Modelling of SEPIC, Ćuk and Zeta Converters in Discontinuous Conduction Mode and Performance Evaluation

High-order switched DC-DC converters, such as SEPIC, Ćuk and Zeta, are classic energy processing elements, which can be used in a wide variety of applications due to their capacity to step-up and/or step-down voltage characteristic. In this paper, a novel methodology for analyzing the previous converters operating in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) is applied to obtain full-order dynamic models. The analysis is based on the fact that inductor currents have three differentiated operating sub-intervals characterized by a third one in which both currents become equal, which implies that the current flowing through the diode is zero (DCM). Under a small voltage ripple hypothesis, the currents of all three converters have similar current piecewise linear shapes that allow us to use a graphical method based on the triangular shape of the diode current to obtain the respective non-linear average models. The models’ linearization around their steady-state operating points yields full-order small-signal models that reproduce accurately the dynamic behavior of the corresponding switched model. The proposed methodology is applicable to the proposed converters and has also been extended to more complex topologies with magnetic coupling between inductors and/or an RC damping network in parallel with the intermediate capacitor. Several tests were carried out using simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and using an experimental prototype. All the results validate the theoretical models.

Colossal thermo-hydro-electrochemical voltage generation for self-sustainable operation of electronics

Thermoelectrics are suited to converting dissipated heat into electricity for operating electronics, but the small voltage (~0.1 mV K−1) from the Seebeck effect has been one of the major hurdles in practical implementation. Here an approach with thermo-hydro-electrochemical effects can generate a large thermal-to-electrical energy conversion factor (TtoE factor), −87 mV K−1 with low-cost carbon steel electrodes and a solid-state polyelectrolyte made of polyaniline and polystyrene sulfonate (PANI:PSS). We discovered that the thermo-diffusion of water in PANI:PSS under a temperature gradient induced less (or more) water on the hotter (or colder) side, raising (or lowering) the corrosion overpotential in the hotter (or colder) side and thereby generating output power between the electrodes. Our findings are expected to facilitate subsequent research for further increasing the TtoE factor and utilizing dissipated thermal energy.

Multiple Sensor Interface by the same hardware to USB and serial connection

The Multiple Sensor Interface is a simplistic sensor interface to USB, RS485, GPIO, that allows to make measurements of a variety of sensors based on the variation of inductance, resistance, capacitance, frequency using exactly the same connector and same electronic interface circuit between the sensor and the microcontroler. The same device also provides some additional connectors for small voltage measurement. Any sensors for the measurement of distinct phenomena can be used as long the sensor output is based on inductance, resistance, capacitance, frequency within the measurement range of the device, obtaining a variable precision depending of used sensor. The device is not meant for precision/accuracy measurement, is meant to be a reusable hardware that can be reused for most distinct situations, providing to the user more freedom of sensor selection as well more options for device/system maintenance or reuse.

Neutral-Point Voltage Balance Control of Three-Level Converter Based on Selection Method of Dynamical Adjustment for Small Voltage Vector

The balance control of neutral-point voltage (NPV) is important in the three-level converter. In this paper, this problem is studied by taking the VIENNA circuit as an example. The deviation of NPV is essentially caused by mismatch between the charging and discharging time of two series capacitors by the neutral-point current flowing into or out of the DC side. The unbalanced NPV will lead to unbalanced voltage stress of two capacitors and power switches and may cause overvoltage damage to both and also increase the total harmonic distortion (THD) and harmonic components in the AC current. In this paper, by analyzing the role and effect of a small-voltage vector on NPV, a control strategy based on the selection method of dynamical adjustment for a small vector is proposed. By judging the fluctuation of NPV, different small vectors are dynamically selected to act to adjust the NPV. For verification, the proposed strategy is compared with the traditional zero-sequence voltage injection (ZSV-J) method through simulation and experiment. Compared with ZSV-J, the THD of AC current is decreased by about 27.2%, the efficiency is increased by about 1.66%, and the adjustment speed of NPV is increased by about 50%. Therefore, the feasibility and advantages of the strategy are verified.

On the Electrical Resistance Relaxation of 3D-Anisotropic Carbon-Fiber-Filled Polymer Composites Subjected to External Electric Fields

Flexible composites as sensors are applied under a small voltage, but the effect of the external electrical field on the resistance is always ignored and unexplored by current research. Herein, we investigate the electrical resistance relaxation of anisotropic composites when they are subjected to an external electric field. The anisotropic composites were 3D-printed based on carbon-fiber-filled silicon rubber. Constant DC voltages were applied to the composites, and the output electrical current increased with time, namely the electrical resistance relax with time. The deflection and migration of carbon fibers are dominantly responsible for the resistance relaxation, and the angle’s evolution of a carbon fiber, under the application and removal of the electrical field, was well observed. The other factor hindering the resistance relaxation is the increased temperature originating from the Joule heating effect. This work provides a new understanding in the working duration and the static characteristics of flexible composites.

Design, simulation and testing of an array of nano electro mechanical switches (NEMS)

Electro mechanical switches used for multi-purposs applications with ultra small size in nano meter scale, operating in very small voltage in millivolts, approximately zero leakage current due to air gap separation between electrodes with three terminals that easy to control it. Nano electro mechanical switches are electronic switches similar to those used by conventional semiconductor switches in application as they can be used as relays, logic devices. The basic principle of nano electro mechanical switches is electronic switches operation is fundamentally different from semiconductor switches. They have many advantages over conventional semiconductor switches such as low-power digital logic applications, ability to work with very small voltage signals for low dynamic energy consumption, and durability against hostile environments such as high temperatures and radiation contaminated spaces. In this article, we will design, implement, and test a matrix of nano electro mechanical switches by on line test using the superposition theory. The simulations of these switches were implemented using the MATLAB-Simulink and ORCAD Pspice environments. Also, controlling the flow of current was achieved by means of a nanometer movement to make or break the physical contact between the electrodes.

Theoretical Bases of Electrochemical Cleaning of Oil-contaminated Soil

This study developstheoretical bases for the electrochemical process of cleaning soils from oil, oil products and highly mineralized reservoir water. The article experimentally and theoretically reveals patterns of reducing the content of polluting oil products in soils of various types during the small voltage passing. The optimal amount of electricity for the effective removal of various types of pollution was required. For the implementation of a electrochemical soil cleaning process a scheme of an original installation with placement of electrodes in the soil was studied. It reduces the resistance between the electrodes. The technical and economical calculations to determine energy costs of the electrochemical installation for cleaning oil-contaminated soils included: the number of electrodes; the voltage depending on the properties of the soil; the area; the depth of contamination of the soil to be treated;azndthe parameters of the electrodes. This allowed us to determine and develop the required degree of cleaning. Keywords: electrochemical process, charge, soil, oil products, voltage, cleaning

Synaptic vesicles burst into sight

JGP study shows that small voltage changes disrupt semi-regular bursts of vesicle release from rod photoreceptors, potentially facilitating low-light vision.