A NEW SOFT-SWITCHING PUSH-PULL THREE-LEVEL CONVERTER

The application areas of conventional push pull converters are limited because of high voltage stress of switches (twice of input voltage). This paper presents a novel zero voltage and zero current switching (ZCS) PWM push pull three level converter in which the voltage stress of switches is input voltage. With phase shifted modulation strategy, the leading switches can only realize zero voltage switching (ZVS), and the lagging switches can realize ZCS when block capacitor and block diodes are added. Using the strategy, the converter overcomes the drawbacks presented by the conventional push pull converter, such as magnetic aberration, large switch loss, and voltage spike on switches, so it can get higher efficiency, and a wider application area. The operating principle of the new converter is analyzed and verified on a 600 W, 50 kHz experimental prototype. Several zero voltage and zero current switching PWM push pull three level converters are proposed.

Recent advancements in continuously scalable conversion-ratio switched-capacitor converter

Switched-capacitor(SC)DC-DC converter[1]is an impor-tant alternative to inductive DC-DC converter,in terms of removing the bulky power inductor.Hence,it is widely used in low-profile,low-power applications,such as the internet of things(IoT)sensor nodes and energy harvesting[2].Mean-while,considering that capacitor has a much higher energy density than inductor,high-power applications.

Modeling the System for Hybrid Renewable Energy Using Highly Efficient Converters and Generator

High-efficient isolated DC/DC converters with a high-efficiency synchronous reluctance generator(SRG)are the ultimate solutions in DC microgrid systems.The design and modeling of isolated DC/DC converters with the performance of SRG are carried out.On the generator side,reactive and active powers are used as pulse width modulation(PWM)control variables.Further,the flux estimator is used.Three-phase PWM rectifier is used by applying space vector modulation(SVM)with a constant switching frequency for direct power control.Further,the paper also includes the experimental validation of the results.The paper also proposes that highly efficient power converters and synchronous reluctance generators are required to achieve high performance for hybrid renewable energy systems applications.

A real-time calibration method based on time-to-digital converter for accelerator timing system

The high-intensity heavy-ion accelerator facility(HIAF)is a scientific research facility complex composed of multiple cas-cade accelerators of different types,which pose a scheduling problem for devices distributed over a certain range of 2 km,involving over a hundred devices.The white rabbit,a technology-enhancing Gigabit Ethernet,has shown the capability of scheduling distributed timing devices but still faces the challenge of obtaining real-time synchronization calibration param-eters with high precision.This study presents a calibration system based on a time-to-digital converter implemented on an ARM-based System-on-Chip(SoC).The system consists of four multi-sample delay lines,a bubble-proof encoder,an edge controller for managing data from different channels,and a highly effective calibration module that benefits from the SoC architecture.The performance was evaluated with an average RMS precision of 5.51 ps by measuring the time intervals from 0 to 24,000 ps with 120,000 data for every test.The design presented in this study refines the calibration precision of the HIAF timing system.This eliminates the errors caused by manual calibration without efficiency loss and provides data support for fault diagnosis.It can also be easily tailored or ported to other devices for specific applications and provides more space for developing timing systems for particle accelerators,such as white rabbits on HIAF.

Robust optical mode converter based on topological waveguide arrays

Optical mode converters are essential for enhancing the capacity of optical communication systems. However, fabrication errors restrict the further improvement of conventional mode converters. To address this challenge, we have designed an on-chip TE0–TE1mode converter based on topologically protected waveguide arrays. The simulation results demonstrate that the converter exhibits a mode coupling efficiency of 93.5% near 1550 nm and can tolerate a relative fabrication error of 30%. Our design approach can be extended to enhance the robustness for other integrated photonic devices, beneficial for future development of optical network systems.

Energy-Efficient Implementation of BCD to Excess-3 Code Converter for Nano-Communication Using QCA Technology

Code converters are essential in digital nano communication;therefore,a low-complexity optimal QCA layout for a BCD to Excess-3 code converter has been proposed in this paper.A QCA clockphase-based design technique was adopted to investigate integration with other complicated circuits.Using a unique XOR gate,the recommended circuit’s cell complexity has been decreased.The findings produced using the QCADesigner-2.0.3,a reliable simulation tool,prove the effectiveness of the current structure over earlier designs by considering the number of cells deployed,the area occupied,and the latency as design metrics.In addition,the popular tool QCAPro was used to estimate the energy dissipation of the proposed design.The proposed technique reduces the occupied space by∼40%,improves cell complexity by∼20%,and reduces energy dissipation by∼1.8 times(atγ=1.5EK)compared to the current scalable designs.This paper also studied the suggested structure’s energy dissipation and compared it to existing works for a better performance evaluation.

