Minimum switching control for adaptive tracking

The switching adaptive control method has been used for quite a few years to solve the adaptive stabilization and model reference adaptive control problems. However, a serious problem with the switching control method is that the number of ‘candidate’ controllers can potentially be very large, especially for multi‐input–multi‐output systems. In this paper, we consider a class of minimum‐phase multi‐input–multi‐output plants with some mild compactness assumptions. Given any polynomial reference input, we provide a switching control law which guarantees exponentially stability of the closed‐loop system with exponential tracking performance. The main contribution of the paper is that we give the minimum number of candidate controllers required for switching. In particular, the number is equal to 2 for single‐input–single‐output plants (one for each sign of the high‐frequency gain), and is equal to 2^m for m‐input–m‐output plants. That is, the number is independent of the degree and the relative degree of the plant. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel method of suppressing the inrush current of transformers by using a series‐connected voltage‐source PWM converter

This paper proposes a novel method of suppressing the inrush current of transformers. A small‐rated voltage‐source PWM converter is connected in series to the transformers through a matching transformer. As the connected PWM converter serves as a resistor for the source current, no inrush phenomena occurs. The required rating of the PWM converter, which serves as the damping resistor for the inrush phenomena, is 1/400 that of the main transformers in single‐phase circuits. In three‐phase circuits, it is 1/900. The basic principle of the proposed method is discussed. Digital computer simulation is implemented to confirm the validity and excellent practicability of the proposed method using the PSCAD/EMTDC. A prototype experimental model is constructed and tested. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can perfectly suppress the inrush phenomena. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 157(4): 56–65, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20174     

A novel robust current control approach using adaptive line enhancer for three‐phase current‐source active power filter

An effective system control method is presented for applying a three‐phase current‐source PWM converter with a deadbeat controller to active power filters (APFs). In the shunt‐type configuration, the APF is controlled such that the current drawn by the APF from the utility is equal to the current harmonics and reactive current required for the load. To attain the time‐optimal response of the APF supply current, a two‐dimensional deadbeat control scheme is applied to APF current control. Furthermore, in order to cancel both the delay in the two‐dimensional deadbeat control scheme and the delay in DSP control strategy, an Adaptive Line Enhancer (ALE) is introduced in order to predict the desired value three sampling periods ahead. ALE has another function of bringing robustness to the deadbeat control system. Due to the ALE, settling time is made short in a transient state. On the other hand, total harmonic distortion (THD) of source currents can be minimized compared to the case where ideal identification of the controlled system can be made. The experimental results obtained from the DSP‐based APF are also reported. The compensating ability of this APF is very high in accuracy and responsiveness although the modulation frequency is rather low. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 150(1): 50–61, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20014     

Neutron Stress Measurement of W‐Fiber Reinforced Cu Composite

Stress measurement methods using neutron and X‐ray diffraction were examined by comparing the surface stresses with internal stresses in the continuous tungsten‐fiber reinforced copper‐matrix composite. Surface stresses were measured by X‐ray stress measurement with the sin²ψ method. Furthermore, the sin²ψ method and the most common triaxal measurement method using Hooke's equation were employed for internal stress measurement by neutron diffraction. On the other hand, microstress distributions developed by the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients between these two phases were calculated by FEM. The weighted average strains and stresses were compared with the experimental results. The FEM results agreed with the experimental results qualitatively and confirmed the importance of the triaxial stress analysis in the neutron stress measurement.     

Prebiotic synthesis of sequential peptides on the Hadean beach by a molecular engine working with nitrogen oxides as energy sources

Addressing the still open question of the prebiotic origin of sequential macromolecules (peptides, nucleic acids) on the primitive Earth, we describe a molecular engine (the primary pump), which works at ambient temperature and continuously generates, elongates and complexifies sequential peptides. This new scenario is based on a cyclic reaction sequence, whose keystep is the activation of amino acids into their N‐carboxyanhydrides (NCA) through nitrosation by NOx. This process could have taken place on tidal beaches; it requires a buffered ocean, emerged land and a nitrosating atmosphere. With the help of geochemical studies and computer simulations of atmosphere photochemistry, we show that the primitive Earth during the Hadean may have satisfied all these requirements. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.     

