A utilização de conversores multiníveis tem sido uma importante alternativa para aplicações de alta potência e média tensão, graças aos altos níveis de potência alcançáveis por estas estruturas. Recentemente, esta topologia de conversores foi aplicada em sistemas com fontes alternativas para alimentar um sistema de geração distribuída, nos quais diferentes fontes de energia eram utilizadas. Com base nas características dos conversores multinível e sua potencial aplicabilidade em sistemas de geração distribuída, este trabalho tem como objetivo construir um sistema multinível conectado a rede de distribuição para utilização de fontes alternativas de energia como fontes primárias. Considerando que a energia fornecida pelas fontes alternativas pode sofrer variações, propõe-se a integração de sistemas armazenadores de energia, como capacitores, ao sistema multinível. Por isso, este trabalho desenvolve uma estratégia de controle para máxima transferência de potência ativa entregue à rede a fim de obter um fluxo ótimo. A topologia multinível deste trabalho possui em sua configuração dois módulos inversores conectados em série. Neste caso, é possível que pelo menos um desses inversores funcione com uma modulação em baixa frequência processando a maior parcela de potência. Assim, duas estratégias de controle modulação de fase e modulação de amplitude para a transferência de potência realizada pelo inversor de baixa frequência são analisadas. As vantagens e desvantagens de cada um dos métodos são expostas e então a estratégia mais adequada, no caso a modulação de amplitude, é utilizada na operação do conversor multinível. Além disso, são apresentados a modelagem das plantas e o projeto dos controladores de cada um dos módulos inversores. Por fim, a validação da proposta é feita através dos resultados de simulações e experimentais que mostram a capacidade do sistema de geração em transferir potência constante para a rede de distribuição e manter a corrente quase sem distorções em fase com a tensão. / The utilization of multilevel converters has been an important alternative for medium voltage applications with high power and power quality demand, thanks to the high power levels achievable for this kind of structure. Recently, this converter topology was proposed as a new possibility in renewable energy source applications, mainly in system delivering power to the grid, where different renewable energy resources may be used. Based on the characteristics of multilevel converters, and their potential applicability in distributed generation systems, this study aims to build a multilevel system that could be powered by renewable energy sources as primary sources and then connect them to a distribution grid. However, considering the energy produced by alternative sources can vary, it is analyzed the integration of a storage energy system in this multilevel topology. Taking into account this ends, the main concern of this study is related to the development of a control strategy to maximize the active power transferred to the grid. The multilevel topology employed in this study has two H-bridge inverter modules connected in series forming a cascaded configuration. Therefore, it is possible that at least one of these inverters, operating with a low frequency of modulation, process the majority of power with lower amount of losses. On this way, two control strategies for power transfer are analyzed. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are presented, and the most appropriated strategy is used in the operation of the multilevel converter system. In addition, it has been presented the design criteria for each controller and finally the validation of the proposed approach is done by mains of simulations and experimental results which show the ability of the converter to transfer constant active power to the grid and keep the grid current in phase with the grid voltage.

Sistemas de levitação magnética são inerentemente não-lineares e, quando con- trolados digitalmente, normalmente, esbarram em limitações do hardware empregado. O objetivo desta tese é apresentar aspectos teóricos e práticos durante a aplicação da teoria de controle H1 não-linear em sistemas de levitação magnética. A primeira con- tribuição desta tese é apresentar um procedimento de projeto de um controlador H1 não-linear que utiliza funções de ponderação com dinâmica, obtidas a partir do projeto de um controlador H1 linear. Assim como no caso linear, essas funções de ponderação possibilitam a rejeição de perturbações, ruídos de sensor, aumento da robustez, den- tre outras especificações. A segunda contribuição é apresentar um procedimento de conversão de uma rotina implementada em ponto-flutuante para ponto-fixo, utilizando minimização de norma l1, que foi implementada em um DSP de 32 bits em ponto- fixo. Resultados experimentais também são apresentados, nos quais a performance do controlador não-linear é especificamente avaliada na fase inicial de levitação. / Electromagnetic suspension systems are inherently nonlinear and often face hard- ware limitation when digitally controlled. The goal of this thesis is to present theoretical and practical aspects during the nonlinear H1 control applied on an electromagnetic suspension system. The first contribution is the design of a nonlinear H1 controller, including dynamic weighting functions, obtained from a linear H1 controller. Just as in the linear case, this dynamic weighting functions provide the disturbance and noise sensor rejection, robustness improvement, among other specifications. The second con- tribution is to present a procedure able to translate a floating-point algorithm into a fixed-point algorithm by using l1 norm minimization due to conversion error, which was then implemented into a 32-bit fixed-point DSP. Experimental results are also pre-sented, in which the performance of the nonlinear controller is evaluated specifically in the initial suspension phase.

