Single-phase high power factor hybrid rectifier suitable for high-power applications

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Single top quark at future hadron colliders: Complete signal and background study

We perform a detailed theoretical study including decays and jet fragmentation of all the important modes of single top quark production and all the basic background processes at the upgraded Fermilab Tevatron and CERN LHC colliders. Special attention is paid to the complete tree level calculation of the QCD fake background which was not considered in previous studies. An analysis of the various kinematical distributions for the signal and backgrounds allow us to work out a set of cuts for an efficient background suppression and extraction of the signal. It is shown that the signal to background ratio after optimized cuts could reach about 0.4 at the Tevatron and 1 at the LHC. The remaining after cuts signal rate at the LHC for the lepton+jets signature is expected to be about 6.1 pb and will be enough to study single top quark physics even during LHC operation at a low luminosity. ©1999 The American Physical Society.

Single production of leptoquarks at the Fermilab Tevatron

We study single production of first generation leptoquarks in association with e± at the Fermilab Tevatron. We focus our attention on final states exhibiting an e+e- pair and jets, and perform a detailed analysis of the signal and background. The single leptoquark production cross section depends on the leptoquark Yukawa coupling to lepton-quark pairs and we show that the study of this mode can extend considerably the leptoquark search for a large range of these couplings. In fact, for Yukawa couplings of electromagnetic strength, the combined results of the Tevatron experiments can exclude the existence of leptoquarks with masses up to 260-285 (370-425) GeV at the run I (run II), depending on their type. ©2000 The American Physical Society.

A low-voltage programmable-gain current-mode amplifier

A CMOS low-voltage, wide-band continuous-time current amplifier is presented. Based on an open-loop topology, the circuit is composed by transresistance and transconductance stages built around triode-operating transistors. In addition to an extended dynamic range, the amplifier gain can be programmed within good accuracy by the rapport between the aspect-ratio of such transistors and tuning biases Vxand Vy. A balanced current-amplifier according to a single I. IV-supply and a 0.35μm fabrication process is designed. Simulated results from PSPiCE and Bsm3v3 models indicate a programmable gain within the range 20-34dB and a minimum break-frequency of IMHz @CL=IpF. For a 200 μApp-level, THD is 0.8% and 0.9% at IKHz and 100KHz, respectively. Input noise is 405pA√Hz @20dB-gain, which gives a SNR of 66dB @1MHz-bandwidth. Maximum quiescent power consumption is 56μ W. © 2002 IEEE.

Eigenvalue analyses of two parallel lines using a single real transformation matrix

For a typical non-symmetrical system with two parallel three phase transmission lines, modal transformation is applied using some examples of single real transformation matrices. These examples are applied searching an adequate single real transformation matrix to two parallel three phase transmission line systems. The analyses are started with the eigenvector and eigenvalue studies, using Clarke's transformation or linear combinations of Clarke's elements. The Z C and parameters are analyzed for the case that presents the smallest errors between the exact eigenvalues and the single real transformation matrix application results. The single real transformation determined for this case is based on Clarke's matrix and its main characteristic is the use of a unique homopolar reference. So, the homopolar mode becomes a connector mode between the two three-phase circuits of the analyzed system. ©2005 IEEE.

Non-transposed three-phase line analyses with a single real transformation matrix

In transmission line transient analyses, a single real transformation matrix can obtain exact modes when the analyzed line is transposed. For non-transposed lines, the results are not exact. In this paper, non-symmetrical and non transposed three-phase line samples are analyzed with a single real transformation matrix application (Clarke's matrix). Some interesting characteristics of this matrix application are: single, real, frequency independent, line parameter independent, identical for voltage and current determination. With Clarke's matrix use, mathematical simplifications are obtained and the developed model can be applied directly in programs based on time domain. This model works without convolution procedures to deal with phase-mode transformation. In EMTP programs, Clarke's matrix can be represented by ideal transformers and the frequency dependent line parameters can be represented by modified-circuits. With these representations, the electrical values at any line point can be accessed for phase domain or mode domain using the Clarke matrix or its inverse matrix. For symmetrical and non-transposed lines, the model originates quite small errors. In addition, the application of the proposed model to the non-symmetrical and non-transposed three phase transmission lines is investigated. ©2005 IEEE.

Correction procedure applied to a single real transformation matrix -Untransposed three-phase transmission line cases

Clarke's matrix has been used as an eigenvector matrix for transposed three-phase transmission lines and it can be applied as a phase-mode transformation matrix for transposed cases. Considering untransposed three-phase transmission lines, Clarke's matrix is not an exact eigenvector matrix. In this case, the errors related to the diagonal elements of the Z and Y matrices can be considered negligible, if these diagonal elements are compared to the exact elements in domain mode. The mentioned comparisons are performed based on the error and frequency scan analyses. From these analyses and considering untransposed asymmetrical three-phase transmission lines, a correction procedure is determined searching for better results from the Clarke's matrix use as a phase-mode transformation matrix. Using the Clarke's matrix, the relative errors of the eigenvalue matrix elements can be considered negligible and the relative values of the off-diagonal elements are significant. Applying the corrected transformation matrices, the relative values of the off-diagonal elements are decreased. The comparisons among the results of these analyses show that the homopolar mode is more sensitive to the frequency influence than the two other modes related to three-phase lines. © 2006 IEEE.

