i-manager's Journal on Electrical Engineering (JEE)


Volume 2 Issue 3 January - March 2009

Article

Design of a Hybrid Multilevel Inverter for Fuel Cell Power Conditioning System

R. Seyezhai* , B.L. Mathur**
* Assistant Professor, Department of EEE , SSN College of Engineering, Kalavakkam.
** Professor, Department of EEE , SSN College of Engineering, Kalavakkam.
R. Seyezhai and B. L. Mathur (2009). Design Of A Hybrid Multilevel Inverter For Fuel Cell Power Conditioning System. i-manager’s Journal on Electrical Engineering, 2(3), Jan-Mar 2009, Print ISSN 0973-8835, E-ISSN 2230-7176, pp. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.26634/jee.2.3.252

Abstract

This paper presents the design, development and performance of a hybrid cascaded multilevel inverter for fuel cell power conditioning system (PCS). Fuel cell generation systems in particular are expected to see increasing practical usage due to several advantages they offer over conventional generation systems. This article proposes a third harmonic injected phase disposition (THI-PD) pulsewidth modulation strategy for the hybrid seven level cascaded inverter that satisfies the required performance specifications of a fuel cell PCS. A particular advantage of this topology is that the modulation, control and protection requirements of each bridge are modular and it requires only a single dc source in each phase leg. For the cascaded multilevel inverter a variety of modulation strategies have been reported, with the most popular being carrier-based and space vector modulation (SVM). This paper focuses on the FPGA based THIPDPWM method for the hybrid multilevel inverter in PCS. Both the hybrid circuit topology and its control scheme are described in detail and their performance is verified based on simulation and experimental results.

Article

Engineering of a Single Alkaline Fuel Cell Part I: Construction of a Test Bed

Jonathan Blackledge* , J. Brunton**, Eugene Coyle***, D. Kennedy****, H. Schmidt-Walter*****, H. J. Kohnke******, G. Sauer*******, S. Schudt********, J. P. Hamilton*********
*,**,***,**** Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland.
***** University of Applied Sciences, Darmstadt, Germany.
******,*******, ******** Gaskatel GmbH, Germany.
********* University of Wisconsin-Platteville, USA.
J. Blackledge, J. Brunton, E Coyle, D. Kennedy, H. Schmidt-Walter, H. J. Kohnke, G. Sauer, S. Schudt and J. P. Hamilton (2009). Engineering of A Single Alkaline Fuel Cell Part I: Construction of A Test BED. i-manager’s Journal on Electrical Engineering, 2(3), Jan-Mar 2009, Print ISSN 0973-8835, E-ISSN 2230-7176, pp. 8-17. https://doi.org/10.26634/jee.2.3.253

Abstract

Fuel Cells offer a realistic, sustainable and clean alternative energy option for stationary and mobile applications. Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are recognised by many as possible long term energy solutions, but to-date have failed to make an impact on the energy market. This is due to a number of key reasons, some of which include, efficiency, scale, accessories and power output. Applying fuel cells to small telecommunication components requires the applications of Micro and Nanotechnology, which have yet to be perfected to make them long lasting and cost effective. This paper outlines the reasons for commercialisation of fuel cells and supports the argument that utilising hydrogen technology should be done in an environmentally friendly manner from the offset to prevent further damage to the environment. In particular, the paper focuses on the research, design and development of a Single Alkaline Fuel Cell Test Bed and outlines the AFC's capabilities and limitations for satisfying such energy needs.

Research Paper

An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization for Economic Dispatch with Non-Smooth Cost Functions

G.Sreenivasan* , Ch. SaiBabu**, N. Narasimhulu***
* Intell Engineering College, Anantapur, A.P., India.
**,*** JNT University, Anantapur, A.P, India.
**** SKD Engineering College, Gooty, A.P., India.
G. Sreenivasan, S. Sivanagaraju, Saibabu and N. Narasimhulu (2009). An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization For Economic Dispatch With Non-Smooth Cost Functions. i-manager’s Journal on Electrical Engineering, 2(3), Jan-Mar 2009, Print ISSN 0973-8835, E-ISSN 2230-7176, pp. 18-25. https://doi.org/10.26634/jee.2.3.254

Abstract

Particle swarm optimization has emerged as a useful optimization tool for handling nonlinear programming problems. Various modifications to the basic method have been proposed with a view to enhance speed and robustness and these have been applied successfully on some benchmark mathematical problems. But few applications have been reported on real-world problems such as economic dispatch (ED) with non smooth cost functions. To show improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) in efficiency and effectiveness, the proposed IPSO is applied to test the economic dispatch problems, with non-smooth cost functions considering valve-point effects and multi-fuel problems. The results of the IPSO are compared with the results of conventional numerical methods, evolutionary programming approaches and genetic algorithm. Finally the convergence characteristics of improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) are compared with modified particle swarm optimization results (MPSO).

