Speed estimation method for ultrahigh‐speed induction machine utilizing rotor slot harmonics appearing in neutral point voltage

Recently the development of power electronics technology has made it possible to realize ultrahigh‐speed drives, and ultrahigh‐speed drives promise to be useful in various applications. This research aims at sensorless control drive of an induction machine in the ultrahigh‐speed region by utilizing rotor slot harmonics, which occur due to the structure of the induction machine. In this paper, we focus on the slot harmonics which appear in the neutral point voltage, and we propose a method for detection of the slot harmonics voltage and a speed estimation method utilizing the FFT with limitation of the detection band. The effectiveness of the proposed method and the possibility of speed sensorless control with the proposed method are illustrated through speed estimation results obtained both offline and online. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 176(3): 59–68, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library ( wileyonlinelibrary.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.21120     

Implementation of the symmetric doped double‐gate MOSFET model in Verilog‐A for circuit simulation

Recently we developed a model for symmetric double‐gate MOSFETs (SDDGM) that, for the first time, considers the doping concentration in the Si film in the complete range from 1×10¹⁴ to 3×10¹⁸ cm⁻³. The model covers a wide range of technological parameters and includes short channel effects. It was validated for different devices using data from simulations, as well as measured in real devices. In this paper, we present the implementation in Verilog‐A code of this model, which allows its introduction in commercial simulators. The Verilog‐A implementation was optimized to achieve reduction in computational time, as well as good accuracy. Results are compared with data from 2D simulations, showing a very good agreement in all transistor operation regions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A design guideline of parasitic inductance for preventing oscillatory false triggering of fast switching GaN‐FET

Gallium nitride field‐effect transistors (GaN‐FETs) are attractive devices because of its low on‐state resistance and fast switching capability. However, they can suffer from false triggering caused by fast switching. Particularly, a disastrous oscillation of repetitive false triggering can occur after a turn‐off, which may deteriorate the reliability of power converters. To address this issue, we give a design guideline to prevent this phenomenon. We analyze a simple circuit model to derive the condition of occurrence of this phenomenon, which is then verified experimentally. Results show that the parasitic inductance of the gating circuit, L_g, and that of the decoupling circuit, L_d, should be designed so that the LC resonance frequency of L_g and the gate–source capacitance of the GaN‐FET does not coincide with that of L_d and the drain–source capacitance, respectively. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Impact of stray inductances of the power loop on false trigger‐on in the zero‐voltage‐switching full‐bridge converter

Here, we propose an exhaustive theoretical investigation and experimental verification of the false trigger‐on phenomenon, which would lead to the interaction between the upper and lower devices during the switching transient, in the zero‐voltage‐switching (ZVS) full‐bridge converter. An equivalent model of the converter, which takes not only the parasitic capacitors of the metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistors into account but also the stray inductances of the main circuit, is presented. Based on the model, a comprehensive study of the false trigger‐on phenomenon is carried out. According to the analysis results, the stray inductances of the metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistors have negligible influence on the false trigger‐on phenomena since the soft‐switching is realized. The false trigger‐on phenomenon is induced by the stray inductances of the main circuit. Moreover, the arrangement of the switching sequence would cause significant discriminations in the false trigger‐on phenomena because of the specific working mode of the ZVS full‐bridge converter. According to the investigation results, optimization methods are presented to suppress the induced voltage. At last, the theoretical investigations are verified by tests of a ZVS full‐bridge converter. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Relationship of fast‐scale and slow‐scale instabilities in switching circuit with multiple inputs

Power converter circuits, such as current‐controlled or voltage‐controlled converters and inverters often have multiple inputs in the controller. The multiple inputs cause high‐frequency and low‐frequency oscillations. In earlier studies, the characteristics of circuits in fast‐scale and slow‐scale dynamics have been investigated. However, in many cases, circuits with multiple inputs have three or more dimensional topology which makes detailed analysis difficult. In this paper, we analyze a simple interrupted electric circuit in order to understand essential characteristics of fast‐scale and slow‐scale dynamics. The advantage of this simple interrupted circuit is that it is possible to derive a 1‐dimensional map, which facilitates rigorous studies. Based on the structure of the return map and the characteristic multiplier, we explain the characteristics of the system. We report the occurrence of pitchfork, period doubling, and border collision bifurcations in slow scale, and period doubling bifurcation in fast scale. We found that local bifurcation, which appears in fast‐scale dynamics, does not significantly affect the global behavior of the system while instabilities in the slow‐scale dynamics strongly affect the system behavior. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental investigation of a speed‐sensor‐less IM drive system under Inverter fault‐tolerant control

