Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / Due to a more densely packed frequency spectrum, there is an increasing demand for narrow band filters with asymmetrical transfer function characteristics. The resulting coupling matrices contain both positive and negative couplings, cross couplings and individual resonator frequency offsets.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / No abstract available

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The aim of this study is to analyse the operation of a wind-electric pumping system (WEPS) as an alternative to conventional mechanical wind pumps for application in stand-alone water-pumping schemes. The steady-state as well as the dynamic operation of such a system is analysed. Through these analyses, practical guidelines are given in the design and sizing of the different system components to ensure efficient and reliable operation. Theoretical analyses are supported by measured results conducted on a small scale wind-electric pump system. The limitations involved in the design and implementation of a large scale wind-electric pump system are presented through a case study. It is firstly concluded that small-scale wind-electric pump systems have the potential of offering superior performance and flexibility to conventional mechanical wind pumps. It is secondly concluded that large-scale wind-electric pump systems are best suited, in terms of economic and practical feasibility, to pumping applications with low pressures and medium to high wind regimes at the turbine installation site.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of a solid state transformer (SST) is to use power electronic converters to mimic the operation of the conventional distribution transformer. These power electronic converters are proposed to overcome the disadvantages of the conventional distribution transformer. The advantages of a SST include near perfect voltage regulation and harmonic isolation between the primary and secondary windings of the transformer. This thesis discusses the design and development of the different converters in a solid state transformer (SST). A prototype modular back-to-back converter is developed for the input and isolation stage of the SST. The isolation stage consists of a high voltage DC-DC converter, which transfers power across the isolation barrier of the SST. This stage is evaluated in the laboratory with special attention being paid to the efficiency of the converter. The second aspect that this thesis addresses is the output stage of the SST, namely a three phase inverter. The discussion of the output stage focuses on the losses occurring in the inverter. The switching device losses are calculated by means of an adapted numerical method as opposed to using conventional analytical methods. The presented numerical method is compared to the existing analytical method and the findings are discussed. A double loop control strategy is implemented for the output stage inverter. The inner current loop utilizes a predictive control strategy. The control analysis of the double loop controller is discussed and evaluated in the laboratory. All the converters that are discussed in this thesis are evaluated in the laboratory and the relevant measurements are included. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van ’n drywingselektroniese transformator (DET) is om drywingselektroniese omsetters te gebruik om die werking van die konvensionele distribusietransformator na te boots. Hierdie drywingselektroniese omsetters word voorgestel ten einde die nadele van die konvensionele distribusietransformator te bowe te kom. Die voordele van ’n DET sluit in: feitlik perfekte regulering van spanning en harmoniese isolasie tussen die primˆere en sekondˆere windings van die transformator. Hierdie tesis bespreek die ontwerp en ontwikkeling van die verskillende omsetters in ’n drywingselektroniese transformator (DET). ’n Prototipe modulˆere rug-aan-rug-omsetter word ontwikkel vir die intree- en isolasiefase van die DET. Die isolasiefase bestaan uit ’n hoogspanning- GS-GS omsetter, wat drywing oor die isolasiegrens van die DET heen oordra. Hierdie omsetter word in die laboratorium ge¨evalueer met besondere aandag aan die doeltreffendheid van die omsetter. Die tweede aspek waarna in hierdie tesis gekyk word, is die uittreefase van die DET, naamlik ’n driefaseomsetter. Die bespreking van die uittreefase fokus egter op die verliese wat in die omsetter voorkom. Die verliese van die skakelaars word bereken deur middel van ’n aangepaste numeriese metode teenoor die gebruik van konvensionele analitiese metodes. Die numeriese metode wat aangebied word, word vergelyk met die bestaande analitiese metode en die bevindings word bespreek. ’n Dubbellus-beheerstrategie word vir die uittreefase-omsetter ge¨ımplementeer. Die binneste stroomlus word ge¨ımplementeer deur van ’n voorspelbare beheerstrategie gebruik te maak. Die beheeranalise van die dubbellusbeheerder word bespreek en in die laboratorium ge¨evalueer. Al die omsetters wat in hierdie tesis bespreek word, word in die laboratorium ge¨evalueer en die relevante metings word ingesluit.