Surface determination of the air-earth electrical current density using co-located sensors of different geometry

A vertical conduction current flows in the atmosphere as a result of the global atmospheric electric circuit. The current at the surface consists of the conduction current and a locally generated displacement current, which are often approximately equal in magnitude. A method of separating the two currents using two collectors of different geometry is investigated. The picoammeters connected to the collectors have a RC time constant of approximately 3 s, permitting the investigation of higher frequency air-earth current changes than previously achieved. The displacement current component of the air-earth current derived from the instrument agrees with calculations using simultaneous data from a co-located fast response electric field mill. The mean value of the nondisplacement current measured over 9 h was 1.76 +/- 0.002 pA m(-2). (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.

Critical evaluation of FBD, pq and CPT current decompositions for four-wire circuits

This paper investigates the major similarities and discrepancies of three important current decompositions proposed for the interpretation of unbalanced and/or non linear three-phase four-wire circuits. The considered approaches were the so-called FBD Theory, the pq-Theory and the CPT. Although the methods are based on different concepts, the results obtained under ideal conditions (sinusoidal and balanced signals) are very similar. The main differences appear in the presence of unbalanced and non linear load conditions. It will be demonstrated and discussed how the choice of the voltage referential and the return conductor impedance can influence in the resulting current components, as well as, the way of interpreting a power circuit with return conductor. Under linear unbalanced conditions, both FBD and pq-Theory suggest that the some current components contain a third-order harmonic. Besides, neither pq-Theory nor FBD method are able to provide accurate information for reactive current under unbalanced and distorted conditions, what seems to be done by means of the CPT. © 2009 IEEE.

Selective current compensators based on the conservative power theory

This paper presents possible selective current compensation strategies based on the Conservative Power Theory (CPT). This recently proposed theory, introduces the concept of complex power conservation under non-sinusoidal conditions. Moreover, the related current decompositions results in several current terms, which are associated with a specific physical phenomena (power absorption P, energy storage Q, voltage and current distortion D). Such current components are used in this work for the definition of different current compensators, which can be selective in terms of minimizing particular disturbing effects. The choice of one or other current component for compensation directly affects the sizing and cost of active and/or passive devices and it will be demonstrated that it can be done to attend predefined limits for harmonic distortion, unbalances and/or power factor. Single-phase compensation strategies will be discussed by means of the CPT and simulation results will demonstrate their performance. © 2009 IEEE.

A comparative analysis of FBD, PQ and CPT current decompositions - Part II: Three-phase four-wire systems

This paper investigates the major similarities and discrepancies among three important current decompositions proposed for the interpretation of unbalanced and/or non linear three-phase four-wire power circuits. The considered approaches were the so-called FBD Theory, the pq-Theory and the CPT. Although the methods are based on different concepts, the results obtained under ideal conditions (sinusoidal and balanced signals) are very similar. The main differences appear in the presence of unbalanced and non linear load conditions. It will be demonstrated and discussed how the choice of the voltage referential and the return conductor impedance can influence in the resulting current components, as well as, the way of interpreting a power circuit with return conductor. Under linear unbalanced conditions, both FBD and pq-Theory suggest that the some current components contain a third-order harmonic. Besides, neither pq-Theory nor FBD method are able to provide accurate information for reactive current under unbalanced and distorted conditions, what can be done by means of the CPT. © 2009 IEEE.

Theoretical Maximum Limits on Power-Handling Capacity of HVDC Cables

In the case of an ac cable, power transmission is limited by the length of the cable due to the capacitive reactive current component. It is well known that high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables do not have such limitations. However, insulation-related thermal problems pose a limitation on the power capability of HVDC cables. The author presents a viable theoretical development, a logical extension to Whitehead's theory on thermal limitations of the insulation. The computation of the maximum power-carrying capability of HVDC cables subject to limits on the maximum operable temperature of the insulation is presented. The limitation on the power-carrying capability is closely associated with the electrothermal insulation failure. The effect of environmental interaction by way of external thermal resistance, an important aspect, is also considered in the formulations. The Lagrange multiplier method has been used to handle the ensuing optimization problem. The theory is based on an accepted theory of thermal breakdown in insulation and is an important and a coherent extension of great significance.

Statistics of Turbulence in Benthal Boundary Layers

This paper deals with turbulence behavior inbenthalboundarylayers by means of large eddy simulation (LES). The flow is modeled by moving an infinite plate in an otherwise quiescent water with an oscillatory and a steady velocity components. The oscillatory one aims to simulate wave effect on the flow. A number of large-scale turbulence databases have been established, based on which we have obtained turbulencestatisticsof the boundarylayers, such as Reynolds stress, turbulence intensity, skewness and flatness ofturbulence, and temporal and spatial scales of turbulent bursts, etc. Particular attention is paid to the dependences of those statistics on two nondimensional parameters, namely the Reynolds number and the current-wave velocity ratio defined as the steady current velocity over the oscillatory velocity amplitude. It is found that the Reynolds stress and turbulence intensity profile differently from phase to phase, and exhibit two types of distributions in an oscillatory cycle. One is monotonic occurring during the time when current and wave-induced components are in the same direction, and the other inflectional occurring during the time when current and wave-induced components are in opposite directions. Current component makes an asymmetrical time series of Reynolds stress, as well as turbulence intensity, although the mean velocity series is symmetrical as a sine/cosine function. The skewness and flatness variations suggest that the turbulence distribution is not a normal function but approaches to a normal one with the increasing of Reynolds number and the current-wave velocity ratio as well. As for turbulent bursting, the dimensionless period and the mean area of all bursts per unit bed area tend to increase with Reynolds number and current-wave velocity ratio, rather than being constant as in steady channel flows.

