Control technique for non-linear and unbalance compensation of an integrated magnetics-based three-phase series-shunt-compensated uninterruptible power supply

Handling unbalanced and non-linear loads in a three-phase AC power supply has always been a difficult issue. This has been addressed in the literature by either using fast controllers in the fundamental rotating reference frame or using separate controllers in reference frames specific to the harmonics. In the former case, the controller needs to be fast and in the lattercase, besides the need for many controllers, negative-sequence components need to be extracted from the measured signal.This study proposes a control scheme for harmonic and unbalance compensation of a three-phase uninterruptible power supply wherein the problems mentioned above are addressed. The control takes place in the fundamental positive-sequence reference frame using only a set of feedback and feed-forward compensators. The harmonic components are extracted by process of frame transformations and used as feed-forward compensation terms in the positive-sequence fundamental reference frame. This study uses a method wherein the measured signal itself is used for fundamental negative-sequence compensation. As the feed-forward compensator handles the high-bandwidth components, the feedback compensator can be a simple low-bandwidth one. This control algorithm is explained and validated experimentally.

A robust three phase power flow algorithm for radial distribution systems

An efficient load flow solution technique is required as a part of the distribution automation (DA) system for taking various control and operations decisions. This paper presents an efficient and robust three phase power flow algorithm for application to radial distribution networks. This method exploits the radial nature of the network and uses forward and backward propagation to calculate branch currents and node voltages. The proposed method has been tested to analyse several practical distribution networks of various voltage levels and also having high R/X ratio. The results for a practical distribution feeder are presented for illustration purposes. The application of the proposed method is also extended to find optimum location for reactive power compensation and network reconfiguration for planning and day-to-day operation of distribution networks.

A Robust Three Phase State Estimation for Distribution Networks

Electric power utilities are installing distribution automation systems (DAS) for better management and control of the distribution networks during the recent past. The success of DAS, largely depends on the availability of reliable database of the control centre and thus requires an efficient state estimation (SE) solution technique. This paper presents an efficient and robust three-phase SE algorithm for application to radial distribution networks. This method exploits the radial nature of the network and uses forward and backward propagation scheme to estimate the line flows, node voltage and loads at each node, based on the measured quantities. The SE cannot be executed without adequate number of measurements. The extension of the method to the network observability analysis and bad data detection is also discussed. The proposed method has been tested to analyze several practical distribution networks of various voltage levels and also having high R:X ratio of lines. The results for a typical network are presented for illustration purposes. © 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous refolding and purification of recombinant proteins by macro-(affinity ligand) facilitated three-phase partitioning

A strategy called macro-(affinity ligand) facilitated three-phase partitioning (MLFTPP) is described for refolding of a diverse set of recombinant proteins starting from the solubilized inclusion bodies. It essentially consists of: (i) binding of the protein with a suitable smart polymer and (ii) precipitating the polymer-protein complex as an interfacial layer by mixing in a suitable amount of ammonium sulfate and t-butanol. Smart polymers are stimuli-responsive polymers that become insoluble on the application of a suitable stimulus (e.g., a change in the temperature, pH, or concentration of a chemical species such as Ca 2+ or K +). The MLFTPP process required approximately 10min, and the refolded proteins were found to be homogeneous on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The folded proteins were characterized by fluorescence emission spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, biological activity, melting temperature, and surface hydrophobicity measurements by 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate fluorescence. Two refolded antibody fragments were also characterized by measuring K D by Biacore by using immobilized HIV-1 gp120. The data demonstrate that MLFTPP is a rapid and convenient procedure for refolding a variety of proteins from inclusion bodies at high concentration. Although establishing the generic nature of the approach would require wider trials by different groups, its success with the diverse kinds of proteins tried so far appears to be promising.

Simplified implementation of space vector PWM strategies for a three level inverter

Space vector based PWM strategies for three-level inverters have a broader choice of switching sequences to generate the required reference vector than triangle comparison based PWM techniques. However, space vector based PWM involves numerous steps which are computationally intensive. A simplified algorithm is proposed here, which is shown to reduce the computation time significantly. The developed algorithm is used to implement synchronous and asynchronous conventional space vector PWM, synchronized modified space vector PWM and an asynchronous advanced bus-clamping PWM technique on a low-cost dsPIC digital controller. Experimental results are presented for a comparative evaluation of the performance of different PWM methods.

Analytical Expression for RMS DC Link Capacitor Current in a Three-Level Inverter

An analytical expression is derived for calculating the rms current through the DC link capacitor in a three level inverter. The output current of the inverter is assumed to sinusoidal. Variations in the capacitor rms current with modulation index as well as line side power factor are studied. The worst case current stress on the capacitor is determined. This is required for sizing the capacitor and is useful for predicting the capacitor losses and life. The analytical expression derived is validated through simulations and experimental results at a number of operating points.

Estimation of Series Capacitance for a Three-Phase Transformer Winding From Its Measured Frequency Response

Recently, authors published a method to indirectly measure series capacitance (C-s) of a single, isolated, uniformly wound transformer winding, from its measured frequency response. The next step was to implement it on an actual three-phase transformer. This task is not as straightforward as it might appear at first glance, since the measured frequency response on a three-phase transformer is influenced by nontested windings and their terminal connections, core, tank, etc. To extract the correct value of C-s from this composite frequency response, the formulation has to be reworked to first identify all significant influences and then include their effects. Initially, the modified method and experimental results on a three-phase transformer (4 MVA, 33 kV/433 V) are presented along with results on the winding considered in isolation (for cross validation). Later, the method is directly implemented on another three-phase unit (3.5 MVA, 13.8 kV/765 V) to show repeatability.

