Multi-criteria-based design approach of multi-phase permanent magnet low-speed synchronous machines

A design methodology dedicated to multi-phase permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) supplied by pulse width modulation voltage source inverters (PWM VSIs) is presented. First, opportunities for increasing torque density using the harmonics are considered. The specific constraints caused by the PWM supply of multi-phase machines are also taken into account during the design phase. All the defined constraints are expressed in a simple manner by using a multi-machine modelling of the multi-phase machines. This multi-machine design is then applied to meet the specifications of a marine propeller: verifying simultaneously four design constraints, an initial 60-pole three-phase machine is converted into a 58-pole five-phase machine without changing the geometry and the active volume (iron, copper and magnet). First, a specific fractional-slot winding, which yields to good characteristics for PWM supply and winding factors, is chosen. Then, using this winding, the magnet layer is designed to improve the flux focussing. According to analytical and numerical calculations, the five-phase machine provides a higher torque (about 15%) and less pulsating torque (71% lower) than the initial three-phase machine with the same copper losses.     

Effects of pulse-width-modulated supply voltage on eddy currents in the form-wound stator winding of a cage induction motor

The eddy currents of a form-wound multi-conductor stator winding because of the non-sinusoidal supply voltage in a cage induction motor are studied. The time and space dependence of the field, circuit variables and the motion of the rotor are modelled with the time-discretised finite-element analysis. A pulsewidth- modulated voltage is used to supply the motor. The eddy-current loss distribution of the stator bars and the total eddy-current losses are studied. The radial distance of the stator bars from the air gap is re-emphasised as a design parameter because of its effect on the losses and the hot spots. The means for minimising the losses and avoiding the local hot spots are studied.     

Reducing energy losses when transformers are lightly loaded

A simple new way of reducing the power losses in lightly loaded transformers by up to 80% is presented. The method involves special transformer connections and a switching circuit. The approach works most readily with low voltage transformers, but can be expanded to larger machines. Test data and computer models and are used to support the efficacy of the technique. The idea has been shown to work. A discussion of the method's technical and economic viability is given. As energy supplies are depleted and prices increase, there is a greater need for such a method that reduces energy losses. The advantage of this idea is that it may be employed to all power supply systems at various voltage levels.     

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.      

Time-stepping finite-element analysis of eddy currents in the form-wound stator winding of a cage induction motor supplied from a sinusoidal voltage source

The eddy-current effects of multi-conductor form-wound stator winding because of the fundamental and high-frequency magnetic flux in a cage induction motor are studied. The time dependence of the field and circuit variables and the motion of the rotor are modelled by the backward Euler time-stepping method. The motor was supplied from a sinusoidal voltage source. The series and parallel connected stator bars are strongly coupled with the circuit and field equations. The Newton-Raphson method is applied to solve the system of non-linear equations. The eddy-current loss distribution of the stator bars and the quantitative results of eddy-current losses are studied. The radial distance of the stator bars from the air gap has a remarkable effect on the losses and the hot spots. Methods to minimise the losses and to avoid the local hot spots are studied.     

Minimization and identification of conducted emission bearing current in variable speed induction motor drives using PWM inverter

The recent increase in the use of speed control of ac induction motor for variable speed drive using pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter is due to the advent of modern power electronic devices and introduction of microprocessors. There are many advantages of using ac induction motor for speed control applications in process and aerospace industries, but due to fast switching of the modern power electronic devices, the parasitic coupling produces undesirable effects. The undesirable effects include radiated and conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) which adversely affect nearby computers, electronic/electrical instruments and give rise to the flow of bearing current in the induction motor. Due to the flow of bearing current in the induction motor, electrical discharge machining takes place in the inner race of the bearing which reduces the life of the bearing. In high power converters and inverters, the conducted and radiated emissions become a major concern. In this paper, identification of bearing current due to conducted emission, the measurement of bearing current in a modified induction motor and to minimize the bearing current are discussed. The standard current probe, the standard line impedance stabilization network (LISN)), the electronics interface circuits are used to measure high frequency common mode current, bearing current and to minimize the conducted noise from the system. The LISN will prevent the EMI noise entering the system from the supply source by conductive methods, at the same time prevents the EMI generated if any due to PWM, fast switching in the system, will not be allowed to enter the supply line. For comparing the results with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR) standards, the graphs are plotted with frequency Vs, line voltage in dBμ V, common mode voltage in dBμ V and the bearing current in dBμ A with out and with minimizing circuits.     

