Desenvolvimento de uma máquina síncrona trifásica com ímãs de Nd-Fe-B e núcleo do rotor a partir de ferro sinterizado para aplicação em aerogeradores de 7,5 kW, verificando a viabilidade do protótipo. Partindo de um projeto anteriormente desenvolvido, foi realizada alteração no ângulo das chapas do estator em 10º, com o intuito de minimizar o efeito de correntes parasitas, sendo esse um dos fatores que influenciam os resultados. Para avaliação de desempenho, foi utilizada uma bancada de testes composta de analisador de energia, sensor de torque e instrumentos de medição, sendo o acionamento do protótipo realizado através de um motor de indução controlado por um inversor de frequência. Entre os resultados encontrados, foi constatada a presença de harmônicas que impactam sobre os valores obtidos do protótipo. Os testes realizados, de simulação e parâmetros elétricos, indicaram resultados apropriados ao desempenho de uma máquina elétrica trifásica, porém mostram-se necessárias alterações para um melhor desempenho do protótipo. / Development of a three-phase synchronous machine with Nd-Fe-B magnets and rotor core from sintered iron for application in 7.5 kW wind turbines, verifying the feasibility of the prototype. Starting from a previously developed design, a change in the angle of the stator plates was made in 10º, in order to minimize the effect of the parasite currents, being one of the factors that influence the results. For performance evaluation, a test bench composed of energy analyzer, torque sensor and measuring instruments was used, and the drive of the prototype was carried out through an induction motor controlled by a frequency inverter. Among the results found, it was verified the presence of harmonics that impact on the values obtained from the prototype. The tests performed, simulation and electrical parameters, indicated results appropriate to the performance of a three-phase electric machine, however changes are needed for a better performance of the prototype.

O avanço da microeletrônica nas últimas décadas trouxe maior densidade aos circuitos integrados, possibilitando a implementação de funções de alta complexidade em uma menor área de silício. Como efeito desta integração em larga escala, as latências dos fios passaram a representar uma maior fração do atraso de propagação de dados em um design, tornando a tarefa de “timing closure” mais desafiadora e demandando mais iterações entre etapas do design. Por meio de uma revisão na teoria dos circuitos insensíveis a latência (Latency-Insensitive theory), este trabalho explora a metodologia de designs elásticos (Elastic Design methodology) em circuitos síncronos, com o objetivo de solucionar o impacto que a latência adicional dos fios insere no fluxo de design de circuitos integrados, sem demandar uma grande mudança de paradigma por parte dos designers. A fim de exemplificar o processo de “elasticização”, foi implementada uma versão síncrona da arquitetura do microprocessador Neander que posteriormente foi convertida a um Circuito Elástico utilizando um protocolo insensível a latência nas transferências de dados entre os processos computacionais do design. Ambas as versões do Neander foram validadas em uma plataforma FPGA utilizando ferramentas e fluxo de design síncrono bem estabelecidos. A comparação das características de timing e área entre os designs demonstra que a versão Elástica pode apresentar ganhos de performance para sistemas complexos ao custo de um aumento da área necessária. Estes resultados mostram que a metodologia de designs elásticos é uma boa candidata para projetar circuitos integrados complexos sem demandar custosas iterações entre fases de design e reutilizando as já estabelecidas ferramentas de design síncrono, resultando em uma alternativa economicamente vantajosa para os designers. / The advance of microelectronics brought increased density to integrated circuits, allowing high complexity functions to be implemented in smaller silicon areas. As a side effect of this large-scale integration, the wire latencies became a higher fraction of a design’s data propagation latency, turning timing closure into a challenging task that often demand several iterations among design phases. By reviewing the Latency-Insensitive theory, this work presents the exploration of the Elastic Design methodology in synchronous circuits, with the objective of solving the increased wire latency impact on integrated circuits design flow without requiring a big paradigm change for designers. To exemplify the elasticization process, the educational Neander microprocessor architecture is synchronously implemented and turned into an Elastic Circuit by using a latency-insensitive protocol in the design’s computational processes data transfers. Both designs are validated in an FPGA platform, using well known synchronous design tools and flow. The timing and area comparison between the designs demonstrates that the Elastic version can present performance advantages for more complex systems at the price of increased area. These results show that the Elastic Design methodology is a good candidate for designing complex integrated circuits without costly iterations between design phases. This methodology also leverages the reuse of the mostly adopted synchronous design tools, resulting in a cost-effective alternative for designers.