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) monitors brain activity by using signals such as EEG, EcOG, and MEG, and attempts to bridge the gap between thoughts and actions by providing control to physical devices that range from wheelchairs to computers. A crucial process for a BCI system is feature extraction, and many studies have been undertaken to find relevant information from a set of input signals. This thesis investigated feature extraction from EEG signals using two different approaches. Wavelet packet decomposition was used to extract information from the signals in their frequency domain, and cepstral analysis was used to search for relevant information in the cepstral domain. A BCI was implemented to evaluate the two approaches, and three classification techniques contributed to finding the effectiveness of each feature type. Data containing two-class motor imagery was used for testing, and the BCI was compared to some of the other systems currently available. Results indicate that both approaches investigated were effective in producing separable features, and, with further work, can be used for the classification of trials based on a paradigm exploiting motor imagery as a means of control. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ’n Brein-Rekenaar Koppelvlak (BRK) monitor brein aktiwiteit deur gebruik te maak van seine soos EEG, EcOG, en MEG. Dit poog om die gaping tussen gedagtes en fisiese aksies te oorbrug deur beheer aan toestelle soos rolstoele en rekenaars te verskaf. ’n Noodsaaklike proses vir ’n BRK is die ontginning van toepaslike inligting uit inset-seine, wat kan help om tussen verskillende gedagtes te onderskei. Vele studies is al onderneem oor hoe om sulke inligting te vind. Hierdie tesis ondersoek die ontginning van kenmerk-vektore in EEG-seine deur twee verskillende benaderings. Die eerste hiervan is golfies pakkie ontleding, ’n metode wat gebruik word om die sein in die frekwensie gebied voor te stel. Die tweede benadering gebruik kepstrale analise en soek vir toepaslike inligting in die kepstrale domein. ’n BRK is geïmplementeer om beide metodes te evalueer. Die toetsdata wat gebruik is, het bestaan uit twee-klas motoriese verbeelde bewegings, en drie klassifikasie-tegnieke was gebruik om die doeltreffendheid van die twee metodes te evalueer. Die BRK is vergelyk met ander stelsels wat tans beskikbaar is, en resultate dui daarop dat beide metodes doeltreffend was. Met verdere navorsing besit hulle dus die potensiaal om gebruik te word in stelsels wat gebruik maak van motoriese verbeelde bewegings om fisiese toestelle te beheer.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper presents the implementation of an artificial magnetic ground-plane with a low profile Log-periodic Dipole Array (LPDA) antennas. After the properties of three typical Electromagnetic Bandgap (EBG) structures are investigated and their bandwidth properties are studied, a mechanism is presented to improve the band-width over which the EBG surface acts as a perfect magnetic conductor (PMC). A low profile LPDA is modeled above this surface and the results indicate an improved band-width region. Compared with a LPDA in free space the frequency band is shifted higher by the EBG surface and the gain pattern is shifted from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie dokument stel voor die implementering van kunsmatige magnetiese grondvlakke met Logaritmiese Periodiese Dipool Samestelling (LPDS) antennas. Die eienskappe van drie tipiese Elektromagnetiese Bandgaping (EBG) strukture word ondersoek en hul bandwydte eienskappe word bestudeer. ’n Meganisme word voorgestel om die bandwydte te verbeter waar die EBG oppervlakte soos n perfekte magnetiese geleier optree. ’n Lae profiel LPDS word bo hierdie oppervlakte geplaas. Die resultate dui aan ’n verbetering in the bandwydte. In vergelyking met ’n LPDS in vrye ruimte skuif die frekwensie band ho¨er as gevolg van die EBG oppervlakte en die aanwins patroon skuif van ’n horisontale orientasie na ’n vertikale orientasie.