Modelling and analysis of an open-loop induction motor drive incorporating the effect of inverter dead-time

The objective of this paper is to study the influence of inverter dead-time on steady as well as dynamic operation of an open-loop induction motor drive fed from a voltage source inverter (VSI). Towards this goal, this paper presents a systematic derivation of a dynamic model for an inverter-fed induction motor, incorporating the effect of inverter dead-time, in the synchronously revolving dq reference frame. Simulation results based on this dynamic model bring out the impact of inverter dead-time on both the transient response and steady-state operation of the motor drive. For the purpose of steady-state analysis, the dynamic model of the motor drive is used to derive a steady-state model, which is found to be non-linear. The steady-state model shows that the impact of dead-time can be seen as an additional resistance in the stator circuit, whose value depends on the stator current. Towards precise evaluation of this dead-time equivalent resistance, an analytical expression is proposed for the same in terms of inverter dead-time, switching frequency, modulation index and load impedance. The notion of dead-time equivalent resistance is shown to simplify the solution of the non-linear steady-state model. The analytically evaluated steady-state solutions are validated through numerical simulations and experiments.     

Space-vector-based PWM switching strategies for a three-level dual-inverter-fed open-end winding induction motor drive and their comparative evaluation

Two space-vector-based pulse-width-modulated (PWM) strategies are proposed for a dual two-level inverter-fed open-end winding induction motor drive. Neither of these PWM strategies require sector identification or lookup tables. These PWM strategies require only instantaneous phase reference voltages. Also, a simple model is suggested to compute the motor phase currents for this drive, and this model is validated through experimentation. The inverter losses are estimated for this drive system with these PWM strategies using an existing thermal model. The simulation studies suggest that one of these two PWM strategies is better than the other, as it causes lower losses in the inverters.     

A General Model for Investigating the Effects of the Frequency Converter on the Magnetic Iron Losses of a Squirrel-Cage Induction Motor

We present a comprehensive analysis of iron losses in an inverter-fed induction motor. We performed experimental and numerical investigations to assess the additional losses produced by a pulsewidth modulated (PWM) supply compared to a sinusoidal supply. We developed an iron-loss model, called the hybrid model, and incorporated it into a two-dimensional (2-D) finite-element method (FEM) to investigate the losses. The model predicts the $Bhbox{-}H$ loops and the ensuing iron losses. We also used a traditional iron-loss model based on the statistical theory for the sake of comparison. We solved the nonlinear dynamic equations of the FEM by the fixed-point method and the Crank-Nicolson time-stepping scheme. We found the hybrid model to be fairly accurate in reproducing the iron losses obtained experimentally on a squirrel-cage induction motor operated under several different conditions. The numerical analysis also provided interesting results regarding the role of the PWM supply in characterizing the behavior and distribution of iron losses in the geometry of the motor.      

Model reference adaptive control-based adaptive current control scheme of a PM synchronous motor with an improved servo performance

A model reference adaptive control (MRAC)-based current control scheme of a PM synchronous motor with an improved servo performance is presented. Although the predictive current control is known to give ideal transient and steady-state responses among various PWM inverter-fed current control schemes for a PM synchronous motor, its steady-state response may be degraded under the motor parameter variations. To overcome such a limitation, the disturbances caused by the parameter variations will be estimated using an MRAC technique and compensated by a feedforward manner. Thus, the steady-state control performance can be effectively improved, while retaining its good dynamic performance. The proposed control scheme does not require the measurement of the phase voltage unlike the conventional disturbance estimation scheme using observer. This can be an effective way considering the phase voltage contains much harmonics as well as noise. The asymptotic stability of the overall system is proved and the adaptation laws are derived by the Lyapunov stability theory. The proposed scheme is implemented using DSP TMS320C31 and the effectiveness is verified through the comparative simulations and experiments.     

Multiscale bifurcation and stability of multilattices

A lattice-level model is developed for active materials, such as shape memory alloys, that undergo martensitic phase transformations. The model is investigated using equilibrium path following and bifurcation techniques. It is shown that a multiscale stability criterion is essential for correctly interpreting the stability of crystal equilibrium configurations under both thermal- and stress-loading conditions. A two-stage temperature-induced phase transformation is predicted from a cubic B2 phase to an orthorhombic Cmmm phase to a final orthorhombic B19 phase. Under stress-loading conditions, martensitic transformations from the B2 austenite phase to a number of possible martensite phases are identified. These include reconstructive transformations to B11, B33, and C2/m structures and proper transformation to a C2/m monoclinic phase which displays characteristic tension-compression asymmetry. The prediction of both temperature-induced and stress-induced proper martensitic transformations indicates the likelihood that the current model will exhibit shape memory behavior.     

