Theoretical and Experimental Evaluation of Pulsating Torque Produced by Induction Motor Drives Controlled With Advanced Bus-Clamping Pulsewidth Modulation

This paper investigates possible reduction of pulsating torque in open-loop and vector-controlled induction motor drives through deployment of certain advanced bus-clamping pulsewidth modulation (ABCPWM) method. Toward this goal, a simple and machine-independent method is proposed to analyze the torque harmonic spectrum of a voltage source inverter fed induction motor, operated with any real-time pulsewidth modulation (PWM) method. The analytically evaluated torque harmonic spectra, pertaining to conventional space vector PWM (CSVPWM), bus-clamping PWM (BCPWM), and ABCPWM, are validated through simulation and experimental results. Theoretical and experimental studies bring out the superiority of the ABCPWM in terms of torque harmonics over CSVPWM and BCPWM. The magnitude of the dominant torque harmonic with the ABCPWM scheme is shown to be significantly lower than that with CSVPWM, over a wide range of speed. The rms torque ripple (i.e., total rms value of all harmonic torques) is lower with ABCPWM than with BCPWM over the entire range of speed.

Space-Vector-Based Hybrid PWM Technique to Reduce Peak-to-Peak Torque Ripple in Induction Motor Drives

Constant-volts-per-hertz induction motor drives and vector-controlled induction motor drives utilize pulsewidth modulation (PWM) to control the voltage applied on the motor. The method of PWM influences the pulsations in the torque developed by the motor. A space-vector-based approach to PWM facilitates special switching sequences involving the division of active state time. This paper proposes a space-vector-based hybrid PWM technique, which is a combination of the conventional and special switching sequences. The proposed hybrid PWM technique results in a lower peak-to-peak torque ripple than conventional space vector PWM(CSVPWM) at high speeds of an induction motor drive. Furthermore, the magnitude of the dominant torque harmonic due to the proposed hybrid PWM is significantly lower than that due to CSVPWM at high speeds of the drive. Experimental results from a 3.75-kW sensorless vector-controlled induction motor drive under various load conditions are presented to support analytical and simulation results.

Enzyme induction in Neurospora crassa

I. Studies on Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Glycohydrase (NADase)

NADase, like tyrosinase and L-amino acid oxidase, is not present in two day old cultures of wild type Neurospora, but it is coinduced with those two enzymes during starvation in phosphate buffer. The induction of NADase, like tyrosinase, is inhibited by puromycin. The induction of all three enzymes is inhibited by actinomycin D. These results suggest that NADase is synthesized de novo during induction as has been shown directly for tyrosinase. NADase induction differs in being inhibited by certain amino acids.

The tyrosinaseless mutant ty-1 contains a non-dialyzable, heat labile inhibitor of NADase. A new mutant, P110A, synthesizes NADase and L-amino acid oxidase while growing. A second strain, pe, fl;cot, makes NADase while growing. Both strains can be induced to make the other enzymes. These two strains prove that the control of these three enzymes is divisible. The strain P110A makes NADase even when grown in the presence of Tween 80. The synthesis of both NADase and L-amino acid oxidase by P110A is suppressed by complete medium. The theory of control of the synthesis of the enzymes is discussed.

II. Studies with EDTA

Neurospora tyrosinase contains copper but, unlike other phenol oxidases, this copper has never been removed reversibly. It was thought that the apo-enzyme might be made in vivo in the absence of copper. Therefore cultures were treated with EDTA to remove copper before the enzyme was induced. Although no apo-tyrosinase was detected, new information on the induction process was obtained.

A treatment of Neurospora with 0.5% EDTA pH 7, inhibits the subsequent induction during starvation in phosphate buffer of tyrosinase, L-amino acid oxidase and NADase. The inhibition of tyrosinase and L-amino acid oxidase induction is completely reversed by adding 5 x 10^-5M CaCl₂, 5 x 10^-4M CuSO₄, and a mixture of L-amino acids (2 x 10^-3M each) to the buffer. Tyrosinase induction is also fully restored by 5 x 10^-4M CaCl₂ and amino acids. As yet NADase has been only partially restored.

The copper probably acts by sequestering EDTA left in the mycelium and may be replaced by nickel. The EDTA apparently removes some calcium from the mycelium, which the added calcium replaces. Magnesium cannot replace calcium. The amino acids probably replace endogenous amino acids lost to the buffer after the EDTA treatment.

