The total worldwide base of installed wind energy peak capacity reached 94 GW by the end of 2007, including 1846 MW in Canada. Wind turbine systems are being installed throughout Canada and often in mountains and cold weather regions, due to their high wind energy potential. Harsh cold weather climates, involving turbulence, gusts, icing and lightning strikes in these regions, affect wind turbine performance. Ice accretion and irregular shedding during turbine operation lead to load imbalances, often causing the turbine to shut off. They create excessive turbine vibration and may change the natural frequency of blades as well as promote higher fatigue loads and increase the bending moment of blades. Icing also affects the tower structure by increasing stresses, due to increased loads from ice accretion. This can lead to structural failures, especially when coupled to strong wind loads. Icing also affects the reliability of anemometers, thereby leading to inaccurate wind speed measurements and resulting in resource estimation errors. Icing issues can directly impact personnel safety, due to falling and projected ice. It is therefore important to expand research on wind turbines operating in cold climate areas. This study presents an experimental investigation including three important fundamental aspects: 1) heat transfer characteristics of the airfoil with and without liquid water content (LWC) at varying angles of attack; 2) energy losses of wind energy while a wind turbine is operating under icing conditions; and 3) aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil during a simulated icing event. A turbine scale model with curved 3-D blades and a DC generator is tested in a large refrigerated wind tunnel, where ice formation is simulated by spraying water droplets. A NACA 63421 airfoil is used to study the characteristics of aerodynamics and convective heat transfer. The current, voltage, rotation of the DC generator and temperature distribution along the airfoil, which are used to calculate heat transfer coefficients, are measured using a Data Acquisition (DAQ) system and recorded with LabVIEW software. The drag, lift and moment of the airfoil are measured by a force balance system to obtain the aerodynamics of an iced airfoil. This research also quantifies the power loss under various icing conditions. The data obtained can be used to valid numerical data method to predict heat transfer characteristics while wind turbine blades worked in cold climate regions. / October 2008

The total worldwide base of installed wind energy peak capacity reached 94 GW by the end of 2007, including 1846 MW in Canada. Wind turbine systems are being installed throughout Canada and often in mountains and cold weather regions, due to their high wind energy potential. Harsh cold weather climates, involving turbulence, gusts, icing and lightning strikes in these regions, affect wind turbine performance. Ice accretion and irregular shedding during turbine operation lead to load imbalances, often causing the turbine to shut off. They create excessive turbine vibration and may change the natural frequency of blades as well as promote higher fatigue loads and increase the bending moment of blades. Icing also affects the tower structure by increasing stresses, due to increased loads from ice accretion. This can lead to structural failures, especially when coupled to strong wind loads. Icing also affects the reliability of anemometers, thereby leading to inaccurate wind speed measurements and resulting in resource estimation errors. Icing issues can directly impact personnel safety, due to falling and projected ice. It is therefore important to expand research on wind turbines operating in cold climate areas. This study presents an experimental investigation including three important fundamental aspects: 1) heat transfer characteristics of the airfoil with and without liquid water content (LWC) at varying angles of attack; 2) energy losses of wind energy while a wind turbine is operating under icing conditions; and 3) aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil during a simulated icing event. A turbine scale model with curved 3-D blades and a DC generator is tested in a large refrigerated wind tunnel, where ice formation is simulated by spraying water droplets. A NACA 63421 airfoil is used to study the characteristics of aerodynamics and convective heat transfer. The current, voltage, rotation of the DC generator and temperature distribution along the airfoil, which are used to calculate heat transfer coefficients, are measured using a Data Acquisition (DAQ) system and recorded with LabVIEW software. The drag, lift and moment of the airfoil are measured by a force balance system to obtain the aerodynamics of an iced airfoil. This research also quantifies the power loss under various icing conditions. The data obtained can be used to valid numerical data method to predict heat transfer characteristics while wind turbine blades worked in cold climate regions.