E-learning is a rapidly emerging concept facilitating learners in the field of education. Continuous advancements in information technologies are enhancing the possibilities of its growth. Developed countries have realised its strength and adopted it warmly but in developing countries it is still a new concept. There are many limitations in developing countries for its implementation and growth. In my research I have identified the core limitations associated with the growth of E-learning in developing countries and found out some possible solutions. I have selected different subject areas which can support in solving my research questions. In the textual analysis I have found that different cultural, technological and awareness problems are creating obstacles for its implementation. In the empirical survey these problems are verified from the students and teachers who are associated with E-learning and would like to see its implementation in developing countries. In the results of my research findings I have shown how information technology can be helpful for enhancing the possibilities of E-learning and identified how sub systems of E-learning can support its growth.

Thesis. 1975. Ph.D.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. / Vita. / Includes bibliographical references. / Ph.D.

La commande prédictive de type Model Predictive Control (MPC) s’est imposée au fil du temps dans de nombreux domaines industriels. Elle permet en effet d’optimiser avec succès les performances du système contrôlé tout en respectant de nombreuses contraintes propres à l’application visée. Cependant, l’utilisation de la commande MPC dans les domaines de la commande de moteurs et de générateurs demeure problématique. En effet, ces applications à forte dynamique imposent de choisir de faibles périodes d’échantillonnage, or, ce type d’algorithme demande de résoudre pour chaque période d’échantillonnage un problème d’optimisation complexe. Cette difficulté est renforcée car le champ applicatif visé portant sur les applications embarquées aéronautiques où la vitesse de base des machines électriques est très élevée, de même que leur fréquence d’alimentation. De plus, du fait que les systèmes étudiés sont embarqués, il est également très important de minimiser les pertes énergétiques de l’ensemble convertisseur-machine. Dans ce contexte la commande prédictive par approche MPC peut être d’un grand intérêt. De plus, ce type d’application intègre des contraintes supplémentaires liées à l’environnement sévère dans lequel évoluent ces systèmes, contraintes additionnelles de fiabilité qu’il faut bien sûr ajouter dans l’algorithme de commande prédictif. La conséquence immédiate sera de renforcer la complexité des algorithmes et donc rendre plus difficile l’implantation en temps réel. Cependant, les gains attendus en termes de performance et de fiabilité sont importants. Le sujet proposé demande ainsi dans une première partie, de synthétiser une loi de commande prédictive d’un actionneur synchrone aéronautique. Une mission type sera choisie et l’optimisation portera à la fois sur le niveau des performances du contrôle que la minimisation de la dépense énergétique. Par ailleurs, une étude de robustesse sera menée qui prendra en compte l’impact de l’environnement de l’actionneur. L’aspect robustesse sera ainsi intégré à l’étude de la commande. La seconde partie du travail portera sur le portage de l’algorithme sur cible FPGA. Une attention toute particulière sera apportée à la minimisation du temps de calcul sans détérioration des performances, le tout sous contrainte de place. Il faudra privilégier une architecture de type Système-sur-Puce qui allie la flexibilité d’un ou plusieurs cœurs processeurs et de modules matériels dédiés à l’accélération de certaines parties critiques du traitement. / Nowadays, Model Predictive Control (MPC) has emerged in many industrial fields. It allows the optimization of the controlled drive performances while respecting a number of constraints specific to the application. However, the use of MPC in the fields of motors and generators control remains problematic. Indeed, these highly dynamic applications require small sampling periods. However, these types of algorithms necessitate the resolution of complex optimization problems at each sampling period. These difficulties are reinforced in our case as the chosen field is the aeronautical embedded applications where the drive speed, as well as the frequency, is important. In addition, as the systems are embedded ones, it is important to minimize the overall energy losses of the inverter-drive system. In this context, the Model Predictive Control can be of great interest. Moreover, this type of applications integrates additional constraints related to the harsh environment in which the systems evolve, such as the reliability, which must be added in the predictive control algorithm. The immediate consequence of these constraints results in an increase of the complexity of the algorithms and therefore it becomes more difficult to implement in real time. However, the expected gains in performance and reliability are important. The proposed subject requires in the first part, to synthesize a predictive control law of an aeronautical synchronous drive. A typical mission will be selected and the optimization will be performed on both the performance level of the control and the minimization of the energy cost. Furthermore, a robustness study is to be conducted that takes into account the environmental impact of the motor drive. The second part will be on the implementation of the algorithm on FPGA target. Particular attention will be paid to minimizing the computational time without any degradation in the performances. Focus will be upon architectures of the type System-on-chip (SoC) that combines the flexibility of one or more processor cores and dedicated hardware modules for accelerating critical parts of the treatment.

