It has become a case of great desire and, in some instances, a requirement to have systems in engineering be energy efficient, in addition to being effectively powerful. It is rare that there is a single technique that has the range to make this possible in a wide collection of areas in the field. The work done in this thesis exhibits how Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) bridges LEDs, plug in vehicles, fuel cells and batteries, all seemingly different sub categories of electrical engineering. It stems from an undergraduate directed independent study supervised by Dr. Zilouchian that encircled LEDs and electric vehicles and how they contribute to a smart electric grid. This thesis covers the design and development of a prototype board that test how PWM saves energy, prolongs lifespan and provides a host of customizable features in manufactured LED lights that are used in the marine industry. Additionally, the concept of charging batteries that provide power to electric vehicles was explored. It is stressed that consumers who are interested in electric vehicles are concerned about refueling and recharge times. It is natural that a competing product, such as the electric vehicle in a world dominated by internal combustion engines, will perform on par if not better than existing choices. Tests are conducted to investigate the methods of fast battery charging and the challenges this technique creates. Attention is also given to the development of a pulsed Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, specifically to prove whether pulse modulation is more efficient in a hydrogen producing fuel cell as opposed to direct-driven voltage and current alternatives. / by Wayne W. Watt. / Thesis (M.S.C.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 200?. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Este trabalho trata da retificação trifásica com elevado fator de potência. São mostradas algumas soluções encontradas na literatura. Dentre elas, optou-se pela utilização de um conversor trifásico autocomutado do tipo fonte de tensão (VSC), operando em modulação em largura de pulso (PWM). Apresenta-se a modelagem do conversor, que é utilizado para o projeto dos controladores responsáveis pelo rastreamento das correntes da rede CA e pela regulação da tensão CC. O projeto do controlador das correntes CA, baseado na estratégia de dead-beat, é mostrado de forma simples e intuitiva e é discutida a estabilidade deste controlador. O projeto do controlador PI utilizado para a regulação da tensão CC é baseado no modelo linearizado do conversor. É utilizado um algoritmo simples e eficiente para o bloco PLL, baseado na estratégia “dead-beat”. O comportamento do sistema completo é verificado teoricamente, por simulações numéricas e resultados experimentais, confirmando o excelente desempenho das estratégias de controle e do método de projeto propostos. São discutidos ainda os efeitos da variação nos parâmetros no desempenho e na estabilidade do sistema. / This study investigates three-phase rectifiers with high power factor. Some existing solutions in the literature are presented. One of them, the three-phase voltage source converter (VSC) rectifier with pulse width modulation (PWM) is chosen to be used. Converter modeling is presented and used to design a mains current tracking controller and a DC voltage regulator. AC current controlling based on the deadbeat strategy is presented in a simple and intuitive way, and the stability of this controller is discussed. The DC side PI controller is designed based on the linearized model of the converter. A simple and efficient PLL block algorithm, based on the deadbeat strategy is presented. The behavior of the complete system is verified theoretically, by numerical simulation and experimental results, confirming the excellent performance of the proposed control strategy and method of design. The effects of parameter mismatch on system performance and stability are also discussed.

Este trabalho trata da retificação trifásica com elevado fator de potência. São mostradas algumas soluções encontradas na literatura. Dentre elas, optou-se pela utilização de um conversor trifásico autocomutado do tipo fonte de tensão (VSC), operando em modulação em largura de pulso (PWM). Apresenta-se a modelagem do conversor, que é utilizado para o projeto dos controladores responsáveis pelo rastreamento das correntes da rede CA e pela regulação da tensão CC. O projeto do controlador das correntes CA, baseado na estratégia de dead-beat, é mostrado de forma simples e intuitiva e é discutida a estabilidade deste controlador. O projeto do controlador PI utilizado para a regulação da tensão CC é baseado no modelo linearizado do conversor. É utilizado um algoritmo simples e eficiente para o bloco PLL, baseado na estratégia “dead-beat". O comportamento do sistema completo é verificado teoricamente, por simulações numéricas e resultados experimentais, confirmando o excelente desempenho das estratégias de controle e do método de projeto propostos. São discutidos ainda os efeitos da variação nos parâmetros no desempenho e na estabilidade do sistema. / This study investigates three-phase rectifiers with high power factor. Some existing solutions in the literature are presented. One of them, the three-phase voltage source converter (VSC) rectifier with pulse width modulation (PWM) is chosen to be used. Converter modeling is presented and used to design a mains current tracking controller and a DC voltage regulator. AC current controlling based on the deadbeat strategy is presented in a simple and intuitive way, and the stability of this controller is discussed. The DC side PI controller is designed based on the linearized model of the converter. A simple and efficient PLL block algorithm, based on the deadbeat strategy is presented. The behavior of the complete system is verified theoretically, by numerical simulation and experimental results, confirming the excellent performance of the proposed control strategy and method of design. The effects of parameter mismatch on system performance and stability are also discussed.

