Description:
IEEE This paper presents a new compact three-phase cascaded multilevel inverter (CMLI) topology with reduced device count and high frequency magnetic link. The proposed topology overcomes the predominant limitation of separate DC power supplies, which CMLI always require. The high frequency magnetic link also provides a galvanic isolation between the input and output sides of the inverter, which is essential for various grid-connected applications. The proposed topology utilizes an asymmetric inverter configuration that consists of cascaded H-bridge cells and a conventional three-phase two-level inverter. A toroidal core is employed for the high frequency magnetic link to ensure compact size and high-power density. Compared with counterpart CMLI topologies available in the literatures, the proposed inverter has the advantage of utilizing the least number of power electronic components without compromising the overall performance, particularly when a high number of output voltage levels is required. The feasibility of the proposed inverter is confirmed through extensive simulation and experimentally validated studies.
Description:
IEEE This paper presents a new compact three-phase cascaded multilevel inverter (CMLI) topology with reduced device count and high frequency magnetic link. The proposed topology overcomes the predominant limitation of separate DC power supplies, which CMLI always require. The high frequency magnetic link also provides a galvanic isolation between the input and output sides of the inverter, which is essential for various grid-connected applications. The proposed topology utilizes an asymmetric inverter configuration that consists of cascaded H-bridge cells and a conventional three-phase two-level inverter. A toroidal core is employed for the high frequency magnetic link to ensure compact size and high-power density. Compared with counterpart CMLI topologies available in the literatures, the proposed inverter has the advantage of utilizing the least number of power electronic components without compromising the overall performance, particularly when a high number of output voltage levels is required. The feasibility of the proposed inverter is confirmed through extensive simulation and experimentally validated studies.
Description:
Doubly Fed Induction Generators (DFIGs) are currently extensively used in variable speed wind power plants due to their superior advantages that include reduced converter rating, low cost, reduced losses, easy implementation of power factor correction schemes, variable speed operation and four quadrants active and reactive power control capabilities. On the other hand, DFIG sensitivity to grid disturbances, especially for voltage sags represents the main disadvantage of the equipment. In this paper, a coil is proposed to be integrated within the DFIG converters to improve the overall performance of a DFIG-based wind energy conversion system (WECS). A proportional integral (PI) controller to control the charging and discharging of the coil is introduced. Simulation results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed topology in improving the overall performance of the WECS under study.
Description:
Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of transformer oil is one of the most effective power transformer condition monitoring tools. There are many interpretation techniques for DGA results however all these techniques rely on personnel experience more than analytical formulation. As a result, various interpretation techniques do not necessarily lead to the same conclusion for the same oil sample. Furthermore, significant number of DGA results fall outside the proposed codes of the current based-ratio interpretation techniques and cannot be diagnosed by these methods. Moreover, ratio methods fail to diagnose multiple fault conditions due to the mixing up of produced gases. To overcome these limitations, this paper introduces a new fuzzy logic approach to reduce dependency on expert personnel and to aid in standardizing DGA interpretation techniques. The approach relies on incorporating all existing DGA interpretation techniques into one expert model. DGA results of 2000 oil samples that were collected from different transformers of different rating and different life span are used to establish the model. Traditional DGA interpretation techniques are used to analyze the collected DGA results to evaluate the consistency and accuracy of each interpretation technique. Results of this analysis were then used to develop the proposed fuzzy logic model.
Description:
Interfacial tension (IFT) and acid numbers of insulating oil are correlated with the number of years that a transformer has been in service and are used as a signal for transformer oil reclamation. Oil sampling for IFT measurement calls for extra precautions due to its high sensitivity to various oil parameters and environmental conditions. The current used technique to measure IFT of transformer oil is relatively expensive, requires an expert to conduct the test and it takes long time since the extraction of oil sample, sending it to external laboratory and getting the results back. This paper introduces a new technique to estimate the IFT of transformer oil using ultraviolet-to-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. UV-Vis spectral response of transformer oil can be measured instantly with relatively cheap equipment, does not need an expert person to conduct the test and has the potential to be implemented online. Results show that there is a good correlation between oil spectral response and its IFT value. Artificial neural network (ANN) approach is proposed to model this correlation.
