Full integration of CMOS low noise amplifiers (LNA) presents a challenge for low cost CMOS receiver systems. A critical problem faced in the design of an RF CMOS LNA is the inaccurate high-frequency noise model of the MOSFET implemented in circuit simulators such as SPICE. Silicon-based monolithic inductors are another bottleneck in RF CMOS design due to their poor quality factor. In this thesis, a CMOS implementation of a fully-integrated differential LNA is presented. A small-signal noise circuit model that includes the two most important noise sources of the MOSFET at radio frequencies, channel thermal noise and induced gate current noise, is developed for CMOS LNA analysis and simulation. Various CMOS LNA architectures are investigated. The optimization techniques and design guidelines and procedures for an LC tuned CMOS LNA are also described. Analysis and modeling of silicon-based monolithic inductors and transformers are presented and it is shown that in fully-differential applications, a monolithic transformer occupies less die area and achieves a higher quality factor compared to two independent inductors with the same total effective inductance. It is also shown that monolithic transformers improve the common-mode rejection of the differential circuits. / Graduation date: 1999

Transformers are very important parts of any electrical network, and their size increase so does their price. Protecting these important devices is a daunting task due to the wide variety of operating conditions. This thesis develops a new protection scheme based on state estimation.The foundation upon which our protection scheme is built is the modeling of the single phase transformer system of equations. The transformer equations are composed of polynomial and differential equations and this system of equations involving the transformer's electrical quantities are modeled into a system of equations such that highest degree of each of the system's equations is quadratic―in a process named Quadratization and then integrated using a technique called Quadratic integration to give a set of algebraic companion equations that can be solved numerically to determine the health of the transformer.

Conventional Current Transformers (CTs) provide the input signal required by protection relays, control equipment and energy metering in power networks. Catastrophic failures of CTs may lead to injury of personnel within the substation, interruption of power supply and damage to adjacent high voltage equipment. One of the causes of CT failures is high values of insulation power factor. Research indicates that with increasing primary insulation power factor values, partial discharges develop between the paper insulation leading to its exponential decay with the end result of an ultimate CT failure. Reports in Eskom Distribution indicated that a number of CTs from one manufacturer were exceeding the specified insulation power factor value. This research was initiated to investigate the impact of high power factor on the premature failure of CTs. This study serves to analyse the significance of power factor on paper-oil insulation within a hair-pin type CT. The internal primary insulation of a hair-pin type CT used in Eskom Distribution is reviewed in terms of its design, construction and relevant tests. Sample CTs rated at 132kV and manufactured in the year 2007 to 2009 from the specific manufacturer were selected for insulation power factor testing. The Doble M4100 diagnostic test system was used to perform the testing that also assisted in providing a comparison between the units with high insulation power factor values and that which were within the specified limits. The results show that the high values of insulation power factor give a direct indication of the dielectric losses (I2R) within that CT, which inadvertently indicates the shortened serviceable life of that CT. High moisture content within the primary insulation, low quality insulating oil and inadequate quality assurance were identified as some of the contributory factors in the CTs non compliance. The effects of high values of insulation power factor are the primary factor for continuous on-line condition monitoring techniques that enable data trending and provide for early warning of an imminent CT failure. The testing of the sample CTs provided a more dynamic approach for recommendations to prevent the installation of such units into the power network. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

