A mixed multiscale FEM for the eddy current problem with T,Φ-Φ and vector hysteresis

Purpose This work introduces an efficient and accurate technique to solve the eddy current problem in laminated iron cores considering vector hysteresis. Design/methodology/approach The mixed multiscale finite element method based on the based on the T,Φ-Φ formulation, with the current vector potential T and the magnetic scalar potential Φ allows the laminated core to be modelled as a single homogeneous block. This means that the individual sheets do not have to be resolved, which saves a lot of computing time and reduces the demands on the computer system enormously. Findings As a representative numerical example, a single-phase transformer with 4, 20 and 184 sheets is simulated with great success. The eddy current losses of the simulation using the standard finite element method and the simulation using the mixed multiscale finite element method agree very well and the required simulation time is tremendously reduced. Originality/value The vector Preisach model is used to account for vector hysteresis and is integrated into the mixed multiscale finite element method for the first time.

An improved Newton-Raphson based linear power flow method for DC grids with dispatchable DGs and ZIP loads

Purpose This study aims to provide a solution of the power flow calculation for the low-voltage ditrect current power grid. The direct current (DC) power grid is becoming a reliable and economic alternative to millions of residential loads. The power flow (PF) in the DC network has some similarities with the alternative current case, but there are important differences that deserve to be further concerned. Moreover, the dispatchable distributed generators (DGs) in DC network can realize the flexible voltage control based on droop-control or virtual impedance-based methods. Thus, DC PF problems are still required to further study, such as hosting all load types and different DGs. Design/methodology/approach The DC power analysis was explored in this paper, and an improved Newton–Raphson based linear PF method has been proposed. Considering that constant impedance (CR), constant current (CI) and constant power (CP) (ZIP) loads can get close to the practical load level, ZIP load has been merged into the linear PF method. Moreover, DGs are much common and can be easily connected to the DC grid, so V nodes and the dispatchable DG units with droop control have been further taken into account in the proposed method. Findings The performance and advantages of the proposed method are investigated based on the results of the various test systems. The two existing linear models were used to compare with the proposed linear method. The numerical results demonstrate enough accuracy, strong robustness and high computational efficiency of the proposed linear method even in the heavily-loaded conditions and with 10 times the line resistances. Originality/value The conductance corresponding to each constant resistance load and the equivalent conductance for the dispatchable unit can be directly merged into the self-conductance (diagonal component) of the conductance matrix. The constant current loads and the injection powers from dispatchable DG units can be treated as the current sources in the proposed method. All of those make the PF model much clear and simple. It is capable of offering enough accuracy level, and it is suitable for applications in DC networks that require a large number of repeated PF calculations to optimize the energy flows under different scenarios.

Cascade controllers design based on model matching in frequency domain for stable and integrating processes with time delay

Purpose This paper aims to present an efficient and simplified proportional-integral/proportional-integral and derivative controller design method for the higher-order stable and integrating processes with time delay in the cascade control structure (CCS). Design/methodology/approach Two approaches based on model matching in the frequency domain have been proposed for tuning the controllers of the CCS. The first approach is based on achieving the desired load disturbance rejection performance, whereas the second approach is proposed to achieve the desired setpoint performance. In both the approaches, matching between the desired model and the closed-loop system with the controller is done at a low-frequency point. Model matching at low-frequency points yields a linear algebraic equation and the solution to these equations yields the controller parameters. Findings Simulations have been conducted on several examples covering high order stable, integrating, double integrating processes with time delay and nonlinear continuous stirred tank reactor. The performance of the proposed scheme has been compared with recently reported work having modified cascade control configurations, sliding mode control, model predictive control and fractional order control. The performance of both the proposed schemes is either better or comparable with the recently reported methods. However, the proposed method based on desired load disturbance rejection performance outperforms among all these schemes. Originality/value The main advantages of the proposed approaches are that they are directly applicable to any order processes, as they are free from time delay approximation and plant order reduction. In addition to this, the proposed schemes are capable of handling a wide range of different dynamical processes in a unified way.