Description:
Interfacial tension (IFT) and acid numbers of insulating oil are correlated with the number of years that a transformer has been in service and are used as a signal for transformer oil reclamation. Oil sampling for IFT measurement calls for extra precautions due to its high sensitivity to various oil parameters and environmental conditions. The current used technique to measure IFT of transformer oil is relatively expensive, requires an expert to conduct the test and it takes long time since the extraction of oil sample, sending it to external laboratory and getting the results back. This paper introduces a new technique to estimate the IFT of transformer oil using ultraviolet-to-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. UV-Vis spectral response of transformer oil can be measured instantly with relatively cheap equipment, does not need an expert person to conduct the test and has the potential to be implemented online. Results show that there is a good correlation between oil spectral response and its IFT value. Artificial neural network (ANN) approach is proposed to model this correlation.
Description:
Doubly Fed Induction Generators (DFIGs) are currently extensively used in variable speed wind power plants due to their superior advantages that include reduced converter rating, low cost, reduced losses, easy implementation of power factor correction schemes, variable speed operation and four quadrants active and reactive power control capabilities. On the other hand, DFIG sensitivity to grid disturbances, especially for voltage sags represents the main disadvantage of the equipment. In this paper, a coil is proposed to be integrated within the DFIG converters to improve the overall performance of a DFIGbased wind energy conversion system (WECS). The charging and discharging of the coil are controlled by controlling the duty cycle of the switches of the dc-dc chopper. Simulation results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed topology in improving the overall performance of the WECS system under study.
Description:
Doubly Fed Induction Generators (DFIGs) are currently extensively used in variable speed wind power plants due to their superior advantages that include reduced converter rating, low cost, reduced losses, easy implementation of power factor correction schemes, variable speed operation and four quadrants active and reactive power control capabilities. On the other hand, DFIG sensitivity to grid disturbances, especially for voltage sags represents the main disadvantage of the equipment. In this paper, a coil is proposed to be integrated within the DFIG converters to improve the overall performance of a DFIGbased wind energy conversion system (WECS). The charging and discharging of the coil are controlled by controlling the duty cycle of the switches of the dc-dc chopper. Simulation results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed topology in improving the overall performance of the WECS system under study.
Description:
One of the key challenges in multilevel inverters (MLIs) design is to reduce the number of components used in the implementation while maximising the number of output voltage levels. This paper proposes a new concept that facilitates a device count reduction technique of existing cascaded MLIs. Moreover, the proposed concept can be utilised to extend existing single phase cascaded MLI topologies to three-phase structure without tripling the number of semiconductor components and input dc-supplies as per the current practice. The new generalized concept involves two stages; namely, cascaded stage and phase generator stage. The phase generator stage is a combination of a conventional three-phase two level inverter and three bi-directional switches while the cascaded stage can employ any existing cascaded topology. A laboratory prototype model is built and extensive experimental analyses are conducted to validate the feasibility of the proposed cascaded MLI concept.
Description:
One of the key challenges in multilevel inverters (MLIs) design is to reduce the number of components used in the implementation while maximising the number of output voltage levels. This paper proposes a new concept that facilitates a device count reduction technique of existing cascaded MLIs. Moreover, the proposed concept can be utilised to extend existing single phase cascaded MLI topologies to three-phase structure without tripling the number of semiconductor components and input dc-supplies as per the current practice. The new generalized concept involves two stages; namely, cascaded stage and phase generator stage. The phase generator stage is a combination of a conventional three-phase two level inverter and three bi-directional switches while the cascaded stage can employ any existing cascaded topology. A laboratory prototype model is built and extensive experimental analyses are conducted to validate the feasibility of the proposed cascaded MLI concept.
