Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis deals with the design and evaluation of a 300 kW double stage axial-flux permanent magnet generator with an ironless stator. The magnetic and electrical design equations are derived for sinewave and quasi-squarewave axial-flux permanent magnet machines. The thermal design approach used is also described. The machine is optimised for maximum torque per current loading. A Matlab program code is developed to do the necessary calculations in the design optimisation and the calculation of the machine parameters. Mechanical finite element simulations are conducted to investigate the severity of the magnetic attraction force between the rotor discs. The results obtained from the simulations suggested an increase in the yoke thickness in order to withstand the attraction force. The construction of the prototype machine's rotor and stator is described. The flux density in the airgap is thoroughly investigated through measurements and analysis. Thermal measurements are also conducted to investigate the effect of eddy currents in the stator winding. Furthermore, no-load measurements conducted on the 300 kW machine showed that the machine has a serious problem of circulating currents in the parallel connected coils. Possible solutions for this are investigated and recommendations are given. Due to the circulating current problem and the relative high eddy current losses, it was not possible to do full-load tests on the machine. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis handeloor die ontwerp en evaluering van 'n multi-stadium Aksiale Vloed Permanente Magneet (AFPM) masjien met 'n ysterlose stator. Die magnetiese - en elektriese ontwerp-vergelykings is afgelei vir sinusgolf en quasi vierkantsgolf AFPM masjiene. Die termiese ontwerp word ook bespreek. Die masjien is geoptimeer vir maksimum draairnoment per stroombelasting. Daar is 'n program-kode in Matlab geskryf om die nodige berekeninge vir die optimering van die masjien uit te voer en vir die bepaling van die masjien-parameters. Meganiese eindige element berekenings is gedoen om die invloed van die magnetiese aantrekkingskrag tussen die rotorskywe te ondersoek. Die resultate het aangedui dat die rotorskyfdikte nie die magnetiese aantrekkingskrag van die magnete kan weerstaan nie en moes in dikte vedubbel word. Die konstruksie van die masjien se rotor en stator is behandel. Die vloeddigtheid in die luggaping is noukeurig ondersoek deur metings en analise. Termiese metings is ook gedoen om die invloed van die werwel strome in die statorwikkelings te ondersoek. Verder het die nullas-toetse wat gedoen is op die masjien, aangedui dat die masjien 'n ernstige probleem het met sirkuierende strome in die parallelle geleiers van die statorspoele. Moontlike oplossings is ondersoek en aanbevelings word gegee. Dit was nie moontlik om vollastoetse op die masjien te doen nie, as gevolg van die probleem met sirkuierende strome en die relatiefhoë werwelstoom-verliese in die statorwikkelings.

Thesis (MScIng)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The effect of topography and terrain on wind is examined in order to ensure that the wind turbine positioning will encourage a greater availability of wind energy to it. Maximum power point tracking methods are presented whereby the loading on the wind turbine is controlled to ensure that the maximum available energy from the wind is captured. The wind turbine system is modelled and used in simulations to evaluate the three proposed maximum power point trackers, named anemometer control, calculation control and constant step control for the purpose of this thesis. An additional analog system is also created whereby the complete wind turbine system is able to be simulated. An inverter is used to replicate the generator and the loading is controlled using an active rectifier since this will be used on the practical system. The results from the simulations and analog system are presented whereby one of the trackers is shown to be inadequate and the other two trackers are shown to be close to ideal. The appeal of the calculation method is in the redundancy of an anemometer making it attractive to less expensive, small-scale systems. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die invloed van die topografie en die terrein op die dinamika van wind word ondersoek om sodoende te verseker dat die posisionering van wind turbienes 'n beter effektiwiteit van wind energie oordrag sal bewerkstellig. Maksimum drywingspunt volger metodes word bespreek sodat die lading op die wind turbiene beheer kan word om sodoende te verseker dat die maksimum wind energie oorgedra kan word. Die wind turbiene stelsel word gemodeleer en geimplimenteer om die drie voorgestelde maksimum drywingspount volgers te evalueer, naamlik windspoedbeheer, berekening-beheer en konstantestap-beheer vir die doeleindes van hierdie tesis. 'n Adissionele analoog stelsel is ontwerp waarmee die volledige wind turbiene stelsel gesimuleer kan word. 'n Omsetter word gebruik om die generator na te boots en die belading word beheer deur middel van 'n aktiewe gelykrigter soos gebruik 'n praktese stelsel. Resultate van die simulasies en die analog stelsel is verskaf om te bewys dat een van die volg-metodes onvoldoende volging bewerkstellig, en die ander twee nabyaan ideale volging bewerkstellig. Dit is getoon dat die berekening metode meer aantreklik is vir kleinskaal stelsels, aangesien 'n windspoedsensor onnodig is.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Multilevel converters were developed as a result of a growing need for higher power converters. This dissertation addresses a specific multilevel topology called the multicell topology. A problem associated with this topology is cell capacitor voltage unbalance. This dissertation addresses the issue of natural balancing of multicell converters. The topology is mathematically analysed and a theory is developed to explain the natural balancing mechanism. The study of the natural balancing property includes a detailed harmonic-, steady-state- and time constant analysis. The theory is verified by a comparison between the theoretical-, simulated- and experimental results. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Veelvlakkige omsetters het ontstaan as gevolg van ’n behoefte aan ho¨er drywing omsetters. Hierdie proefskrif handel spesifiek oor die veelsellige omsetter topologie. ’n Probleem wat met hierdie topologie geassosieer word is selkapasitor onbalans. Hierdie proefskrif ondersoek die natuurlike balansering van veelsellige omsetters. Die topologie word wiskundig geanaliseer en ’n teorie word geformuleer om die natuurlike balanseringsmeganisme te verduidelik. Die ondersoek van die natuurlike balanseringseienskap bevat ’n volledige harmoniese-, bestendige toestand- en tydkonstante analise. Die teorie is gekontroleer deur teoretiese-, simulasie- en eksperimentele resultate te vergelyk.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation considers the wideband modelling of capacitive voltage sensors for open-air transmission line applications. Two novel topologies were introduced, namely a differential parallel plate sensor with a floating faraday cage for the interface instrumentation and a coaxial sensor mounted around the earth conductor with a faraday cage connected to the earth conductor. The modelling and analysis procedures included the derivation of equivalent circuit models in order to simulate the calibration factor, the loading effect of the interface instrumentation and the effect of leakage to ground, both in the time- and frequency domain. In order to obtain a flat frequency response from very low frequencies (less than 5 Hz) to very high frequencies (several MHz) it is important that the interface instrumentation have a high input impedance and galvanic isolation be maintained. This was achieved by developing interface instrumentation with a fibre-optic link operated from battery power. The instrumentation represents a fairly unique approach in that the data is digitised before transmission across the serial fibre-optical link, where-as conventional interfaces use analogue optical technology. Despite the added complexity and high power requirements introduced by the digitising process, the improved versatility is expected to yield a superior interface solution. The instrumentation has a bandwidth of approximately 6 MHz, with an optional anti-aliasing filter at 1 MHz. Special consideration should be given to the support structure as any unbalanced leakage to ground will introduce variations in the frequency response towards the low-frequency end. Leakage of a 100 MQ was found to influence the frequency response of the circuit up to frequencies of 1 kHz. Extensive simulation studies were conducted to obtain qualitative and quantitative insight into the differential sensor topology and the associated electric fields. The improvement of a differential plate sensor over the traditional