Voltage sensing buck converter-based technique for maximum photovoltaic solar energy delivery

A voltage sensing buck converter-based technique for maximum solar power delivery to a load is presented. While retaining the features and advantages of the incremental conductance algorithm, this technique is more desirable because of single sensor use. The technique operates by maximising power at the buck converter output instead of the input.

Half-bridge SIC inverter for hybrid electric vehicles: Design, development and testing at higher operating temperature

In recent years, Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor devices have shown promise for high density power electronic applications, due to their electrical and thermal properties. In this paper, the performance of SiC JFETs for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications is investigated at heatsink temperatures of 100 °C. The thermal runaway characteristics, maximum current density and packaging temperature limitations of the devices are considered and the efficiency implications discussed. To quantify the power density capabilities of power transistors, a novel 'expression of rating' (EoR) is proposed. A prototype single phase, half-bridge voltage source inverter using SiC JFETs is also tested and its performance at 25 °C and 100 °C investigated.

Assessing boost-assist options for turbocharged engines using 1-D engine simulation and model predictive control

Delivering acceptable low end torque and good transient response is a significant challenge for all turbocharged engines. As downsized gasoline engines and Diesel engines make up a larger and larger proportion of the light-duty engines entering the market, the issue takes on greater significance. Several schemes have been proposed to improve torque response in highly boosted engines, including the use of electrical assist turbochargers and compressed air assist. In this paper we examine these methods with respect to their effectiveness in improving transient response and their relative performance along with some of the practical considerations for real world application. Results shown in this paper are from 1-D simulations using the Ricardo WAVE software package. The simulation model is based on a production light-duty Diesel engine modified to allow the introduction of compressed air at various points in the air-path as well as direct torque application to the turbocharger shaft (such as might be available from an electrical assist turbocharger). Whilst the 1-D simulation software provides a suitable environment for investigating the various boost assistance options, the overall air path performance also depends upon the control system. The introduction of boost assistance complicates the control in two significant ways: the system may run into constraints (such as compressor surge) that are not encountered in normal operation and the assistance introduces an additional control input. Production engine controllers are usually based on gain-scheduled PID control and extensive calibration. For this study, the non-linear nature of the engine together with the multiple configurations considered and the slower than real-time execution of 1-D models makes such an approach time consuming. Moreover, an ad-hoc approach would leave some doubt as to the fairness of comparisons between the different boost-assist options. Model Predictive Control has been shown to offer a convenient approach to controlling the 1-D simulations in a close to optimal manner for a typical Diesel VGT-EGR air path configuration. We show that the same technique can be applied to all the considered assistance methods with only modest calibration effort required. Copyright © 2012 SAE International.

Zinc oxide nanowire networks for macroelectronic devices

Highly transparent zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire networks have been used as the active material in thin film transistors (TFTs) and complementary inverter devices. A systematic study on a range of networks of variable density and TFT channel length was performed. ZnO nanowire networks provide a less lithographically intense alternative to individual nanowire devices, are always semiconducting, and yield significantly higher mobilites than those achieved from currently used amorphous Si and organic TFTs. These results suggest that ZnO nanowire networks could be ideal for inexpensive large area electronics. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.

Compact double-side liquid-impingement-cooled integrated power electronic module

This paper presents a compact integrated power electronic module (IPEM) which seeks to overcome the volumetric power density limitations of conventional packaging technologies. A key innovation has been the development of a substrate sandwich structure which permits double side cooling of the embedded dies whilst controlling the mechanical stresses both within the module and at the heat exchanger interface. A 3-phase inverter module has been developed, integrating the sandwich structures with high efficiency impingement coolers, delink capacitance and gate drive units. Full details of the IPEM construction and electrical evaluation are given in the paper. © 2007 IEEE.

Evaluation of two-phase induction motor drives for low-cost applications

An experimental evaluation of small two-phase induction motor drives operating with different inverter topologies is described. Results show that a PWM-based four-switch inverter, having only low-side switches is attractive for high-speed low-cost applications where speeds greater than those that can be obtained using single phase induction motors are required.