Description:
This chapter presents a preliminary study conducted to improve photovoltaic (PV) cell conversion efficiency using MATLAB/Simulink platform. The study uses multi-junction solar cell and investigates the maximum performance compared with a conventional silicon PV cell. Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) is applied to assess the conversion efficiency of the PV system. Study integrates thermoelectric generator (TEG) with PV modules because the PV cells work by converting high frequency irradiation where as a TEG has the ability to convert wasted low frequency heat to the electricity. The combination delivers more power and contributes to enhance the conversion efficiency of a PV system. The simulation results show that a tandem cell can provide a considerable higher power with a conventional PV cell operation.
Description:
Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is used to assess the condition of power transformers. It uses the concentrations of various gases dissolved in the transformer oil due to decomposition of the oil and paper insulation. DGA has gained worldwide acceptance as a method for the detection of incipient faults in transformers.
Description:
Energized parts within power transformer are isolated using paper insulation and are immersed in insulating oil. Hence, transformer oil and paper insulation are essential sources to detect incipient and fast developing power transformer faults. Several chemical diagnoses techniques are developed to examine the condition of paper insulation such as degree of polymerization, carbon oxides, furanic compounds and methanol. The principle and limitation of these diagnoses are discussed and compared in this paper.
Description:
Energized parts within power transformer are isolated using paper insulation and are immersed in insulating oil. Hence, transformer oil and paper insulation are essential sources to detect incipient and fast developing power transformer faults. Several chemical diagnoses techniques are developed to examine the condition of paper insulation such as degree of polymerization, carbon oxides, furanic compounds and methanol. The principle and limitation of these diagnoses are discussed and compared in this paper.
Description:
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), a sleeping disorder, is a serious health issue with significant public health implications. Due to the interrupted sleep, OSA patients suffer with excessive day-time sleepiness, fatigue and other health complexities that lead to on-road and work-related accidents and incur billions of dollars per year. Traditionally, treatment of OSA begins with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Alternatively, Mandibular Repositioning Appliances or surgical interventions can be used. Although Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) surgery is often advised as the last line of treatment due to the expense and significant changes in the facial appearance, it is the only permanent solution to OSA with a definitive outcome especially for the patients with significant facial deformation or anomalies. In this article, three dimensional (3D) image-guided predictive algorithms are proposed to improve the treatment planning and overall outcome of the MMA surgery. 3D analysis of the facial surface data and Computational Biomechanics-based 3D modelling of airway segmented from Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) data are proposed to predict the required physiological changes to ensure optimal air-flow through the airway. Moreover, 3D Computer Graphics-based techniques are proposed to visualise and demonstrate the expected facial outcomes to inform patients and surgeons prior to this non-reversible surgery.
Description:
Cascaded multilevel inverters (MLI) have recently received much attention due to its ability to perform well in various high voltage and high power applications with high efficiency. Cascaded inverters are able to generate high voltage output by utilizing a number of low voltage DC supplies and switches of low blocking voltage rating, which make cascaded MLI a cost effective choice for high voltage/power applications. The main drawback of cascaded MLI is the requirement of large number of isolated DC sources particularly, for three phase applications where the number of required input DC sources is three times that of single phase structure. In addition to the extra cost it will incur, the use of large number of DC supplies within the inverter will significantly increase its physical size, and complicate the management of such large number of DC sources. This paper presents a new topology for three phase MLI with a minimum number of input DC supplies. Symmetric and asymmetric input DC supply modes are developed for the proposed topology. Simulation and experimental results are provided to assess the performance of the proposed MLI topology.
Description:
This paper presents a hardware design for a Travelling Wave (TW) Detector and data recorder for a three phase Medium Voltage (MV) distribution network. The proposed pole mounted platform consists of a capacitively coupled receiver system, a GPS receiver and a Texas Instruments Delfino 28377 processor based travelling wave detection unit. The data recording system uses an Intel Atom base single board computer, a four channel 10Ms/s analogue to digital converter card along with Wi-Fi and GORS communications links. The proposed system is capable of recording three phase voltages simultaneously with the ability to trigger remotely. The platform is mounted in an IP56 enclosure and can be mounted on the MV distribution poles. The paper provides a brief review of hardware and software developed for the TW detector.
