A robust model-free controller for a three-phase grid-connected photovoltaic system based on ultra-local model

In this paper, a robust model-free controller for a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system is designed. The system consists of a PV generator connected to a three-phase grid by a DC/AC converter. The control objectives of the overall system are to extract maximum power from the PV source, to control reactive power exchange and to improve the quality of the current injected into the grid. The model-free control technique is based on the use of an ultra-local model instead of the dynamic model of the overall system. The local model is continuously updated based on a numerical differentiator using only the input–output behavior of the controlled system. The model-free controller consists of a classical feedback controller and a compensator for the effects of internal parameter changes and external disturbances. Simulation results illustrate the efficiency of the controller for grid-connected PV systems.     

A sliding mode control and artificial neural network based MPPT for a direct grid‐connected photovoltaic source

A robust sliding mode controller for a grid‐connected photovoltaic source is proposed in this paper. The objective of the presented control scheme is to force both the output voltage of the photovoltaic PV source and the power factor at the inverter output to follow a certain trajectory reference. The main idea is to apply the robust sliding mode controller directly to the nonlinear state model of the system composed of the PV source and the inverter with its input and output filters. In order to operate the PV system at the maximum power point and to satisfy the environmental factors, such as solar irradiance and temperature, we included a rigorous maximum power point tracker based on an artificial neural network. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed control scheme. In addition, we show that the grid current satisfies the harmonic limits of the IEEE standard for interconnecting distributed energy sources with electric power systems.     

Spread spectrum in three-phase inverter by an optimised dual randomised PWM technique

Randomised pulse width modulation (RPWM) technique has become a viable alternative to deterministic pulse width modulation (DPWM). By spreading the power spectrum in a continuous noise, this new technique better complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for conducted electromagnetic interferences (EMI) and allows reducing the emitted acoustic noise in variable speed drives (VSDs). The most popular RPWM schemes are randomised pulse position modulation (RPPM) and randomised carrier frequency modulation (RCFM). The combination (RCFM-RPPM) or dual RPWM (DRPWM) has also been proposed. In this article, we propose an optimised DRPWM (ODRPWM) for the three-phase inverter. First, the modulating principle is proposed, and then, a mathematical model of power spectral density (PSD) of the output voltage is developed and validated for the three schemes, namely RPPM, RCFM and RCFM-RPPM. PSD analysis shows that the proposed scheme is more effective on spreading PSD. Moreover, this analysis reveals optimal parameters of randomisation for a maximum spread of the PSD. The optimisation problem is then modelled and solved using two powerful non-linear methods.     

Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxins in dried figs and nuts in Algeria

The presence of Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxin (AF) contamination was investigated in 112 samples of peanuts, almonds and dried figs collected in Algeria. The occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1) and G2 (AFG2) in different commodities has been determined with a sensitive method based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescence detection with post-column photochemical derivatisation. Analytical results indicated that 28 samples of peanuts, 16 samples of almonds and 26 samples of dried figs contained detectable levels of AFs. A total of 69 samples (61.6%) were contaminated with AFB1 ranging from the limit of quantification to 174 µg kg^?1. AFB2 was found in 12 samples (10.7%) and varied from 0.18 to 193 µg kg^?1. Seven samples revealed AF concentrations lower than the limit of quantification. Eleven peanut and fourteen dried fig samples exceeded the European maximum limits for AFB1.     

Polyphasic characterization of Aspergillus section Flavi isolated from animal feeds in Algeria

In Algeria, little information is available on the population structure of Aspergillus section Flavi in raw materials and resultant animal feeds. A total of 172 isolates belonging to Aspergillus section Flavi were recovered from 57 animal feeds and identified on the basis of macro and micro-morphological characters, mycotoxin production and genetic relatedness. For the molecular analysis, sequencing of the calmodulin gene (CaM) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were performed for representative isolates. Four distinct morphotypes were distinguished: Aspergillus flavus (78.5%), Aspergillus tamarii (19.2%), Aspergillus parasiticus (1.7%), and Aspergillus alliaceus (0.6%). All A. flavus isolates were of the L type and no correlation between sclerotia production and aflatoxigenicity was observed. Our results showed that 68% of the A. flavus strains produced aflatoxins B (AFB), and 72.7% were cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) producers. The three isolates of A. parasiticus were able to produce AFB and aflatoxins G but not CPA whereas, all the strains of A. tamarii produced only CPA. The obtained results revealed the presence of different species of Aspergillus section Flavi, among which were aflatoxin producers. This study provides evidence useful for considerations in aflatoxin control strategies.