Reduced order field-circuit modeling of squirrel cage induction machines for automotive applications

Purpose The aim of the paper is to investigate the impacts of simplifications of a reduced-order simulation model of squirrel cage induction machines (SCIMs) by numerical experiments. Design/methodology/approach Design of setups to isolate the main influences on the results of the reduced-order model of SCIMs. Results of time-stepping finite element calculations are used as benchmark. Findings Whereas neglecting eddy current effects and the assumption of a sinusoidal rotor current distribution leads to acceptable deviations in regular inverter operation, the sampling and interpolation of the machine parameters in a two-axis coordinate system considerably deteriorate the model accuracy. Using a polar coordinate system for this purpose is expected to significantly improve the model quality. Originality/value Preparing the ground for a successful, both fast and accurate simulation model of SCIMs as parts of electrified drivetrains.

Fast and numerically stable Mie solution of EM near field and absorption for stratified spheres

Purpose The purpose of this paper is the development of an analytic computational model for electromagnetic (EM) wave scattering from spherical objects. The main application field is the modeling of electrically large objects, where the standard numerical techniques require huge computational resources. An example is full-wave modeling of the human head in the millimeter-wave regime. Hence, an approximate model or analytical approach is used. Design/methodology/approach The Mie–Debye theorem is used for calculating the EM scattering from a layered dielectric sphere. The evaluation of the analytical expressions involved in the infinite sum has several numerical instabilities, which makes the precise calculation a challenge. The model is validated through an application example with comparing results to numerical calculations (finite element method). The human head model is used with the approximation of a two-layer sphere, where the brain tissues and the cranial bones are represented by homogeneous materials. Findings A significant improvement is introduced for the stable calculation of the Mie coefficients of a core–shell stratified sphere illuminated by a linearly polarized EM plane wave. Using this technique, a semi-analytical expression is derived for the power loss in the sphere resulting in quick and accurate calculations. Originality/value Two methods are introduced in this work with the main objective of estimating the final precision of the results. This is an important aspect for potentially unstable calculations, and the existing implementations have not included this feature so far.

Simulation of iron losses in induction machines using an iron loss model for rotating magnetization loci in no electrical steel

Purpose Various iron loss models can be used for the simulation of electrical machines. In particular, the effect of rotating magnetic flux density at certain geometric locations in a machine is often neglected by conventional iron loss models. The purpose of this paper is to compare the adapted IEM loss model for rotational magnetization that is developed within the context of this work with other existing models in the framework of a finite element simulation of an exemplary induction machine. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, an adapted IEM loss model for rotational magnetization, developed within the context of the paper, is implemented in a finite element method simulation and used to calculate the iron losses of an exemplary induction machine. The resulting iron losses are compared with the iron losses simulated using three other already existing iron loss models that do not consider the effects of rotational flux densities. The used iron loss models are the modified Bertotti model, the IEM-5 parameter model and a dynamic core loss model. For the analysis, different operating points and different locations within the machine are examined, leading to the analysis of different shapes and amplitudes of the flux density curves. Findings The modified Bertotti model, the IEM-5 parameter model and the dynamic core loss model underestimate the hysteresis and excess losses in locations of rotational magnetizations and low-flux densities, while they overestimate the losses for rotational magnetization and high-flux densities. The error is reduced by the adapted IEM loss model for rotational magnetization. Furthermore, it is shown that the dynamic core loss model results in significant higher hysteresis losses for magnetizations with a high amount of harmonics. Originality/value The simulation results show that the adapted IEM loss model for rotational magnetization provides very similar results to existing iron loss models in the case of unidirectional magnetization. Furthermore, it is able to reproduce the effects of rotational flux densities on iron losses within a machine simulation.

The determination of induction motor losses in steel taking into account its saturation

Purpose This paper aims to work out a method for calculating losses in induction motor steel taking into account its saturation. Design/methodology/approach The theory of electric machines is applied during the analysis of induction motor equivalent circuits. The theory of Fourier series is used to determine the harmonic components of voltage, current and power. Instantaneous power theory and trigonometric transformations are used to solve algebraic and differential equations and their systems. The methods of approximation and interpolation are applied to obtain analytical expressions from the experimental data. Experimental research was carried out to verify the reliability of theoretical provisions and research results. Findings A method for assessing an induction machine steel as a function of the generalized electromotive force has been proposed. It allows taking into account higher harmonics of the current, which are caused by the presence of nonlinearity of an induction motor magnetic circuit. Practical implications The obtained results can be used in calculating the energy characteristics and operating modes of an induction motor, as well as in the construction of control systems. Originality/value A method for determining the losses in the stator steel of an induction motor, using a generalized electromotive force, has been proposed for the first time. It enables taking into account the currents flowing both in the stator circuit and in the rotor circuit.