single element plate sensor was demonstrated using twodimensional simulations. Further simulations with a three-dimensional package showed that the two-dimensional simulations are insufficient, because the boundary conditions and end effects have a great influence on the calibration factor of the sensor. Extensive laboratory tests were also undertaken to evaluate the sensor topology as well as the effects of the interface instrumentation and leakage to ground. Excellent correlation were found between the measured and simulated waveforms, both in the time- and frequency domains regarding the calibration factor as well as the added poles or zeros at low frequencies. It can therefore be deduced that a valid circuit model was suggested for these sensor topologies in the frequency range from 10 Hz to 1 MHz. Keywords: Capacitive sensors, Open-air voltage sensors / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie verhandeling beskou die wyeband modellering van kapasitiewe spanningsensors vir opelug transmissie lyn toepassings. Twee oorspronklike topologieë is voorgestel, naamlik 'n differensiële parallel plaat sensor met 'n aparte faraday hok vir die koppelvlak instrumentasie en 'n koaksiale sensor wat rondom die aardgeleier monteer word met die faraday hok ook aan die aardgeleier gekoppel. Die modellerings en analise prosedures het ingesluit die afleiding van ekwivalente stroombaanmodelle vir simulasie van die kalibrasiefaktor asook die belasingseffek van die koppelvlak instrumentasie en lekweerstand na grond in beide die tyd- en frekwensie gebiede. Om 'n plat frekwensieweergawe te verkry vanaf baie lae frekwensies (laer as 5 Hz) tot by baie hoë frekwensies Cn paar MHz), is dit belangrik dat die koppelvlak instrumentasie 'n hoë intreeimpedansie het en galvaniese isolasie verseker word. Dit was bereik deur koppelvlak instrumentasie te ontwikkel met 'n optiese vesel koppeling wat met battery krag aangedryf word. Die instrumentasie verskaf 'n redelik unieke aanslag in die opsig dat die data gemonster word voordat dit oor die seriële optiese vesel skakel gestuur word, terwyl konvensionele koppelvlakke analoog optiese tegnologie gebruik. Ten spyte van die toegevoegde kompleksiteit en hoë drywingsvereistes van die versyferingsproses, het die instrumentasie se veelsydigheid toegeneem tot die mate dat dit as 'n beter koppelvlak oplossing beskou word. Die instrumentasie het 'n bandwydte van ongeveer 6 MHz, met 'n opsionele teen-vou filter by 1 MHz. Die ondersteuningstruktuur is van besondere belang aangesien enige ongebalanseerde lekweerstand na grond afwykings in die frekwensieweergawe sal veroorsaak aan die lae frekwensie kant. Lekweerstand van 100 MQ sal die frekwensieweergawe beïvloed tot by ongeveer 1 kHz. Uitgebreide simulasies is gedoen om kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe insig in die differensiële sensor topologie en die geassosieerde elektriese velde te verkry. Die verbetering van 'n differensiële parallel plaat sensor in vergelyking met die tradisionele enkel element plaat sensor is demonstreer met twee-dimensionele simulasies. Verdere simulasies met 'n drie-dimensionele pakket het gewys dat die twee- dimensionele simulasies onvoldoende is aangesien grensvoorwaardes en randeffekte 'n groot invloed het op die kalibrasiefaktor van die sensor. Uitgebreide laboratorium toetse is ook gedoen om die sensor topologie sowel as die effekte van die koppelvlak instrumentasie en lekweerstand na grond te evalueer. Uitstekende korrelasie is gevind tussen gemete en voorspelde golfvorms, in beide die tyd- en frekwensie gebied met betrekking tot die kalibrasie faktor sowel as die toegevoegde pole en zeros by lae frekwensies. Die gevolgtrekking is dus dat 'n geldige stroombaanmodel voorgestel is vir die sensor topologieë vir die frekwensie bereik van 10Hz to 1 MHz. Sleutelwoorde: Kapasitiewe sensors, Ope-lug spanningsensors