HPF boost interleaved operating in discontinuous conduction mode for trolleybus application

This paper deals with results of a research and development (R&D) project in cooperation with Electric Power Distribution Company in São Paulo (Brazil) regarding the development and experimental analysis of a new concept of power drive system suitable for application in traction systems of electrical vehicles pulled by electrical motors, which can be powered by urban DC or AC distribution networks. The proposed front-end structure is composed by five boost power cells in interleaving connection, operating in discontinuous conduction mode as AC-DC converter, or as DC-DC converter, in order to provide the proper DC output voltage range required by DC or AC adjustable speed drivers. Therefore, when supplied by single-phase AC distribution networks, and operating as AC-DC converter, it is capable to provide high power factor, reduced harmonic distortion in the input current, complying with the restrictions imposed by the IEC 61000-3-4 standards resulting in significant improvements for the trolleybuses systems efficiency and for the urban distribution network costs. Considering the compliance with input current restrictions imposed by IEC 61000-3-4 standards, two digital control strategies were evaluated. The digital controller has been implemented using a low cost FPGA (XC3S200) and developed totally using a hardware description language VHDL and fixed point arithmetic. Experimental results from a 15 kW low power scale prototype operating in DC and AC conditions are presented, in order to verify the feasibility and performance of the proposed system. © 2009 IEEE.

A novel single-phase hpf hybrid rectifier suitable for front-end trolleybus systems

This paper proposal presents the development and the experimental analysis of a new single-phase hybrid rectifier structure with high power factor (PF) and low harmonic distortion of current (THDI), suitable for application in traction systems of electrical vehicles pulled by electrical motors (trolleybus), which are powered by urban distribution network. This front-end rectifier structure is capable of providing significant improvements in trolleybuses systems and in the urban distribution network costs, and efficiency. The proposed structure is composed by an ordinary single-phase diode rectifier with parallel connection of a switched converter. It is outlined that the switched converter is capable of composing the input line current waveform assuring high power factor (HPF) and low THDI, as well as ordinary front-end converter. However, the power rating of the switched converter is about 34% of the total output power, assuring robustness and reliability. Therefore, the proposed structure was named single-phase HPF hybrid rectifier. A prototype rated at 15kW was developed and analyzed in laboratory. It was found that the input line current harmonic spectrum is in accordance with the harmonic limits imposed by IEC61000-3-4. The principle of operation, the mathematical analysis, the PWM control strategy, and experimental results of a 15kW prototype are also presented in this paper. © 2009 IEEE.

Distributed generation modelling for unbalanced three-phase power flow calculations in smart grids

Distributed Generators (DG) are generally modeled as PQ or PV buses in power flow studies. But in order to integrate DG units into the distribution systems and control the reactive power injection it is necessary to know the operation mode and the type of connection to the system. This paper presents a single-phase and a three-phase mathematical model to integrate DG in power flow calculations in distribution systems, especially suited for Smart Grid calculations. If the DG is in PV mode, each step of the power flow algorithm calculates the reactive power injection from the DG to the system to keep the voltage in the bus in a predefined level, if the DG is in PQ mode, the power injection is considered as a negative load. The method is tested on two well known test system, presenting single-phase results on 85 bus system, and three-phase results in the IEEE 34 bus test system. © 2011 IEEE.

Single-phase current-source-boost inverter for renewable energy sources

This paper presents a new methodology for the operation and control of a single-phase current-source (CS) Boost Inverter, considering that the conventional CS boost inverter has a right-half-plane (RHP) zero in its control-to-output transfer function, and this RHP zero causes the known non-minimum-phase effects. In this context, a special design with low boost inductance and a multi-loop control is developed in order to assure stable and very fast dynamics. Furthermore, the proposed inverter presents output voltage with very low total harmonic distortion (THD), reduced components and high power density. Therefore, this paper presents the inverter operation, the proposed control technique, the main simulation results and a prototype in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposal. © 2011 IEEE.

Integrated single-stage converters with Tri-state modulation suitable for photovoltaic systems

The aim of this work is to present two topological simplified converters named Tri-state Boost and Tri-state Buck-Boost integrated single-phase inverters. An important operation capability can be achieved for these converters using a Tri-state Modulation control scheme. This is the inductive power decoupling and the independent input output control. These features are directly related with the photovoltaic micro-converter needs, improving efficiency, cost and mainly lifetime. These features for the proposed modulation are confirmed through experimental results. © 2011 IEEE.