Iron Loss Model for Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors

Iron losses in permanent-magnet synchronous machines form a larger portion of the total losses than in induction machines and, hence, more importance should be given to the iron losses. Previously, models have been presented for the calculations of these losses, but these models still rely on finite-element simulations to obtain correction factors, which are substantial, to apply to the theoretically derived formulas in order to obtain good agreement with the experimental data. This paper points out the source of this correction factor: the neglect of the excess eddy-current loss component. In many cases, this loss component dominates the total iron losses and needs to be incorporated in the theoretical considerations. The paper also provides a more complete model of iron loss, which greatly reduces the need for calculating the correction factors using the finite-element method (FEM). This more complete model reduces design time, especially when a number of candidate designs need to be analyzed. Otherwise, the calculation of the correction factors using FEM would be cumbersome, as the correction factors tend to be nonlinear.     

Analysis and implementation of soft switching converter with series-connected transformers

The system analysis and design consideration of a zero voltage switching (ZVS) converter with series-connected transformers are presested. Based on the operational behaviour, each transformer in the adopted converter can be operated as an inductor or a transformer. Therefore no output filter inductor is needed in the adopted converter. To reduce the voltage stress of the switching device in the conventional forward converter, an active snubber based on a clamp switch and a clamp capacitor is used to recycle the energy stored in the transformer leakage. During the transition interval, the resonance based on the junction capacitance of switches and transformer leakage inductance can achieve ZVS operation of switches. The centre-tapped rectifier is used at the secondary side to achieve full-wave rectification. The operating principles, steady-state analysis and design equations of the proposed converter are provided. Finally, experimental results for a 100 W (5 V/20 A) prototype circuit are provided to verify the converter performance.     

Time-harmonic finite-element analysis of eddy currents in the form-wound stator winding of a cage induction motor

A finite-element model for calculation of eddy-current and circulating current losses in a multi-conductor stator winding of a cage induction motor is presented. In this model, the eddy current formulation of the series and parallel connected stator bars is solved together with the circuit and field equations using a two-dimensional time-harmonic approximation. The Newton-Raphson method is applied to solve the total system of nonlinear equations. The finite-element mesh is discretised finely enough in order to take the phenomena correctly into account. The eddy-current loss distribution of the stator bars and the quantitative results of eddy-current and circulating current losses have been studied with two different conductor arrangements inside the stator slots. The results show that the eddy-current loss in the stator winding is one of the most significant loss components. They also show that the radial position of the stator bars has a remarkable effect on the losses. The radial flux that passes through the stator bars can be guided to stator teeth by using magnetic slot wedge material to reduce the eddy-current loss.     

Apparatus and method for heat-run test on high-power PWM converters with low energy expenditure

Before installation, a voltage source converter is usually subjected to heat-run test to verify its thermal design and performance under load. For heat-run test, the converter needs to be operated at rated voltage and rated current for a substantial length of time. Hence, such tests consume huge amount of energy in case of high-power converters. Also, the capacities of the source and loads available in the research and development (R&D) centre or the production facility could be inadequate to conduct such tests. This paper proposes a method to conduct heat-run tests on high-power, pulse width modulated (PWM) converters with low energy consumption. The experimental set-up consists of the converter under test and another converter (of similar or higher rating), both connected in parallel on the ac side and open on the dc side. Vector-control or synchronous reference frame control is employed to control the converters such that one draws certain amount of reactive power and the other supplies the same; only the system losses are drawn from the mains. The performance of the controller is validated through simulation and experiments. Experimental results, pertaining to heat-run tests on a high-power PWM converter, are presented at power levels of 25 kVA to 150 kVA.     