Eskom (Electricity Supply Commission of South Africa) is the national electrical utility that provides the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in South Africa. The majority of Eskom's electricity distribution is done with either 11 kV or 22kV electrical overhead networks. An unacceptable number of Eskom's pole mounted power transformers on these networks have been failing over the past six years in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region. The average transformer failure rate for the Distribution Eastern Region was calculated to be 2.4% per annum. International norms seem to indicate a transformer failure rate of between 0.5% and 1.0% per annum as acceptable. The estimated cost of these transformer failures was between R9 million and R13 million per annum for the Eastern Region. Eskom Distribution has seven regions and the total cost of these failures was considerable to the business. These transformer failures contributed an average of 5.3% per month of the Supply Loss Index (SLI) for the Eastern Region, with a maximum contribution of 14.5% per month of the SLI for the region. The SLI is an Eskom performance measure of the unavailability of supply of the networks. The Eskom plant performance database (NAPI) was statistically analysed in detail and a number of field investigations conducted at transformer installations that had failed in the past. Transformer earth electrode resistance measurements were taken in an attempt to identify the cause of these transformer failures. Local transformer manufacturers were consulted and a national transformer refurbishment company's database was analysed during the investigation as part of a holistic approach to the industry related dissertation. The main finding of the NAPI data analysis was that the majority of the transformers failed during lightning storm periods. Another similar Eskom investigation had a sample of failed transformers opened for internal inspection. Signs of lightning damage to either the primary side winding or the primary lead were found. The proposed failure hypothesis was that the transformers required additional lightning protection of the primary side to protect the transformer against lightning. It seemed that the current specification of the Eskom distribution class surge arresters was inadequate to offer sufficient lightning protection of the pole mounted transformers. Practical measures were implemented on existing Eskom 11 kV networks in the Glencoe area as part of an Eskom research project to reduce the high failure rates of transformers. Two experimental networks were established and one control network was used as a reference line. The project implementation was completed at the end of October 1999. The experimental project looked at applying additional primary side lightning protection of the transformers. The main emphasis of the lightning protection on the first network was the use of two distribution class arresters in parallel (double arrester configuration) for each transformer and an understrung conductor connected to the prior structure back from the transformer installation. The second network had the standard single arresters installed on the transformers. A 600mm wood path was placed in series with an earthed down conductor installed on each intermediate woodpole structure to ensure a basic insulation level of 300kV for the network. The control network also had single arresters installed and was a fully insulated network (no earthed down conductor on the woodpoles). Each network was carefully monitored in terms of equipment failures and the performance levels of each network was measured with installed voltage dip recorders near the individual network circuit breakers. The Eskom Lightning Position and Tracking System (LPATS) data was collected and analysed to quantify the lightning activity before the project implementation to that of after project implementation. For the period November 1999 to March 2002 not a single transformer or surge arrester had failed ,due to lightning on the double arrester and understrung conductor configuration experimental network. There were recorded transformer and surge arrester failures on the second experimental network and on the control network. It was found that the practical methods implemented on the networks did not have a negative impact on the performance levels of the networks. Laboratory work was conducted in the high voltage laboratory at the University of Natal, on various metal oxide varistor (MOV) blocks of opened up new and failed surge arresters. This was to determine the effect of MOV blocks in parallel under power frequency and current impulse conditions. In particular, to determine what the effect of parallel MOV blocks with different voltage-current (V-I) characteristics would have on the current sharing and energy absorption capabilities of the individual blocks. The work was performed to simulate the behaviour of two surge arresters in parallel as in the experimental project. The experimental project lines were modeled using the Alternative Transients Program (ATP) simulation package and various parametric studies performed in the single phase conductor simulations. Each network component (such as the line, transformer and surge arrester) and phenomena (such as the effect of corona, the transient earth electrode resistance and voltage flashover) were modeled. The effect of surge arresters in parallel and the use of an understrung conductor arrangement were quantified. A current sharing factor (k-factor) was introduced to quantify the sharing of currents through surge arresters in parallel with different V-I curves. The main finding from the impulse laboratory work was that current sharing between parallel MOV blocks became better at higher currents. This finding was supported by other research work findings, particularly in the field of nuclear fusion research with parallel arresters. The results of the ATP simulations showed that the experimental network with the parallel arresters and understrung conductor arrangement considerably reduced the energy absorbed by the individual arresters. The effect of the double arrester configuration was to reduce the energy absorbed by the individual arresters even with arresters with different V-I characteristics and different manufacturers. The understrung conductor arrangement was found to be the major contributor towards the reduction of the energy absorbed by the arresters. The equivalent circuit of a MOV block for transient studies was proposed and then simulated in ATP. The simulated results were compared to the measured waveforms obtained from the impulse laboratory work. A good agreement between the simulated and measured waveforms was obtained. For existing Eskom networks with high arrester and transformer failure rates, the double arrester (distribution class) configuration would be the most time and cost effective solution. The alternative of using a single station class arrester is not proposed due to the costs involved and the availability of stock. The understrung conductor arrangement did significantly reduce the energy absorbed by the arresters but due to high labour costs and time requirements this would not be recommended for existing networks. It is suggested that Eskom investigate this practical method for new lines to be built in high lightning areas. Even with arresters from different manufacturers, the use of the double arrester configuration would decrease the energy absorbed and hence reduce the risk of failure of the individual arresters protecting the transformer. This means that Eskom field staff can use different manufacturer arresters in parallel. This would be especially for times when replacing failed arresters or a faulty transformer under breakdown conditions and electrical supply has to be restored to the customer as soon as possible. It was proposed to perform arrester matching by ensuring that the both arresters were from the same manufacturer. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

Thesis (M.Sc.) (Hons.) -- University of Western Sydney, 2002. / A thesis submitted to the University of Western Sydney in fulfillment of the requirements for admission to the [degree of] Masters of Science (Honours). Bibliography : leaves 156-163.

