Continuous and discrete variable-structure controls for parallel three-phase boost rectifier

We describe three nonlinear control schemes for a parallel three-phase boost rectifier consisting of two modules. The basic idea, however, can be extended to a system with N modules. All of the control schemes are developed in a synchronous frame. Moreover, each of the closed-loop power-converter modules operates asynchronously without any communication with the other module. Based on the dynamical equations of the parallel converter, we find that independent control of both of the modules on the DQ axes is not necessary and possible. Consequently, we develop control schemes that stabilize the dq axes and limit the zero-axis disturbance by preventing the flow of the pure zero-sequence current. One of the control schemes is developed purely in the discrete domain. It combines the space-vector modulation scheme with a variable-structure control, thereby keeping the switching frequency constant and achieving satisfactory dynamic performance. The performances of the other control schemes are also satisfactory.     

Numerical investigation of the effect of cathode catalyst layer structure and composition on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance

The effect of the cathode catalyst layer's structure and composition on the overall performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is investigated numerically. The starting point of the sub-grid scale catalyst layer model is the well-known flooded agglomerate concept. The proposed model addresses the effects of ionomer (Nafion) loading, catalyst (platinum) loading, platinum/carbon ratio, agglomerate size and cathode layer thickness. The sub-grid scale model is first validated against experimental data and previously published results, and then embedded within a two-dimensional validated computational fluid dynamics code that can predict the overall performance of the fuel cell. The integrated model is then used to explore a wide range of the compositional and structural parameter space, mentioned earlier. In each case, the model is able to correctly predict the trends observed by past experimental studies. It is found that the performance trends are often different at intermediate versus high current densities—the former being governed by agglomerate-scale (or local) losses, while the latter is governed by catalyst layer thickness-scale (or global) losses. The presence of an optimal performance with varying Nafion content in the cathode is more due to the local agglomerate-scale mass transport and conductivity losses in the polymer coating around the agglomerates than due to the amount of Nafion within the agglomerate. It is also found that platinum mass loading needs to be at a moderate level in order to optimize fuel cell performance, even if cost is to be disregarded.     

Interleaved PWM with discontinuous space-vector modulation

This paper describes the effect of interleaved discontinuous space-vector modulation (SVM) in paralleled three-phase systems using three-phase pulsewidth modulation (PWM) rectifiers as an example. At the discontinuous point of the SVM, the phase shift between the switching signals of the paralleled modules generates a zero-sequence excitation to the system. Because the conventional control in a balanced three-phase system with only dq channels cannot reject this disturbance, a beat-frequency circulating current will develop on the zero axis. Based on this observation, a SVM without using zero vectors is used to eliminate the cause of pure zero-sequence current for parallel operation. Using this SVM, the circulating current is observable in dq channels. It can be suppressed dynamically by strong current loops of power-factor-correction (PFC) circuits. The concept is verified experimentally on a breadboard system     

EFFECT OF LOADING WITH AIM OIL AEROSOL ON THE COLLECTION EFFICIENCY OF AN ELECTRET FILTER

Loading of an electret filter changes the distribution of electrical field in the filter from its preloading condition, and, therefore, affects the filtration efficiency of the filter. Liquid droplets collected on electret filters cause degradation of the electrostatic enhancement of filtration efficiency because of charge neutralization and the formation of a dielectric coating over die charged fibers. In this study, calculations were made for the penetration of aerosol particles through a spun-type electret filter as a function of the particulate loading. An assumption was made that each charge collected neutralized one charge of opposite polarity on the fibers of the filter. It was also assumed that the electrostatic charges present on the particles followed the Boltzmann equilibrium charge distribution. The decrease in fiber charge and resulting increase in penetration were calculated as a function of time and of total particulate loading on the filter. The calculated penetrations were compared with experimental measurements of loading on a spun fiber electret filter challenged with monodisperse liquid droplets of bis-Ethylhexyl Sebacate with equilibrium charge distribution and with zero charge. The rate at which the penetration increased was found to be the same for particles with zero charge as for particles with equilibrium charge distribution. For 1 um diameter droplets with equilibrium charge the theory predicted complete discharge of the filter at a loading of around 200 g/m². Experimentally, only about 0.3 g/m² was required. This difference indicates the presence of additional mechanisms for the discharge of the fibers.     

Nonequilibrium synthesis of NbAl3 and Nb-Al-V

NbAl₃, like many ordered intermetallic compounds, appears to have great potential for application as high-temperature structural material because of the high melting point and stability in high- temperature oxidizing environments. However, the D0₂₂ (tI8) lattice structure shows limited ductility at room temperature. Addition of group IVB, VB, and VIB elements to A1₃X (D0₂₂ type of compounds) as partial replacement of X is a method being applied by various researchers to promote ductility in these materials by activation of numerous dislocations and ordered twin- ning. In this study, V was added in different amounts to improve the ductility of NbAl₃. How- ever, this has an adverse effect on the oxidation response of the system, as is explained in Part II of this article. This article deals with the microstructure evolution, phase identification, and characterization of laser-clad (rapidly solidified) nominal NbAl₃ and also studies the effect of V additions on the final microstructure in this system. Laser cladding of nominal NbAl3 produces two metastable unreported phases [body-centered tetragonal (bct) and base-centered orthorhombic phases]. Addition of V suppresses the primary phase (NbAl₃) in the Nb-Al-V system. on leave from the Department of Metallurgy on leave from the Department of Metallurgy     

A comparative study of microstructure and mechanical behavior of CO2 and diode laser deposited Cu–38Ni alloy

Cu–38Ni alloy was deposited on C71500 (Cu–30Ni) substrates by a laser-aided direct metal deposition technique using CO₂ and diode lasers. Structure–property relationships of deposited specimens were investigated by optical microscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction techniques, and microhardness and tensile measurements. Laser-deposited specimens’ microstructures were primarily dendritic, forming columnar grains growing epitaxially from the substrate and subsequent layers along the preferred crystallographic growth. The grain growth pattern and grain size distribution was significantly different in both specimens. The lattice parameter of the solid solution phase was relatively larger in diode laser-formed specimen; CO₂ laser-formed specimens showed relatively higher but non-uniform hardness distribution whereas a very uniform hardness distribution was observed in diode laser formed specimens. Diode laser formed specimens showed higher tensile properties compared to CO₂ laser formed specimens which were comparable to C71500 substrates. Microstructure and mechanical behavior were explained based on laser processing parameters.     

Estimation of the Park-Ang damage index for planar multi-storey frames using equivalent single-degree systems

A detailed characterization of potential structural damage is essential to performance-based seismic design. The Park-Ang damage index is selected in this work as the seismic damage measure, since it is one of the most realistic measures of structural damage. Response spectra constitute the most common tool used for characterizing the seismic hazard at a site, and these spectra represent the demand on single-degree oscillators. To use these spectra for estimating the Park-Ang damage index demand on an MDOF system, three equivalent single-degree system-based approximate schemes are proposed. These schemes are tested on three moment resisting frames under several ground motion scenarios. The effectiveness of an equivalent system scheme is measured by comparing with the estimates from a nonlinear response-history analysis of the MDOF model. These schemes are tested for both global and storey-level damage indices. Variation of the non-dimensional parameter β is also considered in these case studies. Overall, all the three schemes are found to be effective with varying degrees of accuracy. The proposed methods are recommended for damage-based seismic design and performance evaluation of structures because these schemes can use response spectra for demand estimation and reduce computation cost.