This paper proposes an algorithm for fault tolerance of three‐phase, inverter‐fed, speed‐sensor‐less control of a three‐phase induction motor drive system. The fault tolerance of the inverter when one switch is open or one leg of six‐switch inverter is lost is considered. The control of the drive system is based on indirect rotor field‐oriented control theory. Also, the speed estimator is based on model reference adaptive system (using stator current and rotor flux as state variables for estimating the speed). The fault‐tolerant algorithm is able to adaptively change over from a six‐switch inverter to a four‐switch inverter topology when a fault occurs; also, it makes a smooth transition of the motor speed, torque, and current when changing over from a faulty condition to a new healthy status, which is four‐switch three‐phase inverter (FSTPI) topology; thus, the six‐switch three‐phase inverter (SSTPI) topology (pre‐fault status) is almost retained for the medium‐power range of induction motor applications. The proposed algorithm is simulated by using the MATLAB/SIMULINK package. Also, the proposed control system is tested experimentally using a digital signal processor (DSP1104). The obtained results from the simulation model and experimental system demonstrate the performance enhancement and good validity of the fault‐tolerance control for the speed‐sensor‐less induction motor drive system. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Parameter identification of simplified common‐mode equivalent circuit for inverter‐fed motor drive systems by applying computer‐aided optimization software

This paper deals with common‐mode (CM) electromagnetic interference (EMI) in an inverter‐fed motor drive system. A simplified CM equivalent circuit including π‐type equivalent circuit for the motor winding is proposed by using the waveform of the common‐mode current flowing in the ground conductor. Moreover, a parameter identification method applying the computer‐aided software modeFRONTIER is proposed to decide objectively the circuit parameters of the proposed simplified equivalent circuit. Validity and effectiveness of the proposed equivalent circuit are confirmed by comparing the measured impedance characteristics with the calculated ones. Finally, the possibility of a nonlinear phenomenon is discussed in this system. It is shown that the accuracy of simulation result can be improved by introducing the nonlinear element. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A linearly adaptive gate drive technique for light‐load efficiency improvement of DC–DC converters

This paper presents a linearly adaptive gate drive technique to improve the light‐load efficiency of DC–DC converters. The optimal‐driving voltages of the power MOSFETs for reducing gate‐driving loss can be well modeled by a linear function of the load current. By scaling the gate drive voltage dynamically with respect to load current, the light‐load efficiency can be enhanced. The experimental result shows that the proposed gate drive technique can attain about 9% incremental light‐load efficiency enhancement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electromagnetic analysis coupled with motion for high‐speed circuit breakers of eddy current repulsion using the tableau approach

Electromagnetic field analysis coupled with motion using the tableau approach has been applied to high‐speed circuit breakers of eddy current repulsion mechanisms. This breaker has an opening time of 1 ms and break time less than 1 cycle (20 ms). The driving part of the breaker is composed of electromagnetic repulsion mechanisms and disk springs with nonlinear characteristics. The mechanisms are composed of two fixed coils and one repulsion plate. A numeric experiment has been applied to investigate the dynamic behavior of the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism using the equivalent circuit method. Calculation results were in good agreement with both measurement results and calculation results by FEM on an experimental model. In addition, repulsive forces depending on material conductivities have been researched. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 152(4): 8–16, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20149     

Development of a high‐speed electromagnetic repulsion mechanism for high‐voltage vacuum circuit breakers

This paper presents a design and testing of a new high‐speed electromagnetic driving mechanism for a high‐voltage vacuum circuit breaker (VCB). This mechanism is based on a high‐speed electromagnetic repulsion and a permanent magnet spring (PMS). This PMS is introduced instead of the conventional disk spring due to its low spring energy and more suitable force characteristics for VCB application. The PMS has been optimally designed by the 3D nonlinear finite‐elements magnetic field analysis and investigated its internal friction and eddy‐current effect. Furthermore, we calculated the dynamic of this mechanism coupling with the electromagnetic field and circuit analysis, in order to satisfy the operating characteristics—contact velocity, response time, and so on, required for the high‐speed VCB. A prototype VCB, which was built based on the above analysis, shows sufficient operating performance. Finally, the short circuit interruption tests were carried out with this prototype breaker, and we have been able to verify its satisfying performance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(1): 34–40, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20398     

