La commande sans capteur mécanique de la machine synchrone à aimants permanents est un sujet largement répandu dont les plus grandes difficultés connues, quel que soit l’observateur utilisé, sont celui du démarrage à vitesse nulle et plus largement de la commande aux basses vitesses, et celui du rejet des fortes perturbations du couple. Afin d’y faire obstacle, diverses adaptations des algorithmes d’observateur ont été proposées afin d’améliorer le comportement de la machine en commande sans capteur. Par ailleurs, il est couramment admis que les déchets de tension produit par l’onduleur sont nuisibles à l’observation de la position, les tensions de référence étant légèrement différentes des tensions appliquées aux enroulements de la machine. Quelques propositions apparaissent dans certaines publications notamment en établissant un algorithme de compensation. C’est ainsi que les travaux de cette thèse portent sur cette thématique, celle d’améliorer la commande sans capteur dans les situations d’observabilité difficile en proposant une solution originale afin de faire correspondre au mieux les tensions appliquées à la machine et les tensions de référence utiles à l’observateur. Les résultats montrent que la solution proposée et largement analysée améliore considérablement le comportement de la machine en commande aux basses vitesses et en rejet de perturbation, tant en régime permanent qu’en régime transitoire ; une analyse de Fourier des courants mesurés atteste l’efficacité de la méthode et une analyse des grandeurs observées par la statistique descriptive met en lumière l’intérêt de l’algorithme. Nous montrons ainsi que la solution proposée permet d’observer la vitesse et la position en deçà de la vitesse mécanique de 15 rad/s alors que la commande est instable en deçà de 20 rad/s quand la solution n’est pas mise en œuvre. Un constat similaire apparaît en rejet de perturbation. D’autres résultats montrent que l’observation à plus basse vitesse est entachée d’une perturbation liée à un couple pulsatoire dont l’origine peut être le couple de détente, lequel n’est pas pris en compte par le modèle de la machine. / The sensorless control of the permanent magnet synchronous machine is a subject widely spread. Two great difficulties are known; (i) the start at nil initial speed and more generally the control at very low speed whatever the observer used and (ii) the high torque disturbance rejection. In order to hinder these difficulties numerous modifications of observer algorithms were proposed to improve the performances of the permanent magnet synchronous machine sensorless control. Moreover, we admit commonly that the drop voltages due to the inverter are prejudicial to the position estimated, because the difference between the voltage reference transmitted to the PWM (pulse width modulation) and the motor winding voltage is not negligible at low speed and low load torque. According to the literature, several papers propose some solutions by compensation algorithms and voltage estimator in particular. So, the goal of this thesis is to estimate the winding voltage and to apply the state observer by Extended Kalman Filtering to improve more finely the sensorless control. We propose an original solution to estimate the voltage references which is applied to the observer. Numerous experimental results show the attractive effects in marked contrast to the sensorless control results without estimation of the winding voltages. The results of sensorless control show that the solution proposed which widely analysed improves significantly the estimation errors of the motor running in low speed range and low torque disturbances range. Fourier analyses and statistic data obtained in steady state speed and results during the transient response indicate complementary results and highlight the interest of the estimation algorithm. Our study brings out that the estimation error reduction allows to running the motor at mechanical speed short of 15 rad/s. In the other hand, the system is instable with speed short of 20 rad/s if the voltage references are used by the observer rather than the estimation voltages. The same improvement appears in disturbance rejection. Other results show that the estimated position errors at lower speed increases in spite of the estimation algorithm. In fact, the torque disturbances are dominant at low speed, low load torque and are harmful to control the electromagnetic torque.

