Frequency-adjustable positive sequence detector for power conditioning applications

This paper proposes a novel and simple positive sequence detector (PSD), which is inherently self-adjustable to fundamental frequency deviations by means of a software-based PLL (Phase Locked Loop). Since the proposed positive sequence detector is not based on Fortescue's classical decomposition and no special input filtering is needed, its dynamic response may be as fast as one fundamental cycle. The digital PLL ensures that the positive sequence components can be calculated even under distorted waveform conditions and fundamental frequency deviations. For the purpose of validating the proposed models, the positive sequence detector has been implemented in a PC-based Power Quality Monitor and experimental results illustrate its good performance. The PSD algorithm has also been evaluated in the control loop of a Series Active Filter and simulation results demonstrate its effectiveness in a closed-loop system. Moreover, considering single-phase applications, this paper also proposes a general single-phase PLL and a Fundamental Wave Detector (FWD) immune to frequency variations and waveform distortions. © 2005 IEEE.

Bond strength of hard chairside reline resins to a rapid polymerizing denture base resin before and after thermal cycling

Purpose: This study assessed the shear bond strength of 4 hard chairside reline resins (Kooliner, Tokuso Rebase Fast, Duraliner II, Ufi Gel Hard) to a rapid polymerizing denture base resin (QC-20) processed using 2 polymerization cycles (A or B), before and after thermal cycling. Materials and Methods: Cylinders (3.5 mm x 5.0 mm) of the reline resins were bonded to cylinders of QC-20 polymerized using cycle A (boiling water-20 minutes) or B (boiling water; remove heat-20 minutes; boiling water-20 minutes). For each reline resin/polymerization cycle combination, 10 specimens (groups CAt e CBt) were thermally cycled (5 and 55°C; dwell time 30 seconds; 2,000 cycles); the other 10 were tested without thermal cycling (groups CAwt ad CBwt). Shear bond tests (0.5 mm/min) were performed on the specimens and the failure mode was assessed. Data were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls post-hoc test (α=.05). Results: QC-20 resin demonstrated the lowest bond strengths among the reline materials (P<.05) and mainly failed cohesively. Overall, the bond strength of the hard chairside reline resins were similar (10.09±1.40 to 15.17±1.73 MPa) and most of the failures were adhesive/cohesive (mixed mode). However, Ufi Gel Hard bonded to QC-20 polymerized using cycle A and not thermally cycled showed the highest bond strength (P<.001). When Tokuso Rebase Fast and Duraliner II were bonded to QC-20 resin polymerized using cycle A, the bond strength was increased (P=.043) after thermal cycling. Conclusions: QC-20 displayed the lowest bond strength values in all groups. In general, the bond strengths of the hard chairside reline resins were comparable and not affected by polymerization cycle of QC-20 resin and thermal cycling.

Thermoeconomic model considering the environment impacts on thermoelectric power plants: Natural gas versus diesel

In this paper a comparative analysis of the environmental impact caused by the use of natural gas and diesel in thermoelectric power plants utilizing combined cycle is performed. The objective is to apply a thermoeconomical analysis in order to compare the two proposed fuels. In this analysis, a new methodology that incorporates the economical engineering concept to the ecological efficiency once Cardu and Baica [1, 2], which evaluates, in general terms, the environmental impacts caused by CO2, SO2, NOx and Particulate Matter (PM), adopting as reference the air quality standards in vigour is employed. The thermoeconomic model herein proposed utilizes functional diagrams that allow the minimization the Exergetic Manufacturing Cost, which represents the cost of production of electricity incorporating the environmental impact effects to study the performance of the thermoelectric power plant [3,4], It follows that it is possible to determine the environmental impact caused by thermoelectric power plants and, under the ecological standpoint, the use of natural gas as a fuel is the best option compared to the use of the diesel, presenting ecological efficiency values of 0.944 and 0.914 respectively. From the Exergoeconomic point of view of, it was found out that the EMC (Exergetic Manufacturing Cost) is better when natural gas is used as fuel compared to the diesel fuel. Copyright © 2006 by ASME.