A expansão de geração distribuída nos sistemas de distribuição e de subtransmissão de energia elétrica em todo o mundo tem sua origem na reestruturação do setor elétrico, na necessidade de aproveitamento de diferentes fontes primárias de energia, nos avanços tecnológicos, nos incentivos governamentais e na maior conscientização sobre conservação ambiental. Com tal expansão, surge a necessidade de avaliar os impactos dessa forma de geração na operação das redes elétricas, principalmente das redes de distribuição, as quais foram inicialmente projetadas para operar considerando apenas a subestação de distribuição como fonte de energia. Entre esses impactos, um importante item a co0nsiderar é a detecção de ilhamento. Tal ocorrência é altamente indesejada pelas concessionárias distribuidoras de energia elétrica as quais estabelecem que os proprietários de geradores distribuídos devem instalar um sistema de proteção capaz de detectar ilhamentos. Dentre os métodos empregados para detecção de ilhamento os mais comuns para este propósito são os relés baseados em medidas de freqüência (relé de sub/sobrefreqüência, relé de taxa de variação de freqüência). Tais dispositivos são fortemente dependentes do desbalanço de potência ativa na rede ilhada e podem falhar caso esses desbalanços sejam pequenos. Ressalta-se que o comportamento variável da carga em sistemas de distribuição e a possibilidade de formação de diversas ilhas podem originar diferentes níveis de desbalanço de potência ativa e reativa. Conseqüentemente, pode haver vários cenários de operação em que os relés previamente citados falharão em detectar ilhamento. Neste contexto, esta dissertação de Mestrado propõe metodologias de proteção adaptativa anti-ilhamento aplicadas a relés baseados em medidas de freqüência, que visem a proteção do sistema elétrico e do gerador distribuído na maioria das condições de desbalanço de potência ativa e reativa que possam ocorrer na rede elétrica. Os geradores distribuídos a serem analisados são do tipo síncrono devido a sua grande utilização em pequenas centrais hidroelétricas e térmicas. São propostas duas metodologias: uma baseada em simulações dinâmicas e outra baseada em fórmulas analíticas. Os resultados obtidos foram satisfatórios para vários cenários de operação de um gerador distribuído conectado em uma rede de distribuição. Além disso, as vantagens e limitações de cada método são apresentadas e discutidas. / Distributed generation expansion worldwide has been caused by the de-regulamentation of the electricity sector, by the necessity to explore different energy resources, by technological advances, by government incentives and by environmental concerns associated with energy production. Such expansion brings the necessity to assess he impacts caused by distributed generators on the distribution systems, which were designed to operate considering the utility substation as the only power source. Among these impacts, on that deserves major attention is islanding detection. Utilities recommend that distributed generators\' owners provide efficient anti-islanding protection installed at the point of common coupling between the generator and the grid. Common anti-islanding protection schemes are composed by frequency-based relays (standard frequency relay and/or rate of change of frequency relay). These devices are strongly dependent on the active power imbalance in the islanded system and they can fail to detect an islanding condition if such power imbalance is small. Therefore, it is worth pointing that the variable power consumption of the distribution system\'s loads and the possibility of creating several energized islands can originate different power imbalance levels. Consequently, there may be various operating scenarios in which the frequency-based relays will fail to detect islanding. In this context, this work proposes adaptive methods to adjust frequency-based relays in order to provide effective anti-islanding protection considering different power imbalance levels. Synchronous generators are studied, since their wide application in distributed generation plants, such as small hydro and thermal power plants. Two methods are proposed: one is a simulation-based method and the other is based on analytical formulas. Both methods presented good results considering all the operating scenarios tested with a distributed generator connected to a distribution system. Furthermore, their advantages and limitations are presented and discussed.