Hydrodynamic Performance of An Integrated System of Breakwater and A Multi-Chamber OWC Wave Energy Converter

A multi-chamber oscillating water column wave energy converter(OWC-WEC)integrated to a breakwater is investigated.The hydrodynamic characteristics of the device are analyzed using an analytical model based on the linear potential flow theory.A pneumatic model is employed to investigate the relationship between the air mass flux in the chamber and the turbine characteristics.The effects of chamber width,wall draft and wall thickness on the hydrodynamic performance of a dual-chamber OWC-WEC are investigated.The results demonstrate that the device,with a smaller front wall draft and a wider rear chamber exhibits a broader effective frequency bandwidth.The device with a chamber-width-ratio of 1:3 performs better in terms of power absorption.Additionally,results from the analysis of a triplechamber OWC-WEC demonstrate that reducing the front chamber width and increasing the rearward chamber width can improve the total performance of the device.Increasing the number of chambers from 1 to 2 or 3 can widen the effective frequency bandwidth.

Negative Stiffness Mechanism on An Asymmetric Wave Energy Converter by Using A Weakly Nonlinear Potential Model

Salter's duck,an asymmetrical wave energy converter(WEC)device,showed high efficiency in extracting energy from 2D regular waves in the past;yet,challenges remain for fluctuating wave conditions.These can potentially be addressed by adopting a negative stiffness mechanism(NSM)in WEC devices to enhance system efficiency,even in highly nonlinear and steep 3D waves.A weakly nonlinear model was developed which incorporated a nonlinear restoring moment and NSM into the linear formulations and was applied to an asymmetric WEC using a time domain potential flow model.The model was initially validated by comparing it with published experimental and numerical computational fluid dynamics results.The current results were in good agreement with the published results.It was found that the energy extraction increased in the range of 6%to 17%during the evaluation of the effectiveness of the NSM in regular waves.Under irregular wave conditions,specifically at the design wave conditions for the selected test site,the energy extraction increased by 2.4%,with annual energy production increments of approximately 0.8MWh.The findings highlight the potential of NSM in enhancing the performance of asymmetric WEC devices,indicating more efficient energy extraction under various wave conditions.

ANovel Non-Isolated Cubic DC-DC Converter with High Voltage Gain for Renewable Energy Power Generation System

In recent years,switched inductor(SL)technology,switched capacitor(SC)technology,and switched inductor-capacitor(SL-SC)technology have been widely applied to optimize and improve DC-DC boost converters,which can effectively enhance voltage gain and reduce device stress.To address the issue of low output voltage in current renewable energy power generation systems,this study proposes a novel non-isolated cubic high-gain DC-DC converter based on the traditional quadratic DC-DC boost converter by incorporating a SC and a SL-SC unit.Firstly,the proposed converter’s details are elaborated,including its topology structure,operating mode,voltage gain,device stress,and power loss.Subsequently,a comparative analysis is conducted on the voltage gain and device stress between the proposed converter and other high-gain converters.Then,a closed-loop simulation system is constructed to obtain simulation waveforms of various devices and explore the dynamic performance.Finally,an experimental prototype is built,experimental waveforms are obtained,and the experimental dynamic performance and conversion efficiency are analyzed.The theoretical analysis’s correctness is verified through simulation and experimental results.The proposed converter has advantages such as high voltage gain,low device stress,high conversion efficiency,simple control,and wide input voltage range,achieving a good balance between voltage gain,device stress,and power loss.The proposed converter is well-suited for renewable energy systems and holds theoretical significance and practical value in renewable energy applications.It provides an effective solution to the issue of low output voltage in renewable energy power generation systems.

Performance Study of a Quadratic Boost Converter

Energy is the driving force behind all economic and industrial development. Africa is the least advanced continent in terms of energy consumption and production. Paradoxically, it is the sunniest continent, which is why our objective is to exploit this energy potential in order to produce and use sufficient energy. To achieve this, we are carrying out a series of studies aimed at developing a device capable of converting solar photovoltaic energy into electrical energy. This device is a two-stage converter, the first of which is a quadratic boost and the second a full bridge. Initially, this paper is devoted to studying the performance of the quadratic boost.