Life mode of in situ Conularia in a Middle Devonian epibole

Exceptionally abundant specimens of Conularia aff. desiderata Hall occur in multiple marine obrution deposits, in a single sixth-order parasequence composed of argillaceous and silty very fine sandstone, in the Otsego Member of the Mount Marion Formation (Middle Devonian, Givetian) in eastern New York State, USA. Associated fossils consist mostly of rhynchonelliform brachiopods but also include bivalve molluscs, orthoconic nautiloids, linguliform brachiopods and gastropods. Many of the brachiopods, bivalve molluscs and conulariids have been buried in situ. Conulariids buried in situ are oriented with their aperture facing obliquely upward and with their long axis inclined at up to 87degree to bedding. Most specimens are solitary, but some occur in V-like pairs or in radial clusters consisting of three specimens, with the component specimens being about equally long or (less frequently) substantially different in length. The compacted apical end of Conularia buried in situ generally rests upon argillaceous sandstone. With one possible exception, none of the examined specimens terminates in a schott (apical wall), and internal schotts appear to be absent. The apical ends of specimens in V-like pairs and radial clusters show no direct evidence of interconnection of their periderms. The apical, middle or apertural region of some inclined specimens abuts or is in close lateral proximity to a recumbent conulariid or to one or more spiriferid brachiopods, some of which have been buried in their original life orientation. The azimuthal bearings of Conularia and nautiloid long axes and the directions in which conulariids open are nonrandom, with conulariids being preferentially aligned between 350 and 50degree and with their apertural end facing north-east, and nautiloids being preferentially aligned between 30 and 70degree. Otsego Member Conularia were erect or semi-erect, epifaunal or partially infaunal animals, the apical end of which rested upon very fine bottom sediment. The origin of V-like pairs and radial clusters remains enigmatic, but it is probable that production of schotts was not a regular feature of this animal's life history. Finally, conulariids and associated fauna were occasionally smothered by distal storm deposits, under the influence of relatively weak bottom currents. © The Palaeontological Association.

Influence of air abrasion tips and operation modes on enamel-cutting characteristics

Objective: To assess the influence of air abrasion tips and system operation modes on enamel cutting. Methods: Forty bovine teeth were abraded with the air abrasion system Mach 4.1 for 10 and 15 seconds, employing conventional and sonic tips of 0.45-mm inner diameter and a 90° angle, and 27.5-μm aluminum oxide at 5.51 bar air pressure in continuous and pulsed modes. The width and depth of the resulting cuts were measured in SEM. Results: The multivariate analysis of variances revealed that, compared to the sonic tip, the conventional tip produced shallower cuts independent of the operation mode and the application period. Conclusions: The cutting patterns observed in this study suggest that the pulsed mode produced deeper cuts when both the conventional and sonic tips were used, and that the sonic tip cut more dental tissue than the conventional one.

Durability of Adhesion between Feldspathic Ceramic and Resin Cements: Effect of Adhesive Resin, Polymerization Mode of Resin Cement, and Aging

Purpose: Adhesive cementation is an important step for restorations made of feldspathic ceramic as it increases the strength of such materials. Incorrect selection of the adhesive resin and the resin cement to adhere to the ceramic surface and their durability against aging can affect the adhesion between these materials and the clinical performance. This study evaluated the effect of adhesive resins with different pHs, resin cements with different polymerization modes, and aging on the bond strength to feldspathic ceramic. Materials and Methods: One surface of feldspathic ceramic blocks (VM7) (N = 90) (6.4 × 6.4 × 4.8 mm3) was conditioned with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 20 seconds, washed/dried, and silanized. Three adhesive resins (Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus [SBMP], pH: 5.6; Single Bond [SB], pH: 3.4; and Prime&Bond NT [NT], pH: 1.7) were applied on the ceramic surfaces (n = 30 per adhesive). For each adhesive group, three resin cements with different polymerization modes were applied (n = 10 per cement): photo-polymerized (Variolink II base), dual polymerized (Variolink II base + catalyst), and chemically polymerized (C&B). The bonded ceramic blocks were stored in water (37°C) for 24 hours and sectioned to produce beam specimens (cross-sectional bonded area: 1 ± 0.1 mm2). The beams of each block were randomly divided into two conditions: Dry, microtensile test immediately after cutting; TC, test was performed after thermocycling (12,000×, 5°C to 55°C) and water storage at 37°C for 150 days. Considering the three factors of the study (adhesive [3 levels], resin cement [3 levels], aging [2 levels]), 18 groups were studied. The microtensile bond strength data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (α= 0.05). Results: Adhesive resin type (p < 0.001) and the resin cement affected the mean bond strength (p= 0.0003) (3-way ANOVA). The NT adhesive associated with the chemically polymerized resin cement in both dry (8.8 ± 6.8 MPa) and aged conditions (6.9 ± 5.9 MPa) presented statistically lower bond strength results, while the SBMP adhesive resin, regardless of the resin cement type, presented the highest results (15.4 to 18.5 and 14.3 to 18.9 MPa) in both dry and aged conditions, respectively (Tukey's test). Conclusion: Application of a low-pH adhesive resin onto a hydrofluoric acid etched and silanized feldspathic ceramic surface in combination with chemically polymerized resin cement did not deliver favorable results. The use of adhesive resin with high pH could be clinically advised for the photo-, dual-, and chemically polymerized resin cements tested. © 2012 by the American College of Prosthodontists.