Este trabalho, constitui-se em uma contribuição para o estudo das estratégias de mo-dulação direta baseadas em histerese e que funcionam em frequência fixa de comutação. Tem como objetivo principal propor a estratégia delta modificada, que diferencia-se na forma de ajuste da largura de banda de histerese, alterando-se seus limites e em como executa o comando de bloqueio das chaves de potência, para que a corrente de saída se mantenha em frequência fixa de operação e apresente rápida resposta dinâmica no sistema controlado. Para tanto, não necessita da utilização de derivadas, nem de uma corrente média de referência, tão pouco, se utiliza dos tempos de comutação. A estratégia proposta, comprova que é possível produzir os adequados pulsos de comando para o processamento da energia proveniente de célula combustível, através do conversor estático de potência, utilizando-se, principalmente, dos valores de ultrapassagem nos limites estabelecidos de histerese. Como objetivo secundário desta pesquisa, desenvolve-se um conversor CC/CC auxiliar para adaptar e estabilizar a energia proveniente da CAC, compondo-se um sistema útil que serve de base para fornecer energia, aos mais diversos tipos de cargas em CC. Além disso, apresenta-se uma revisão das estratégias de modulação em modo direto para o controle da corrente de saída no conversor estático, tendo como base a tensão nos terminais de um indutor. Contudo, outras estratégias são naturalmente citadas, no transcorrer deste trabalho, devido haver combinações entre as diferentes estratégias moduladoras e controladoras comentadas. / This work, is a contribution to the study of direct modulation strategies based on hysteresis and that operate at fixed switching frequency. Its main objective is to propose the modified delta strategy, which differentiates from the others strategies in the form of adjustment of hysteresis bandwidth, changing its limits and in executing the locking command of the power keys, so that the output current is maintain at fixed frequency of operation and a rapid dynamic response in the controlled system. In order to do so, it does not require the use of derivatives or a reference average current and also the switching times are not used. This strategy shows that it is possible to produce the appropriate command pulses for the processing of fuel cell energy by the static power converter using mainly the exceedance limit values. As a secondary objective of this research, an auxiliary DC/DC converter is developed to adapt and stabilize the energy coming from the fuel cell, forming a useful system that serves as a base to supply power to the most diverse types of DC loads. In addition, we present a review of the direct-mode modulation strategies for the control of the output current in the static converter, updating data, and based on the voltage at the terminals of an inductor; how-ever, others strategies are naturally cited because there are combinations between the different modulating strategies and controllers commented on in the course of this work.

Nos últimos 20 anos, o inversor de frequência PWM passou a ser largamente utilizado. Dentre as razões principais de sua ampla difusão, cita-se a introdução do IGBT que, devido à sua capacidade de comutação rápida, possibilitou a redução de perdas, tamanho e custo dos conversores, ao mesmo tempo em que permitiu o uso do motor de indução em aplicações que demandam alto desempenho dinâmico. Porém, esta mesma característica que trouxe tais benefícios, contribuiu para acentuar os efeitos relacionados a fenômenos eletromagnéticos, devido à rápida transição que produz sinais em alta frequência, responsáveis por tornar os sistemas de acionamentos potenciais fontes de interferência eletromagnética. Os principais fenômenos desta natureza são a tensão de onda refletida, associada a ruídos de modo diferencial, e a corrente de modo comum. De maneira geral, a corrente de modo comum tem maior potencial de contribuição para a emissão radiada que a de modo diferencial e, em sistemas de acionamento, constitui a principal fonte de interferência eletromagnética. Esta não é resultado apenas da rápida comutação dos IGBTs, mas, também, da configuração do sistema, que propicia o surgimento das tensões de modo comum. Este trabalho visa estudar alternativas que minimizem, naturalmente, estas tensões através de sua configuração, reduzindo-se a necessidade de novos componentes, como filtros passivos ou circuitos ativos. Ressalta-se, assim, que o primeiro passo consistiu-se na compreensão do problema de geração da tensão de modo comum. Visando atingir os propósitos anteriormente mencionados, foi idealizado um inversor, composto de duas pontes chaveando em oposição, chamado de duplo-trifásico. A partir de simulações, avaliou-se seu potencial e definiu-se sua implementação, a partir de dois inversores idênticos. Testou-se o protótipo contra um terceiro módulo de mesmo tipo, em iguais condições. A comparação dos resultados indicou que a configuração proposta pode ser eficiente no controle do ruído de modo comum, obtendo-se valores de redução de 86%. Nota-se que o comportamento observado via o protótipo, permite um melhor entendimento dos fenômenos relativos à circulação da corrente de modo comum. Desta forma, à luz da pesquisa realizada, nota-se que, conceitualmente, a solução proposta se destaca das demais apresentadas na literatura pela sua exequibilidade e simplicidade. / Over the last 20 years, the PWM frequency inverter has become widely used. Among the main reasons for its widespread distribution is the introduction of the IGBT, due to its ability for fast switching allowing the reduction of losses, size and cost of the converters, and the use of the induction motor in applications that demand high dynamic performance. However, this same characteristic that brought such benefits, stressed the effects related to electromagnetic phenomena, due to the fast transition that