M.Ing. (Electrical And Electronic Engineering) / DC to AC converters are used daily in industry, shipping and aviation as power .. supplies, standby power supplies or uninterrupted power supplies. Power levels vary from a few watts to several megawatts. This thesis investigates a composite converter with a high frequency link as such a DC to AC converter. There are two basic building blocks, the primary inverter as a push-pull inverter and the secondary converter as a cyclo-converter. A existing 2.5kVA system with bipolar transistors in the primary inverter and asymmetrical thyristors in the secondary converter is investigated. In the primary inverter, regenerative snubbers are used to minimise switching losses. A second 2.5kVA system with mosfets in the primary inverter and IGBT's in the secondary is developed. Switching losses in the primary inverter are minimised by including a resonant circuit concisting of a non-linear inductor and linear capacitor. This resonant circuit in the primary inverter, was originally simmulated by a PSPICE simmulation program, after which it was build up experimentally. The simmulated results and experimental results coincided, and development of the secondary converter started. The switches in the secondary had to comply to two conditions viz, low conducting lossses and the ability to switch at switching frequencies higher than 20kHz. IGBT's were consequently chosen and were implemented with the necessary gate drive circuits. With the higher switching frequency of 25kHz to the 5kHz of the first system, the ripple on the load current was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the construction of the composite converter with the gate drive switches was easy and compact, and the total cost of developing such a converter were reduced.

This thesis presents a novel modulation scheme, called feedback dithering modulation, for DC to AC power converters. The feedback dithering modulator consists of a quantizer and a recently reported feedback dithering circuit, performing multilevel modulation with improved linearity and signal quality as opposed to the conventional modulation schemes. By combining the feedback dithering modulation and optimal control, a single-phase DC to AC power converter is built and tested. The resulting total harmonic distortion can be as low as 0.38% for a 25£[ load, or 0.47% when the output is open. Under the various operating conditions with DC voltages source varying from 190 V to 300 V and output powers from 0 to 600 W, the power converter always maintains a total harmonic distortion less than 1%, exhibiting high performance and excellent robustness.

In this report the design and testing of a plug and play system to run Coolfinity’s Icevolt 300 refrigerator on solar panels is discussed. Such a system will be able to provide adequate cooling for food & beverages in area’s with unreliable or no electricity available. Currently such systems are only available for small chest refrigerators, while the Icevolt 300 is a large standing commercial refrigerator with a glass door. This is ideal for shops, cafés restaurants and smaller distribution centres. The system contains a solar charge controller, a battery and an inverter. First the component specifications and required solar panels are calculated. From those calculations system components are evaluated. A custom casing is designed to fit the components. An OEM is chosen and the chosen Inverter is tested extensively. The tests show that the inverter does not have any problems starting the Icevolt 300 compressor at a reduced voltage. Many battery manufacturers are evaluated and samples from three different manufacturers are obtained and tested. Samples of one of the manufacturers match specifications and have no issues with the high start up power of the compressor. A full system test proofs that the system works, but also indicates that the original refrigerator consumption estimate was too low. This means more PV panels are needed than originally estimated. With the information from the tests a new model is build that estimates the performance more accurate. A program is written to estimate the performance and decide the PV panels required. The pilot series of the case showed a lot of improvements are needed in the case design, especially on cost. A test is prepared in Mali but no test data is obtained yet. Based on the work done it would be recommend to investigate DC direct refrigerators instead of continuing the path of PV to AC systems. / I denna rapport diskuteras design och testning av ett plug and play - system för att köra Coolfinity’s Icevolt 300 -kylskåp på solpaneler. Ett sådant system kommer att kunna tillhandahålla tillräcklig kylning för mat och dryck i områden med opålitlig eller ingen tillgänglig el. För närvarande är sådana system endast tillgängliga för små kylboxar, medan Icevolt 300 är ett stort stående kommersiellt kylskåp med en glasdörr. Detta är idealiskt för butiker, kaféer och mindre distributionscentra. Systemet innehåller en laddningsregulator för solpaneler, ett batteri och en växelriktare. Först beräknas komponentspecifikationerna och nödvändiga solpaneler. Utifrån dessa beräkningar utvärderas systemkomponenter. Ett anpassat hölje är utformat för att passa komponenterna. En OEM väljs och den valda växelriktaren testas utförligt. Testerna visar att växelriktaren inte har några problem att starta Icevolt 300 -kompressorn med reducerad spänning. Många batteritillverkare utvärderas och prover från tre olika tillverkare erhålls och testas. Prover från en av tillverkarna matchar specifikationerna och har inga problem med kompressorns höga starteffekt. Ett fullständigt systemtest bevisar att systemet fungerar, men indikerar också att den ursprungliga uppskattningen av kylförbrukningen var för låg. Det betyder att fler PV -paneler behövs än vad som ursprungligen beräknades. Med informationen från testerna byggs en ny modell som uppskattar prestandan mer exakt. Ett program skrivs för att uppskatta prestanda och bestämma vilka PV -paneler som krävs. Pilotserien för höljet visade att många förbättringar behöver göras vad beträffar höljets design, särskilt vad gäller kostnaden. Ett test förbereds i Mali men inga testdata har erhållits ännu. Baserat på det utförda arbetet skulle det rekommenderas att undersöka direkta DC -kylskåp istället för att fortsätta vägen för PV till AC-system.

