization of their electric drives are not so developed as those available for urban electric vehicles. This paper presents a proposal for the test characterization of a wheelchair drive by means of test cycles with fixed speed trajectories. To this aim, the method, which is well known in the field of automobiles, has been purposely adapted and the obtained simulation results are satisfactory.
Characterization of interior permanent magnet synchronous motors for loss model algorithm identification
The paper provides the results of a detailed experimental study on the variations of the characteristics of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor, when load, speed and/or magnetization conditions vary. In particular, the characterization is carried out by assessing, for several working conditions, the motor parameters that influence its efficiency. From the knowledge of the variability of these parameters, it is possible to develop a dynamic model of the motor, which accurately describes its behaviour and allows estimating the power losses for whatever speed and load. In order to validate the model, the values of the power losses obtained by using the model are compared with the va…
An inductive charger for automotive applications
The inductive charging represents a valid solution for the power transfer in automotive applications. Due to the Inductive Power Transfer (IPT), the wireless battery charging of Electric Vehicles (EVs) provides several benefits. In this paper, an inductive charger which is particularly suitable for electrical bicycles is proposed. A practical realization of the system has been carried out, and the system has been tested in terms of working and efficiency. Through a Phase Shift Modulation (PSM), a power regulation has been implemented. The target power is 100 W.
Efficiency optimization in bi-directional inductive power transfer systems
Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) allows to wirelessly supply electronic devices. Thus, it is a very smart technique of battery charging for electric vehicles. In a parking area scenario, IPT is a proper method aiming at the energy transfer from the vehicle battery to the electric grid too. Bi-Directional Inductive Power Transfer (BDIPT) Systems are an attractive solution for the automotive market. Due to the great relevance of the energy saving problem, the goal of an efficiency maximization is researched by the energy market. In this paper, an in-depth investigation of the power efficiency in BDIPT systems is carried out, aiming at the optimum efficiency.
Monitoring and diagnoses by a vibration analysis procedure of incipient failures in squirrel cage induction motors due to cracker or broken bars
In this paper a vibration analysis based diagnostic procedure for the detection and monitoring of incipient faults as cracks or bar breaks on squirrel cage motors is presented. A mathematical model from the Authors set up for the determination of axial vibrations due to these faults is utilized as reference incipient fault model in order to determine prefault indexes for the above mentioned procedure. The experimental investigations, performed on a test bench set up for this purpose, confirmed the effectiveness both of the mathematical model and of the diagnostic procedure. Finally, the architecture of the diagnostic system that implements the proposed diagnostic procedure and its functioni…