<p>A power assisted wheelchair combines human power, which is delivered by the arms through the pushrims, with electrical motors, which are powered by a battery. Today’s electric power assisted wheelchairs use force sensors to measure the torque exerted on the pushrims by the user. The force sensors in the pushrims are rather expensive and this approach also makes the wheels a little bit clumsy. The objective with this project is to find a new, better and cheaper solution that does not use expensive force sensors in the pushrims. The new power assisted wheelchair will instead only rely on its velocity, which is measured with rotational encoders, as feedback signal and thereby the project name “Torque Sensor Free Power Assisted Wheelchair”. </p><p> </p><p>The project consisted of two main parts; an extensive construction part, where an ordinary joystick controlled motorized wheelchair has been rebuild to the new power assisted wheelchair without torque sensors and a development part, where different torque sensor free controllers has been designed, simulated, programmed and tested.</p><p>The project resulted in a torque sensor free power assisted wheelchair, where the final implemented design is a proportional derivative controller, which gives a very good assisting system that is robust and insensitive to measurement noise. The proportional derivative control design gives two adjustable parameters, which can be tuned to fit a certain user; one parameter is used to adjust the amplification of the user’s force and the other one is used to change the lasting time of the propulsion influence.</p><p>Since the new assisting control system only relies on the velocity, the torque sensor free power assisted wheelchair will besides giving the user assisting power also give an assistant, which pushes the wheelchair, additional power. This is a big advantage compared to the pushrim activated one, where this benefit for the assistant is not possible.</p>

A power assisted wheelchair combines human power, which is delivered by the arms through the pushrims, with electrical motors, which are powered by a battery. Today’s electric power assisted wheelchairs use force sensors to measure the torque exerted on the pushrims by the user. The force sensors in the pushrims are rather expensive and this approach also makes the wheels a little bit clumsy. The objective with this project is to find a new, better and cheaper solution that does not use expensive force sensors in the pushrims. The new power assisted wheelchair will instead only rely on its velocity, which is measured with rotational encoders, as feedback signal and thereby the project name “Torque Sensor Free Power Assisted Wheelchair”. The project consisted of two main parts; an extensive construction part, where an ordinary joystick controlled motorized wheelchair has been rebuild to the new power assisted wheelchair without torque sensors and a development part, where different torque sensor free controllers has been designed, simulated, programmed and tested. The project resulted in a torque sensor free power assisted wheelchair, where the final implemented design is a proportional derivative controller, which gives a very good assisting system that is robust and insensitive to measurement noise. The proportional derivative control design gives two adjustable parameters, which can be tuned to fit a certain user; one parameter is used to adjust the amplification of the user’s force and the other one is used to change the lasting time of the propulsion influence. Since the new assisting control system only relies on the velocity, the torque sensor free power assisted wheelchair will besides giving the user assisting power also give an assistant, which pushes the wheelchair, additional power. This is a big advantage compared to the pushrim activated one, where this benefit for the assistant is not possible.