Numerical impulse response test to identify parametric models for closed-slot deep-bar induction motors

An impulse response test for estimating the electrical parameters of a deep-bar induction motor is studied. The impulse response test is performed within the two-dimensional finite-element analysis (FEA). The impulse excitation is applied to the stator voltage. Since the test is suitable for modelling the perturbations about a certain operation point, a small-signal model for the double-cage induction machine is derived. The skin effect is taken into account by using two parallel rotor branches. In addition to the small-signal parameters, the steady-state parameters are also estimated using the time-harmonic FEA. The impulse response test is based on the assumption of linear behaviour about an operation point. Thus, the effects of nonlinearity are studied by several methods     

Measurements of LiNbO<Subscript>3</Subscript> Properties by Multi-parameter Inversion Based on Acoustic Microcopy

This paper expands on a theoretical model between the mechanical and electrical properties with acoustic characteristics to obtain the theoretical dispersion curve for Y-cut LiNbO₃ piezoelectric plate. The experimental dispersion curve of the LiNbO₃ plate is extracted via V(f,z) analysis through defocusing measurements based on an acoustic microscopy and a lens-less line focusing transducer. The objective function of the inversion depends on the experimental dispersion curve. The inversion method adopts a hybrid particle-swarm-based simulated-annealing (PS-B-SA) optimization, which is used for joint inversion of the mechanical and electrical parameters of LiNbO₃. The theoretical dispersion curve will approach the experimental dispersion curve by constantly modifying the mechanical and electrical parameters in the theoretical model: the elastic constants (C₁₁, C₁₂, C₂₂, C₂₃, C₂₅, C₅₅), piezoelectric constants (e₁₁, e₁₂, e₂₆, e₃₃), and dielectric constants (ε₁₁, ε₂₂). The inversed series of constants are those who make the theoretical dispersion curve most fit the experimental ones. The results show that the inversed mechanical and electrical parameters agree well with the reported values, and the stability and accuracy of the inversion is acceptable. This research provides a useful tool to characterize the mechanical and electrical properties of piezoelectric materials simultaneously.     

Modeling of the Complex Doping Dependence of dT<Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis>/dP of YBa2Cu3O6+<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis>

The pressure-induced intrinsic effects in the CuO₂ plane within the van Hove singularity (VHS) scenario is combined with the modified two-dimensional (2D) lattice gas phenomenology for the basal plane to model the complex structure of the hole-doping dependence of the pressure derivatives of T _c of YBa₂Cu₃O_6+x. The experimentally observed structure is found to be reproduced reasonably satisfactorily in the present formalism. This shows that the pressure-induced changes in the CuO₂ plane and the oxygen ordering in the basal plane both play important roles in explaining the doping dependent pressure derivative of T _c .     

Improved direct torque control of induction motor with dither injection

In this paper, a three-level inverter-fed induction motor drive operating under Direct Torque Control (DTC) is presented. A triangular wave is used as dither signal of minute amplitude (for torque hysteresis band and flux hysteresis band respectively) in the error block. This method minimizes flux and torque ripple in a three-level inverter fed induction motor drive while the dynamic performance is not affected. The optimal value of dither frequency and magnitude is found out under free running condition. The proposed technique reduces torque ripple by 60% (peak to peak) compared to the case without dither injection, results in low acoustic noise and increases the switching frequency of the inverter. A laboratory prototype of the drive system has been developed and the simulation and experimental results are reported.     

Cohesive zone modelling of nucleation,growth and coalesce of cavities

The stress-deformation relation i.e. cohesive law representing the fracture process in an almost incompressible adhesive tape is measured using the double cantilever beam specimen. As in many ductile materials, the fracture process of the tape involves nucleation, growth and coalesce of cavities. This process is studied carefully by exploiting the transparency of the used materials and the inherent stability of the specimen configuration. Utilising the path independence of the J-integral, the cohesive law is measured. The law is compared to the results of butt-joint tests. The law contains two stress peaks—the first is associated with nucleation of cavities at a stress level conforming to predictions of void nucleation in rubber elasticity. The second stress peak is associated with fracture of stretched walls between fully-grown cavities. After this second peak, a macroscopic crack is formed. The tape suffers at this stage an engineering strain of about 800%. A numerical analysis with the determined cohesive law recreates the global specimen behaviour.     