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis presents the development and implementation of a position based kinematic guidance system, the derivation and testing of a Dynamic Pursuit Navigation algorithm and a thorough analysis of an aircraft’s runway interactions, which is used to implement automated take-off of a fixed wing UAV. The analysis of the runway is focussed on the aircraft’s lateral modes. Undercarriage and aerodynamic effects are first analysed individually, after which the combined system is analysed. The various types of feedback control are investigated and the best solution suggested. Supporting controllers are designed and combined to successfully implement autonomous take-off, with acceleration based guidance. A computationally efficient position based kinematic guidance architecture is designed and implemented that allows a large percentage of the flight envelope to be utilised. An airspeed controller that allows for aggressive flight is designed and implemented by applying Feedback Linearisation techniques. A Dynamic Pursuit Navigation algorithm is derived that allows following of a moving ground based object at a constant distance (radius). This algorithm is implemented and verified through non-linear simulation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis handel oor die ontwikkeling en toepassing van posisie-afhanklike, kinematiese leidings-algoritmes, die ontwikkeling van ’n Dinamiese Volgings-navigasie-algoritme en ’n deeglike analise van die interaksie van ’n lugraam met ’n aanloopbaan sodat outonome opstygprosedure van ’n vastevlerk vliegtuig bewerkstellig kan word. Die bogenoemde analise het gefokus op die laterale modus van ’n vastevlerk vliegtuig en is tweeledig behartig. Die eerste gedeelte het gefokus op die analise van die onderstel, terwyl die lugraam en die aerodinamiese effekte in die tweede gedeelte ondersoek is. Verskillende tipes terugvoerbeheer vir die outonome opstygprosedure is ondersoek om die mees geskikte tegniek te bepaal. Addisionele beheerders, wat deur die versnellingsbeheer gebaseerde opstygprosedure benodig word, is ontwerp. ’n Posisie gebaseerde kinematiese leidingsbeheerstruktuur om ’n groot persentasie van die vlugvermoë te benut, is ontwikkel. Terugvoer linearisering is toegepas om ’n lugspoedbeheerder , wat in staat is tot aggressiewe vlug, te ontwerp. ’n Dinamiese Volgingsnavigasie-algoritme wat in staat is om ’n bewegende grondvoorwerp te volg, is ontwikkel. Hierdie algoritme is geïmplementeer en bevestig deur nie-lineêre simulasie.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis presents the design process of the movement control and guidance systems for an automated underwater vehicle (AUV) constructed by the Institute of Maritime Technology in Simon’s Town. The full non-linear mathematical model and simulation environment for the AUV were previously developed in [1]. The design process in this thesis covers an analysis of existing test data and the performance of the current systems in place on the AUV, derivation and analysis of the linear model for the AUV, design of upgraded control and guidance systems, analysis of the new designs including simulation results, practical implementation of the new designs and the results thereof. Over the course of this project a number of flaws were identified in the original control designs and other aspects of the AUV. Most notably, the capability of the AUV is limited owing to its construction, and the current control and guidance methods result in poor movement characteristics. The new control designs are executed through multiple SISO feedback loops, with the most complicated controllers consisting of proportional and integral control. A completely new guidance method was designed which grants theAUVthe ability to track both straight line and circular path segments with no steady state error. These designs were tested in simulation, with results showing good tracking performance, even in the presence of output disturbances. The new designs were implemented on the physical AUV, but testing was limited, with poor results being obtained. The poor test results were caused primarily by the construction of the AUV. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis stel die ontwerpsproses voor vir die bewegingsbeheer- en navigasiestelsels vir ’n outonome duikboot wat gebou is deur die Instituut vir Maritieme Tegnologie in Simonstad. Die volle nie-lineˆere wiskundige model en simulasieomgewing vir die duikboot is voorheen ontwikkel in [1]. Die ontwerpsproses in hierdie tesis behels ’n analise van bestaande toetsdata en van die werksverrigting van die stelsels wat tans op die duikboot ge¨ınstalleer is, die afleiding en analise van ’n lineˆere model vir die duikboot, die ontwerp van verbeterde beheer- en navigasiestelsels, die analise van die nuwe ontwerpe, wat simulasieresultate insluit, die praktiese implementering van die nuwe ontwerpe, en die resultate daarvan. Deur die loop van die projek is ’n aantal tekortkominge ge¨ıdentifiseer in die oorspronklike beheerstelselontwerpe en ander aspekte van die duikboot. Die mees