Shape plays an important role in our everyday life to interpret information about the surroundings whether we are aware or not. Together with visual and auditory information, we are able to obtain and process information for different purposes. Output devices such as monitors and speakers convey visual and auditory information while input devices such as touch screen and microphones receive that information for human machine interaction. Such devices have become commonplace but there has yet to be a fitting input/output device utilizing our haptic perception. Digital Clay is a next generation Human Machine Interface (HMI) device for 2.5D shape input/output via an array of hydraulic actuators. This device potentially has wide applications in the areas of engineering, sciences, medicine, military, entertainment etc. The user can perceive the shape of a computer programmed model in a tangible and concrete manner which means an added realism with the addition of the sense of touch. Conversely, the user can also use Digital Clay as an input device to the computer, by shaping and molding desired shapes on the device, no longer limited to drawing models with a mouse on CAD software. Shape display has been achieved with the current 5x5 prototype at the Georgia Institute of Technology but this research seeks to expand its capability to include haptic feedback and consequently shaping mode. This thesis gives an overview of the current 5x5 prototype and implements 2 commonly used haptic control methods, the admittance control and the impedance control. For implementing the admittance control, actuator displacement and velocity controllers and a proportional integral observer (PIO) are designed. The model-based unknown input observer is a solution for force estimation without added sensors in the actuators. For implementing the impedance control, a novel pressure control technique is designed to provide pressure feedback to the actuators array along with accurate and reliable displacement measurement. Both of the haptic control methods are evaluated, hardware and software limitations are outlined and possible future improvements are suggested.

Boost dc-to-dc converters have very good source interface properties. The input inductor makes the source current smooth and hence these converters provide very good EMI performance. On account of this good property, the boost converter is also the preferred converter for off-line UPF rectifiers. One of the issues of concern in these converters is the large size of the storage capacitor on the dc link. The boost converter suffers from the disadvantage of discontinuous current injected to the load. The size of the capacitor is therefore large. Further, the ripple current in the capacitor is as much as the load current; hence the ESR specification of the tank capacitor is quite demanding. This is specially so in the emerging application areas of automotive power conversion, where the input voltage is low (typically 12V) and large voltage boost (4 to 5) are desired. The first part of this thesis suggests multi-phase boost converter to overcome the disadvantages of large size storage capacitor in boost converter. Comparison between the specification of single stage and multi-stages is thoroughly examined. Besides the average small signal analysis of N converters in parallel and obtaining an equivalent second order system are discussed. By paralleling the converters the design of closed loop control is a demanding task. To achieve proper current sharing among the stages using current control method is inevitable. Design and implementation of closed loop control of multi-phase boost converter both in analog and digital is the topic of next part of the thesis. Comparison between these two approaches is presented in this part and it will be shown that digital control is more convenient for such a topology on account of the requirement of synchronization, phase shifted operation, current balancing and other desired functions, which will be discussed later in detail. A new direct digital control method, which is simple and fast, is developed. Two different realizations with DSP controller and FPGA controller are considered. In the last part of the thesis a novel soft switching circuit for boost converter is presented. It provides Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) for the main switch and Zero Current Switching (ZCS) for the auxiliary switch. The paper presents the idealized analysis giving all the circuit intervals and the equations necessary for the design of such a circuit. The proposed soft switching circuit is particularly suited for the tapped-inductor boost circuit with a minimum number of extra components. Extension of the method to tapped inductor boost converter addresses the application of Zero Voltage Transition (ZVT) to high conversion ratio converters. Extension of the method to multiphase boost converter shows that with less number of auxiliary switches soft switching operation can be achieved for all interleaved switching devices. Several laboratory prototype boost converters have been built to confirm the theoretical results and design methods are matching with both simulation and experimental results.

The realisation of signal processing algorithms in fixed-point offers substantial performance advantages over floating-point realisations. However, it is widely acknowledged that the task of realising algorithms in fixed-point is a challenging one with limited tool support. This thesis examines various aspects related to the translation of algorithms, given in infinite precision or floating-point, into fixed-point. In particular, this thesis reports on the implementation of a given algorithm, an EDFA (Erbium-Doped Fibre Amplifier) control algorithm, on a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) using fixed-point arithmetic. An analytical approach is proposed that allows the automated realisation of algorithms in fixedpoint. The technique provides fixed-point parameters for a given floating-point model that satisfies a precision constraint imposed on the primary output of the algorithm to be realised. The development of a simulation framework based on this analysis allows fixed-point designs to be generated in a shorter time frame. Albeit being limited to digital algorithms that can be represented as a data flow graph (DFG), the approach developed in the thesis allows for a speed up in the design and development cycle, reduces the possibility of error and eases the overall effort involved in the process. It is shown in this thesis that a fixed-point realisation of an EDFA control algorithm using this technique produces results that satisfy the given constraints.