Eighteen-sided polygonal voltage space-vector-based PWM control for an induction motor drive

An inverter scheme with 18-sided polygonal voltage space-vector structure is proposed for induction motor drive applications. An open-end winding configuration is used for the drive scheme. The motor is fed from one end with a conventional two-level inverter and from the other end with a three-level inverter, realised by cascading two conventional two-level inverters. The inverters are fed with asymmetrical DC-link voltages. A simple linear PWM control scheme up to 18-step mode is proposed, based only on the motor reference phase amplitudes. The proposed scheme gives an increased modulation range with the elimination of the 5th, 7th, 11th and 13th-order harmonics, for the entire modulation range, when compared with any conventional schemes. The absence of low-order harmonics gives nearly sinusoidal currents throughout the modulation range, and makes PWM control of voltage very simple, with low inverter switching frequencies, especially in the extreme modulation range.     

Stability Considerations Using a Microscopic Stability Model Applied to a 2G Thin Film Coated Superconductor

A numerical, finite element simulation of local temperature fields, critical current and transport current distributions is applied to a 2G thin film coated high-temperature superconductor. The focus is on simulation of quenches originating from transport current locally exceeding critical current density. As in previous reports, a statistical treatment of superconductor parameters (critical temperature, current and magnetic field) is applied for this analysis; it shall take into account uncertainties possibly arising from shortcomings in conductor manufacture or during measurements of their properties. The results of the calculations are used as quasi-boundary (driving) conditions for a subsequent transient microscopic numerical stability analysis. Traditionally, stability analysis usually applies analytic stability functions that incorporate conventional, phonon-related timescales, t and disturbances. The question is whether decay of electron pairs and subsequent relaxation of the excited state to a new dynamic equilibrium carrier concentration, the “electron aspect” of the stability problem, under the same disturbances, proceeds on another timescale, t ^′. Is this timescale identical to the traditional (phonon) timescale, t? If not, how large are the differences? The recently reported microscopic stability model, now applied to a thin film conductor, is consulted to find an answer to these questions. A time limit, t _Quench, can be extracted from the simulations, as the time of immediate onset of a quench. This is a new approach in stability considerations since, conventionally, a temperature limit, T < T _Crit, is set as stability criterion. If electrical operation or cooling conditions cannot immediately respond to this challenge, the thin film superconductor, if this time limit is exceeded, will hardly be able to return to zero loss current transport.     

Effect of Nuclear Field on Magnetotransport Quantum Oscillations in InSb<Superscript>1</Superscript>

In combining magneto-transport investigations with NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) we measured the effect of the nuclear hyperfine field B _H F on quantum oscillations in the transverse magneto-resistivity ρ _xx and in the Hall resistivity ρ _xy of metallically doped n-InSb. Quantitative analysis of the B _H F-induced change in ρ _xx demonstrates that this experiment allows to separate spin splitting phenomena in magneto-transport from effects due to the external magnetic field B. This is used to show that an oscillatory structure in R _H =ρ _xy /B is directly related to a redistribution in the occupation of the two spin states in the lowest Landau level.     

Analysis,design and implementation of sensorless <Emphasis Type="Italic">V/f</Emphasis> control in a surface-mounted PMSM without damper winding

This paper presents a novel, reliable and efficient V/f control implementation on a 8-pole, 750 rpm, 5 kW surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) without damper winding. In the absence of a damper winding, open loop V/f control of SM is inherently unstable, particularly at high speeds. Stabilisation can be done with proper stator frequency modulation in accordance with the change in rotor speed to provide for effect of damping. This has been implemented here without use of any shaft-mounted encoder. The change in rotor speed is observed from power perturbation, thereby eliminating the need for using a speed sensor in the drive. The efficiency of the drive is further increased with appropriate control of the power factor, irrespective of load and frequency variations. Simulated and experimental results are presented for both open-loop and the proposed V/f control. These results establish the accuracy of the design of the proposed V/f control strategy and the precision of hardware implementation. A comparative study between the proposed V/f control method and standard vector control method, as implemented on this PMSM, has also been presented here to establish the advantages of the proposed scheme. The PMSM itself was designed and fabricated in the laboratory.     