The total worldwide base of installed wind energy peak capacity reached 94 GW by the end of 2007, including 1846 MW in Canada. Wind turbine systems are being installed throughout Canada and often in mountains and cold weather regions, due to their high wind energy potential. Harsh cold weather climates, involving turbulence, gusts, icing and lightning strikes in these regions, affect wind turbine performance. Ice accretion and irregular shedding during turbine operation lead to load imbalances, often causing the turbine to shut off. They create excessive turbine vibration and may change the natural frequency of blades as well as promote higher fatigue loads and increase the bending moment of blades. Icing also affects the tower structure by increasing stresses, due to increased loads from ice accretion. This can lead to structural failures, especially when coupled to strong wind loads. Icing also affects the reliability of anemometers, thereby leading to inaccurate wind speed measurements and resulting in resource estimation errors. Icing issues can directly impact personnel safety, due to falling and projected ice. It is therefore important to expand research on wind turbines operating in cold climate areas. This study presents an experimental investigation including three important fundamental aspects: 1) heat transfer characteristics of the airfoil with and without liquid water content (LWC) at varying angles of attack; 2) energy losses of wind energy while a wind turbine is operating under icing conditions; and 3) aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil during a simulated icing event. A turbine scale model with curved 3-D blades and a DC generator is tested in a large refrigerated wind tunnel, where ice formation is simulated by spraying water droplets. A NACA 63421 airfoil is used to study the characteristics of aerodynamics and convective heat transfer. The current, voltage, rotation of the DC generator and temperature distribution along the airfoil, which are used to calculate heat transfer coefficients, are measured using a Data Acquisition (DAQ) system and recorded with LabVIEW software. The drag, lift and moment of the airfoil are measured by a force balance system to obtain the aerodynamics of an iced airfoil. This research also quantifies the power loss under various icing conditions. The data obtained can be used to valid numerical data method to predict heat transfer characteristics while wind turbine blades worked in cold climate regions.

The increase in demand for renewable energy sources has been exponential in recent years and is mainly driven by factors that include the growth of greenhouse emissions and the decline in fossil fuel reservoirs. Photovoltaic (PV) energy, one of the more prominent renewable energy sources, produces electricity directly from sunlight, noiselessly and harmlessly to the environment. Additionally, PV energy systems are easy to install and financially supported by many governments, which has helped disseminate PV technology worldwide. The total generated power from PV installations (and the number of installations) has increased more than two-fold during the past 3 years, so that now more than 177 GW of PV-generated power is delivered per year. Researchers have been led to work on the obstacles facing PV systems from different perspectives, including: installation cost, inconsistency, and conversion and interface efficiency. The aim of this thesis is to design a high-efficiency PV inverter system configuration. The contribution to the knowledge in this thesis can be divided into two parts. The first part contains a critical analysis of different maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques. The second part provides a detailed design of the inverter system, which consists of a boost converter and a low-frequency H-bridge. Together, the three parts in this contribution present a complete high efficiency PV inverter system. The proposed system maintains high-efficiency energy delivery by reducing the number of high-frequency switches, which waste a significant amount of energy and reduce system efficiency. In order to show the superiority of the proposed configuration, a power loss analysis comparison with the other existing configurations is presented. In addition, different scenarios have been simulated with Matlab/Simulink. The results of these simulations confirm the distinction of the proposed configuration as well as its low-loss, high-efficiency characteristics which is rated at 98.8%.

Variable speed motor drives are being rapidly deployed for a vast range of applications in order to increase efficiency and to allow for a higher level of control over the system. One of the important areas within the field of variable speed motor drives is the system's operational boundary. Presently, the operational boundaries of variable speed motor drives are set based on the operational boundaries of single speed motors, i.e. by limiting current and power to rated values. This results in under-utilization of the system, and places the motor at risk of excessive power losses. The constant power loss (CPL) concept is introduced in this dissertation as the correct basis for setting and analyzing the operational boundary of variable speed motor drives. The control and dynamics of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive operating with CPL are proposed and analyzed. An innovative implementation scheme of the proposed method is developed. It is shown that application of the CPL control system to existing systems results in faster dynamics and higher utilization of the system. The performance of a motor drive with different control strategies is analyzed and compared based on the CPL concept. Such knowledge allows for choosing the control strategy that optimizes a motor drive for a particular application. Derivations for maximum speed, maximum current requirements, maximum torque and other performance indices, are presented based on the CPL concept. High performance drives require linearity in torque control for the full range of operating speed. An analysis of concurrent flux weakening and linear torque control for PMSM is presented, and implementation strategies are developed for this purpose. Implementation strategies that compensate for the variation of machine parameters are also introduced. A new normalization technique is introduced that significantly simplifies the analysis and simulation of a PMSM drive's performance. The concepts presented in this dissertation can be applied to all other types of machines used in high performance applications. Experimental work in support of the key claims of this dissertation is provided. / Ph. D.