Research Paper

Performance Analysis of Three Level Diode Clamped Inverter with Two Level Voltage Source Inverter

E. Chandra Sekaran* , P. Anbalagan**, S. Elango***
* Selection Grade Lecturer, Department of EEE, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore.
** Principal, KIT, Kannampalayam, Coimbatore.
*** Power House Engineer, Department of EEE, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore.
E. Chandra Sekaran, P. Anbalagan and S. Elango (2009). Performance Analysis Of Three Level Diode Clamped Inverter With Two Level Voltage Source Inverter. i-manager’s Journal on Electrical Engineering, 2(3), Jan-Mar 2009, Print ISSN 0973-8835, E-ISSN 2230-7176, pp. 26-35. https://doi.org/10.26634/jee.2.3.255

Abstract

The usage of non-linear loads like variable speed drives, SMPS, UPS, etc., connected to power systems cause the harmonic currents which make sinusoidal currents/voltages to non-sinusoidal currents/voltages. Harmonic voltage results from the harmonic currents interacting with the impedance of the power systems, which results in the power quality problem. In this research paper, the harmonic levels of a sinusoidal pulse width modulated two level three-phase inverter are compared with the sinusoidal pulse width modulated three level inverter. The three-phase three level diode clamp inverter is designed and simulated using PSpice and the DSP based hardware model is developed using IGBT as the power devices. The hardware model is tested for resistive load, which results are obtained with the help of Fluke 434 power quality analyzer. In this multilevel inverter the magnitude of the fundamental component is increased and the total harmonic distortion decreased by 50% for both practical and simulated cases, when compared to the three phase two level conventional PWM inverter.

Research Paper

Key Factors that Need Development in Order to MakeElectric Cars Desirable to the Mass Market

Tom Page*
* Loughborough University, UK.
Tom Page (2009). Key Factors That Need Development In Order To Make Electric Cars Desirable To The Mass Market. i-manager’s Journal on Electrical Engineering, 2(3), Jan-Mar 2009, Print ISSN 0973-8835, E-ISSN 2230-7176, pp. 36-50. https://doi.org/10.26634/jee.2.3.256

Abstract

Whether you believe that global warming is a real or imaginary scenario, the current climate change issues affecting our planet have given rise to an increasing anxiety regarding the current and approaching energy crisis. It is clear that there is now the need to find ways in which we can lessen the impact that we are having on the environment. This paper proposes that electric cars could be one such way. The technology associated with electric cars is now starting to advance in a way which is making them more suitable for all car users, no matter what their needs are. Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just milk-floats or mobility buggies, the imagery typically associated with battery-powered travel, but super-fast, sexy, money saving machines that can now travel faster and for longer than most normal cars. Despite electric vehicles now becoming comparable to normal cars with internal combustion engines, they have not been adopted on a large scale. This paper aims to find out why this is the case. The author of this paper has studied electric cars, their technology and the industry over a period of time. The research contained within this paper, obtained through interview, questionnaire and literature review, shows both the range of benefits associated with electric cars and some their limitations. It also shows just how poorly people currently perceive electric cars even though they know little about them.

Research Paper

Recurrent Neural Network Based Control Of Series-Connected Five-Phase Two-Motor Drive System

M. Rizwan Khan* , Atif Iqbal**
*,** Department of Electrical Engineering, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.
M. Rizwan Khan and Atif Iqbal (2009). Recurrent Neural Network Based Control of Series-Connected Five-Phase Two Motor Drive System. i-manager’s Journal on Electrical Engineering, 2(3), Jan-Mar 2009, Print ISSN 0973-8835, E-ISSN 2230-7176, pp. 51-59. https://doi.org/10.26634/jee.2.3.259

Abstract

A number of research papers have been reported on control issues of multi-phase machines and multi-phase multi-motor machines for high performance ac motor drive system. Variable speed induction motor drives without mechanical speed sensors at the motor shaft have the attractions of low cost and high reliability. To replace the sensor, information of the rotor speed is extracted from measured stator currents and voltages at motor terminals. Open-loop estimators or closed-loop observers are used for this purpose. They differ with respect to accuracy, robustness, and sensitivity against model parameter variations. This paper analyses operation of a Recurrent Neural Network based sensorless control of vector controlled series-connected two-motor five-phase drive system. Responses obtained with vector control, is presented for various operating conditions on the basis of simulation results.