Hysteresis current controller for a general n-level inverter fed drive with online current error boundary computation and nearly constant switching frequency

A space vector-based hysteresis current controller for any general n-level three phase inverter fed induction motor drive is proposed in this study. It offers fast dynamics, inherent overload protection and low harmonic distortion for the phase voltages and currents. The controller performs online current error boundary calculations and a nearly constant switching frequency is obtained throughout the linear modulation range. The proposed scheme uses only the adjacent voltage vectors of the present sector, similar to space vector pulse-width modulation and exhibits fast dynamic behaviour under different transient conditions. The steps involved in the boundary calculation include the estimation of phase voltages from the current ripple, computation of switching time and voltage error vectors. Experimental results are given to show the performance of the drive at various speeds, effect of sudden change of the load, acceleration, speed reversal and validate the proposed advantages.

Space-Vector-Based Hybrid Pulsewidth Modulation Techniques for a Three-Level Inverter

Novel switching sequences have been proposed recently for a neutral-point-clamped three-level inverter, controlled effectively as an equivalent two-level inverter. It is shown that the four novel sequences can be grouped into two pairs of sequences. Using each pair of sequences, a hybrid pulsewidth modulation (PWM) technique is proposed, which deploys the two sequences in appropriate spatial regions to reduce the current ripple. Further, a third hybrid PWM technique is proposed which uses all the five sequences (including the conventional sequence) in appropriate spatial regions. Each proposed hybrid PWM is shown, both analytically and experimentally, to outperform its constituent PWM methods in terms of harmonic distortion. In particular, the third proposed hybrid PWM reduces the total harmonic distortion considerably at low- and high-speed ranges of a constant volts-per-hertz induction motor drive, compared to centered space vector PWM.

Calculation of three-phase methane-ethane binary clathrate hydrate phase equilibrium from Monte Carlo molecular simulations

Methane and ethane are the simplest hydrocarbon molecules that can form clathrate hydrates. Previous studies have reported methods for calculating the three-phase equilibrium using Monte Carlo simulation methods in systems with a single component in the gas phase. Here we extend those methods to a binary gas mixture of methane and ethane. Methane-ethane system is an interesting one in that the pure components form sII clathrate hydrate whereas a binary mixture of the two can form the sII clathrate. The phase equilibria computed from Monte Carlo simulations show a good agreement with experimental data and are also able to predict the sI-sII structural transition in the clathrate hydrate. This is attributed to the quality of the TIP4P/Ice and TRaPPE models used in the simulations. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pattern-Formation During Self-organization in Three-Phase Eutectic Solidification

Eutectic growth is an interesting example for exploring the topic of pattern-formation in multi-phase systems, where the growth of the phases is coupled with the diffusive transport of one or more components in the melt. While in the case of binary alloys, the number of possibilities are limited (lamellae, rods, labyrinth etc.), their number rapidly increases with the number of components and phases. In this paper, we will investigate pattern formation during three-phase eutectic solidification using a state-of-the art phase-field method based on the grand-canonical density formulation. The major aim of the study is to highlight the role of two properties, which are the volume fraction of the solid phases and the solid-liquid interfacial energies, in the self-organization of the solid phases during directional growth. Thereafter, we will show representative phase-field simulations of a micro-structure in a real alloy (Ag-Al-Cu) using an asymmetric phase diagram as well as interfacial properties.

Stress-strain fields and the effectiveness shear properties for three-phase composites with imperfect interface

Based on the 'average stress in the matrix' concept of Mori and Tanaka (:Mori, T., Tanaka, K., 1973. Average stress in matrix and average elastic energy of materials with misfitting inclusion. Acta Metall. 21, 571-580) a micromechanical model is presented for the prediction of the elastic fields in coated inclusion composites with imperfect interfaces. The solutions of the effective elastic moduli for this kind of composite are also obtained. In two kinds of composites with coated particulates and fibers, respectively, the interface imperfections are takes to the assumption that the interface displacement discontinues are linearly related to interface tractions like a spring layer of vanishing thickness. The resulting effective shear modulus for each material and the stress fields in the composite are presented under a transverse shear loading situation.

An exact solution for the three-phase piezoelectric cylinder model under antiplane shear and its applications to piezoelectric composites

A three-phase piezoelectric cylinder model is proposed and an exact solution is obtained for the model under a farfield antiplane mechanical load and a far-field inplane electrical load. The three-phase model can serve as a fiber/interphase layer/matrix model, in terms of which a lot of interesting mechanical and electrical coupling phenomena induced by the interphase layer are revealed. It is found that much more serious stress and electrical field concentrations occur in the model with the interphase layer than those without any interphase layer. The three-phase model can also serve as a fiber/matrix/composite model, in terms of which a generalized self-consistent approach is developed for predicting the effective electroelastic moduli of piezoelectric composites. Numerical examples are given and discussed in detail.

An In-Situ Observation On Initial Aggregation Process Of Colloidal Particles Near Three-Phase Contact Line Of Air, Water And Vertical Substrate

The self-assembling process near the three-phase contact line of air, water and vertical substrate is widely used to produce various kinds of nanostructured materials and devices. We perform an in-situ observation on the self-assembling process in the vicinity of the three phase contact line. Three kinds of aggregations, i.e. particle-particle aggregation, particle-chain aggregation and chain-chain aggregation, in the initial stage of vertical deposition process are revealed by our experiments. It is found that the particle particle aggregation and the particle-chain aggregation can be qualitatively explained by the theory of the capillary immersion force and mirror image force, while the chain-chain aggregation leaves an opening question for the further studies. The present study may provide more deep insight into the self-assembling process of colloidal particles.