Reactive power support by photovoltaic farms has been under discussion in several countries. This kind of operation has been proposed because the photovoltaic farm converter is an expensive asset that is often used well below its power rating. This paper proposes a methodology for estimating the reactive power support capability and the associated technical cost of operating a photovoltaic installation as a STATCOM at nighttime. The technical cost is related to the need to buy active power from the grid to compensate for power losses. A precise estimation of this cost is of interest for both photovoltaic farm owners and grid operators to be able to evaluate the economic feasibility of this kind of operation. In order to illustrate the proposed methodology, a 1.5 MWp photovoltaic farm is considered. By evaluating the losses of each component (converter, tie reactor, filter and transformer), a reactive power support capability map integrating the technical cost for each point of operation is obtained. The analysis outlines key points to operate a PV farm as a STATCOM at nighttime: the system must include a blocking diode, the capability map is asymmetric, an operation with variable DC-link voltage is desirable and can lead to savings of up to 8.9 % in comparison with operation at fixed nominal DC-link voltage. / O suporte de potência reativa por fazendas solares fotovoltaicas está sob discussão em diversos países. Este tipo de operação foi proposta pois o conversor das fazendas solares é um equipamento de custo elevado que é usualmente utilizado abaixo de sua potência nominal. Este trabalho propõe uma metodologia para estimar a capabilidade de suporte de reativos e o custo técnico associado na operação de uma fazenda solar fotovoltaica como um STATCOM durante o período da noite. O custo técnico desta operação está associado à necessidade da compra de potência ativa da rede elétrica para suprir as perdas de energia para compensar as perdas nos equipamentos. Uma estimativa precisa deste custo técnico é de interesse tanto dos empreendedores que possuem fazendas fotovoltaicas como dos operadores da rede elétrica para que se avalie a viabilidade econômica deste tipo de operação. Para ilustrar a metodologia proposta, uma fazenda solar fotovoltaica de 1.5 MWp é considerada. Através da avaliação das perdas em cada componente (conversor, reator, filtro e transformador), um mapa de capabilidade de suporte de potência reativa é obtido integrando os custos técnicos para cada ponto de operação. A análise realizada neste trabalho destaca os pontos chave para a operação noturna de uma fazenda solar como STATCOM: o sistema deve incluir um diodo de bloqueio, o mapa de capabilidade é assimétrico, a operação com tensão do circuito CC é desejável e resulta em economia de energia de 8.9 % em comparação com operação com a operação em tensão nominal fixa do circuito CC.

Reactive power support by photovoltaic farms has been under discussion in several countries. This kind of operation has been proposed because the photovoltaic farm converter is an expensive asset that is often used well below its power rating. This paper proposes a methodology for estimating the reactive power support capability and the associated technical cost of operating a photovoltaic installation as a STATCOM at nighttime. The technical cost is related to the need to buy active power from the grid to compensate for power losses. A precise estimation of this cost is of interest for both photovoltaic farm owners and grid operators to be able to evaluate the economic feasibility of this kind of operation. In order to illustrate the proposed methodology, a 1.5 MWp photovoltaic farm is considered. By evaluating the losses of each component (converter, tie reactor, filter and transformer), a reactive power support capability map integrating the technical cost for each point of operation is obtained. The analysis outlines key points to operate a PV farm as a STATCOM at nighttime: the system must include a blocking diode, the capability map is asymmetric, an operation with variable DC-link voltage is desirable and can lead to savings of up to 8.9 % in comparison with operation at fixed nominal DC-link voltage. / O suporte de potência reativa por fazendas solares fotovoltaicas está sob discussão em diversos países. Este tipo de operação foi proposta pois o conversor das fazendas solares é um equipamento de custo elevado que é usualmente utilizado abaixo de sua potência nominal. Este trabalho propõe uma metodologia para estimar a capabilidade de suporte de reativos e o custo técnico associado na operação de uma fazenda solar fotovoltaica como um STATCOM durante o período da noite. O custo técnico desta operação está associado à necessidade da compra de potência ativa da rede elétrica para suprir as perdas de energia para compensar as perdas nos equipamentos. Uma estimativa precisa deste custo técnico é de interesse tanto dos empreendedores que possuem fazendas fotovoltaicas como dos operadores da rede elétrica para que se avalie a viabilidade econômica deste tipo de operação. Para ilustrar a metodologia proposta, uma fazenda solar fotovoltaica de 1.5 MWp é considerada. Através da avaliação das perdas em cada componente (conversor, reator, filtro e transformador), um mapa de capabilidade de suporte de potência reativa é obtido integrando os custos técnicos para cada ponto de operação. A análise realizada neste trabalho destaca os pontos chave para a operação noturna de uma fazenda solar como STATCOM: o sistema deve incluir um diodo de bloqueio, o mapa de capabilidade é assimétrico, a operação com tensão do circuito CC é desejável e resulta em economia de energia de 8.9 % em comparação com operação com a operação em tensão nominal fixa do circuito CC.