The EDTA treatment also increases permeability, thereby increasing the sensitivity of induction to inhibition by actinomycin D and allowing cell contents to be lost to the induction buffer. EDTA treatment also inhibits the uptake of exogenous amino acids and their incorporation into proteins.

The lag period that precedes the first appearance of tyrosinase is demonstrated to be a separate dynamic phase of induction. It requires oxygen. It is inhibited by EDTA, but can be completed after EDTA treatment in the presence of 5 x 10^-5M CaCl₂ alone, although no tyrosinase is synthesized under these conditions.

The time course of induction has an early exponential phase suggesting an autocatalytic mechanism of induction.

The mode of action of EDTA, the process of induction and the kinetics of induction are discussed.

Impact of PWM schemes on induction motor losses

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the impact of pulse width modulation (PWM) switching schemes on power losses in induction motors and their inverter drives. The PWM schemes considered include sinusoidal PWM, spacevector PWM and discontinuous PWM. Both experimental results and simulated predictions are presented for fractional horsepower and small integral horsepower motors. Direct loss measurements have been carried out using a calorimetric test rig; detailed simulations of the skewed motors have been carried out using multi-slice time-stepped 2D FEA. The simulated and measured losses under the different modulation schemes are compared and discussed. © 2006 IEEE.

Loss comparison between an SPWM and harmonic elimination excited small, (<1kW) induction motor drive using Pspice simulation and calorimetry

Adopting square wave excitation to drive induction motors (IMs) can substantially reduce inverter switching losses. However, the low-order time harmonics inherent in the output voltage generates parasitic torques that degrade motor performance and reduce efficiency. In this paper, a novel harmonic elimination modulation technique with full voltage control is studied as an interesting and alternative means of operating small (<1kW) IM drives efficiently. A fully verified harmonic elimination scheme, which removes the 5th, 7th, 11th, 13th and 17 th time harmonics, was implemented and applied to an IGBT driven IM. The power losses incurred in the inverter and the IM as a result of the switching scheme have been determined. © 2008 Crown copyright.

Dynamic analysis of the brushless doubly-fed induction generator during symmetrical three-phase voltage dips

The Brushless Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (BDFIG) shows commercial promise as replacement for doublyfed slip-ring generators for wind power applications by offering reduced capital and operational costs due to its brushless operation. In order to facilitate its commercial deployment, the capabilities of the BDFIG system to comply with grid code requirements have to be assessed. This paper, for the first time, studies the performance of the BDFIG under grid fault ride-through and presents the dynamic behaviour of the machine during three-phase symmetrical voltage dips. Both full and partial voltage dips are studied using a vector model. Simulation and experimental results are provided for a 180 frame BDFIG.

Study of iron saturation in Brushless Doubly-Fed induction machines

This paper presents an analytical modelling approach for the Brushless Doubly-Fed Machine (BDFM) taking iron saturation into account. A generalised coupled-circuit model is developed which considers stator and rotor teeth saturation effects. A method of calculating the machine inductance parameters is presented which can be implemented in time-stepping simulations. The model has been implemented in MATLAB/Simulink and verified by Finite Element analysis and experimental tests. The tests are carried out on a 180 frame size BDFM. Flux search coils have been utilised to measure airgap and teeth flux densities. © 2010 IEEE.

Symmetrical low voltage ride-through of the Brushless Doubly-Fed Induction Generator

The Brushless Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (BDFIG) shows commercial promise for wind power generation due to its lower cost and higher reliability compared to the Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG). For the purposes of commercialisation, the BDFIG must meet grid codes at all times. Nowadays, all new wind generators have to ride through certain grid faults, and the Low-Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) capability has become one of the most important points on which to assess the performance a generator. This paper, for the first time, proposes a control scheme to enable the the BDFIG to ride through symmetrical voltage dips. Simulation results and experimental results on a prototype BDFIG show that the proposed scheme gives the capability to ride through low voltage faults. © 2011 IEEE.