Neste trabalho, investigamos um algoritmo para estimação dos parâmetros de geradores síncronos baseado em análise de sensibilidade de trajetórias. Os parâmetros são estimados através da resolução de um problema de otimização não-linear de mínimos quadrados. Medidas são comparadas com as soluções obtidas dos modelos dinâmicos do gerador e o algoritmo busca minimizar a diferença entre as medidas e a saída do modelo matemático. As medidas foram obtidas de forma artificial por intermédios de simulações computacionais, admitindo-se não somente as dinâmicas transitórias da máquina, mas também considerando as dinâmicas sub-transitórias. O algoritmo proposto é adequado para medidas acessíveis em campo e permite estimar os parâmetros a partir de medidas de perturbações do sistema sem a necessidade da desconexão da máquina do sistema. A principal contribuição deste trabalho é a proposição de uma nova modelagem empregada para estimar os parâmetros do gerador síncrono. Para isto, propõe-se um modelo simplificado, modificado do modelo de dois eixos do gerador, que utiliza a corrente de campo do gerador como uma das entradas. Este modelo é constituído por um conjunto de equações algébrico-diferenciais (EADs) que contém uma equação algébrica de balanço de corrente. Esta equação elimina a necessidade de medidas de variáveis de difícil acesso. O algoritmo proposto foi testado com dados obtidos de simulações dinâmicas realizadas a partir de um sistema teste com resultados satisfatórios. Os resultados obtidos são analisados frente a resultados obtidos também para o modelo de dois eixos utilizando a tensão de campo como uma entrada. Através destes resultados é possível observar a possibilidade de sua utilização em aplicações reais. / In this work, we investigate an algorithm for estimating parameters of synchronous generators based on trajectories sensitivity analysis. The parameters are estimated by solving a nonlinear optimization problem of least squares. Measurements are compared with the solutions obtained from the dynamic model of the generator and the algorithm seeks to minimize the difference between the measurements and the output of the mathematical model. Measurements were obtained artificially by means of simulations, assuming not only the transient dynamics of the machine, but also considering the subtransient dynamics. The proposed algorithm is suitable for accessible measurements in the field and allows the estimation of parameters from measurements of system disturbances, without the necessity of disconnecting the machine from the system. The main contribution of this work is to propose a new generator model to estimate the parameters of the synchronous generator. To this end, a simplified model is proposed. This model is a modification of the two-axis model of the generator, which uses the generator field current as an input of the model. This model consists of a set of differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) containing an algebraic equation of balance of current. This equation eliminates the need of measuring variables that are difficult to access. The proposed algorithm has been tested with data obtained from dynamic simulations conducted from a test system with satisfactory results. The results has been analysed against the results of the two-axis model using the generator field voltage as an input of the model. These results indicate the possibility of application in real machines.

Multi-user computer-aided design (CAD) is an emerging technology that promises to facilitate collaboration, enhance product quality, and reduce product development lead times by allowing multiple engineers to work on the same design at the same time. The BYU site of the NSF Center for e-Design has developed advanced multi-user CAD prototypes that have demonstrated the feasibility and value of this technology. Despite the possibilities that this software opens up for enhanced collaboration, there are now a new variety of challenges and opportunities to understand and address. For multi-user CAD to be used effectively in a modern engineering environment, it is necessary to understand and address both human and technical collaboration challenges. The purpose of this dissertation is to understand and address these challenges. Two studies were performed to better understand the human side of engineering collaboration: (1) engineers from multiple companies were interviewed to assess the collaboration challenges they experience, and (2) players of the multi-player game Minecraft were surveyed and studied to understand how a multi-user environment affects design collaboration. Methods were also developed to address two important technical challenges in multi-user CAD: (1) a method for detecting undo conflicts, and (2) additional methods for administering data access. This research addresses some of the important human and technical collaboration challenges in multi-user CAD. It enhances our understanding of collaboration challenges in engineering industry and how multi-user CAD will help address some of those challenges. It also enhances our understanding of how a multi-user design environment will affect design collaboration. The method developed for detecting conflicts that occur during local undo in multi-user CAD can be used to block conflicts from occurring and provide the user with some information about the cause of the conflict so they can collaborate to resolve it. The methods developed for administering data access in multi-user CAD will help protect against unauthorized access to sensitive data.