beduidende tekortkominge is dat die vermo¨e van die duikboot beperk word deur die konstruksie daarvan, en dat die huidige beheer- en navigasietegnieke swak bewegingseienskappe lewer. Die nuwe beheerstelselontwerpe is uitgevoer deur ’n aantal enkelintree, enkeluittree terugvoerlusse, waar die mees komplekse beheerders bestaan uit proporsionele en integraalbeheer. ’n Heeltemal nuwe navigasiemetode is ontwerp, wat die duikboot in staat stel om beide reguit lyne en sirkulˆere padsegmente te volg sonder ’n stasionˆere volgfout. Hierdie ontwerpe is getoets in simulasie, waar die resultate goeie volging getoon het, selfs in die teenwoordigheid van uittreeversteurings. Die nuwe ontwerpe is ge¨ımplementeer op die fisiese duikboot, maar beperkte toetse is gedoen, en het swak resultate gelewer. Die swak toetsresultate was hoofsaaklik as gevolg van die konstruksie van die duikboot.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis describes the first project relating to the Control Surfaces in Confined Spaces (CoSICS) project at Stellenbosch University. The aim of CoSICS project is to reduce the size of control surface actuators, and this thesis considers the aileron system of commercial aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and A330. Specifically the project aims to reduce the aileron hinge moment, as this will result in smaller actuators. Possible methods are discussed where aerodynamic forces are used to reduce the aileron hinge moment through the use of a wing-aileron-tab configuration. In order to examine the use of the configuration, first order aerodynamic modelling is performed using two-dimensional thin-aerofoil theory, which is also extended to a basic three-dimensional approximation. To determine the maximum reduction in hinge moment several optimisations are performed where only the tab chord length is varied, both tab and aileron chord lengths are varied, and finally the tab chord length and aileron span are varied. The optimisation methods used, namely the gradient-based sequential quadratic programming (SQP) and a real-encoded genetic algorithm (REGA) are discussed in detail and include general implementations which are then applied to the problem. The optimisations performed are dual-layered where optimal deflection angles are determined as well as the optimal geometry. The results of the optimisation are tested using a roll manoeuvre in a specially developed Simulink simulation environment for this purpose. The study produces results where new hinge moment values are an order of magnitude smaller than those of the old configuration, while maintaining suitable lift and rolling moment coefficients. The optimisation and simulation infrastructure developed in this thesis provides a platform for higher-fidelity models and components being developed in future work to provide higher fidelity results. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis beskryf die eerste projek in die Control Surfaces in Confined Spaces-projek1 (CoSICS-projek) uitgevoer by die Universiteit Stellenbosch. Die doel van die COSICs-projek is om die grootte van beheervlak aktueerders te minimeer en hierdie tesis handel oor die aileron stelsel van kommersiële vliegtuie soos die Airbus A320 en A330. Die doel van hierdie tesisis om die skarnier draaimoment van die aileron te minimeer deur aërodinamiese kragte in te span in ’n vlerk-aileron-hulpvlak konfigurasie. Eerste-orde aërodinamiese modelle is afgelei met behulp van twee-dimensionele dunvlerkteorie en is gebruik om die konfigurasie te analiseer. ’n Eerste orde drie-dimensionele benadering is ook ontwikkel. Om die maksimum vermindering in die skarnier draaimoment te bepaal, is verskeie optimerings uitgevoer waar eers die hulpvlak se koordlengte gevarieer word, daarna beide die aileron en hulp-vlak se koordlengtes en laastens die hulp-vlak se koordlengte en wydte. Die twee optimerings metodes wat gebruik is, nl. ’n sekwensiële kwadratiese programmerings (SKP) tegniek, en ’n reële getal-geënkodeerde genetiese algoritme (RGGA), word bespreek en ontwikkel voor hulle toegepas word op die probleem. Twee-vlak optimerings word uitgevoer waar beide die optimale defleksiehoeke en die optimale geometrie bepaal word. Die resultate van die optimering word daarna getoets deur middel van ’n rol maneuver wat uitgevoer word in ’n Simulink simulasie omgewing wat daarvoor geskep is. Hierdie studie lei tot goeie resultate met skarnier draaimoment waardes ’n ordegrootte kleiner as dié van die vorige stelsel, terwyl goeie waardes van rol-moment en verheffingskrag koëffisiënte behou word. Die optimering en simulasie infrastruktuur wat hier ontwikkel word verskaf ’n platform vir meer akkurate modelle en komponente wat ontwikkel word in toekomstige projekte om meer akkurate resultate te lewer.