A system to improve efficiency performance of a DC-DC converter is simulated and built. The proposed system combines multiple DC-DC converters in parallel and implements a digital control scheme and load-share controller. A model of the system is developed in MATLAB Simulink and the model demonstrates the improved converter’s efficiency particularly at low load conditions. This simulation is then designed into a hardware system running three DC-DC converters in parallel, controlled by a microcontroller and a load-share controller. The hardware also confirms the simulation results, although some hardware refinements are evident as simulation results are superior. The system is designed to be scalable in the number of converters and the total output power, as well as being DC-DC converter topology-independent. Simulation results show the system maintaining better than 88 % efficiency over almost 90 % of the load range of the system. This system could be implemented where dynamic loads typically occur, such as in electric vehicle charging.

Obtaining a very high level of precision and sophistication in automated computer control is now available inexpensively from a variety of hardware and software sources. Applying this automated technology to an astronomical telescope broadens the scope of applications of the instrument, particularly in areas such as photo electrics, CCD imaging and remote control. The ultimate design goal of the UWS telescope was that of full roboticism, giving access of the facility to off campus clients both in Australia and overseas. The first phase towards full robotic control is automation of the required optical and mechanical parameters, providing precision targeting and object tracking. This thesis describes the mechanical aspects of the UWS telescope and the procedures and equipment involved in its automation, including the drive system, electro mechanical design and associated computer hardware and software. Sample performance test data shows that using a high percentage of inexpensive proprietary robotics components, a very sophisticated and accurate measuring device can be produced. / Master of Science (Hons.)

Power electronic converters have become popular in the field of power transformation for renewable energy. Power electronics converters achieve high efficiency, and the price of their components is falling, thus making them even more beneficial for renewable energy applications. Those systems coupled to the grid need to withstand certain utility-defined circumstances which may occur during operation. Additionally the new net regulations for large generation plants specify that during specified severe grid disturbances the relatively delicate converters should stay connected supporting the system. For PV inverters the forthcoming standards may optionally add the possibility of reactive power compensation where for wind-power those standards are already in use. This thesis focuses on reliable, sensor-less control of the PWM converters coping with varying grid conditions and existing problems. The thesis presents a variety of digital control solutions for interfacing PWM converter with the grid, synchronization, sensorless operation and grid impedance detection. The introductory chapter gives the fundamental theory about three-phase converters and control.The following chapters deal with unbalanced condition and symmetric component decomposition, which is the tool to cope with unbalanced grid voltages or currents. A sensor-less operation method using dual frame virtual flux model is presented with good results. In addition sensor-less synchronization to the grid is shown. Moreover an algorithm based on virtual flux for grid inductance estimation is also successfully demonstrated. Knowing the grid inductance is important during weak grid operation, since it is needed in order to provide unity power factor to the point of common connection. At the end of the thesis, a control algorithm for voltage harmonic compensation during stand alone operation is presented. The presented algorithm gives the possibility to supply high quality power in isolated islands, where the load is unknown. Furthermore, this algorithm can be successfully used for UPS applications. The last chapter applies the voltage harmonic control to the Z-source converter having the possibility of achieving higher ac voltage than in conventional VSI, results are promising.