The goal of the research is to help government agencies and non-profit-organizations (NPOs) better prepare for events that require a point-of-dispensing (POD) unit. The research team developed a training exercise that simulated a real world anthrax outbreak, by using groups of untrained nursing and pharmacy students. These students were then separated and trained in two different groups: asynchronously and synchronously. By outlining how to successfully reuse a point-of-dispensing (POD) unit during emergencies, the researcher compared Qualtrics surveys that were distributed at the beginning and end of the exercise. These surveys were meant to show students’ understanding of POD exercises and then evaluate their understanding of pivotal concepts (retention, cost, new algorithms, and teaching methods). It was found that the retention of new material dropped drastically after two months regardless of the type training. The first month retention dropped to 77% and the second to 46%. On top of the retention needed, eight trained volunteers would need to be stationed for every 100 people attending the POD. No city would be able to supply the amount of trained professionals required to satisfy these requirements, so untrained civilians would need to be used. The cost associated with consistently training this amount of untrained citizens would surpass any budget. The only feasible chance to train the amount of volunteers needed, would be to have the material readily available ahead of time. Asynchronous training is the only viable means to producing a training program with the scale and retention levels that a real world event would require.

This study explored the design of learner-learner activities including types of pedagogy and media in online courses and graduate students’ perceptions of social interaction, cognitive learning and overall satisfaction. Data collection and analysis involved both quantitative and qualitative methods following a Sequential Explanatory Model. Data instruments include a modified version of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Survey version 14b (Swan, Shea, Richardson, Ice, Garrison, Cleveland-Innes, & Arbaugh, 2008), a Rubric for Assessing Interactive Qualities of Distance Learning Courses (Roblyer, 2004), and a semi-structured interview protocol. A total of 106 graduate students participated in the survey. Twelve of the participants were also interviewed. Six online courses were reviewed and the six instructors who taught them as well as the 12 interviewees who took the courses were asked to complete the Roblyer’s (2004) Rubric. Data was collected and analyzed across 4 phases. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software to compute descriptive statistics to include frequencies Pearson Correlation and Regression analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed through a process of open then thematic coding. Some qualitative data were quantitized. Results from each data set were triangulated in the final phase of data analysis. Frequency results from the survey indicated that less than half of the participants experienced Group Work and Synchronous Class Seminars in online courses and that asynchronous interactions through discussion were more common when compared to synchronous interactions. Graduate students who experienced opportunities for learner-learner interaction found them to be useful and of value in providing them with a broader perspective on the issues covered. Online courses include a variety of activity types that support learner-learner activities and these activities were spread across programs and courses. Results of Pearson correlation showed positive associations between cognitive (r=.687), social (r=.602) and teaching (r=.562) presence and satisfaction. Regression analysis indicated that facilitation (teaching presence), affective expression and group cohesion (social presence) and resolution (cognitive presence) were strong predictors of satisfaction. Overall, cognitive presence (R2.537) explained the most variance and was the strongest predictor of satisfaction. Qualitative data results reflect an appreciation for learner-learner interaction. Graduate students reported value gained from having the opportunity to view or listen to the perspectives and experiences of their peers and being able to feel a part of the learning community. A few students however, found learner-learner interaction was not helpful, useful or meaningful. Fifty percent of participants in this study reported taking online classes as a matter of necessity and not preference, and almost half the participants (48%) preferred to work alone. Interestingly however, only less than 15% of participants expressed dislike for learner-learner interaction. Challenges with group work were the most pronounced of those reported. Students had positive perceptions of the course design, reporting coherent and structured courses. Instructor role also received positive reviews with students highlighting the quality and level of feedback received. The results of this study have important implications for online teaching and learning research, online course design, and theory development. The study shows that graduate students benefit from learner-learner interactions and that more importantly they are aware of the relationship between course design, learner-learner interaction and online learning. The results of this study also have implications for the design and delivery of online courses that seek to ensure collaborative learning through learner-learner interaction with the intent of strengthening both social and cognitive presence through the incorporation of social and instructional interaction opportunities. This study provides a rich quantitative and qualitative exploration of firsthand information on graduate students’ experience and perception of the design for a variety of learner-learner activities and their value in contributing to their learning in online courses. These perceptions provide support for improvements to the way opportunities for learner-learner interaction are developed and managed in the online environment.