A comparison of power losses for small (< 1 kW) induction motor drives adopting squarewave and sinusoidal PWM excitation

In this paper the influence of the form of motor excitation on the performance of a small (< 1 kW) induction motor drive is studied. Two forms of excitation, namely sine waves generated by pulse width modulation and simple square wave are explored. Sine wave excitation gives lower motor losses but increases inverter losses. Conversely, square wave excitation increases motor losses but decreases inverter losses. Losses have been measured directly by calorimetric means or, in the case of the inverter, predicted by a Pspice model that has been verified by calorimetric methods. The work shows that overall, the use of square wave excitation leads to a more efficient drive. © 2004 The Institution of Electrical Engineers.

A comparison of losses in small (<1 kW) drives using sine and space vector pulse width modulation schemes

this paper quantifies effects of using three different pulse width modulation (PWM) schemes on the losses in the inverter and induction motor of a 1 kW drive. Direct measurements of losses have been made with a calorimeter. Results show that for the inverter, discontinuous PWM excitation reduces losses by up to 15% compared to sine and symmetrical space vector PWM methods. However, at a low modulation index the greater harmonic content with discontinuous PWM increased motor losses by nearly 20%. This study demonstrates the importance of careful choice of modulation scheme to achieve high overall drive efficiency. © 2005 IEEE.

Impact of PWM schemes on induction motor losses

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the impact of pulse width modulation (PWM) switching schemes on power losses in induction motors and their inverter drives. The PWM schemes considered include sinusoidal PWM, spacevector PWM and discontinuous PWM. Both experimental results and simulated predictions are presented for fractional horsepower and small integral horsepower motors. Direct loss measurements have been carried out using a calorimetric test rig; detailed simulations of the skewed motors have been carried out using multi-slice time-stepped 2D FEA. The simulated and measured losses under the different modulation schemes are compared and discussed. © 2006 IEEE.

Influence of voltage and frequency dimming on power losses in HF electronic ballasts for compact fluorescent lamps

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) incorporating electronic ballasts are widely used in lighting. In many cases the ability to dim the lamp is a requirement Dimming can be achieved by varying the voltage supplied to the inverter or by changing the switching frequency of the inverter. The effect of dimming by both approaches on the power losses in the inverter is studied in this work. The lamp and associated inverter has been modeled in PSPICE, using a behavioral model for the CFL. Predicted losses are in good agreement with experimental data obtained from calorimetry. The model was then used to determine the distribution of losses within the inverter, enabling a comparison of the effects of the two dimming methods to be made. © 2006 IEEE.

Loss comparison between an SPWM and harmonic elimination excited small, (<1kW) induction motor drive using Pspice simulation and calorimetry

Adopting square wave excitation to drive induction motors (IMs) can substantially reduce inverter switching losses. However, the low-order time harmonics inherent in the output voltage generates parasitic torques that degrade motor performance and reduce efficiency. In this paper, a novel harmonic elimination modulation technique with full voltage control is studied as an interesting and alternative means of operating small (<1kW) IM drives efficiently. A fully verified harmonic elimination scheme, which removes the 5th, 7th, 11th, 13th and 17 th time harmonics, was implemented and applied to an IGBT driven IM. The power losses incurred in the inverter and the IM as a result of the switching scheme have been determined. © 2008 Crown copyright.

A fully integrated 660 MHz low-swing energy-recycling DC-DC converter

A fully integrated 0.18 μm DC-DC buck converter using a low-swing "stacked driver" configuration is reported in this paper. A high switching frequency of 660 MHz reduces filter components to fit on chip, but this suffers from high switching losses. These losses are reduced using: 1) low-swing drivers; 2) supply stacking; and 3) introducing a charge transfer path to deliver excess charge from the positive metal-oxide semiconductor drive chain to the load, thereby recycling the charge. The working prototype circuit converts 2.2 to 0.75-1.0 V at 40-55 mA. Design and simulation of an improved circuit is also included that further improves the efficiency by enhancing the charge recycling path, providing automated zero voltage switching (ZVS) operation, and synchronizing the half-swing gating signals. © 2009 IEEE.