Series resonant ZCS‐PFM DC‐DC power converter with high‐frequency high‐voltage transformer link for high‐power magnetron drive

This paper presents a single lossless inductive snubber‐assisted ZCS‐PFM series resonant DC‐DC power converter with a high‐frequency high‐voltage transformer link for industrial‐use high‐power magnetron drive. The current flowing through the active power switches rises gradually at a turned‐on transient state with the aid of a single lossless snubber inductor, and ZCS turn‐on commutation based on overlapping current can be achieved via the wide range pulse frequency modulation control scheme. The high‐frequency high‐voltage transformer primary side resonant current always becomes continuous operation mode, by electromagnetic loose coupling design of the high‐frequency high‐voltage transformer and the magnetizing inductance of the high‐frequency high‐voltage transformer. As a result, this high‐voltage power converter circuit for the magnetron can achieve a complete zero current soft switching under the condition of broad width gate voltage signals. Furthermore, this high‐voltage DC‐DC power converter circuit can regulate the output power from zero to full over audible frequency range via the two resonant frequency circuit design. Its operating performances are evaluated and discussed on the basis of the power loss analysis simulation and the experimental results from a practical point of view. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 153(3): 79–87, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20126     

A circuit model of an ultra wideband impulse radar system for breath‐activity monitoring

The aim of this work is to present a circuit model to analyze and design ultra wideband (UWB) radars for the remote monitoring of breath activity. The model includes the impulse signal source, the transceiver antenna, the transmission medium, and the human thorax. First of all, the proposed model has been validated by comparing its responses with those achieved both numerically, with a commercial electromagnetic modeling software, and experimentally, by means of a setup based on an indirect time domain reflectometry system. Then, the model has been used for analyzing the feasibility of a UWB radar operating in the 3–6‐GHz range with an effective isotropic radiated power lower than − 41.3 dBm/MHz, i.e. within the limits issued by the United States Federal Communications Commission for unlicensed UWB imaging systems. The model outlined the possibility of the considered UWB radar of monitoring the breath activity of a subject up to distances of about 10 m in open air. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis and implementation of a high step‐up converter for fuel cell power‐generation systems

This paper presents a high step‐up converter, which utilizes a three‐winding coupled inductor and a rectified voltage‐doubler circuit to obtain high step‐up gain for fuel cells. The proposed converter functions as an active‐clamp circuit, which relieves large voltage spikes across the power switches. Thus, power switches with low‐voltage‐rated can be utilized to reduce conduction losses and circuit cost. Energy stored in leakage inductances of the coupled inductor is recycled to the output terminal, resulting in efficiency improvements. In addition, the coupled inductor in the presented converter can also have extra windings in order to achieve higher voltage gain. Finally, a prototype circuit with an input voltage of 60 V and an output voltage of 380 V is developed for a 1000 W‐rated fuel cell power‐generation system to validate its performance, and experimental waveforms and measured efficiency under different input voltages and output power level are demonstrated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel PWM technique with switching‐loss reduction for independent drive of two 3‐phase AC motors fed by a five‐leg inverter

This paper presents a novel pulse width modulation (PWM) technique with switching‐loss reduction for a five‐leg inverter (FLI). The PWM technique, in which the available maximum voltage for two motors adds up to DC bus voltage, has been proposed as the strategy for the FLI. Therefore, the DC bus voltage is fully available as the PWM strategy. However, the conventional PWM technique requires the frequency, phase, and amplitude of the phase voltage commands of a motor to produce zero‐sequence voltages (ZSVs). The novel PWM strategy has some efficient features. These features are discussed in this paper. The validity of the novel PWM technique will be shown by experimental results. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

An impedance measurement of a small‐capacitance circuit using transient responses for lightning surge analysis