Experimental investigation and comparative study of signal processing techniques dedicated for the diagnosis of rotor failures in the induction motors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose applications of advanced signal-processing techniques for the diagnosis and detection of rotor fault in an induction machine. Two techniques are used: spectral analysis techniques and time frequency techniques for the diagnosis of an electrical machine. One is based on the power spectral density estimation techniques, such as periodogram and Welch periodogram. The second method is based on Hilbert transform (HT) to extract the envelope for the stator current. Then, this signal is processed via discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for determining the faulty components in the spectrum of the stator current envelope and identifying the eigenvalues of energies (HDWT). Design/methodology/approach First, this paper focused on theoretical development and a comparative study of these signal-processing techniques, which are based on the periodogram, Welch periodogram, HT and the DWT to extract the envelope for the stator current; it is used to compute the energy stored in each decomposition level obtained by the stator current envelope (HDWT). Moreover, the Welch periodogram is applied to obtain the envelope spectrum. Findings The simulation obtained and the experimental validation results of the proposed methods through MATLAB environment show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches with a good accuracy by power spectral density estimation techniques (periodogram and Welch periodogram). Moreover, the faults are manifested through the appearance of new frequencies components, as well as the envelope for the stator current (HT and DWT). This approach is effective for non-stationary and stationary signal to extract useful information for the detection of broken bar fault. Originality/value The current paper proposes a new diagnosis method for the detection and characterization of broken rotor bars defects early; it is founded primarily on theoretical development, and the comparison is based on the power spectral density technique (periodogram and Welch periodogram) and the computation of the energy stored in each decomposition level (precisely the HT and DWT). Moreover, the Welch periodogram is applied to obtain the envelope spectrum. The main advantages of the proposed techniques increase their reliability and availability.

Design and lumped parameter magnetic network model of hybrid excited consequent pole flux switching machine

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze electromagnetic performance and develop an analytical approach to find the suitable coil combination and no-load flux linkage of the proposed hybrid excited consequent pole flux switching machine (HECPFSM) while minimizing the drive storage and computational time which is the main problem in finite element analysis (FEA) tools. Design/methodology/approach First, a new HECPFSM based on conventional consequent pole flux switching permanent machine (FSPM) is proposed, and lumped parameter magnetic network model (LPMNM) is developed for the initial analysis like coil combination and no-load flux linkage. In LPMNM, all the parts of one-third machine are modeled which helps in reduction of drive storage, computational complexity and computational time without affecting the accuracy. Second, self and mutual inductance are calculated in the stator, and dq-axis inductance is calculated using park transformation in the rotor of the proposed machine. Furthermore, on-load performance analysis, like average torque, torque density and efficiency, is done by FEA. Findings The developed LPMNM is validated by FEA via JMAG v. 19.1. The results obtained show good agreement with an accuracy of 96.89%. Practical implications The proposed HECPFSM is developed for high-speed brushless AC applications like electric vehicle (EV)/hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Originality/value The proposed HECPFSM offers better flux regulation capability with enhanced electromagnetic performance as compared to conventional consequent pole FSPM. Moreover, the developed LPMNM reduces drive storage and computational time by modeling one-third of the machine.

A novel way of parameter estimation of solar photovoltaic system

Purpose This paper aims to achieve accurate maximum power from solar photovoltaic (PV), its five parameters need to be estimated. This study proposes a novel optimization technique for parameter estimation of solar PV. Design/methodology/approach To extract optimal parameters of solar PV new optimization technique based on the Jellyfish search optimizer (JSO). The objective function is defined based on two unknown variables and the proposed technique is used to estimate the two unknown variables and the rest three unknown variables are estimated analytically. Findings In this paper, JSO is used to estimate the parameters of a single diode PV model. In this study, eight different PV panels are considered. In addition, various performance indices, such as PV characteristics, such as power-voltage and current-voltage curves, relative error (RE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and normalized mean absolute error (NMAE) are determined using the proposed algorithm and existing algorithms. The results for different solar panels have been obtained under varying environmental conditions such as changing temperature and constant irradiance or changing irradiance and constant temperature. Originality/value The proposed technique is new and provides better results with minimum RE, RMSE, NMAE, MAE and converges fast, as depicted by the fitness graph presented in this paper.