Time-Harmonic Induction-Machine Model Including Hysteresis and Eddy Currents in Steel Laminations

We have studied electromagnetic losses of a frequency-converter-fed cage-induction motor by using a numerical machine model that includes eddy-current and hysteresis phenomena in electrical steel sheets. We used the model to solve the two-dimensional (2-D) time-harmonic field and winding equations of a cage-induction machine, utilizing a finite-element method and phasor variables. We used complex reluctivity to couple the hysteresis and eddy currents in the sheets with the 2-D analysis. The model modifies the absolute value of the reluctivity according to a one-dimensional (1-D) eddy-current solution developed in the lamination thickness. To define the argument of the reluctivity, we applied both the 1-D field solution and measured hysteresis data. We compared computations of additional electromagnetic losses in a 37-kW test machine due to the higher harmonics of a frequency-converter supply with experimental results. The agreement is found to be reasonable.      

Effect of transformer type on estimation of financial loss due to voltage sag - PSCAD/EMTDC simulation study

The fault in transmission and distribution lines of the power system creates voltage sag. This paper focuses on estimating the financial loss due to such voltage sags. The transformer in a system has great impact on the estimated number of voltage sags at the sensitive load due to faults in the system. So the financial loss in a system due to sag will be affected by the type of transformer in that system. The financial losses for different types of transformers are calculated in probabilistic manner for different types of load groups. Effect of the transformer in the system, on financial loss due to voltage sag is presented in this paper.     

Electrical and mechanical fully coupled theory and experimental verification of Rosen-type piezoelectric transformers

A piezoelectric transformer is a power transfer device that converts its input and output voltage as well as current by effectively using electrical and mechanical coupling effects of piezoelectric materials. Equivalent-circuit models, which are traditionally used to analyze piezoelectric transformers, merge each mechanical resonance effect into a series of ordinary differential equations. Because of using ordinary differential equations, equivalent circuit models are insufficient to reflect the mechanical behavior of piezoelectric plates. Electromechanically, fully coupled governing equations of Rosen-type piezoelectric transformers, which are partial differential equations in nature, can be derived to address the deficiencies of the equivalent circuit models. It can be shown that the modal actuator concept can be adopted to optimize the electromechanical coupling effect of the driving section once the added spatial domain design parameters are taken into account, which are three-dimensional spatial dependencies of electromechanical properties. The maximum power transfer condition for a Rosen-type piezoelectric transformer is detailed. Experimental results, which lead us to a series of new design rules, also are presented to prove the validity and effectiveness of the theoretical predictions.     

An unorthodox transformer for free-running parallel inverters

Limitations imposed on free-running parallel inverters by the interdependence of critical characteristics of the networks, transformers, and switching elements of these inverters are identified. The transformer's role within these networks with abruptly changing circuit configurations is related to the network's functional mechanism. Special attention is devoted to forms of "volatile" returnable energy stored within the intended paths of magnetic flux and to magnetic saturation effects in pertinent transformer cores that cause harmful current spikes at the termination of individual cycles of operation. Returnable magnetic energies stored in representative "square loop" iron and ferrite transformer cores per unit of volume, and in related air gaps are calculated and tabulated for comparison and reference. A method for mitigation of storage of unwanted magnetic energy and for the prevention of magnetic saturation in inverter transformer cores is presented; it is reinforced with quantitative relations and a report on experimental work.     

Measurement and Separation of Magnetic Losses at Room and?Cryogenic Temperature for Three Types of Steels Used in?HTS?Transformers

The magnetic losses of steels used in high temperature superconducting (HTS) transformers are very important for the transformer??s efficient design and for a correct choice of operating conditions. This introduced the necessity to analyze electrical steels behaviour at low temperature in order to characterize their magnetic properties and, in particular, the magnetic losses. Three steels were chosen for this analysis: one non-oriented silicon steel and two different grain-oriented silicon steels. Several measurements of total magnetic losses were made at 77 K and 298 K and for different values of maximum magnetic induction, B _max?, in order to compare the dependence between them at both temperatures. These results are presented in Pronto et al. (European Conference on Applied Superconductivity, 2009). Subsequently, measurements of hysteresis losses (DC regime) at both temperatures were also made in order to obtain all terms of magnetic losses (hysteresis, classical eddy-current losses, and excess losses). The results are presented in this paper.     