produces high frequency signals, responsible for turning drive systems, potential sources of electromagnetic interference. The main phenomena of this nature are the reflected wave overvoltage, associated with differential mode noise, and the common mode current. In general, the common mode current has greater potential of contribution to the emission of radiated interference than the differential mode current and is the main source of electromagnetic interference in drive systems. The common mode current is not just the result of the fast transitions of IGBTs, but also of the system configuration, which produces common mode voltages. This work aims to study alternatives that minimize, naturally, those voltages through its configuration, reducing the need for additional components, such as passive filters or active circuits. It is pointed, that the first step consisted in the understanding of the problem of the common mode voltage generation. In order to address this objective, an inverter composed of two bridges, switching in opposition, called double-three-phase was designed. Its potential for noise mitigation, as well, its implementation, with two identical inverters was evaluated by simulations. The prototype was tested against a third module of the same type, under the same conditions. The comparison of the results indicated that the proposed configuration can be efficient in the common mode noise control, with 86% reduction. The behavior observed through the prototype allows a better understanding of the phenomena involving common mode current. Thus, in the light of the research, we note that, conceptually, the proposed solution stands out for its practicality and simplicity, from the others presented in the literature.

Depuis les dix dernières années, dans les domaines liés aux transports (automobile, avionique, ferroviaire, naval), les technologies thermiques et hydrauliques tendent à laisser de plus en plus de place aux systèmes électriques. L’intérêt et le dynamisme de la Recherche en électronique de puissance se justifient par le rôle déterminant que la discipline joue au sein du développement des systèmes embarqués "plus électriques". Ce mémoire de thèse s’intéresse à l’étude de convertisseurs d’électronique de puissance, les onduleurs à source impédante, en tant que topologies alternatives aux architectures existantes au sein des systèmes de traction électrique. Plusieurs études sont établies suivant différents critères, qui, au delà d’une simple comparaison avec les architectures conventionnelles, proposent des solutions et des améliorations intervenant aussi bien dans le contrôle du système que dans sa topologie initiale. Ces études sont toutes appliquées à un système de traction électrique muni d’une machine synchrone à aimants et d’un onduleur à source impédante alimentée par une source de tension continue. Les résultats qui en découlent ont montré de larges intérêts de ces topologies concernant la maîtrise de la qualité du courant de batterie (annulation de ses ondulations hautes fréquences) mais aussi la maîtrise de certaines contraintes liées aux vieillissement des machines (possibilité de maîtriser les dv/dt). Certains inconvénients sont néanmoins établis comme le fait que la topologie n’offre guère d’amélioration du rendement (en comparaison avec les structures classiques) ou comme le fait que l’architecture rende dépendantes les commandes de l’onduleur à source impédante (côté DC) et de la machine (côté AC) / Over the past ten years, hydraulic and thermal technologies tend to make room for electrical system. Fields related to transportation (automotive, avionics, railway or naval) are directly impacted. The interest and dynamism in power electronics Research are justified by the impact of such a field in the development of embedded systems. This thesis focuses on the study of impedance-source inverters as possible topologies to replace conventional ones. Several studies are conducted according to different criteria and do not aim at only comparing the topologies. It proposes solutions and improvements in the control system as well as in its basis architecture. These studies are all applied to an electric traction system composed of an synchronous machine fed by an impedance-source inverter. It is showed that large interests come out of the obtained results. For instance, the cancellation of the high-frequency current ripples allows mastering the quality of the battery current. Moreover, some constraints as regards machine ageing can be reduced by mastering the slew rates dv/dt. Some drawbacks are nevertheless pointed out. There is no need in using such a topology to improve efficiency that is above the same as conventional structures. Moreover, controls of DC-side AC-side of the system are dependent due to the fact that inverter’s control is used to step up the DC-bus voltage

Orientador: Carlos Alberto Canesin / Resumo: Considerando o atual crescimento dos sistemas baseados em fontes de energia renováveis para a Geração Distribuída (GD), novas estruturas de potência estão sendo desenvolvidas para os sistemas de conversão. O presente estudo propõe a utilização do Inversor Integrado Cuk para o processamento da energia solar fotovoltaica proveniente de um conjunto de módulos fotovoltaicos. Este inversor é o resultado da integração de um conversor Cuk e um inversor de ponte completa, sendo capaz de realizar as funções de elevação e redução de tensão, e a função de converter a corrente continua em alternada, possuindo um grande potencial para a obtenção de uma estrutura de potência de reduzido volume e alto rendimento, garantindo uma baixa distorção harmônica da corrente injetada à rede. Neste trabalho de dissertação são apresentadas as análises quantitativa e qualitativa do inversor com o objetivo de mostrar em detalhes o seu funcionamento e apresentar as principais equações elétricas dos componentes reativos e semicondutores. Além disso, para a obtenção do modelo dinâmico em pequeno sinal do inversor, o método de média do circuito e modelagem média de interruptores é utilizado a fim de projetar os controladores do modo de controle adotado, o qual consiste em dois laços de corrente retroalimentados. Por outro lado, uma comparação das diferentes configurações de módulos fotovoltaicos conectados ao inversor é realizada através dos dados de simulação, a fim de obter a configuração com as melhores c... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Considering the current growth of the renewable energy sources-based systems for Distributed Generation (DG), new power structures are being developed for the conversion systems. The present study proposes the use of the Cuk Integrated Inverter for the processing of photovoltaic solar energy from a set of photovoltaic modules. This inverter is the result of the integration of a Cuk converter and a Full Bridge inverter, being able to perform the functions of raise and reduce voltage, and the function of converting the direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), possessing a great potential for obtaining a power structure of reduced volume and high performance, guaranteeing a low harmonic distortion of the current injected into the electric grid. In this research work, the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the inverter are presented in order to show in detail its operation and present the main electrical equations of the reactive and semiconductor components. In addition, to obtain the dynamic model in small signal of the inverter, the method of Circuit Averaging and Averaged Switch Modeling is used in order to design the controllers of the adopted control mode, which consists of two feedback loops of current. On the other hand, a comparison of the different configurations of photovoltaic modules connected to the inverter is performed by simulation data, in order to obtain the configuration with the best performance characteristics of the system. The maximum power p... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

O objetivo principal deste trabalho é o desenvolvimento de controladores robustos baseados no princípio do modelo interno, em referenciais síncrono e estacionário, para aplicação ao estágio de saída de uma fonte ininterrupta de energia (UPS) a fim de minimizar a distorção na tensão de saída causada pela conexão de cargas não lineares balanceadas e desbalanceadas. A formulação em referencial estacionário (abc) é realizada através da aplicação de controladores com múltiplos modos ressonantes, a fim de se estabelecer erro nulo ao seguimento de referência senoidal e rejeição de distúrbios na tensão de saída devido às correntes com elevado conteúdo harmônico drenadas pelas cargas. Além disso, o controle é formulado em referencial síncrono (dq0) utilizando controladores Proporcional-Integral (PI) convencionais muito difundidos na maioria das aplicações comerciais de UPS. O projeto de ambos controladores é realizado utilizando uma metodologia de controle robusto com realimentação de estados, onde os parâmetros dos controladores são determinados através da resolução de um problema de otimização convexa sujeito a um conjunto de restrições na forma de desigualdades matriciais lineares (LMI). Uma análise comparativa de desempenho é realizada entre controladores com um modo ressonante (sintonizado na fundamental) e o PI em dq0, pois apresentam estruturas funcionalmente equivalentes sob a ótica do princípio do modelo interno aplicada a seus respectivos referenciais. Além do mais, demonstra-se a melhoria no desempenho com o uso dos controladores múltiplo ressonantes em referencial estacionário onde escolhe-se as frequências de ressonância de cada modo de maneira a suprimir os efeitos de harmônicas específicas na tensão de saída da UPS. A análise comparativa entre os controladores propostos é realizada através de simulações numéricas, utilizando os procedimentos de ensaio dinâmico e estático e as exigências estabelecidas pela norma internacional IEC 62040-3. / The main objective of this work is the development of robust controllers based on the internalmodel principle, in synchronous and stationary frames, applied to the output stage of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), in order to minimize the output voltage distortion caused by the connection of balanced and unbalanced nonlinear loads. The formulation in stationary abc-frame is accomplished through the aplication of a multiple resonant controller, so that, it is possible to achieve zero-error tracking of the sinusoidal reference and disturbances rejection on the output voltage due to the high amount of harmonic currents drained by the loads. Moreover, a controller in synchronous reference frame (dq0 axis) is formulated through the application of conventional Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers which are widely used in comercial UPS applications. The design of both controllers is formulated using a state-feedback robust controlmethod, in which the controller parameters are determined by solving a convex optimization problem subject to a set of LMI constraints. A comparative analysis on the performance of the single-mode resonant controller (tuned at the fundamental frequency) and the PI controller is performed, because these controllers are functionally equivalent in the sense of the internal model principle applied to their respective frames. Furthermore, the improvement in performance is demostrated with the use of multiple resonant controllers in stationary abc-frame where the resonance frequencies are chosen to suppress the effects of a specific harmonic in the UPS output voltage. The comparative analysis of the proposed controllers is performed through numerical simulations, making use of the dynamical and steady-state test methods and performance requirements defined by the IEC 62040-3 international stardard.