A novel modeling approach for design studies of brushless doubly fed induction generator based on magnetic equivalent circuit

Brushless doubly fed induction generator (BDFIG) has substantial benefits, which make it an attractive alternative as a wind turbine generator. However, it suffers from lower efficiency and larger dimensions in comparison to DFIG. Hence, optimizing the BDFIG structure is necessary for enhancing its situation commercially. In previous studies, a simple model has been used in BDFIG design procedure that is insufficiently accurate. Furthermore, magnetic saturation and iron loss are not considered because of difficulties in determination of flux density distributions. The aim of this paper is to establish an accurate yet computationally fast model suitable for BDFIG design studies. The proposed approach combines three equivalent circuits including electric, magnetic and thermal models. Utilizing electric equivalent circuit makes it possible to apply static form of magnetic equivalent circuit, because the elapsed time to reach steady-state results in the dynamic form is too long for using in population-based design studies. The operating characteristics, which are necessary for evaluating the objective function and constraints values of the optimization problem, can be calculated using the presented approach considering iron loss, saturation, and geometrical details. The simulation results of a D-180 prototype BDFIG are compared with measured data in order to validate the developed model. © 1986-2012 IEEE.

Induction of hepatic enzymes and oxidative stress in Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) exposed to waterborne hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sub-lethal toxicity of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) in fish. Adult Chinese rare minnows as in vivo models were exposed to waterborne HBCDD from 1 to 500 mu g/l for 14, 28 and 42 days. Hepatic CYP1A1 (ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, EROD) and CYP2B1 (pentaoxyresorufin-O-depentylase, PROD) activities were measured. At the same time, molecular biomarkers of oxidative stress were also assayed in the brain, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation products (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TBARS), DNA damage and protein carbonyl, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content. DNA damage was evaluated using the Comet assay on erythrocytes. Besides, the content of HBCDD in whole fish was determined after 42 days exposure. The results show that HBCDD could induce EROD and PROD at 500 mu g/l after 28 days exposure, and at 100 to 500 mu g/l after 42 days exposure (P < 0.05), respectively. ROS formation in fish brain was observed to be increased in both time- and dose-dependent manner due to HBCDD exposure. The significant increases in TBARS and protein carbonyl contents occurred in fish brain after 28 and 42 days exposure (P < 0.05). Significant DNA damage in erythrocytes by Comet assay was also found in the 100-500 mu g/l exposure groups (P < 0.05) after 42 days exposure. Moreover, significant depletion in brain GSH content occurred in all treated groups (P < 0.05) and apparent inhibition in SOD activity in brain was observed in the groups of 10-500 mu g/l concentrations during 42 days exposure. The results demonstrate that increasing duration of HBCDD exposure induced EROD and PROD activities, caused excess ROS formation, finally resulted in oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA and decreased antioxidant capacities in fish. Chemical analysis of HBCDD in whole fish showed accumulation up to 654 mu g/g wet weight. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of estrogenic activities and mechanism of action of perfluorinated chemicals determined by vitellogenin induction in primary cultured tilapia hepatocytes

Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and are widely present in the environment, wildlife and humans. Recently, reports have suggested that PFCs may have endocrine-disrupting activities. In the present study, we have developed a non-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to investigate estrogenic activities of selected PFCs using vitellogenin (VTG) induction in primary cultured hepatocytes of freshwater male tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Cultured hepatocytes were exposed to various concentrations of perfluorooctanyl sulfonate (PFOS), pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-nonafluoro-1-hexanol (4:2 FTOH), 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctanol (6:2 FTOH) and 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluoro-1-decanol (8:2 FTOH) for 48h, while 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) were used as positive controls. A dose-dependent induction of VTG was observed in E2-, 4-NP-, PFOS-, PFOA- and 6:2 FrOH-treated cells, whereas VTG levels remained unchanged in the 4:2 FTOH and 8:2 FTOH exposure groups at the concentrations tested. The estimated 48-h EC50 values for E2,4-NP, PFOS, PFOA and 6:2 FTOH were 4.7 x 10(-7), 7.1 x 10(-6), 1.5 x 10(-5), 2.9 x 10(-5) and 2.8 x 10(-5) M, respectively. In the time-course study, significant VTG induction took place at 24 h (E2), 6 It (4-NP), 48 It (PFOS), 48 It (PFOA), 72 It (4:2 FTOH), 12 h (6:2 FTOH), 72 h (8:2 FTOH), and increased further after 96 It of exposure. Co-exposure to binary mixtures of individual PFCs and E2 for 48 It significantly inhibited E2-induced hepatocellular VTG production in a dose-dependent manner except for 4:2 FTOH. The estimated 48-h IC50 (concentration of a compound that elicits 50% inhibition of maximally E2-induced VTG) values for PFOS, PFOA, 6:2 FTOH and 8:2 FTOH were 3.1 x 10(-7), 5.1 X 10(-7), 1.1 X 10(-6) and 7.5 x 10(-7) M, respectively. In order to further investigate the estrogenic mechanism of PFCs, the hepatocytes were co-exposed to binary mixtures of individual chemicals (E2,4-NP, PFOS, PFOA and 6:2 FTOH) and the known estrogen receptor inhibitor tamoxifen for 48 h; tamoxifen significantly inhibited the ability of these chemicals to stimulate vitellogenesis. The overall results demonstrated that PFOS, PFOA and FTOHs have estrogenic activities and that exposure to a combination of E2 and PFCs produced anti-estrogenic effects. The results of the estrogen receptor inhibition assay further suggested that the estrogenic effect of PFCs may be mediated by the estrogen receptor pathway in primary cultured tilapia hepatocytes. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Apoptosis induction on human hepatoma cells Hep G2 of decabrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE-209)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are an important class of halogenated organic brominated flame retardants. Because of their presence in abiotic and biotic environments widely and their structural similarity to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), concern has been raised on their possible adverse health effects to humans. This study was designed to determine the anti-proliferative, apoptotic properties of decabrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE-209), using a human hepatoma Hep G2 line as a model system. Hep G2 cells were cultured in the presence of PBDE-209 at various concentrations (1.0-100.0 mu mol/L) for 72 h and the percentage of cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results showed that PBDE-209 inhibited the cells viability in time and concentration-dependent characteristics at concentrations (10.0-100.0 mu mol/L). We found that anti-proliferative effect of PBDE-209 was associated with apoptosis on Hep G2 cells by determinations of morphological changes, cell cycle and apoptosis. Mechanism study showed that PBDE-209 could increase the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration-dependently. Antioxidant N-acetylcyteine partially inhibited the increase of ROS. The mechanism for its hepatoma-inhibitory effects was the induction of cellular apoptosis through ROS generation. In addition, activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release increased when the cells incubated with PBDE-209 at various concentrations and times. These results suggested that PBDE-209 had the toxicity activity of anti-proliferation and induction of apoptosis in tumor cells in vitro. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Induction effect of Ca2+ on ion-channel behavior of supported phospholipid membranes

As a kind of supported bilayer lipid membranes, hybrid bilayer membrane (HBM) was applied to the interaction between Ca2+ and lipid for the first time. By using Fe(CN)(6)(3-) as a probe, we found that Ca2+ could induce the ion channel of HBM to be in open state. STM images study proved this phenomenon.

Improvement of polyploidy induction in Eriocheir sinensis

An incubating temperature of 15 degreesC is used to induce triploidy in Etiocheir sinensis through inhibition of the release of polar body H, and that of 18 degreesC to induce tetraploidy through inhibition of the first cleavage. Flow cytometry is used to identify the ploidy in different developmental stages. For induction of triploidy in fertilized eggs in vitro, the highest induction rate observed in blastula by cytochalasin B, 6-DMAP and KCI is 49.1%, 51.7% and 77.5%, respectively. In the KCI treatment of pregnant crabs with the fertilized eggs, the highest triploid induction rate observed in the zoea is 85.3%. For induction of tetraploidy, the highest induction rate observed in the blastula by cytochaslasin 13, 6-DMAP and KCI is 50.3%, 54.9% and 79.8% respectively. In the KCI treatment of pregnant crabs with the fertilized eggs, the highest induction rate in zoea is 27.3%. Through this study such difficulty as in vitro culture is overcome. Triploid zoea Etiocheir sinensis has been developed for the first time. The induction rate of tetraploid zoea has also been greatly improved.

Optimization of triploid induction by heat shock in Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis

Chromosome manipulation for commercially valuable marine animals plays an important role in aquaculture. The special reproductive characteristics of shrimp make it difficult to control fertilization and synchronize egg development, so research on chromosome manipulation in shrimp has proceeded very slowly. In the present study, triploid shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis were induced by heat shocks and the optimal-inducing condition was screened at different spawning temperatures. Level of triploid induction for each treatment was evaluated by flow cytometry at nauplius stage. The highest level of triploid induction reached to more than 90%. Starting time for each treatment was very crucial for triploid induction in shrimp. One optimal treatment condition for triploid induction was heat shock (29-32 degreesC), starting at 18-20 min for duration of 10 min. These conditions varied depending on the temperature at spawning. Triploid level at embryo stage and nauplius stage was not different, suggesting the same hatching rate between diploids and triploids. Heat shock is a very effective way to induce triploids in this species, and can be easily used on large scale without any harmful effect on the environment as compared with chemical treatment. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.