Thesis (M.E.F.E.)--University of Canterbury, 2007. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (p. 136-143). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 227-250). Also available via the Internet.

Mémoire (M.Eng.)--Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, 1998. / Document électronique également accessible en format PDF. CaQCU

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The bandwidth of standard HV measurement devices such as capacitive voltage transformers is too limited in order to measure wideband phenomena. This thesis is concerned with the investigation into a non- intrusive HV transient voltage measurement facility using standard substation HV current transformers (CI's) configured in a transconductance topology. The sensing, summation and integration of the CT capacitive earth currents are investigated. This thesis also reports on the development of a optically isolated link using optical fibre for signal transfer and a computer based data acquisition system. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Standaard hoogspannings (HS) meettoerusting soos kapasitiewe spannmgs transformators het beperkte bandwydte vir die meet van wyeband verskynsels. Hierdie tesis handel oor die implementering van 'n HS meetstelsel wat op meinbrekende wyse oorgangsverskynsels meet deur middel van HS stroomtransformators wat in 'n transkonduktansie topologie gekonfigureer is. Die meet, sommasie en integrasie van kapasitoewe grondstrome word ondersoek. Hierdie tesis doen ook verslag aangaande die ontwikkeling van 'n optiese geisoleerde koppelvlak wat gebruik word vir seinoordrag en 'n rekenaar gebasseerde data versamelaar. / pdv201406

Devido à necessidade de se desenvolver um líquido isolante renovável em alternativa ao uso de óleo mineral em transformadores, a comunidade cientifica e empresas do segmento de energia buscam desenvolver óleos vegetais para essa aplicação. Sendo que, atualmente os óleos vegetais utilizados de forma comercial em transformadores possuem base vegetal que competem com a indústria alimentícia. Dessa forma o presente trabalho tem como objetivo verificar a possibilidade do óleo de tungue ser utilizado em transformadores de distribuição, face sua alta capacidade produtiva e o mesmo não competir com a alimentação humana. Para isso, foi utilizado como referência, as características físico-químicas da norma NBR 15422 – Óleo vegetal isolante para equipamentos elétricos, que é a norma responsável para uso também em transformadores. Visando reduzir a acidez do óleo de tungue para níveis normatizados, foi realizado processo de adsorção dos componentes polares através de Terra Fuller. O tratamento com Terra Fuller se mostrou ineficaz para o óleo de Tungue bruto, sendo assim, foi realizado um processo industrializado para refino do óleo para reduzir sua acidez. Para verificação das características do óleo de Tungue, foi construído um protótipo de transformador e realizado os ensaios dielétricos de rotina conforme norma NBR 5356, sendo que não foram detectadas falhas elétricas e ainda, foram obtidos níveis de resistência de isolamento próximos aos obtidos em transformadores que utilizam óleos isolantes mineral e vegetal comercializados para equipamentos elétricos. / Due to the need to develop a renewable insulating liquid alternative to mineral oil used in transformers, the scientific community and energy sector companies look for to develop vegetable oils for this application. Whereas, now the vegetable oils used in transformers in a commercial way have vegetable based competing with human food. Thus, the present work aims to verify the possibility of tung oil be used in distribution transformers, given its high production capacity and it does not compete with human food. For this, was used as a reference, the physicochemical characteristics of the NBR 15422 - vegetable insulating oil for electrical equipment, which is the standard responsible for use also in transformers. Aiming to reduce the acidity of tung oil at standardized levels was performed adsorption process of polar components through Fuller Earth. Treatment with Fuller Earth was ineffective for raw tung oil, therefore, an industrial process for oil refining was carried out to reduce its acidity. For verification of tung oil characteristics, a transformer prototype has been built and performed routine dielectric tests according to NBR 5356, with electrical faults were not detected and also were obtained resistance of isolation levels close to those obtained in transformers use vegetable and mineral insulating oils marketed for electrical equipments.