Existem máquinas que necessitam de uma grande velocidade de processamento para seu correto trabalho, essas máquinas possuem um tempo de processamento de resposta crítico. Quando considera-se este aspecto somado à necessidade de um controle do comportamento estático e dinâmico de um sistema chega-se ao controlador com fortes demandas de tempo de execução. Essa dissertação compara controladores discretos implementados em ponto fixo, com diferentes precisões, usando para tanto a simulação do comportamento de controladores confeccionados em linguagem de comandos Matlab e em linguagem VHDL 2008. Esta última está em desenvolvimento e padronização pelo IEEE. A linguagem VHDL é usada nas FPGAs que são dispositivos de alta velocidade e capacidade de processamento paralelo. O principal objetivo do trabalho é o estudo e a implementação de controladores discretos em FPGA com o auxílio da linguagem VHDL 2008, determinando suas virtudes e limitações, em particular quanto à estrutura de programação, análise de erro e a demanda por recursos. Os resultados alcançados demonstram que algumas melhorias ainda precisam ser feitas para que o VHDL 4.0, conhecido como VHDL 2008, seja entregue ao mercado como padrão estável. Entretanto, quando conhecidas suas limitações, já é possível seu uso em implementações com conversão de sinais discretos para analógicos, como é o caso de controle e simulação de sistemas dinâmicos como servomecanismos. / There are machines that need large processing speed for its correct working, these machines have a critical time response processing. When it is considered that aspect coupled with the need for control of static and dynamic behavior of a system arrives at the controller with strong demands on runtime. This dissertation compares discrete controllers implemented in fixed point with different accuracies, using for both the simulation of the behavior of controllers manufactured in Matlab command language and VHDL 2008. VHDL 2008 still in development and standardization by the IEEE. The VHDL language is used in FPGAs that are high speed devices with parallel processing capability. The main objective of this work is the study and implementation of discrete controllers in FPGA with the help of the VHDL 2008 language, determining its strengths and limitations, particularly in regard to the structure of programming, error analysis and demand for resources. Results show that accuracy still need some improvements a standard to the VHDL 4.0, known as VHDL 2008, is delivered to the market a stable standard. However, knowing it limitations, it is possible implementations and use in conversion of analog signals to discrete, such as control and dynamic systems simulation like servomechanisms.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-08-30Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:47:24Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 ribeiro_jms_me_ilha.pdf: 1485185 bytes, checksum: 5ab0628a95f1aed7502862f70ee550ce (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Este trabalho apresenta três novas estratégias de controle discreto. O enfoque principal do trabalho foi dado ao Controle Discreto com Modos Deslizantes (CDMD) aplicados em sistemas que possuem atraso no processamento do sinal de controle. As novas estratégias de controle objetivam a elaboração de leis de fácil implementação prática e que ao mesmo tempo sejam robustas a incertezas da planta. Uma característica destas novas abordagens para controle discreto com atraso no tempo é a utilização de um Controle com Modos Deslizantes sem a necessidade de predição do sinal de controle. Os métodos de projeto propostos podem ser aplicados no controle de plantas estáveis ou instáveis com atraso no sinal de controle. Uma das estratégias foi elaborada para realizar controle apenas em sistemas discretos que não possuem atraso no sinal de controle, enquanto que as demais são utilizadas para controle em sistemas com atraso. São apresentadas simulações e resultados de implementações práticas, sobre uma planta estável de Controle Automático da Geração (CAG) e sobre um Sistema Pêndulo Invertido, que caracteriza bem uma planta instável. Os resultados comprovam a eficácia dos novos controladores. / This work presents three new strategies of discrete-time control. The main focus of the work was given to the Sliding Mode Control (SMC) applied in systems that present delay in the processing of the control sign. The new control strategies provide laws of control of easy practical implementation and that at the same time are robust to uncertainties of the plant. A characteristic of these new approaches, for discrete-time control with delay-time, is the use of a Sliding Mode Control without the need of prediction of the control signal. The proposed design methods can be applied in the control of stable or unstable plants, with delay in the control signal. One of the strategies was elaborated to accomplish control just in discrete-time system without delay-time in the control sign, while the others are used for control in systems with delay-time. Simulations and experimental results are shown on a stable plant of Automatic Generation Control (AGC) and on Inverted Pendulum System, that is an unstable plant. The results prove the controllers' effectiveness.