Finite element simulation of piezoelectric transformers

Piezoelectric transformers are nothing but ultrasonic resonators with two pairs of electrodes provided on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate in which electrical energy is carried in the mechanical form. The input and output electrodes are arranged to provide the impedance transformation, which results in the voltage transformation. As they are operated at a resonance, the electrical equivalent circuit approach has traditionally been developed in a rather empirical way and has been used for analysis and design. The present paper deals with the analysis of the piezoelectric transformers based on the three-dimensional finite element modelling. The PIEZO3D code that we have developed is modified to include the external loading conditions. The finite element approach is now available for a wide variety of the electrical boundary conditions. The equivalent circuit of lumped parameters can also be derived from the finite element method (FEM) solution if required. The simulation of the present transformers is made for the low intensity operation and compared with the experimental results. Demonstration is made for basic Rosen-type transformers in which the longitudinal mode of a plate plays an important role; in which the equivalent circuit of lumped constants has been used. However, there are many modes of vibration associated with the plate, the effect of which cannot always be ignored. In the experiment, the double resonances are sometimes observed in the vicinity of the operating frequency. The simulation demonstrates that this is due to the coupling of the longitudinal mode with the flexural mode. Thus, the simulation provides an invaluable guideline to the transformer design     

Multiscale Computations of Parameters of Power Transformer Windings at High Frequencies. Part I: Small-Scale Level

We propose a hierarchical multiscale approach to modeling of high-frequency phenomena in power transformers. The method is based on considering high-frequency effects on two spatial levels. Part I of the paper focuses on a small-scale level where eddy-current as well as geometrical and proximity effects in conductors of transformer windings are examined. It develops a computer model that accounts for anisotropic frequency-dependent diamagnetic properties of transformer windings, which are represented as composite media with periodic structure. Calculations of effective characteristics of the laminated transformer core take into account anisotropic magnetic properties of steel sheets. The frequency-dependent parameters of transformer elements thus obtained will be further used in Part II for computing effective inductances and resistances of windings and integral losses on a large-scale level, i.e., for the whole transformer.     

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.     

Analysis and implementation of an active snubber dc/dc converter with series?parallel connection in primary and secondary sides

An active snubber dc/dc converter to achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) on power switch is presented. In the proposed converter, the primary windings of two transformers are connected in series so that the primary currents of the two transformers are equal. The secondary sides of the isolated zeta converters are connected in the parallel to share the load current and reduce the current stresses on the secondary windings of the two transformers. A boost type of active snubber is connected in parallel with the main switch to recycle the energy stored in transformer leakage and magnetizing inductors and to limit voltage stress of the main switch. During the transition interval between the active switch and the auxiliary switch, the resonance based on the resonant inductor and the output capacitor of the power switch will allow the switch to turn on at ZVS. The principle of operation, steady-state analysis and design consideration of the proposed converter are provided. Finally, experimental results for a 360 W (12 V/30 A) prototype circuit with 150 kHz switching frequency were given to demonstrate the circuit performance and verify the feasibility of the proposed converter.     

Modelling, simulation and measurement of fast transients in transformer windings with consideration of frequency-dependent losses

For the specification of winding insulation of transformers, it is important to know the electrical stresses to which the winding can be exposed during fast transient oscillations. These oscillations occur during switching operations performed by circuit breakers, or when gas-insulated substations (GIS) are used. Therefore one of the priorities is to use a high-frequency transformer model capable to simulating fast transient oscillations in the windings. The model presented requires only information about the geometry of the winding and the core, as well the electrical and magnetic parameters for the used materials. In the transformer model, the frequency-dependent core and copper losses are included. Numerical computations are performed with and without the core losses being taken into account. Two types of measurement are taken to verify the validity of the model. First, the voltage transients are measured and computed by the application of a step impulse with a rise time of 50 ns. Then, the transformer is switched by a vacuum circuit breaker, and the multiple reignitions, which contain oscillations with a wide frequency range, are analysed. The results verify that the model is suitable to simulate the voltage distribution in transformer windings over a wide frequency range.