The influence of water motion on the growth rate of the kelp Laminaria hyperborea

The kelp Laminaria hyperborea is a dominant component of the subtidal nearshore ecosystem and is subjected to a heterogeneous wave and current climate. Water motion is known to influence physiological processes in macroalgae such as photosynthesis and nutrient uptake attributed to mass-transfer limitation. The study attempts to establish the effect of water motion on the growth rates of blades and elongation rates of the stipes of L. hyperborea at adjacent wave-exposed and wave-sheltered locations over a 12month period from field observations. The observations were supported by detailed physical and chemical measurements (light, temperature, seawater nutrient concentrations and hydrodynamics) and of tissue carbon and nitrogen concentrations together with δ¹³carbon. Despite a 30% difference in the root mean square of the velocity (Vel_rms) between the two survey locations, there was no evidence to suggest that water motion had any direct influence on the growth rates of either the blades or elongation of stipes of L. hyperborea. No significant differences were observed between either environmental or plant physiological variables between the sheltered and exposed locations. Using an integral velocity parameter (Vel_rms) the present study also highlighted the importance of the tidally induced current component of water flow in the subtidal zone. 

Harmonic, reactive and unbalance compensation by means of CPT framework

This paper presents possible selective current compensation strategies based on the Conservative Power Theory (CPT). This recently proposed theory, introduces the concept of complex power conservation under non-sinusoidal conditions. Moreover, the related current decompositions results in several current terms, which are associated with a specific physical phenomena (power absorption P, energy storage Q, voltage and current distortion D). Such current components are used in this work for the definition of different current compensators, which can be selective in terms of minimizing particular disturbing effects. The choice of one or other current component for compensation directly affects the sizing and cost of active and/or passive devices and it will be demonstrated that it can be done to attend predefined limits for harmonic distortion, unbalances and/or power factor. Single and three-phase compensation strategies will be discussed by means of the CPT Framework. Simulation and experimental results will be demonstrated in order to validate their performance. © 2009 IEEE.

Técnica de projeto de controlador fuzzy aplicada ao acionamento vetorial de motor de indução

Este trabalho investiga uma estratégia de controle fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno aplicada ao controle de velocidade do motor de indução. A estratégia implementa uma interpolação ponderada entre um conjunto de controladores locais previamente projetados. Ao ocorrer variações nas condições operacionais do motor de indução, os ganhos da lei de controle são ajustados automaticamente, de modo a manter satisfatório o desempenho do sistema de controle. Para o projeto do controlador fuzzy a representação em espaço de estados da planta foi considerada sob a forma de um sistema aumentado, incluindo-se uma nova variável de estado que, nesse caso, foi selecionada como sendo a integral do erro de velocidade. Tal formulação permitiu o projeto de controladores locais com a estrutura PI, através de realimentação completa de estados, com posicionamento de pólos. Como variáveis de operação para o chaveamento fuzzy dos controladores locais, foram selecionados as variáveis velocidade angular do rotor e a componente da corrente de estator responsável pelo torque elétrico do motor. Em seguida, a estabilidade do controlador fuzzy Takagi- Sugeno projetado foi comprovada através do critério de Lyapunov, para isso o problema de estabilidade foi escrito na forma de LMIs. O desempenho do controlador fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno foi avaliado através de estudos de simulação, e seus resultados comparados ao desempenho de um controlador PI convencional, para a regulação da velocidade do rotor. Os resultados obtidos nas simulações mostram que o emprego da estratégia proposta torna o sistema mais robusto a variações paramétricas no sistema de acionamento.

Análise bidimensional dos efeitos das descargas atmosféricas em cabos OPGW utilizando o método ADI-FDTD

Neste trabalho é analisado o comportamento da densidade de corrente em cabos OPGW quando submetidos a descargas atmosféricas. Para esta análise, foram aplicados dois modelos de corrente, uma vez que a descarga atmosférica tem duas componentes principais que causam mais danos aos cabos em geral: a componente impulsiva e a componente contínua. O método numérico utilizado para as simulações computacionais é o método ADI-FDTD (Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo de Direções Alternadas Implícitas), o qual é truncado pela técnica CPML (Convolutional Perfectly Matched Layers). Com base no comportamento da corrente no cabo, é feita uma avaliação para determinar qual das duas componentes de descarga atmosférica pode causar mais danos aos cabos OPGW.