Dans ce travail nous cherchons à développer des algorithmes de commande adaptés au fonctionnement à haute vitesse d’une machine synchrone à aimants permanents (MSAP) et de son onduleur en optimisant l’efficacité énergétique de l’ensemble. Bien que la vocation soit très large, le domaine de la traction électrique est priorisé. Les MSAP tournant à haute vitesse sont de plus en plus utilisées dans les véhicules électriques en raison de leur forte densité de puissance. La haute vitesse implique une force électromotrice élevée et requiert la réduction du flux (défluxage) dans l’entrefer. Lors d’un fonctionnement de la machine en régime défluxé, si la contribution de l’aimant peut-être totalement compensée alors nous pouvons utiliser une stratégie Maximum Torque Per Volt (MTPV) pour générer les consignes de courant qui respectent les limites électriques théoriques quelle que soit la vitesse de rotation de la machine. En l’absence de boucle de vitesse, le couple de référence doit être limité aux points de fonctionnement atteignables, calculés en fonction des limites de courant (limites onduleur et machine), tension (batterie) et puissance (batterie et partie mécanique). Nous proposons ainsi dans cette thèse de calculer les références de courant avec une stratégie MTPA (Maximum Torque Per Ampere) à basse vitesse et d’utiliser un algorithme de défluxage basé sur une régulation de la norme de la tension associée à une stratégie MTPV à haute vitesse sans commutation d’algorithme mais par une action continue sur la valeur de la saturation de courant. Concernant la boucle de courant nous réalisons une commande numérique dans le repère d-q qui tient compte de la discrétisation, du retard (dû au temps de calcul), et du fort couplage inter-axes à haute vitesse sous des critères de précision, stabilité et rapidité. Nous étudions les stratégies de découplage minimal et de découplage discret avec prédiction de la variation du courant. Les approches par régulateurs avec structure RST et par commande prédictive-optimale sont développées. Une prédiction de la position réelle du rotor est incluse afin de conserver la stabilité à haute vitesse. Finalement nous réalisons une maquette avec une MSAP à échelle réduite sur laquelle nous testons ces stratégies de commande. Nous validons par expérience que l’algorithme proposé dans la thèse est capable de piloter la machine à haute vitesse en respectant les limites électriques et nous vérifions qu’il améliore les performances (couple, vitesse maximale, pertes) obtenues à haute vitesse. / In this work we search to develop control algorithms adapted to the high speed operation of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and its inverter by optimizing the energy efficiency of the set. Although the vocation is very broad, the field of electric traction is prioritized. High speed PMSMs are increasingly used in electrical vehicles because of their high power density. The high speed implies a high electromotive force and requires the reduction of the flux (fluxweakening) in the air gap. When the motor is running in flux-weakening mode, if the contribution of the magnet can be fully compensated then we can use a Maximum Torque Per Volt (MPTV) strategy to generate the current references that meet the theoretical limits regardless of the machine rotation speed. In the absence of a speed loop the reference torque must be limited to the achievable operating points, calculated according to the current limits (inverter and machine limits), voltage (battery) and power (battery and mechanical part). We propose in this thesis to calculate the current reference with Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) strategy at low speed and to use a flux-weakening algorithm based on a regulation of the voltage norm associated with a MTPV strategy at high speed without switching algorithms but by a continuous action on the value of the current saturation. Concerning the current loop, we carry out a numerical control in the d-q frame which takes into account the discretization, the delay (due to the computation time), and the high inter-axis coupling at high speed under criteria of precision, stability and speed. We study the strategies of minimal decoupling and discrete decoupling with prediction of the variation of the current. The approaches by regulators with RST structure and predictive-optimal control are developed. A prediction of the actual rotor position is included to maintain the stability at high speed. Finally a real model with a reduced scale PMSM is realized on which these control strategies are tested. We validate by experiment that the algorithm proposed in the thesis is able to control the machine at high speed respecting the electrical limits and verify that it improves the performances (torque, maximum speed, losses) obtained at high speed.