A presente pesquisa foi desenvolvida para avaliar as potencialidades das células de combustível como tecnologia em si, inclusive os beneficios econômicos que se podem ter por meio do suprimento de energia elétrica se comparada com o aproveitamento da mesma por meio da rede pública. Além de uma parte descritiva do estado de arte da tecnologia, a presente dissertação foi focada em duas partes: a primeira trata de um estudo experimental onde uma célula, a membrana polimérica, foi conectada a um inversor, permitindo assim de fornecer energia elétrica na rede pública. Na segunda parte foi realizada uma avaliação engenhero-econômica com uma Célula de Combustível de Ácido Fosfórico para o aproveitamento da energia elétrica com cogeração de calor para as condições de mercado brasileiro. O primeiro estudo mostrou como seja possível abastecer uma célula (neste caso alimentada por hidrogênio) para fornecer continuamente energia elétrica na rede, onde necessário ou onde seja impossível para o usuário se conectar a rede pública. O segundo estudo, por sua vez, mostrou que atualmente a células de combustível de média temperatura de Ácido Fosfórico (PAFC) não é uma tecnologia ainda madura e que é viável economicamente somente em aplicações de nicho, por exemplo setores indústriais eletro-intensivos e com necessidade de energia termica também. Todavia, projeções futuras baseadas em curvas de aprendizados e a queda do preço do gás natural mostram como a expansão da tecnologia e a possibilidade de acessar um combustível barato podem abrir futuro para a PAFC mundialmente. / This Masters dissertation aims to study technical potentialities of Fuel Cell technology, including the economical benefits that can provide compared with public grid as well. Thus, the dissertation has been focused in two main parts: the first concerns in an experimental approach to supply electrical power to the public grid using a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), while the second one presents a global (from an engineering and economic point-of-view) assessment of a Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) for the co-generation of heat with electrical energy in Brazil. The first study has been accomplished connecting a PEMFC with a power inverter to the public grid. It has been proved experimentally that Fuel Cell is an alternative device that, as long as fuel is fed, may provide electrical energy continuously and more efficiently than traditional devices. The second study has been focused in the so-called Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) that, being a Medium Temperature Fuel Cell, beyond to supply electrical energy, may be used for co-generation of thermal energy. Through this study it has been showed that, at the current state-of-art, PAFC is is not already a mature technology and it becomes economically viable only for niche market applications, represented by the industrial sectors with high base load power and continuous thermal energy demand. However, accumulated knowledge expressed by learning curve and natural gas shock price caused by possible LNG supplying and shale gas recovery are the two main factors that may turn investment in PAFC profitable worldwide.