Thesis (MScIng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The thesis discusses the analysis and design of a three-phase-to-three-phase direct AC-AC matrix converter. A background study of the various matrix converter topologies and their modulation strategies are presented. The associated PWM strategy of each matrix converter topology is investigated. In addition, a detailed explanation of the three safe commutation strategies is presented. The research focuses on the design and analysis of the direct AC-AC matrix converter topology. That includes the design of the main bi-directional power converter circuit, gate drive circuit, current direction detection circuit, voltage measurement circuit and protection circuitry. Moreover, it covers the development of the direct control algorithm based on the four-step safe current commutation- and the two-step voltage commutation strategy. A “PEC33” controller board is used to implement the developed control algorithm. Furthermore, simulation results of the direct and the indirect matrix converter topologies are presented. The results obtained from the experimental test performed on the direct AC-AC matrix converter topology are also presented. The conclusion drawn is discussed at the final stage of the report. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis bevat die analise en ontwerp van ‘n drie-fase na drie-fase direkte WS-WS matriksomsetter. ‘n Agtergrondstudie van verskeie ander matriksomsetter topologieë word aangebied. Die ge-assosieerde PWM beheerstrategie van elke matriksomsetter topologie is ondersoek. Hierby word ‘n gedetaileerde verduideliking van drie veilige kommutasie strategieë ingesluit. Die navorsing fokus op die ontwerp en analise van die direkte WS-WS matriksomsetter topologie. Dit sluit die volgende in: die ontwerp van die hoof bi-direksionele drywingsomsetterbaan; die hek aandryfbaan; die stroomrigting deteksiebaan; die spanningsmeetbaan en die beveiliging stroombane. Dit dek ook die ontwikkeling van die direkte beheeralgoritme wat gebasseer is op die vier-stap veilige stroomkommutasie- en die twee-stap spanningskommutasie strategie. ‘n “PEC33” beheerkaart is gebruik om hierdie beheeralgoritme te implementer. Simulasie resultate van beide die direkte sowel as die indirekte matriksomsetter topologieë word ingesluit. Die eksperimentele resultate wat met die direkte WS-WS matriksomsetter topologie verkry is word aangebied en bespreek. Die gevolgtrekking word in die finale afdeling van die verslag bespreek.

Pages 6-12 missing. / Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The transverse flux machine (TFM) offers the opportunity of high torque to volume ratios which makes it an excellent candidate for direct wheel drives and low speed generator applications. TFMs have a three dimensional flux path which eliminates iron laminates as a viable core material. Soft magnetic composites have been adopted in these machines due to their isotropic nature. There are three main variants of TFMs, namely, active rotor (with magnets on the rotor), passive rotor (with magnets on the stator), and reluctance (with no magnets). As a relatively recent development in electrical machines, the TFM still has many hurdles facing its adoption in industry. Some of these hurdles are high cogging torque, a difficult construction, and expensive materials. This thesis focuses on the design of a three phase 50 kW passive rotor machine. Finite element simulation is used to determine the optimal configuration, and the final machine is analysed in detail. The construction process and associated problems are also detailed. The completed machine did not perform to the desired specification, but much knowledge was gleaned about the TFM, the construction caveats, and future potential directions. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die transversale-vloed masjien (TFM) met sy hoe draaimoment tot volume verhouding, is 'n uitstekende kandidaat vir direkte wiel aandrywing en lae spoed generator toepassings. Die vioed pad van die masjiene is drie-dimensioneel, wat yster laminasies as kern materiaal elimineer. "Soft magnetic composites" kan gebruik word vir hierdie masjiene as gevolg van hulle isotropiese eienskappe. Daar bestaan drie hoof variante van die TFM, naamlik, die aktiewe rotor (met magnete op die rotor), passiewe rotor (met magnete op to stator), en reluktansie (sonder magnete). Die TFM is 'n redelike nuwe tipe masjien en daar is nog probleme wat opgelos moet word voordat die industrie sal begin om dit te gebruik. Van hierdie probleme is "cogging" draaimoment, 'n moeilike konstruksie en duur materiale. Die fokus van hierie tesis is op die ontwerp van 'n 50 kW drie-fase passiewe rotor masjien. Eindige element simulasie is gebruik om die optimale konfigurasie te kry, en 'n analise is gedoen op die finale masjien. Die konstruksie proses en die probleme wat daarmeer saam gaan is ook beskryf. Die prototipe masjien wat gebou is het nie aan sy oorspronklike spesifikasie voldoen nie, maar baie kennis is opgedoen oor die TFM, die konstruksie proses, en potensiele toekomende toepassings.