Variable speed refrigeration system with HPF input rectifier stage

This paper is based on the analysis and implementation of a new drive system applied to refrigeration systems, complying with the restrictions imposed by the IEC standards (Harmonic/Flicker/EMI-Electromagnetic Interference restrictions), in order to obtain high efficiency, high power factor, reduced harmonic distortion in the input current and reduced electromagnetic interference, with excellent performance in temperature control of a refrigeration prototype system (automatic control, precision and high dynamic response). The proposal is replace the single-phase motor by a three-phase motor, in the conventional refrigeration system. In this way, a proper control technique can be applied, using a closed-loop (feedback control), that will allow an accurate adjustment of the desirable temperature. The proposed refrigeration prototype uses a 0.5Hp three-phase motor and an open (Belt-Drive) Bitzer IY type compressor. The input rectifier stage's features include the reduction in the input current ripple, the reduction in the output voltage ripple, the use of low stress devices, low volume for the EMI input filter, high input power factor (PF), and low total harmonic distortion (THD) in the input current, in compliance with the IEC61000-3-2 standards. The digital controller for the output three-phase inverter stage has been developed using a conventional voltage-frequency control (scalar V/f control), and a simplified stator oriented Vector control, in order to verify the feasibility and performance of the proposed digital controls for continuous temperature control applied at the refrigerator prototype. ©2008 IEEE.

Planeamiento de la expansión de sistemas de transmisión considerando contingencias y demanda incierta

This paper presents a methodology and a mathematical model to solve the expansion planning problem that takes into account the effect of contingencies in the planning stage, and considers the demand as a stochastic variable within a specified range. In this way, it is possible to find a solution that minimizes the investment costs guarantying reliability and minimizing future load shedding. The mathematical model of the expansion planning can be represented by a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem. To solve this problem a specialized Genetic Algorithm combined with Linear Programming was implemented.

A neural approach to evaluate the effect of lightning in power transformers

This paper proposes the application of computational intelligence techniques to assist complex problems concerning lightning in transformers. In order to estimate the currents related to lightning in a transformer, a neural tool is presented. ATP has generated the training vectors. The input variables used in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were the wave front time, the wave tail time, the voltage variation rate and the output variable is the maximum current in the secondary of the transformer. These parameters can define the behavior and severity of lightning. Based on these concepts and from the results obtained, it can be verified that the overvoltages at the secondary of transformer are also affected by the discharge waveform in a similar way to the primary side. By using the tool developed, the high voltage process in the distribution transformers can be mapped and estimated with more precision aiding the transformer project process, minimizing empirics and evaluation errors, and contributing to minimize the failure rate of transformers. © 2009 The Berkeley Electronic Press. All rights reserved.

Harmonic content identification based on neural method for single phase power systems

An alternative method is presented in this paper to identify the harmonic components of non-linear loads in single phase power systems based on artificial neural networks. The components are identified by analyzing the single phase current waveform in time domain in half-cycle of the ac voltage source. The proposed method is compared to the fast Fourier transform. Simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the proposed approach.

Weak expansions: a distinctive feature of the business cycle in Latin America and the Caribbean

Using two standard cycle methodologies (Classical and Deviation Cycle) and a comprehensive sample of 83 countries worldwide, including all developing regions, we show that the Latin American and Caribbean cycle exhibits two distinctive features. First, and most importantly, its expansion performance is shorter and for the most par less imtense than that of the rest of the regions considered, and in particular than that of East Asia and the Pacific, East Asia and the Pacific's expansions last five years longer than those of LAC, and its output gain is 50% greater than that of LAC. Second, LAC tends to exhibit contractions that are not significantly different in terms of duration and amplitude than t those of other regions. Both these features imply that the complete Latin American and Caribbean cycle has, overall, the shortest duration and smallest amplitude in relation to other regions. The specificities of the Latin American and Caribbean cycle are not confined to the short run. These are also reflected in variables such as productivity and investment, which are linked to long-run growth. East Asia and the Pacific's cumulative gain in labor productivity during the expansionary phase is twice that of LAC. Moreover, the evidence also shows that the effects of the contraction in public investment surpass those of the expansion leading to a declining trend over the entire cycle. In this sense we suggest that policy analysis needs to increase its focus on the expansionary phase of the cycle. Improving our knowledge of the differences in the expansionary dynamics of countries and regions, can further our understanding of the differences in their rates of growth and levels of development. We also suggest that while, the management of the cycle affects the short-run fluctuations of economic activity and hence volatility, it is not trend neutral. Hence, the effects of aggregate demand management policies may be more persistent over time and less transitory than currently thought.