Analysis of Modeling the Influence of Electromagnetic Fields Radiated by Industrial Static Converters and Impacts on Operators Using Maxwell’s Equations

The study of Electromagnetic Compatibility is essential to ensure the harmonious operation of electronic equipment in a shared environment. The basic principles of Electromagnetic Compatibility focus on the ability of devices to withstand electromagnetic disturbances and not produce disturbances that could affect other systems. Imperceptible in most work situations, electromagnetic fields can, beyond certain thresholds, have effects on human health. The objective of the present article is focused on the modeling analysis of the influence of geometric parameters of industrial static converters radiated electromagnetic fields using Maxwell’s equations. To do this we used the analytical formalism for calculating the electromagnetic field emitted by a filiform conductor, to model the electromagnetic radiation of this device in the spatio-temporal domain. The interactions of electromagnetic waves with human bodies are complex and depend on several factors linked to the characteristics of the incident wave. To model these interactions, we implemented the physical laws of electromagnetic wave propagation based on Maxwell’s and bio-heat equations to obtain consistent results. These obtained models allowed us to evaluate the spatial profile of induced current and temperature of biological tissue during exposure to electromagnetic waves generated by this system. The simulation 2D results obtained from computer tools show that the temperature variation and current induced by the electromagnetic field can have a very significant influence on the life of biological tissue. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis using advanced mathematical models to evaluate the influence of electromagnetic fields. The findings have direct implications for workplace safety, potentially influencing standards and regulations concerning electromagnetic exposure in industrial settings.

Robust Nonlinear Current Sensorless Control of the Boost Converter with Constant Power Load

The boost converter feeding a constant power load (CPL) is a non-minimum phase system that is prone to the destabilizing effects of the negative incremental resistance of the CPL and presents a major challenge in the design of stabilizing controllers. A PWM-based current-sensorless robust sliding mode controller is developed that requires only the measurement of the output voltage. An extended state observer is developed to estimate a lumped uncertainty signal that comprises the uncertain load power and the input voltage, the converter parasitics, the component uncertainties and the estimation of the derivative of the output voltage needed in the implementation of the controller. A linear sliding surface is used to derive the controller, which is simple in its design and yet exhibits excellent features in terms of robustness to external disturbances, parameter uncertainties, and parasitics despite the absence of the inductor’s current feedback. The robustness of the controller is validated by computer simulations.

An Adaptive Control Strategy for Energy Storage Interface Converter Based on Analogous Virtual Synchronous Generator

In the DC microgrid,the lack of inertia and damping in power electronic converters results in poor stability of DC bus voltage and low inertia of the DC microgrid during fluctuations in load and photovoltaic power.To address this issue,the application of a virtual synchronous generator(VSG)in grid-connected inverters control is referenced and proposes a control strategy called the analogous virtual synchronous generator(AVSG)control strategy for the interface DC/DC converter of the battery in the microgrid.Besides,a flexible parameter adaptive control method is introduced to further enhance the inertial behavior of the AVSG control.Firstly,a theoretical analysis is conducted on the various components of the DC microgrid,the structure of analogous virtual synchronous generator,and the control structure’s main parameters related to the DC microgrid’s inertial behavior.Secondly,the voltage change rate tracking coefficient is introduced to adjust the change of the virtual capacitance and damping coefficient flexibility,which further strengthens the inertia trend of the DC microgrid.Additionally,a small-signal modeling approach is used to analyze the approximate range of the AVSG’s main parameters ensuring system stability.Finally,conduct a simulation analysis by building the model of the DC microgrid system with photovoltaic(PV)and battery energy storage(BES)in MATLAB/Simulink.Simulation results from different scenarios have verified that the AVSG control introduces fixed inertia and damping into the droop control of the battery,resulting in a certain level of inertia enhancement.Furthermore,the additional adaptive control strategy built upon the AVSG control provides better and flexible inertial support for the DC microgrid,further enhances the stability of the DC bus voltage,and has a more positive impact on the battery performance.

Application of Power Electronics Converters in Renewable Energy

Against the backdrop of global energy shortages and increasingly severe environmental pollution,renewable energy is gradually becoming a significant direction for future energy development.Power electronics converters,as the core technology for energy conversion and control,play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and stability of renewable energy systems.This paper explores the basic principles and functions of power electronics converters and their specific applications in photovoltaic power generation,wind power generation,and energy storage systems.Additionally,it analyzes the current innovations in high-efficiency energy conversion,multilevel conversion technology,and the application of new materials and devices.By studying these technologies,the aim is to promote the widespread application of power electronics converters in renewable energy systems and provide theoretical and technical support for achieving sustainable energy development.

Fault-tolerant control of an open-winding brushless doublyfed wind power generator system with dual three-level converter

To improve the fault redundancy capability for the high reliability requirement of a brushless doubly-fed generation system applied to large offshore wind farms,the control winding of a brushless doubly-fed reluctance generator is designed as an open-winding structure.Consequently,the two ends of the control winding are connected via dual three-phase converters for the emerging open-winding structure.Therefore,a novel fault-tolerant control strategy based on the direct power control scheme is brought to focus in this paper.Based on the direct power control(DPC)strategy,the post-fault voltage vector selection method is explained in detail according to the fault types of the dual converters.The fault-tolerant control strategy proposed enables the open-winding brushless doubly-fed reluctance generator(BDFRG)system to operate normally in one,two,or three switches fault of the converter,simultaneously achieving power tracking control.The presented results verify the feasibility and validity of the scheme proposed.