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The calibration and field evaluation of an Insulator Pollution Monitoring Relay (IPMR) were the main aims of this research programme. A repeatable artificial wetting test method was developed after several modifications were made to the steam system, test chamber and the test routine. The IPMR was successfully calibrated with insulators that were artificially polluted according to the solid layer method. Linear and polynomial relationships were determined after curve-fitting techniques were performed on the results. The calibration showed that the IPMR is capable as a device relating the maximum conductivity during artificial wetting to the ESDD, a severity classification parameter. The IPMR was successfully used in a salt fog chamber to determine if the device is capable to evaluate the severity of an instantaneous pollution event. The IPMR was successfully installed at a natural pollution test site along the Cape west coast. The conductivity measurements with natural wetting showed good correlation to flashovers experienced. A rule of thumb, developed to indicate a possible risk of flashover, was based on observations made on the relationship between humidity and surface conductivity. The measured IPMR data was successfully applied to quantify the site severity according to the conductivity measurement with natural wetting. This calculated severity value could be used in the assessment of flashover probability of high voltage insulators. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoofdoel van die tesis was die kalibrasie en veldtoetse van 'n isolatorbesoedelingsmonitor (IPMR). 'n Herhaalbare nagebootste benatting-toetsmetode is ontwikkel na veranderings aan die stoomstelsel, toetsruimte en die toetsproses. Die IPMR is suksesvol gekalibreer met isolators wat besoedel was met 'n nagebootste besoedeling volgens die "solid layer method". Liniêre sowel as kwadratiese verwantskappe is ontwikkel na krommepassings op die resultate uitgevoer was. Die kalibrasie het gewys dat die IPMR in staat is om die maksimum geleidingsvermoë wat d.m.v. nagebootste benatting verkry is, met die ESDD, 'n besoedelingsklassifikasie, kan vergelyk. Die apparaat is ook suksesvol gebruik tydens soutmistoetse om te bepaal of dit in staat is om 'n skielike besoedelingsgebeurtenis te kan meet. Na die afhandeling van laboratorium werk is die apparaat by 'n natuurlike isolator besoedeling-toetsstasie langs die Kaapse weskus geïnstalleer. Die geleidingsvermoë metings met natuurlike benatting het goeie korrelasie getoon met isolator oorvonkings. 'n Skattingsmetode wat ontwikkel is om moontlike oorvonkings te voorspel, is gebaseer op waarnemings wat gemaak is van die humiditeit sowel as die oppervlakte geleidingsvermoë. Die IPMR se geleidingsvermoë metings met natuurlike benatting is aangewend om die besoedelingsgraad van die gebied te bepaal. Die bepaalde besoedelingsgraad kan verder gebruik word om die waarskynlikheid van die oorvonking van isolators vas te stel.