No description available.

Building Integrated Photo Voltaics (BIPVs) are devices which are manufactured to replace building components exposed to sufficient sunlight to generate energy. Photo Voltaic Roof tiles are Building Integrated components which can be used instead of traditional roofing materials. The following thesis is focused on comparing traditional, cheaper asphalt roof tiles with Photo Voltaic (PV) roofing tiles in terms of energy cost savings during their respective Net Present Values. The method used for achieving this is computer simulation made possible by software named "Solar Advisory Model" (SAM), developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL), to simulate energy output and resultant energy costs saved. The simulations have been run on a prototype example of a model of a dwelling unit's roof area. The simulations have been repeated for 35 cities all over the U.S.A. for 5 different climatic zones on the same prototype example of the dwelling unit. Similarly, the roof area being laid with an array of PV roof tiles has been estimated for coverage by traditional asphalt roof shingles by using data from the RS Means construction costs data. The estimated costs associated with the asphalt roof area have been adjusted to a different set of 35 locations from the 5 climatic zones by using the location factor from RS Means. A statistical analysis was done to analyze the data, net present value of roofing materials being the dependent variable versus climatic zones and roofing material as the independent variables. The statistical model also included CDD (Cooling Degree Days) and HDD (Heating Degree Days) as co-variates. The results indicate that NPV (Net Present Value) of BIPV roof is significantly different from that of asphalt roof. Another statistical analysis was done to determine the effect of climatic zones on energy savings due to the use of BIPV roofing. Energy savings (in US$) was used as a dependent variable, and climatic zone as the independent variable. HDD AND CDD were also included in this model as co-variates. The results of this test indicate that both climatic zone and HDD have an effect on total energy savings.

This thesis applies digital repetitive control to a single-phase DC-to-AC converter, with some proposed designs to improve stability and enhance performance of the converter under various load variations. A practical DC-to-AC converter is required to convert DC power to stable AC power with low harmonic distortion when attached to various linear or nonlinear loads. This thesis combines repetitive control with feedback dithering modulation and optimal state feedback to control the converter. The repetitive control is responsible for regulating output power and eliminating harmonics, while the feedback dithering modulation for switching the power transistors with reduced switching noise and the state feedback for stabilizing the converter under various load variations. The presented control and modulation schemes of the power converter are implemented on an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The experiments confirm the excellent performance and robustness of the converter, indicating a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.5% for the converter when attached to various linear or nonlinear loads.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The development of fast and efficient processors, programmable devices and high power semiconductors has led to the increased use of semiconductors directly in the power supply path in order to achieve strict power quality standards. New and advanced algorithms are used in the process and calculated on-line to bring about the required fast response to voltage variations. Losses in high voltage semiconductors increase with increased operating frequencies. A balance between semiconductor power losses and power quality is achieved through control of power semiconductor switching frequencies. A predictive control algorithm to achieve high power quality and limit the power losses in the high power semiconductor switches through switching frequency control is discussed for a tap switched voltage regulator. The quality of power, voltage regulator topology and the control algorithm are discussed. Simulation results of output voltage and current are shown when the control algorithm is used to control the regulator. These results are verified by practical measurements on a synchronous buck converter. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die ontwikkeling van vinnige en doeltreffende verwerkers, programmeerbare toestelle en hoëdrywings halfgeleiers het gelei tot 'n groter gebruik van halfgeleiers direk in die kragtoevoer pad om streng elektriese toevoer kwaliteit standaarde te bereik. Nuwe en gevorderde algoritmes word gebruik in die proses en word aan-lyn bereken om die nodige vinnige reaksie tot spanningswisselinge te gee. Verliese in hoë-spannings halfgeleiers verhoog met hoër skakel frekwensies. 'n Balans tussen die halfgeleier drywingsverliese en spanningskwalteit is behaal deur die skakel frekwensie in ag te neem in die beheer. 'n Voorspellinde-beheer algoritme om ‘n hoë toevoerkwaliteit te bereik en die drywingsverliese in die hoëdrywingshalfgeleier te beperk, deur skakel frekwensie te beheer, is bespreek vir 'n tap-geskakelde spanning reguleerder. Die toevoerkwaliteit, spanningsreguleerder topologie en die beheer algoritme word bespreek. Simulasie resultate van die uittree-spanning en stroom word getoon wanneer die beheer algoritme gebruik word om die omsetter te beheer. Hierdie resultate is deur praktiese metings op 'n sinkrone afkapper.