Nos últimos 20 anos, o inversor de frequência PWM passou a ser largamente utilizado. Dentre as razões principais de sua ampla difusão, cita-se a introdução do IGBT que, devido à sua capacidade de comutação rápida, possibilitou a redução de perdas, tamanho e custo dos conversores, ao mesmo tempo em que permitiu o uso do motor de indução em aplicações que demandam alto desempenho dinâmico. Porém, esta mesma característica que trouxe tais benefícios, contribuiu para acentuar os efeitos relacionados a fenômenos eletromagnéticos, devido à rápida transição que produz sinais em alta frequência, responsáveis por tornar os sistemas de acionamentos potenciais fontes de interferência eletromagnética. Os principais fenômenos desta natureza são a tensão de onda refletida, associada a ruídos de modo diferencial, e a corrente de modo comum. De maneira geral, a corrente de modo comum tem maior potencial de contribuição para a emissão radiada que a de modo diferencial e, em sistemas de acionamento, constitui a principal fonte de interferência eletromagnética. Esta não é resultado apenas da rápida comutação dos IGBTs, mas, também, da configuração do sistema, que propicia o surgimento das tensões de modo comum. Este trabalho visa estudar alternativas que minimizem, naturalmente, estas tensões através de sua configuração, reduzindo-se a necessidade de novos componentes, como filtros passivos ou circuitos ativos. Ressalta-se, assim, que o primeiro passo consistiu-se na compreensão do problema de geração da tensão de modo comum. Visando atingir os propósitos anteriormente mencionados, foi idealizado um inversor, composto de duas pontes chaveando em oposição, chamado de duplo-trifásico. A partir de simulações, avaliou-se seu potencial e definiu-se sua implementação, a partir de dois inversores idênticos. Testou-se o protótipo contra um terceiro módulo de mesmo tipo, em iguais condições. A comparação dos resultados indicou que a configuração proposta pode ser eficiente no controle do ruído de modo comum, obtendo-se valores de redução de 86%. Nota-se que o comportamento observado via o protótipo, permite um melhor entendimento dos fenômenos relativos à circulação da corrente de modo comum. Desta forma, à luz da pesquisa realizada, nota-se que, conceitualmente, a solução proposta se destaca das demais apresentadas na literatura pela sua exequibilidade e simplicidade. / Over the last 20 years, the PWM frequency inverter has become widely used. Among the main reasons for its widespread distribution is the introduction of the IGBT, due to its ability for fast switching allowing the reduction of losses, size and cost of the converters, and the use of the induction motor in applications that demand high dynamic performance. However, this same characteristic that brought such benefits, stressed the effects related to electromagnetic phenomena, due to the fast transition that produces high frequency signals, responsible for turning drive systems, potential sources of electromagnetic interference. The main phenomena of this nature are the reflected wave overvoltage, associated with differential mode noise, and the common mode current. In general, the common mode current has greater potential of contribution to the emission of radiated interference than the differential mode current and is the main source of electromagnetic interference in drive systems. The common mode current is not just the result of the fast transitions of IGBTs, but also of the system configuration, which produces common mode voltages. This work aims to study alternatives that minimize, naturally, those voltages through its configuration, reducing the need for additional components, such as passive filters or active circuits. It is pointed, that the first step consisted in the understanding of the problem of the common mode voltage generation. In order to address this objective, an inverter composed of two bridges, switching in opposition, called double-three-phase was designed. Its potential for noise mitigation, as well, its implementation, with two identical inverters was evaluated by simulations. The prototype was tested against a third module of the same type, under the same conditions. The comparison of the results indicated that the proposed configuration can be efficient in the common mode noise control, with 86% reduction. The behavior observed through the prototype allows a better understanding of the phenomena involving common mode current. Thus, in the light of the research, we note that, conceptually, the proposed solution stands out for its practicality and simplicity, from the others presented in the literature.