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The thesis describes the optimum rotor design and performance of a 110kW Permanent-Magnet assisted (PM-assisted) Reluctance Synchronous traction Machine (RSM) using bonded permanent magnet sheets. Particular attention is given to the performance of the machine drive in the flux-weakening speed region. A detail explanation is given of the finite-element design optimisation, the basic principles of operation and the control-design of the PM-assisted RSM drive. A theoretical torque comparison of the PM-assisted RSM, the standard RSM and the induction machine is also done. The measured and calculated results of the different drives are presented and analysed in detail. It is concluded that the performance of the PM-assisted RSM in terms of torque, voltage and power factor compares favourably well with that of the induction machine in both the constant torque and flux-weakening speed regions. Furthermore, it is shown that the temperature rise of the stator winding of the PMassisted RSM is lower than that of the RSM with both machines at the same load. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tesis beskryf die optimum rotor ontwerp en vermoë van 'n 110 kW Permanent- Pagnet-ondersteunde (PM-ondersteunde) Reluktansie Sinchroon Masjien (RSM) trekkrag aandryfstelsel. Spesifieke aandag word gegee aan die vermoë van die aandryfstelsel in die vloedverswakking spoedgebied. 'n Volledige verduideliking word gegee van die eindige-element ontwerp optimering, die basiese beginses van werking en die beheer-ontwerp van die PM-ondersteunde RSM aandryfstelsel. 'n Teoretiese vergelyking van die draaiumoment-vergelyking van die PM-ondersteunde RSM, die standard RSM en die induksmasjien word gedoen. Die berekende en gemete resultate van die verskillende aandryfstelsels word in detail aangebied en ge-analiseer. Dit is gevind dat die vermoë van die PM-ondersteunde RSM in terne van draairnoment, spanning en arbeidsfaktor gunstig vergelyk met dit van die induksiemasjien in beide die konstante draairnoment en vloedverswakking spoedgebiede. Verder word getoon dat die temperatuur-styging van die statorwinding van die PM-ondersteunde RSM laer is as die van die RSM, met deide masjiene by die selfde las

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: One of the requirements for satellite telemetry systems is the provision of reliable telemetry data to allow accurate monitoring of the satellite status. This thesis focuses on the design of telemetry software that meets this data reliability requirement. An improved synchronization strategy to allow efficient ground reception of the telemetry data is implemented on SUNSAT's direct link. The data collection and transmission functions are also enhanced by the addition of the necessary redundant information to the data while meeting the real-time requirements of the system. To enhance the software quality a development methodology entailing structured programming practices and modular decomposition is proposed. It is shown that the resulting telemetry software fulfils the functional requirements. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Een van die vereistes vir die satelliet telemetrie stelsel is die verskaffing van betroubare telemetrie date om akkurate monitering van die satelliet status te verseker. Hierdie tesis fokus op die ontwerp van die telemetrie sagteware wat hierdie data betroubaarheid bevredig. 'n Verbeterde sinkronisasie strategie is geïmplementeer om meer effektiewe grond ontvangs te verseker van die telemetrie data op SUNSAT se direkte skakel. Die data versameling en transmissie funksies is ook verder verbeter deur die aanvulling van nodige oortollige informasie in die data terwyl die intydse vereistes van die stelsel steeds bevredig word. Om die sagteware kwaliteit te verbeter is 'n ontwikkelings metodiek voorgestel wat gestruktureerde programeering strukture en modulêre oplossings tot gevolg het. Die voltooide telemetrie sagteware het getoon dat dit al die vereistes bevredig.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The versatility of power electronic converters has made them a dominant force in the current electrical and electronic engineering industry. So too industry presents a wider range of applications, forever demanding operation at higher power levels. To meet this need a variety of multilevel converters have evolved. The challenge often lies in the selection of the appropriate topology for a specific application. This thesis presents a practical comparison between the Series-Stacked and Neutral Point Clamped multilevel converter topologies as candidates for Medium Voltage Direct Current and Traction applications. Their configurations, characteristics, switching techniques and practical performances are compared, in order to aid the topology selection process. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: As gevolg van die veelsydigheid van drywings elektroniese omsetters word dit geimplementeer in n toenemende hoeveelheid toepassings met toenemende drywings vlakke in die elektriese en elektroniese industrie. Om aan hierdie behoefte te voorsien het n reeks veelvlak omsetters ontstaan. Die uitdaging hiermee is die keuse van die toepaslike topologie vir n spesifieke doelwit. Hierdie proefskrif vergelyk die Serie Gekoppelde en die Geklemde Neutrale Punt omsetters ten opsigte van konfigirasie, karakteristieke, skakel tegnieke en praktiese werksverrigting om die toepaslikheid te bepaal vir Medium Spanning Gelykstroom en Traksie toepassings.