Submitted by Alex de Sá Martins null (lex.martins@hotmail.com) on 2017-12-16T23:31:27Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ANÁLISE E PROJETO DO CONVERSOR FONTE-Y PARA USO....pdf: 2723184 bytes, checksum: 9e77f24832992941e605e87a84c25d1a (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Maria Marlene Zaniboni null (zaniboni@bauru.unesp.br) on 2017-12-18T12:51:16Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 martins_as_me_bauru.pdf: 2723184 bytes, checksum: 9e77f24832992941e605e87a84c25d1a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-12-18T12:51:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 martins_as_me_bauru.pdf: 2723184 bytes, checksum: 9e77f24832992941e605e87a84c25d1a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-10-26 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Este trabalho aborda o estudo de topologia de conversor de energia baseada no uso de configuração de rede de impedância denominada fonte-Y, com o objetivo de ser aplicado em sistemas de geração distribuída de energia, em redes de baixa tensão. Em sistemas de geração distribuída de energia usualmente se faz necessária a existência de um estágio elevador de tensão e um estágio inversor, ambos controlados para produzir tensão e/ou corrente senoidal com mesma frequência, amplitude e fase da rede elétrica. Nesse sentido, este trabalho propõe a aplicação do conversor fonte- Y entre a geração e a conexão com e rede elétrica, de forma que as ações de conversão relacionadas com a elevação (CC-CC) e inversão (CC-CA) sejam efetuadas de forma integrada por uma única estrutura, contribuindo com a possibilidade de melhoria no rendimento global devido à minimização de estágios de conversão em cascata. Inicialmente, é efetuado um levantamento bibliográfico relacionando as principais topologias de conversores utilizando redes de impedância com indutores acoplados, considerando os aspectos operacionais, arranjo de impedância e ganho estático idealizado, desprezando perdas entre tensão de entrada e tensão máxima de saída obtida. Segue-se o estudo da operação de conversor CCCC empregando rede de impedância do tipo Y, definição das equações que regem o comportamento no tempo das tensões e correntes nos capacitores e indutores. É feita uma avaliação comparativa do ganho estático de tensão obtido e dos esforços nos semicondutores em função das variáveis de controle de projeto e operação disponíveis. Prossegue-se com o estudo da operação do conversor CC-CA empregando rede de impedância do tipo Y, considerando extensão das expressões encontradas para a operação como conversor CC-CC. Por fim, simulações computacionais foram desenvolvidas no ambiente PSIM contemplando o emprego dos circuitos e estratégias de modulação relacionadas com aplicações do conversor fonte- Y, em operação CC-CC e operação CC-CA visando a integração em sistemas de geração de energia, para demonstrar as vantagens e desvantagens do uso dessa topologia. / This paper deals with the study of energy converter topology based on the use of impedance network configuration called Y-source, with the objective of being applied in photovoltaic energy cogeneration systems in low voltage grids. In photovoltaic energy generation systems, it is usually necessary to have a voltage boost stage and an inverter stage, both controlled to produce voltage and / or sine current with the same frequency, amplitude and phase of the power grid. In this sense, this work proposes the application of the Y-source converter between the photovoltaic generation and the connection with the electric grid, so that the conversion actions related to elevation (DC-DC) and inversion (DC-AC) in a way integrated by a single structure, contributing to the possibility of improvement in the overall yield due to the minimization of cascade conversion stages. Initially a bibliographical survey was performed relating the main inverter topologies using impedance networks with coupled inductors considering the operational aspects, impedance arrangement and ideal static gain between the input voltage and the maximum output obtained. ext, the study of the DC-DC converter operation using the Y-type impedance network, definition of the equations governing the time behavior of the voltages and currents in the capacitors and inductors, is presented. It is also done the comparative evaluation of the static voltage gain obtained and the stresses in the semiconductors according to the available control and design control variables. Study of the operation of the DC-AC converter employing type Y impedance network, considering the extension of the expressions found for the operation as DC-DC converter. Finally, computational simulations were developed in the PSIM environment, considering the use of circuits and modulation strategies related to Y-source converter applications, in DC-DC operation and DC-AC operation for integration into power cogeneration systems, to demonstrate advantages and disadvantages of using this topology. / 134173/2017-1

Solar Bora AB is a Linköping based company that provides end to end solution for clean and reliable energy. System developed by them generates high power 230V AC to run electrical appliances. The system consist of string of batteries which are charged by rooftop solar cells and the energy stored in the batteries is converted to AC to provide a grid voltage like experience even though the system is not connected to a grid. Energy stored in the batteries need to be converted from DC to AC efficiently. Inverter used for conversion should be efficient enough to reduce losses. This master thesis deals with optimization and Up-gradation of Half-Bridge inverter board so that switching loss can be minimized to increase efficiency. Initial part of the thesis involves investigation of different parameters which contribute to losses in inverter. Based on that some improvements were suggested in existing design of half-bridge board. Another task involved in the thesis was complete re-design of half-bridge. More efficient and robust components were selected for complete re-design. Based on new components and its specifications a new circuit and PCB was designed in Altium Designer. Lab testing was performed to verify the functionality of new Half-bridge.