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aggressive space mapping algorithm is used in this project for the optimisation of electromagnetic structures. This technique combines the use of fast, less accurate models with more time-consuming, high precision models in the optimisation of a design. MATLAB’s technical computing environment possesses powerful tools for optimisation as well as the graphical representation and mathematical post-processing of data. A software interface, which uses Visual Basic for Applications, is created between MATLAB and the electromagnetic solvers, CST Microwave Studio and μWave Wizard, that are used for the fine and coarse model calculations. The interface enables the direct interchange of data, which allows MATLAB to control the optimisation for the automation of the design process. The optimisation of a microwave coaxial resonator with input coupling is used to demonstrate the design environment. An accurate equivalent circuit model is available to describe the problem. The space mapping optimisation of this structure works well, with a significant improvement in the efficiency of the optimisation when compared to standard optimisation techniques. Multimode horn antennas are of interest for use as feeds in radio-astronomy telescope systems. The design of a stepped circular horn antenna in the space mapping design environment is presented. The horn’s radiation pattern is optimised for low cross-polarisation. This structure is much more complex to model than the resonator example. The generalised scattering matrix representation is used in the coarse model description. The far-fields are calculated from the aperture fields by means of the Fast Fourier Transform. Various tests confirm that the optimisation is steered in the right direction as long as the coarse model response follows the trend of the fine model response over the optimisation space. The presented design environment is a powerful tool for the automation of the design of electromagnetic structures. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die aggressiewe ruimte-afbeelding algoritme word in hierdie projek gebruik vir die optimering van elektromagnetiese strukture. Hierdie tegniek kombineer die gebruik van vinnige, minder akkurate modelle tesame met tydrowende hoë presisie modelle tydens die optimering van ’n ontwerp. MATLAB se tegniese verwerkingsomgewing beskik oor kragtige gereedskap vir optimering sowel as die grafiese voorstelling en wiskundige verwerking van data. ’n Sagteware koppelvlak, wat Visual Basic for Applications benut, word geskep tussen MATLAB en die elektromagnetiese oplossers, CST Microwave Studio en μWave Wizard, wat vir die fyn en growwe model berekeninge gebruik word. Hierdie koppelvlak maak die direkte uitruiling van data moontlik, wat MATLAB in staat stel om die optimering te beheer ten einde die ontwerpsproses te outomatiseer. Die optimering van ’n mikrogolf koaksiale resoneerder met intree koppeling word gebruik om die ontwerpsomgewing te demonstreer. ’n Akkurate ekwivalente stroombaanmodel is beskikbaar om die probleem mee te beskryf. Die ruimte-afbeelding optimering van hierdie struktuur werk goed en toon ’n aansienlike verbetering in die doeltreffendheid van die optimering wanneer dit met standaard optimeringstegnieke vergelyk word. Multimodus horingantennes is van belang in radio-astronomie, waar dit as voere vir teleskope gebruik word. Die ontwerp van ’n trapvormige, sirkelvormige horingantenne in die ruimte-afbeelding ontwerpsomgewing word aangebied. Die stralingspatroon van die horing word optimeer vir lae kruispolarisasie. Hierdie struktuur is heelwat meer ingewikkeld om te modelleer as die resoneerder voorbeeld. Die veralgemeende strooimatriks voorstelling word gebruik in die growwe model beskrywing. Die ver-velde word bereken vanaf die velde in die bek van die antenne, deur gebruik te maak van die Vinnige Fourier Transform. Verskeie toetse bevestig dat die optimering in die regte rigting gestuur word, solank as wat die growwe model se gedrag dié van die fyn model oor die optimeringsgebied navolg. Die ontwerpsomgewing wat hier aangebied word, is ’n kragtige stuk gereedskap vir die outomatisering van die ontwerp van elektromagnetiese strukture.