The primary focus of this thesis is to present a simple and practical implementation of an optimal-time response controller for multiphase interleaved dc-dc SMPS. This novel solution enables equal current sharing between phases not only in steady-state, but also during load transients, as well as bump-less transition between those two states. A digital voltage loop and multiple analog peak current programmed mode current loops are combined to implement a capacitor charge balance control algorithm with fairly simple hardware. This algorithm provides recovery from a disturbance in a single on-off switching action, which is performed in virtually the fastest possible time. The hybrid interface between the loops is provided through a structure combining a sample-and-hold circuit and a relatively slow successive-approximation DAC that provides control signals for all the loops in the system. Furthermore, for operation under light load conditions, the controller automatically switches into simply implemented pulse-frequency mode of operation.

The primary focus of this thesis is to present a simple and practical implementation of an optimal-time response controller for multiphase interleaved dc-dc SMPS. This novel solution enables equal current sharing between phases not only in steady-state, but also during load transients, as well as bump-less transition between those two states. A digital voltage loop and multiple analog peak current programmed mode current loops are combined to implement a capacitor charge balance control algorithm with fairly simple hardware. This algorithm provides recovery from a disturbance in a single on-off switching action, which is performed in virtually the fastest possible time. The hybrid interface between the loops is provided through a structure combining a sample-and-hold circuit and a relatively slow successive-approximation DAC that provides control signals for all the loops in the system. Furthermore, for operation under light load conditions, the controller automatically switches into simply implemented pulse-frequency mode of operation.

This thesis presents the multivariable controller design and implementation for a high-precision 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) magnetically levitated (maglev) positioner. The positioner is a triangular single-moving part that carries three 3-phase permanent-magnet linear-levitation-motor armatures. The three planar levitation motors not only generate the vertical force to levitate the triangular platen but control the platen's position in the horizontal plane. All 6-DOF motions are controlled by magnetic forces only. The positioner moves over a Halbach magnet matrix using three sets of two-axis Hall-effect sensors to measure the planar motion and three Nanogage laser distance sensors for the vertical motion. However, the Hall-effect sensors and the Nanogage laser distance sensors can only provide measurements of the displacement of all 6-axis. Since we do not have full-state feedback, I designed two Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) multivariable controllers using a recursive discrete-time observer. A discrete hybrid H2/H(infinity) filter is implemented to obtain optimal estimates of position and orientation, as well as additional estimates of velocity and angular velocity for all 6 axes. In addition, an analysis was done on the signals measured by the Hall-effect sensors, and from there several digital filters were tested to optimize the readings of the sensors and obtain the best estimates possible. One of the multivariable controllers was designed to close the control loop for the three-planar-DOF motion, and the other to close the loop for the vertical motion, all at a sampling frequency of 800 Hz. Experimental results show a position resolution of 1.5 micrometers with position noise of 0.545 micrometers rms in the x-and y-directions and a resolution of less than 110 nm with position noise of 49.3 nm rms in z.

This thesis begins with a literature review focusing on electric vehicle (EV) applications. Systems used for steering, braking and energy storage are investigated, with specific concentration on torque control in various DC and AC motors commonly used in EVs. A final solution for a low range personal transportation EV in the form of a wheelchair is proposed. The theme for this thesis is motion control, focusing on a two axis (or two wheel drive) brushless DC hub motor (BLDCHM) EV, with torque and direction control tracking a user reference. The operation principle for a BLDCHM is documented and the dynamic and electrical equations derived. Simulation results for motor response under different load and speed conditions are compared to practical measurements. Current and torque control loops are designed, implemented and tuned on a single-axis test-bed with an induction motor (IM) load coupled via a torque transducer. A Texas Instrument DSP development kit is used for the control algorithm bench testing. The final control algorithm is then duplicated and expanded in simulation to form a dynamic two axis system for an electric wheelchair. It incorporates both motor drive and regenerative capabilities. After demonstrating two axis controls for BLDCHMs, a control algorithm is designed simulated and compared to traditional systems. The final solution focuses specifically on an intuitive response to the driver input whilst maintaining direction tracking, even when there is a difference in smoothness of the individual terrains traversed by the left and right wheels. In addition the motor drives are equipped with controllers that ensure regenerative braking in order to recover as much energy as possible when the wheelchair is commanded to decelerate. / M. Sc. Eng. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2014.