Otimização do braço inferior da suspensão dianteira do veículo Baja utilizando o método dos elementos finitos

Mass reduction coupled with the mechanical performance in service has been the goal of many projects related to the transport area, considering the advantages that mass reduction can bring. However, make a simple material substitution without design a new geometry to corroborate for the best component performance, often makes the replacement unviable. In this study, it was investigated the advantages of replacing the prototype BAJA SAE front suspension lower arm of Equipe Piratas do Vale de BAJA SAE - Universidade Paulista, Campus Guaratinguetá, actually produced with steel, for a new component made of carbon fiber composite. The new geometry has been developed to provide the best possible performance for this component and your easy manufacturing. The study was done using the 3D modeling tools and computer simulations via finite element method. The first stage of this work consisted on calculation of the estimated maximum contact force tire / soil in a prototype landing after jump at one meter high, drop test in the laboratory with the current vehicle, current front suspension lower arm 3D modeling, finite element simulation and analysis of critical regions. After all current component analysis, a new geometry for the part in study was designed and simulated in order to reduce the component mass and provide a technological innovation using composite materials. With this work it was possible to obtain a theoretical component mass reduction of 25,15% maintaining the mechanical strength necessary for the appropriated component performance when incited

Hopping-tunneling model to describe electric charge injection at metal/organic semiconductor heterojunctions

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Controle flexível para conversores monofásicos conectados a sistemas elétricos distorcidos de baixa tensão

This paper presents a technique to add flexibility in the control of power electronic converters. The power converter can function as an active power filter, as a local power source interface or perform both functions i. e. mitigate current disturbances and inject power into the grid simultaneously, configuring it as a multifunctional device. The main goal is to extract the full capability of the grid connected power electronic converter to achieve maximum benefits. To achieve this goal, the orthogonal current decomposition of the Conservative Power Theory is used. Each orthogonal current component is weighted by means of different compensation factors (k_i), which are set instantaneously and independently, in any percentage by means of the load performance factors (λ_i), providing an online flexibility in relation to compensation objectives. Finally, to validate the effectiveness and performance the proposed approach, simulations and experimental results are presented.

Video documental biográfico de Eliécer Cárdenas Espinoza y su labor como editorialista de diario El Tiempo: Técnicas y Métodos periodísticos audiovisuales

Presentar en un Video Documental Biográfico, la trayectoria periodística de Eliécer Cárdenas Espinoza como editorialista y articulista en Diario el Tiempo. Además se complementara esta investigación no sólo a través de su lado profesional, también como el hombre de familia y amigo. De igual manera, se podrá visualizar el papel que cumple como Gestor Cultural, Cronista de la ciudad y literato, en el que nos habla de su principal obra Polvo y Ceniza. El video también pone énfasis en la labor que cumple el periodista, el papel de las universidades en la formación de los futuros comunicadores, las nuevas tecnologías que invaden el campo de la comunicación y el futuro del periodismo en las sociedades actuales. El proyecto cuenta con la intervención de docentes y periodistas especializados en el campo de la comunicación, los mismos que aportaron con valiosos testimonios sobre la trayectoria de nuestro personaje y el componente actual en la información. El objetivo de este proyecto es dejar un registro audiovisual académico realizado a base de técnicas y métodos periodísticos muy bien aplicados.

Kv1.5 is a major component underlying the A-type potassium current in retinal arteriolar smooth muscle.

Little is known about the molecular characteristics of the voltage-activated K(+) (K(v)) channels that underlie the A-type K(+) current in vascular smooth muscle cells of the systemic circulation. We investigated the molecular identity of the A-type K(+) current in retinal arteriolar myocytes using patch-clamp techniques, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and neutralizing antibody studies. The A-type K(+) current was resistant to the actions of specific inhibitors for K(v)3 and K(v)4 channels but was blocked by the K(v)1 antagonist correolide. No effects were observed with pharmacological agents against K(v)1.1/2/3/6 and 7 channels, but the current was partially blocked by riluzole, a K(v)1.4 and K(v)1.5 inhibitor. The current was not altered by the removal of extracellular K(+) but was abolished by flecainide, indicative of K(v)1.5 rather than K(v)1.4 channels. Transcripts encoding K(v)1.5 and not K(v)1.4 were identified in freshly isolated retinal arterioles. Immunofluorescence labeling confirmed a lack of K(v)1.4 expression and revealed K(v)1.5 to be localized to the plasma membrane of the arteriolar smooth muscle cells. Anti-K(v)1.5 antibody applied intracellularly inhibited the A-type K(+) current, whereas anti-K(v)1.4 antibody had no effect. Co-expression of K(v)1.5 with K(v)beta1 or K(v)beta3 accessory subunits is known to transform K(v)1.5 currents from delayed rectifers into A-type currents. K(v)beta1 mRNA expression was detected in retinal arterioles, but K(v)beta3 was not observed. K(v)beta1 immunofluorescence was detected on the plasma membrane of retinal arteriolar myocytes. The findings of this study suggest that K(v)1.5, most likely co-assembled with K(v)beta1 subunits, comprises a major component underlying the A-type K(+) current in retinal arteriolar smooth muscle cells