Mathematical decomposition technique applied to the probabilistic power flow problem

In this paper a framework based on the decomposition of the first-order optimality conditions is described and applied to solve the Probabilistic Power Flow (PPF) problem in a coordinated but decentralized way in the context of multi-area power systems. The purpose of the decomposition framework is to solve the problem through a process of solving smaller subproblems, associated with each area of the power system, iteratively. This strategy allows the probabilistic analysis of the variables of interest, in a particular area, without explicit knowledge of network data of the other interconnected areas, being only necessary to exchange border information related to the tie-lines between areas. An efficient method for probabilistic analysis, considering uncertainty in n system loads, is applied. The proposal is to use a particular case of the point estimate method, known as Two-Point Estimate Method (TPM), rather than the traditional approach based on Monte Carlo simulation. The main feature of the TPM is that it only requires resolve 2n power flows for to obtain the behavior of any random variable. An iterative coordination algorithm between areas is also presented. This algorithm solves the Multi-Area PPF problem in a decentralized way, ensures the independent operation of each area and integrates the decomposition framework and the TPM appropriately. The IEEE RTS-96 system is used in order to show the operation and effectiveness of the proposed approach and the Monte Carlo simulations are used to validation of the results. © 2011 IEEE.

Liouville's theorem and power series for quaternionic functions

In recent years quaternionic functions have been an intense and prosperous object of research, and important results were determined [1]-[6]. Some of these results are similar to well known cases in one complex variable, op. cit. [5], [6]. In this paper the hypercomplex expansion of a function in a power series as well as determination of a Liouville's type theorem have been investigated to the quaternionic functions. In this case, it is observed that the Liouville's type theorem is true for second order derivatives, which differs from its classical version. © 2011 Academic Publications, Ltd.

Implementation of a DC-DC converter with variable structure control of switched systems

This paper presents a control method for a class of continuous-time switched systems, using state feedback variable structure controllers. The method is applied to the control of a two-cell dc-dc buck converter and a control circuit design using the software PSpice is proposed. The design is based on Lyapunov-Metzler-SPR systems and the performance of the resulting control system is superior to that afforded by a recently-proposed alternative sliding-mode control technique. The dc-dc power converters are very used in industrial applications, for instance, in power systems of hybrid electric vehicles and aircrafts. Good results were obtained and the proposed design is also inexpensive because it uses electric components that can be easily found for the hardware implementation. Future researches on the subject include the hardware validation of the dc-dc converter controller and the robust control design of switched systems, with structural failures. © 2011 IEEE.

Effect of Cycling Exercise at Different Pedal Cadences on Subsequent Muscle Strength

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

Design and implementation of a dc-dc converter based on variable structure control of switched systems

This paper presents a control method for a class of continuous-time switched systems, using state feedback variable structure controllers. The method is applied to the control of a non-trivial dc-dc power converter and a simple and inexpensive control circuit design, that was simulated using the software PSpice, is proposed. The design is based on Lyapunov-Metzler-SPR systems and the performance of the resulting control system is superior to that afforded by a recently proposed alternative sliding-mode control technique. © 2011 IFAC.

A proposal for reliability evaluation of components on electric power distribution system integrating probabilistic models and fuzzy inference systems

The system reliability depends on the reliability of its components itself. Therefore, it is necessary a methodology capable of inferring the state of functionality of these components to establish reliable indices of quality. Allocation models for maintenance and protective devices, among others, have been used in order to improve the quality and availability of services on electric power distribution systems. This paper proposes a methodology for assessing the reliability of distribution system components in an integrated way, using probabilistic models and fuzzy inference systems to infer about the operation probability of each component. © 2012 IEEE.

Sodium fluoride effect on erosion-abrasion under hyposalivatory simulating conditions

Objectives: To investigate the effect of fluoride (0, 275 and 1250 ppm F; NaF) in combination with normal and low salivary flow rates on enamel surface loss and fluoride uptake using an erosion-remineralization-abrasion cycling model. Design: Enamel specimens were randomly assigned to 6 experimental groups (n = 8). Specimens were individually placed in custom made devices, creating a sealed chamber on the enamel surface, connected to a peristaltic pump. Citric acid was injected into the chamber for 2 min followed by artificial saliva at 0.5 (normal flow) or 0.05 (low flow) ml/min, for 60 min. This cycle was repeated 4×/day, for 5 days. Toothbrushing with abrasive suspensions containing fluoride was performed for 2 min (15 s of actual brushing) 2×/day. Surface loss was measured by optical profilometry. KOH-soluble fluoride and enamel fluoride uptake were determined after the cycling phase. Data were analysed by two-way ANOVA. Results: No significant interactions between fluoride concentration and salivary flow were observed for any tested variable. Low caused more surface loss than normal flow rate (p < 0.01). At both flow rates, surface loss for 0 was higher than for 275, which did not differ from 1250 ppm F. KOH-soluble and structurally-bound enamel fluoride uptake were significantly different between fluoride concentrations with 1250 > 275 > 0 ppm F (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Sodium fluoride reduced enamel erosion/abrasion, although no additional protection was provided by the higher concentration. Higher erosion progression was observed in low salivary flow rates. Fluoride was not able to compensate for the differences in surface loss between flow rates. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.