Grid connected inverter requires accurate and appropriate sizing which depends on the temperature, inverter operating efficiency, performance ratio, annual system yield and solar radiation characteristics. The aim of this study was to design and size for optimum sizing factor for grid connected inverter. The main component to be considered in any photovoltaic grid connected system is the inverter since the output depends on the inverter sizing ratio, therefore optimal sizing factor was designed by considering factors that affects inverter sizing such as temperature, irradiance and the location. Large and small systems of 50 kW and 5 kW respectively were considered to determine grid connected inverter sizing factors for different climates in Kenya, Sweden, and India using PVsyst simulation. Two different inverter brands of SMA and ABB with 20 kW and 25 kW rating for large system and 4.6 kW, 4 kW inverters for small system. PVsyst simulation result showed that different locations with different orientation angles, the optimum sizing varies hence affects the annual performance of the system. Photovoltaic system inverters are sized based on the rated power of the installed system and this can be achieved when the inverter size is either almost matching or not. In this case the study presents the optimal sizing factor for grid connected inverter for Mandera in Kenya, Norrköping in Sweden and Kerala in India. The determination was done through the use of designing, assessing and analyzing of the relationship between the sizing factor with performance ratio, operational efficiency and annual hourly energy yield. The unique weather profile in Kerala and in Mandera favors the adoption of solar energy technology in the location. Solar radiation for one year was used as a baseline input and the result reveals that Mandera receives yearly radiation of 2.1 MWh/m² while Kerala and Norrköping receives 2 MWh/m² and 1.1 MWh/m² respectively. Design simulation using PVsyst tool made it possible for the determination of the optimal sizing factor for the grid connected system. Considerations such as the losses and the variations within the specific location was done and a graph showing the relationship between the sizing factor in relation to the operational inverter efficiency as well as energy yield and performance ratio was later on compared to see the behavior of the sizing factor. The study concludes that operational efficiency, performance ratio and energy yield affects the array optimum sizing ratio. For the three locations, inverters (SMA and ABB) shows different variations because optimal sizing ratio depends on the location and irradiation. The results reveal that Mandera has an optimal grid connected inverter sizing of the range from 1.1 to 1.4 while in Kerala it has from 1.2 to 1.4 and Norrköping has the range from 1.1 to 1.3. Optimal sizing of grid connected inverters depends on the energy yield and the location therefore the inverter mismatch voltage and its rating values have to be considered while determining the optimal sizing factor. The 25 kW inverters in all the locations had better efficiency and sizing factor and this proves that sizing the photovoltaic inverter will give better performance and efficiency.

This thesis is part of a major research project to analyse vibro-acoustic characteristics from variable speed inverter driven induction motors (VSIDIM). The overall projects??? aimed at providing a better understanding of the mechanisms of sound generation from electromagnetic origins and developing a numerical model to predict the sound power emitted from a VSIDIM. The scope of this thesis is to assess experimentally the effect of various controller strategies on the radiated sound power and to develop a finite element method for calculating the electromagnetic force distribution over the stator. Various sources of noise in induction motors and their behaviour with speed and load have been reviewed. Models of the electromagnetic field and vibro-acoustic character have been discussed. An outline of various techniques of reducing noise in induction motors through design of inverters and modifications to the motor structure has been given. Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of controller strategies on the radiated sound power. Three different supplies were tested: a dynamotor which produces an almost sinusoidal supply with very low harmonic content, an inverter with a low switching frequency (less than 1kHz) and an inverter with a high switching frequency (8kHz) and various levels of random modulation. Results indicate that the sound power level of the MSC drive is a lot higher than that of the VSC 2000 drive and the dynamotor drive. The sound power level of the VSC 2000 drive and the dynamotor drive increases almost linearly with motor speed, that for the MSC drive is almost independent of speed. The sound power level of the MSC drive is almost 28dB higher than that of the dynamotor drive at 450rpm and the difference is reduced to 14dB at 1500rpm where the aerodynamic noise becomes more dominant. It has been found that at the rated speed (1500rpm), the sound power level varies by less than 3dB from no load to full load for all three sources. Although increasing the switching frequency increases the cost of the inverters and switching losses, results from the MSC and VSC 2000 drives clearly show that it reduces the radiated sound power by shifting the harmonics into higher and inaudible frequency range. The tonal nature around the switching frequency has been reduced by increasing the levels of random modulation to spread the energy over a wider range of frequencies, although the sound power level has not varied by more than 0.2dB. A finite element model has been developed to calculate the electromagnetic force distribution. The quasi-static solution method has been implemented by stepping the rotor through the time domain using a fine regular mesh in the air gap. The stator currents were experimentally obtained while the rotor currents were obtained using a 4 parameter state space model of the motor. Results of the simulation indicate the influence of stator and rotor slots, saturation and time harmonics in the current. The calculated electromagnetic force distribution has been used in a FEM/BEM acoustic model and SEA acoustic model to predict the radiated sound power which agrees reasonably well with the measured sound, thus validating indirectly the electromagnetic force simulations.