High‐Tech‐Cellulose‐Funktionspolymere nach dem ALCERU®‐Verfahren

Functional High‐Tech‐Cellulose materials by the ALCERU® process Cellulose is one of the eldest materials of mankind. While the use of cellulose in former times was focused on application as a more construction or as a more textile material at present time the application profile turns to a more functional material using the ALCERU® process. Shaping of pure cellulose dissolution in NMMNO permits the manufacturing of materials for upholstery, filtration or biodegradable film strips having an uniform cross section. Fibreds, which can be applied in several packaging materials, are available using different techniques for regeneration cellulose. A great field of innovative functional cellulose materials is opened up by addition of several functional additives to cellulose dissolution. In this way piezo‐electrical conductive cellulose fibres (PZT) or high‐temperature filtration membranes are to be generated if one adds special types of ceramic powders. Above all PZT green fibres are applied in more recent uses as sensors or actuators. Electrically conductive cellulose fibres or filaments, which can be also used in the textile chain, can be prepared adding conductive carbon black to a cellulose dope on the same way, too. Cellulose material having adapted conductivity to different application is available by adding an exact defined amount of carbon black to cellulose dissolution. Finally cellulose beads can be manufactured by means of varied shaping technique. The beads are showing variable particle sizes and narrow pore size distribution. These properties open up very interesting application in the field of human blood purification or chromatography.     

Sicherer und wirtschaftlicher Betrieb von Kraftwerken – Ergebnis der Forschung im Bereich Werkstoffe,Auslegung und Instandhaltung

Safe and Economic Operation of Power Plants – Research Results in the Field of Materials, Design and Maintenance Components of power plants which undergo high temperatures are subjected to complex loading situations. The requirements on the used materials result from the special operation conditions of the plants and have to be adjusted to the steadily growing requirements on higher efficiency of the complete power plant as well as to those of safe and economic operation. The expenses for control and downtimes are directly connected with economic efficiency and availability. However, in case of new procedures or components it is not possible to revert to the existing know‐how. Different failure mechanisms than known before can occur. The same goes for the load situation. Therefore the knowledge base has to be extended to in‐advance or even parallely running scientific examinations that life assessment and maintenance strategies can be applied which guarantee the operational reliability and the efficiency of the plant. The main emphasis of these F&E works has to be put on condition monitoring based on actual operational data, the standard materials’ and component’s behaviour (deformation, damage and failure behaviour) in connection with design of components and the related material laws. In the framework of applied AVIF projects, following problems are handled:. – qualification of materials by determinating parameters related to practise. – optimal design of components by making available material laws and numerical tools. – economic manufacturing of components by qualifying processing methods such as welding. – The results can be transferred to concepts for safe and economic operation of power plants, especially for newly introduced materials for which there is no operational experience available.     

Homogenization of hardness distribution and distortion in high pressure gas quenching

Quenching with gases rather than oil or other liquid media has the advantages of reducing the risks concerning health and environment, while simultaneously homogenizing the quenching results and minimizing distortion due to a wide range of possible process parameter variations and the pure convective heat transfer. In this contribution, a coupled solution for increasing homogenization of quenching results within high pressure gas quenching will be presented. In the first stage, an experimental test facility was set up for flow investigations and in the second stage a numerical simulation model was generated. The numerical and experimental results of the flow through the chamber were compared for several boundary conditions. Finally, after complete verification of the simulation, the model may be used to assist in parameter variation for optimization of homogeneous high pressure gas quenching.     

Influence of wood extractives on the photo‐discoloration of wood surfaces exposed to artificial weathering

Extracted and unextracted black cherry (Prunus serotina), red oak (Quercus rubra), and red pine (Pinus resinosa) wood specimens were exposed to artificial weathering, and their discoloration process was investigated to obtain basic understanding on the role of wood extractives in the weathering of hardwoods and softwoods. Color measurements were made with a spectrometer according to ISO 2470 standards, using the CIELAB system. Results obtained showed that the rate of whiteness was not significantly affected by extractives removed with organic solvents, but were significantly affected when organic solvent extraction was followed by water extraction. The total discoloration rate had the same pattern, and chromaticity coordinates were less affected by wood extractives. These results confirm the hypothesis that some extractives contained in wood act as antioxidants and are able to provide some protection to wood surfaces against weathering degradation. However, more work is needed to understand the chemistry and mechanism of action of these extractives so as to develop any practical use for this property. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 31, 425–434, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20248