Description:
One of the factors hindering the large scale integration of wind power is the post contingency congestion of a network due to limited availability of network capacity and auxiliary constraints. Under such conditions, the network operators can potentially request a curtailment of wind farm output if the remedial strategies fail. The paper investigates this problem in detail and proposes a mathematical framework to capture the post contingency spare capacity of network assets that is required to limit the wind curtailment. The proposed approach incorporates stochastic variation in asset thermal rating; models network congestion, and quantifies the risk of congestion using an extended version of conic-quadratic programming based optimization. The uniqueness of the proposed mathematical model is that it converts conventional thermal constraints to dynamic constraints by using a discretized stochastic penalty function with quadratic approximation of constraint relaxation penalty. The results suggest that the wind utilization can be maximized if the networks are operated 30-50% less than the nominal rating of the assets.
Description:
Thermographic scanning of electrical installations is sometimes conducted as part of electrical safety audits. This scanning is mostly considered based on the present temperature identified on a particular device or location and according to a pre-specified temperature category. But in most of the cases the recommended temperature of the particular devices cannot be considered during temperature categorization. There are many electrical audits using Thermographic scanning and recommend solution based on normal category of temperature rather than manufacturer's suggestion or specified standard for particular electrical device. Now a days, thermographic scanning is being used in Readymade Garments (RMG) industries in Bangladesh in such simple way where details analysis are not in practice and hence exact recommendation is absent in reports. The importance of this topic is focused on the 4.2 million people working in more than 5,000 factories in Bangladesh, where 80% of the fire incident are caused by inappropriate electrical installation or short circuits (as per Fire Service and Civil Defense statistics of Bangladesh). Recently many violent industrial accidents caused death of more than 1,500 people in the last 3 years. Among these, majority of the incidents were due to unsafe electrical system and inappropriate maintenance. The paper will further explore the importance of thermal scanning on electrical devices and compare the temperature considering manufacturer's recommendation for identifying system errors. The paper is written based on previously published recommendations and based on conducting an experimental sample audit aimed to develop a thermography based auditing standard. Based on the statistical and systematic analysis of the obtained data (e.g. temperature values, visual abnormalities, comparative differences) the paper will further discuss the possible area(s) that can be improved by introducing the thermal reports for the safety audits. This paper is aimed to develop an auditing structure proposed to implement identified areas within a standard electrical safety audit process.
Description:
Substation plays an important role in power system communications for safe and reliable operation of entire power networks. Substation communication networks are connected with various substation intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), which is substation systems lifeblood and the system availability is decided by its real-Time performance. International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC) has been developed the standards based on object-oriented technologies for substation automation. IEC 61850 protocol has been applied widely in substation communication applications. It presents new challenges to realtime performance simulation and testing of protective relays. In this paper, an optimized network engineering tool (OPNET) or Riverbed modeler simulation tool/ software has been used for the modeling of IED in substation level network. Based on the simulation results, different types of data stream have been discussed, such as, periodic data stream, random data stream and burst data steam. The typical studies using these models, to construct substation automation system (SAS) network on the OPNET modeler or Riverbed modeler was made to reveal the impact of each affecting parameter or factor to the real-Time performance of substation communications system, which is also incorporated in this report.
Description:
2015 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference: Challenges for Future Grids, AUPEC 2015
Description:
Substation plays an important role in power system communications for safe and reliable operation of entire power networks. Substation communication networks are connected with various substation intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), which is substation systems lifeblood and the system availability is decided by its real-Time performance. International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC) has been developed the standards based on object-oriented technologies for substation automation. IEC 61850 protocol has been applied widely in substation communication applications. It presents new challenges to realtime performance simulation and testing of protective relays. In this paper, an optimized network engineering tool (OPNET) or Riverbed modeler simulation tool/ software has been used for the modeling of IED in substation level network. Based on the simulation results, different types of data stream have been discussed, such as, periodic data stream, random data stream and burst data steam. The typical studies using these models, to construct substation automation system (SAS) network on the OPNET modeler or Riverbed modeler was made to reveal the impact of each affecting parameter or factor to the real-Time performance of substation communications system, which is also incorporated in this report.
