Finite-Element Time-Step Coupled Generator, Load, AVR and Brushless Exciter Modelling

This paper presented results from a details and comprehensive simulation using finite element method of the practical operation of an electrical machine. The results it displayed have been used in practice to design more efficient equipment.

Synchronous Islanded Operation of a Diesel Generator

The amount of distributed generation connected to the distribution network is increasing. To use this resource more effectively, splitting of the distribution network, or islanding the system, for prevention of power outages is being considered by some utilities. In this paper an islanding method that avoids out-ofsynchronism re-closure is proposed. The island is kept in synchronism with the rest of the utility while it is not electrically connected. This is referred to as synchronous islanded operation. A phase difference control algorithm, developed by the authors, was tested in a single set scenario on a 50-kVA diesel generator using two different governors. These are the “standard product” variable gain governor of the diesel generator and a governor developed by the authors, which utilizes supplementary inputs in addition to engine speed. The results show that phase difference can be controlled within acceptable limits, both in steady state and after load disturbances are applied. The advantages of employing supplementary governor inputs are fully evaluated.

sgen1: A generator of small but difficult satisfiability benchmarks

The satisfiability problem is known to be NP-Complete; therefore, there should be relatively small problem instances that take a very long time to solve. However, most of the smaller benchmarks that were once thought challenging, especially the satisfiable ones, can be processed quickly by modern SAT-solvers. We describe and make available a generator that produces both unsatisfiable and, more significantly, satisfiable formulae that take longer to solve than any others known. At the two most recent international SAT Competitions, the smallest unsolved benchmarks were created by this generator. We analyze the results of all solvers in the most recent competition when applied to these benchmarks and also present our own more focused experiments.

Synchrophasor Broadcast over Internet Protocol for Distributed Generator Synchronization

Synchronous islanded operation involves continuously holding an islanded power network in virtual synchronism with the main power system to aid paralleling and avoid potentially damaging out-of-synchronism reclosure. This requires phase control of the generators in the island and the transmission of a reference signal from a secure location on the main power system. Global positioning system (GPS) time-synchronized phasor measurements transmitted via an Internet protocol (IP) are used for the reference signal. However, while offering low cost and a readily available solution for distribution networks, IP communications have variable latency and are susceptible to packet loss, which can make time-critical control applications difficult. This paper investigates the ability of the phase-control system to tolerate communications latency. Phasor measurement conditioning algorithms that can tolerate latency are used in the phase-control loop of a 50-kVA diesel generator. © 2010 IEEE.

Relativistic plasma surfaces as an efficient second harmonic generator

We report on the characterization of the specular reflection of 50 fs laser pulses in the intensity range 10(17)-10(21)Wcm(-2) obliquely incident with p-polarization onto solid density plasmas. These measurements show that the absorbed energy fraction remains approximately constant and that second harmonic generation (SHG) achieves efficiencies of 22 +/- 8% for intensities approaching 10(21)Wcm(-2). A simple model based on the relativistic oscillating mirror concept reproduces the observed intensity scaling, indicating that this is the dominant process involved for these conditions. This method may prove to be superior to SHG by sum frequency mixing in crystals as it is free from dispersion and retains high spatial coherence at high intensity.

Validation of fixed speed induction generator models for inertial response using wind farm measurements

This paper outlines the use of phasor measurement unit (PMU) records to validate models of fixed speed induction generator (FSIG)-based wind farms during frequency transients. Wind turbine manufacturers usually create their own proprietary models which they can supply to power system utilities for stability studies, subject to confidentiality agreements. However, it is desirable to confirm the accuracy of supplied models with measurements from the particular installation, in order to assess their validity under real field conditions. This is prudent due to possible changes in control algorithms and design retrofits, not accurately reflected or omitted in the supplied model. One important aspect of such models, especially for smaller power systems with limited inertia, is their accuracy during system frequency transients. This paper, therefore, assesses the accuracy of FSIG models with regard to frequency stability, and hence validates a subset of the model dynamics. Such models can then be used with confidence to assess wider system stability implications. The measured and simulated response of a wind farm using doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) technology is also assessed.

Field-programmable true random number generator

True random number generation is crucial in hardware security applications. Proposed is a voltage-controlled true random number generator that is inherently field-programmable. This facilitates increased entropy as a randomness source because there is more than one configuration state which lends itself to more compact and low-power architectures. It is evaluated through electrical characterisation and statistically through industry-standard randomness tests. To the best of the author's knowledge, it is one of the most efficient designs to date with respect to hardware design metrics.