In this bachelor thesis several software, capable of calculating andsimulating complex problems concerning the power losses in inductors andtransformers with the finite element method, have been evaluated and used tosolve test cases provided by the commissioner. The software have been evaluatedwith respect to several requirements stated by the commissioner.The aim is to be able to simulate power losses and inductance levels in complexdesigns of inductors and transformers. By reading the manuals to the software, aview of the methods and equations the different software use for their calculationshave been established. The enclosed tutorials have provided the knowledge forthe operations of the different software. By designing the test models providedby the commissioner, a deeper understanding of the work area has been reached.The test results provides an answer for the test models, the behaviour of themagnetic field has been analysed for the models and the calculated power lossesseem to correspond to the behaviour of the prototypes.The evaluation of the software has been done with regard to the commissionersrequirements. The recommendation will be to use either FEMM 4.2 or QuickField5.7, both software have a short training curve and an interface easy to maintain.For problems requiring a transient analysis the recommendation is QuickField, butthe material library maintainability is better in FEMM 4.2. Regarding COMSOLMultiphysics 3.5 and Ansys RAnsoft Maxwell Student Version 9, both softwareare highly qualified for the complex calculations needed for these kind of problems.The training curve for these software is however much longer than for the othertwo software and for the commissioner to be able to fully use all the possibilitiesin the software this will not be efficient.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the hemodynamics of the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) may lead to further optimization of the connection design and surgical planning, which in turn may lead to improved surgical outcome. While most experimental and numerical investigations have mainly focused on somewhat simplified geometries, the investigation of the flow field of true TCPC configurations is necessary for a true understanding. METHODS: This study details a manufacturing methodology yielding more accurate in vitro models that would provide a better understanding of the TCPC hemodynamics and adequate data for the validation of anatomical CFD simulations. This approach is illustrated on two different TCPC templates: an intra-atrial TCPC with a single superior vena cava (SVC) and a bilateral SVC with an extra-cardiac conduit. Power loss, flow visualization, digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) flow measurements as well as computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed to characterize the anatomic flow structure. Additional parametric glass models of the TCPC were manufactured to help understand the fluid dynamics of the anatomical models and support the computational model validation effort. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Both anatomic configurations revealed very different fluid dynamics underlining once again the need for at least one comprehensive experimental campaign per TCPC template for a good understanding of the flow phenomena. The absence of caval offset in the anatomical intra-atrial model resulted in important flow turbulence, which was enhanced by the large connection area and yielded high pressure drops and power losses. On the other hand, the bilateral SVC, which featured a smooth extra-cardiac conduit and wider vessels, led to power losses that were one order of magnitude lower than those of the anatomic intra-atrial model and a smooth flow field with lower levels of instability. The simplified glass models demonstrated that the diameter of the connecting vessels and of the pulmonary arteries in particular, was a parameter of prime importance. Finally, this study also reports on a combined experimental and numerical validation methodology, suggesting a cautious approach for the straightforward use of available CFD tools and pointing out the need for developing high resolution CFD techniques specifically tailored to tackle the complexities of cardiovascular flows.

Calculation methods of electric power loss in 10 kV distribution network were analyzed in this study. It was examined what influence to power loss calculations has the cable resistance dependency on temperature and cable load. Voltage losses dependency on step-down transformer load, active and reactive power coefficients cosφ and sinφ was also an object of this research. It was intended to analyze comparative power loss dependences for various cross-section 10 kV cables too. Electric power loss calculations according to average load current are made for the real distribution network.