Crack resistance curve in glass matrix composite reinforced by long Nicalon<Superscript>®</Superscript> fibres

Theoretical micromechanical analysis of bridged crack development at chevron-notch tip of three-point bend specimens has been applied to determine the crack resistance curve for a composite made of a glass matrix reinforced by continuous Nicalon^® fibres. Fracture toughness (K _IC) values were determined using the chevron-notch technique at room temperature. The theoretical predictions were based on micromechanical analysis exploiting weight functions. Detailed FEM analysis using the ANSYS package was applied to determine numerically the weight functions for orthotropic materials. Appropriate bridging models for the theoretical prediction of the R-curve behaviour typical of the investigated composite were applied together with the weight functions. Experimental observations confirmed the theoretical calculations.     

Study of the Electronic Structure,Magnetic and Elastic Properties and Half-Metallic Stability on Variation of Lattice Constants for CoFeCr<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis> = P,As, Sb) Heusler Alloys

Structural, elastic, magnetic and electronic properties of CoFeCrZ (Z = P, As, Sb) Heusler alloys in their YI-type structure have been computed by density functional theory-based WIEN2k code within generalized gradient approximation for exchange correlation functions. Values of formation energy and elastic constants verify the stability of these alloys. True half metallic ferromagnetic behaviour with 100% spin polarization and good band gap in the minority spin are obtained for all the alloys. Magnetic moment of these alloys is 4.00 μ _B , which matches well with the value predicted from Slater-Pauling rule. Half-metallicity is maintained over a wide range of lattice constants making these alloys promising for spintronics device applications.     

Thermodynamic Analysis of the Conformational Stability of a Single-Domain Therapeutic Antibody

The stability of a new single-domain therapeutic antibody to the ErbB3 receptor was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy at different concentrations of a denaturing agent and temperatures. The analysis of experimental denaturation curves allowed us to build a complete thermodynamic model of unfolding and to determine all parameters of the transition: ΔG = 8.5 kcal mol^–1, T _m = 76°C, ΔH _m = 107 kcal mol^–1, ΔC _p = 1.8 kcal K^–1 mol^–1. The obtained data evidence the high stability of the antibody in a broad range of conditions, which is essential for further structural and functional studies and possible therapeutic application.     

Influence of Oxygen on the Tribomechanical Properties of Single Crystals of YBa<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>7−<Emphasis Type="Italic">δ</Emphasis></Subscript>

This paper reports a study on the mechanical and tribological properties of ab- and a (b) c?planes of YBa₂Cu₃O_7?δ single crystals. The single crystals were grown using a CuO-BaO self-flux method. The oxygenation effect on the mechanical and tribological properties of ab- and a (b) c?planes is reported. For the ab- plane, the hardness and elastic modulus were around 6 and 50 GPa, respectively. In this case, significant differences were not observed among the hardness and elastic modulus at different oxygenation states. However, the hardness and elastic modulus for as-grown and oxygenated YBa₂Cu₃O_7?δ single crystals were different from that of the a (b) c?plane, and were observed to be slightly higher for the as-grown than for the oxygenated samples. For as-grown and oxygenated samples, we observed hardness values around 4.7 and 2.0 GPa, respectively. Regarding the elastic modulus, the values were 75 and 40 GPa, respectively. The indentation fracture toughness values on the ab- plane for the as-grown and oxygenated YBa₂Cu₃O_7?δ single crystal were 3.7 ± 1.2 and 2.9 ± 1.2 MPa m^1/2, respectively. For the ab- plane, the scratch resistance of the as-grown sample was higher than that of the oxygenated sample and the scratches under load were deeper for the oxygenated sample. As regards the a (b) c?plane, the scar features were seemingly constant through all the scratch lengths and the scratches under load were deeper and larger for the oxygenated than that for the as-grown sample.     

How good is the equipartition assumption for the transport properties of a granular mixture?

Kinetic-theory, with the assumption of equipartition of granular energy, suggests that the pressure and viscosity of a granular mixture vary monotonically with the mass-ratio. Our simulation results show a non-monotonic behaviour that can be explained qualitatively by a simple model allowing for non-equipartition of granular energy between the species with different mass.