Reconfiguration of radial electric power distribution system via a scatter search algorithm

In this paper, to solve the reconfiguration problem of radial distribution systems a scatter search, which is a metaheuristic-based algorithm, is proposed. In the codification process of this algorithm a structure called node-depth representation is used. It then, via the operators and from the electrical power system point of view, results finding only radial topologies. In order to show the effectiveness, usefulness, and the efficiency of the proposed method, a commonly used test system, 135-bus, and a practical system, a part of Sao Paulo state's distribution network, 7052 bus, are conducted. Results confirm the efficiency of the proposed algorithm that can find high quality solutions satisfying all the physical and operational constraints of the problem.

Anodization mechanism on SiC nanoparticle reinforced al matrix composites produced by power metallurgy

Specimens of aluminum-based composites reinforced by silicon carbide nanoparticles (Al/SiCnp) produced by powder metallurgy (PM) were anodized under voltage control in tartaric-sulfuric acid (TSA). In this work, the influence of the amount of SiCnp on the film growth during anodizing was investigated. The current density versus time response and the morphology of the porous alumina film formed at the composite surface are compared to those concerning a commercial aluminum alloy (AA1050) anodized under the same conditions. The processing method of the aluminum alloys influences the efficiency of the anodizing process, leading to a lower thicknesses for the unreinforced Al-PM alloy regarding the AA1050. The current density versus time response is strongly dependent on the amount of SiCnp. The current peaks and the steady-state current density recorded at each voltage step increases with the SiCnp volume fraction due to the oxidation of the SiCnp. The formation mechanism of the anodic film on Al/SiCnp composites is different from that occurring in AA1050, partly due the heterogeneous distribution of the reinforcement particles in the metallic matrix, but also to the entrapment of SiCnp in the anodic film.

A novel single-phase ZCS-PWM high power factor boost rectifier

This paper presents a novel single-phase high power factor PWM boost rectifier, featuring soft commutation of the active switches at zero-current (ZCS). It incorporates the most desirable properties of the conventional PWM and the soft-switching resonant techniques. The input current shaping is achieved with average current mode control, and continuous inductor current mode. This new PWM converter provides ZCS turn-on and turn-off of the active switches, and it is suitable for high power applications employing IGBTs. Principle of operation, theoretical analysis, a design example, and experimental results from a laboratory prototype rated at 1600 W with 400 Vdc output voltage are presented. The measured efficiency and power factor were 96.2% and 0.99 respectively, with an input current THD equal to 3.94%, for an input voltage THD equal to 3.8%, at rated load.