Vector Control Strategy of a T-type Three-level Converter Driving a Switched Reluctance Motor

A novel 12 voltage vector control strategy for switched reluctance motors(SRM)with a T-type three-level converter is proposed in this study.Based on a causal analysis of torque ripple under the control of conventional six voltage vectors,six new voltage vectors are added for further reduction of torque ripple.An optimized control rule is adopted based on the division method of the 12 new voltage vectors.A zero-voltage vector is used to adjust the duration of the 12 voltage vectors,the time of which is varied at different parts of the vector sectors according to the torque error.In addition,the windings are connected in a delta configuration,therefore,the number of connections between the converter and SRM is reduced.Finally,the results of MATLAB/Simulink and RT-LAB are presented to verify the validity of the proposed scheme.

Comprehensive predictive control of neutral-point voltage balancing for back-to-back three-level NPC converters

A comprehensive predictive strategy was proposed for the neutral-point balancing control of back-to-back three-level converters. The phase currents at both sides and the DC-link capacitor voltages were measured for the prediction of the neutral-point current. A quality function was found to balance the neutral-point, and a metabolic on-times distribution factor was used as a predicator to minimize the quality function at each switching state. Simulation results show that the proposed method produces smaller ripples in tested signals compared with the established one, namely, 9.15% less in a total harmonic distortion(THD) of line-to-line voltage, 1.08% less in the THD of phase current, and 0.9 V less in the ripple of the neutral-point voltage. The obtained experimental results show that the main harmonics of the line-to-line voltage and the phase current in the proposed method are improved by 10 d B and 6 d B, respectively, and the ripple of neutral-point voltage is halved compared to the established one.

Overview of Precious Metal Content Analysis Methods in Automotive Catalytic Converter

With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, people’s concern of pollution issues arising. Vehicles, as the most important means of transportation, its exhaust emission has received considerable attention. The catalytic converter is able to purify harmful substances in exhaust gas. The absolute content of precious metals in the catalytic converter dominates the exhaust gas purification effect. Accurate detection of precious metal content is of great significance for controlling the cost of catalysts, ensuring catalytic performance and recovering precious metals from spent catalysts. We herein summarized several instruments for precious metals content exploration, such as X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP) and spectrophotometer. In this thesis, the feasibility of using various devices for characterizing precious metal content in catalytic converters is analyzed and their strengths or weaknesses are elaborated.

Multifunctional polarization converter based on multilayer reconfigurable metasurface

In the modern wireless communication system,the manipulation for polarization of electromagnetic wave plays a important role in improving the capacity and reliability of communication.In this paper,a multifunctional polarization converter(MFPC)based on the multilayer reconfigurable metasurface is proposed,which can assist the source antenna to transmit and receive multiple polarization signals.The MFPC consists of a grating which can filter out the undesired polarization and four layers of metasurfaces incorporated with PIN diodes.The functions of the MFPC include LTC and LTL polarization conversions,co-polarization transmission and reflection for arbitrary polarization.By changing the states of PIN diodes,the functions of MFPC can be dynamically switched.Loaded on the aperture of source antenna,the proposed MFPC can serve as a transmissive array with multiple polarization channels,and can also provide EM protection for source antenna by reflecting the incoming interference waves.Cascading of the metasurfaces produces Fabry-Perot resonance in the MFPC,and it contributes to the realization of LTC and LTL polarization conversions.To verify the performance of the proposed MFPC,the prototype is fabricated and tested.The measured results show that the fractional bandwidths of four functions are all higher than 31.9% with transmission or reflection coefficients higher than-2 d B.The frequency band of each function is mainly concentrated in S-band.The measured data are in agreement with the simulated results.

Large-areaβ-Ga_(2)O_(3) Schottky barrier diode and its application in DC-DC converters

We demonstrate superb large-area verticalβ-Ga_(2)O_(3)SBDs with a Schottky contact area of 1×1 mm^(2)and obtain a high-efficiency DC-DC converter based on the device.Theβ-Ga_(2)O_(3)SBD can obtain a forward current of 8 A with a forward volt-age of 5 V,and has a reverse breakdown voltage of 612 V.The forward turn-on voltage(VF)and the on-resistance(Ron)are 1.17 V and 0.46Ω,respectively.The conversion efficiency of theβ-Ga_(2)O_(3)SBD-based DC-DC converter is 95.81%.This work indicates the great potential of Ga_(2)O_(3)SBDs and relevant circuits in power electronic applications.