Description:
2015 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference: Challenges for Future Grids, AUPEC 2015
Description:
IEC 61850 Standard was introduced to address the challenge presented by existence of the multiple protocols in substation communications, which include many proprietary protocols; and to address the challenge introduced by legacy complicated substation from both cost and complicity. In this paper, the simulation results of different types of IEC 61850 network system configurations using OPNET Modeler simulation software were presented and the influence on data rate and delay characteristics of these system configurations were evaluated. The simulated results confirm that the ring configured system suitable for higher loading characteristics and higher system reliability.
Description:
Subwavelength grating (SWG) structures make an excellent alternative antireflective (AR) coating due to its capacity to reduce the reflection losses in GaAs solar cells. The SWG structures allow the gradual change in refractive index that confirms an excellent AR coating and the light trapping properties when compare with planar thin film structures. Finite-difference time domain (FDTD) method is used to simulate the reflection losses of the SWG structure in GaAs solar cells. The FDTD simulation results show that the slightly change of incident angle affect the reflection losses of all nano-grating structure. The simulation results also confirmed that the reflection loss of nano-grating structure maintained optimum within ~±5° of incident angle tolerance for the grating height over 300-nm for minimizing the reflection losses in GaAs solar cells.
Description:
Interoperability among multi-vendor substations automation devices, is now achievable due to the introduction of IEC 61850 standard, which allows power system communication between substations. This standard does not mandatorily demands for redundancy in any type of substation neither does it mentions a specific type of substation design application. Ethernet based communication protocols for substation automation systems (SASs) are specified in IEC 61850 standard. The standards include Ethernet based process-level connections between switchyards and control rooms. However, their in-service performance is not well known. Moreover, IEC 61850 demands for a communication topology which is zero point failure proof and provides worthy data transmission rates, without pursuing any delays. In order to achieve these norms, Ethernet architectures must be modelled and analysed in detail. The performance of individual architecture must be analysed in terms of their reliability, availability and efficiency of data transfer. This paper presents the reliability and availability using the reliability block diagrams, along with OPNET network real-time simulations, which shows the efficiency of individual architecture along with comparing and synthesizing the most effective communication topology for the SASs.
Description:
Digital image processing (DIP) technique has been growing rapidly as an essential tool to interpret various image features for many applications of science and engineering. Condition monitoring and diagnosis are considered the main areas that relay on DIP. Frequency response analysis (FRA) technique has become a popular and reliable diagnostic tool in detecting various winding deformations within power transformers. However, interpretation of FRA signatures still requires high expertise because of its reliance on graphical analysis. This paper presents a new technique for the interpretation of transformers FRA signatures. The proposed technique relies on incorporating both magnitude and angle of the FRA signature in one polar plot, which is manipulated to extract some unique features using DIP techniques. The proposed technique can assess in identifying and quantifying various winding deformation within power transformers. The proposed technique is easy to implement in any frequency response analyser.
Description:
Inter-turn short circuit fault is a significant problem in power transformers which if not detected at early stages, can propagate in power networks and eventually burgeon into catastrophic faults and substantial costs. Online frequency response analysis (FRA) is well on its way of becoming a reliable tool for condition monitoring and fault detection of transformer since no disconnection is required to conduct the test. Among the two existing FRA methods, sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA) and impulse frequency response analysis (IFRA), IFRA has reached the potential for online application. This contribution aims to detect interturn short circuit fault through online transfer function monitoring of the power transformer winding using the impulse technique, a method which utilizes a capacitive coupling circuit to inject a controlled high voltage nanosecond pulse into the transformer winding. To this end, 3D finite element electromagnetic analysis and transformer equivalent high frequency electrical model have been used as auxiliary tools to precisely emulate the real transformer operation and investigate the impact of inter-turn short-circuit faults on the transformer equivalent circuit parameters and thereby, transformer online FRA signature. Simulations were performed with two different levels of interturn fault severity. The results show that inter-turn short circuit can be effectively detected with the transformer in service using the impulse method.