Research Paper

Investigation of Discontinuous Space Vector PWM Techniques of a Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverter

Mohammad Arif Khan* , Atif Iqbal**, Abu Rub Haitham***
*,** Department of Electrical Engineering, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
*** Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Texas A & M University at Qatar, Doha, Qatar.
Mohammad Arif Khan, Atif Iqbal and Abu-Rub Haitham (2009). Investigation Of Discontinuous Space Vector PWM Techniques Of A Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverter. i-manager’s Journal on Electrical Engineering, 2(3), Jan-Mar 2009, Print ISSN 0973-8835, E-ISSN 2230-7176, pp. 60-71. https://doi.org/10.26634/jee.2.3.262

Abstract

Variable speed ac drives are nowadays the work horse of industry. To obtain variable voltage and frequency supply, inverters are the most common choice. Various pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques have been developed for three phase voltage source inverters in the last decade. Space vector PWM technique is the most popular choice due to their easier digital implementation and better dc bus utilization when compared to the most commonly used carrier based PWM scheme. In discontinuous PWM mode one of the leg of inverter is tied to either positive or negative rail of DC bus. This paper is devoted to the development of Space vector PWM strategies in discontinuous mode for three-phase VSIs. Discontinuous Space vector PWM offer the advantage of lower switching losses which is important especially in high switching frequency applications. The paper analyses various existing discontinuous PWM techniques based on harmonic performance of the output phase voltages. The harmonic performance indices chosen are total harmonic distortion, weighted total harmonic distortion and harmonic distortion factor. The performance is evaluated based on low-order harmonic content in the output phase voltages. Further few novel Space vector PWM method in discontinuous mode is proposed and analyzed. Performance comparison of the existing techniques and proposed schemes are presented. The analysis is done using Matlab simulation.

Research Paper

Simulation and Analysis of a Directly Coupled Solar PV Based Water Pumping System

Mohammed Asim* , Abu Tariq**, Adil Sarwar***
* ,**,*** Department of Electrical Engineering, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
Mohammed Asim, Abu Tariq and Adil Sarwar (2009). Simulation and Analysis Of A Directly Coupled Solar Pv Based Water Pumping System. i-manager’s Journal on Electrical Engineering, 2(3), Jan-Mar 2009, Print ISSN 0973-8835, E-ISSN 2230-7176, pp. 72-81. https://doi.org/10.26634/jee.2.3.264

Abstract

Application of PV generators for water pumping applications, especially in remote area of developing countries, has received much attention. Since the output of a PV generator is essentially dc in nature, a dc motor is an obvious choice for the prime mover of the pump. This avoids the use of an inverter, which will be required to drive the induction motor in case the conventional water pumping systems is chosen. The dc motor option gives better overall efficiency for low power applications. Therefore, for low power applications dc motors are preferred in spite of maintenance problem. In this work MATLAB /SIMULINK software is used for modeling PV cell which is further modified to develop a PV array model. Simulation model was also developed for PV based water pumping system and the performance of the system is analyzed with various configurations of PV array.

Research Paper

Simulation and Analysis of Nine Level Inverter FED Induction Motor Drive

G. Pandian* , Rama Reddy**
* Research Scholar, Electrical & Electronics Engg Dept., Sathyabama University, Chennai.
** Professor, Electrical & Electronics Engg Dept., Jerusalem College of Engineering,Chennai.
G. Pandian and S. Rama Reddy (2009). Simulation and Analysis Of Nine Level Inverter Fed Induction Motor Drive. i-manager’s Journal on Electrical Engineering, 2(3), Jan-Mar 2009, Print ISSN 0973-8835, E-ISSN 2230-7176, pp. 82-86. https://doi.org/10.26634/jee.2.3.266

Abstract

This work presents the simulation and analysis of three phase nine level inverter fed induction motor drive. The poor quality of voltage and current of a classical inverter fed induction motor is due to presence of higher order harmonics and hence there is significant level of energy losses. The inverters with large number of levels can generate high quality voltage waveform. The nine level can follow a voltage reference with accuracy and with the advantage that the generated voltage can be modulated in amplitude instead of pulse-width modulation. The nine level inverter is used to reduce the harmonics. An active harmonic elimination method is applied to eliminate any number of specific higher order harmonics of multilevel converters with unequal dc voltages. The total harmonic distortion of the proposed system is very low compared to that of classical inverter system. The circuit model of the induction motor system has been developed and simulated successfully using Matlab / Simulink. The simulation results of voltage waveforms, current waveforms, motor speed and frequency spectrum for the output were obtained. The inverter system can be used for industries where the adjustable speed drives are required and significant amount of energy can be saved as the system has less harmonic losses.