The thesis is concerned with static frequency changers, using solid-state switching devices, capable of directly (i.e. without an intermediate dc link) converting polyphase ac power of a given frequency to single or polyphase power of a chosen frequency. The thesis consists of two parts. The first part, comprising five chapters, is devoted to the study of ideal frequency changers operated from ac Sources having zero internal impedance. The second part, comprising two chapters, considers sources with finite internal impedances . Chapter 1 introduces the basic concepts of static frequency conversion, outlines the basic mathematical models representing static frequency changers and defines the output and input performance indicators. Chapter 2 presents a detailed investigation of that class of three-pulse frequency changers which will be studied in the thesis. A large portion of the chapter is devoted to the study of output waveform generation. The mathematical tools of the investigation, existence matrices and modulating functions, are introduced and defined. Analytical expressions for output waveforms corresponding to various practical modulating functions are derived and the related performance indicators are computed. Assuming a given desired output performance, criteria for an optimal modulating function are established. It is proved that only one system can generate an output waveform conforming to the postulated prerequisites. This system is termed the "Unrestricted" Frequency Changer. Expressions for the input current waves are also derived in this chapter and the corresponding input performance indicators are determined . The concept of a new frequency changer having the unique property of providing unity input power factor, regardless of the load, is introduced. This system is termed the "Unity Power Factor" Frequency Changer. In Chapter 3 the previous results are extended to systems having pulse numbers which are integral multiples of three. Chapter 4 is devoted to the study of output voltage control. Three basic methods are analysed and detailed quantitative data for output voltage and input current waves, and the related performance indicators, are presented in graphical form. In Chapter 5 special aspects of static frequency changing are investigated. It is shown that the input displacement factor is variable. The concept of the "Controlled Displacement Factor" Frequency Changer is introduced It is proven that the naturally commutated cycloconvertor is theoretically equivalent to a particular "Controlled Displacement Factor" Frequency Changer. Chapter 6 presents a detailed analysis of the "Unrestricted" Frequency Changer, operated from an ac source with finite internal impedance. The basic conditions are defined and an outline is given of the techniques of symmetrical components used for the analysis. The input current, input terminal voltage and output voltage waveforms are expressed in terms of the input terminal impedance and the positive, negative and zero sequence components of the output currents. The equivalent sequence impedances and the output impedance matrix are derived . The output voltage unbalance is computed under various conditions and presented in graphical form. The relationships between the amplitudes of the unwanted components in the output waveform and the resonant frequency of the input terminal circuit are also graphically presented. The results obtained are verified by computer simulations. In Chapter 7 a similar analysis of the "Unity Power Factor" Frequency Changer is carried out . The computed data are also graphically presented. Again, the results are verified by appropriate computer simulations.

This thesis describes the study of the thermal response of the pyroelectric material named lithium tantalate or LT (LiTaO3) in aid of this material's possible use for temperature measurement. The temperature range studied was between 5-99oC. The sensor was excited using a silicon rubber heater. The lithium tantalate sensor and the rubber heater were enclosed such that the temperature would reach steady state faster. The enclosure was a small insulated box in order to reduce any extraneous effects on the sensor. The output signal of the lithium tantalate sensor was then amplified by using four different amplifying circuits and the voltage output was studied. The amplifying circuits included Current Mode, double Current Mode, Voltage Mode, and a modified Wien Oscillator. Results demonstrated linear dependencies of the voltage output as a function of temperature for the Voltage Mode and the modified Wien Oscillator. Using the modified Wien Oscillator amplifying circuit the slope of the line a 2.1mV/oC and for the Voltage Mode the slope was 1mV/oC. For both cases it was found that the range for the standard deviation of the measurements was 0.5< The data showed that the lithium tantalate sensor could be used as a temperature measuring device for the range mentioned above. The resolution of the data is high enough to be able to be detected with modern measuring devices and the standard deviation is low enough to allow for such measurements. Moreover, the linear dependence of the data allows for accurate measurements at each temperature within the range.