A method to measure a small capacitance with its loss resistance using a set of transient current waveforms is proposed in this paper. The parameters are obtained from the time constants in the time domain. The method has high resistance to extraneous noise, because a time‐to‐frequency transformation, which is sensitive to noise, is not required. The transient current waveforms are obtained by a voltage or current source, a current transformer, and a waveform recorder. The measured capacitance by the proposed method is not affected by the capacitance of the voltage probe, because it is obtained without any voltage information. The sheath surge impedance of the current injection cable, which is indispensable for the transient measurement, is corrected. The application of the method has the advantage in that it allows the modeling of a fast transient of a power apparatus, comparing it with the steady‐state measurement using an impedance measuring instrument. The proposed method is applied to create an equivalent circuit between electrodes implanted into a piece of wood, and its reliability is confirmed by comparison between the measured and calculated results. Stray capacitances of a miniature circuit breaker are also measured, and the results show that the proposed method is applicable to equipment in power systems. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A new current control method for energy‐efficient/wide‐speed‐range drive of permanent magnet synchronous motor

This paper proposes a new current control method for energy‐efficient and/or wide‐speed‐range drive of salient‐pole permanent magnet synchronous motors. The proposed method is distinguished from conventional ones by the following features. (1) The original command is a signed current norm. (2) The exact d‐axis and q‐axis current commands that perform energy‐efficient and/or wide‐speed‐range drive are analytically and simply determined from the singed current norm command. (3) For speed control mode, the system turns out to be nonlinear, but its stability can be guaranteed based on Popov's stability theorem. (4) It can be applied for a mode similar to torque control. (5) Current limitation can be carried out accurately but very simply. Concrete analytical d‐axis and q‐axis current commands are presented, which satisfy exactly one of three optimum current control codes such as maximum torque, maximum power factor, and voltage limitation. A design method for PI speed controller that guarantees system stability is also presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 161(3): 66–77, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20305     

Development of a voltage sag detection method for nonutility generation systems

This paper deals with a new detection method based on three‐phase vector operation for voltage sag. The detection method is applicable to a protection system using a high‐speed interruption system which protects distributed generators and critical loads in a customer's facility. The algorithm and merits of this method are explained in detail. The detection characteristics are then analyzed using the ATP (Alternative Transients Program) and are confirmed using a real‐time digital simulator, and it is shown that the method is useful for detecting voltage sag. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 152(4): 34–41, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20117     

A new generalized high‐frequency voltage injection method and mirror‐phase estimation method for sensorless drive of salient‐pole PMSMSs

This paper proposes a new generalized high‐frequency voltage injection method for sensorless drive of salient‐pole permanent‐magnet synchronous motors. The injected high‐frequency voltage has a unique spatially‐rotating elliptical shape, with the amplitudes of both the major and minor axes varying with the motor speed, and can be designed by selecting a design parameter. The high‐frequency current caused by the injected voltage, which has information on the rotor phase to be estimated, is speed‐independent, that is, is not affected by the motor speed at all. Consequently, the rotor phase can be estimated in a wide speed range from zero to the rated speed. By selection of the design parameter, the properties of the high‐frequency current can be adjusted appropriately to the associated motor‐drive system consisting of a motor and an inverter. As a versatile phase estimation method for estimating rotor phase using the high‐frequency current, the “mirror‐phase estimation method” is reconstructed and reproposed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 168(3): 67–82, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20803     

A new high‐frequency voltage injection method for sensorless drive of permanent‐magnet synchronous motors with pole saliency

This paper proposes a new sensorless vector control method for salient‐pole permanent‐magnet synchronous motors. In regard to rotor phase estimation, the sensorless vector control method is characterized by a new high‐frequency voltage injection method distinguished from the conventional ones by a unique ellipse shape of the spatial rotation, and by a new PLL method whose input is a high‐frequency current autocorrelated signal. The new vector control method established by two innovative technologies can have the following high‐performance and attractive features: (1) it can allow 250% rated torque at standstill; (2) it can operate from zero to the rated speed under the rated motoring or regenerating load; (3) it accepts instant injection of the rated load even for zero‐speed control; (4) it accommodates a load with huge moment of inertia; (5) phase estimation is very robust against inverter dead time; (6) the computational load for estimating rotor phase is very small, would be the smallest among the methods with comparable performance. This paper presents the new vector control method by focusing on two innovative technologies from its principles to design rules. Usefulness of the new vector control method is verified through extensive experiments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 164(4): 62–77, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20632