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.

Alternative energy resources (such as photovoltaics, fuel cells, wind turbines, micro-turbines, and internal combustion engines) and energy storage systems (such as batteries, supercapacitors, and flywheels) are increasingly being connected to the utility grid, creating distributed energy resources which require the implementation of an effective distributed power management strategy. Parallel-connected power converters form a critical component in such a distributed energy resources system. This dissertation addresses small-signal modeling and analysis of parallel-connected power converter systems operating in distributed energy environments. This work focuses on DC-DC and DC-AC power converters. First, this work addresses the small-signal modeling and analysis of parallel-connected power converters in a battery/supercapacitor hybrid energy storage system. The small-signal model considers variations in the current of individual energy storage devices and the DC bus voltage as state variables, variations in the power converter duty cycles as control variables, and variations in the battery and the supercapacitor voltages and the load current as external disturbances. This dissertation proposes several different control strategies and studies the effects of variations in controller and filter parameters on system performance. Simulation studies were carried out using the Virtual Test Bed (VTB) platform under various load conditions to verify the proposed control strategies and their effect on the final states of the energy storage devices. Control strategies for single DC-AC three-phase power converters are also identified and investigated. These include a novel PV (active power and voltage) control with frequency droop control loop, PQ (active power and reactive power) control, voltage control, PQ control with frequency droop control, and PQ control with voltage and frequency droop control. Small-signal models of a three-phase power converter system with these control strategies were developed, and the impact of parameter variations on the stability of a PV controlled converter were studied. Moreover, a small-signal model of parallel-connected three-phase DC-AC power converters with individual DC power supplies and network is proposed. The simulations carried out in stand-alone and grid-connected modes verify the combined control strategies that were developed. In addition, a detailed small-signal mathematical model that can represent the zero-sequence current dynamics in parallel-connected three-phase DC-AC power converters that share a single DC power source is presented. The effects of a variety of factors on the zero-sequence current are investigated, and a control strategy to minimize the zero-sequence current is proposed. Time-domain simulation studies verify the results. Simulations of a parallel-connected DC-AC power converter system with nonlinear load were carried out. The active power filter implemented in this system provides sharing of harmonic load between each power converter, and reduces harmonic distortion at the nonlinear load by harmonic compensation.

Building Integrated Photo Voltaics (BIPVs) are devices which are manufactured to replace building components exposed to sufficient sunlight to generate energy. Photo Voltaic Roof tiles are Building Integrated components which can be used instead of traditional roofing materials. The following thesis is focused on comparing traditional, cheaper asphalt roof tiles with Photo Voltaic (PV) roofing tiles in terms of energy cost savings during their respective Net Present Values. The method used for achieving this is computer simulation made possible by software named "Solar Advisory Model" (SAM), developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL), to simulate energy output and resultant energy costs saved. The simulations have been run on a prototype example of a model of a dwelling unit's roof area. The simulations have been repeated for 35 cities all over the U.S.A. for 5 different climatic zones on the same prototype example of the dwelling unit. Similarly, the roof area being laid with an array of PV roof tiles has been estimated for coverage by traditional asphalt roof shingles by using data from the RS Means construction costs data. The estimated costs associated with the asphalt roof area have been adjusted to a different set of 35 locations from the 5 climatic zones by using the location factor from RS Means. A statistical analysis was done to analyze the data, net present value of roofing materials being the dependent variable versus climatic zones and roofing material as the independent variables. The statistical model also included CDD (Cooling Degree Days) and HDD (Heating Degree Days) as co-variates. The results indicate that NPV (Net Present Value) of BIPV roof is significantly different from that of asphalt roof. Another statistical analysis was done to determine the effect of climatic zones on energy savings due to the use of BIPV roofing. Energy savings (in US$) was used as a dependent variable, and climatic zone as the independent variable. HDD AND CDD were also included in this model as co-variates. The results of this test indicate that both climatic zone and HDD have an effect on total energy savings.

Aircraft design is an example of complex engineering where dimensioning tools can be valuable for the designers and decision makers in the early stage of the development process. These tools can be in form of a database over key numbers for different components or technologies. One of the critical parts of an aircraft is the actuator system. Conventional hydraulic actuators are demanding regarding maintenance which implies high operation costs. Therefore in recent years the focus has been set on electro-hydrostatic and electro-mechanical actuators. The aim of this work is to build a platform which can make it easier for designers and decision makers to analyze, compare and optimize different technologies regarding the actuator system. For this reason a simplified quasi-static actuator model, including reactive power consumption has been developed. This model makes it possible to reduce the complexity of the actuator models to such extent that the resulting computional tool can be used for studies of the system performance during entire flight missions and/or for optimization. Power density, cost and weight of the actuator systems are some of the important key numbers for comparing purpose and as a platform for the dimensioning of the aircraft. The ambition is then to build up a database of different actuator solutions with the key technical parameters mentioned above, that can be used in modeling and dimensioning of an aircraft. In order to avoid time consuming finite element calculations when analyzing an electrical machine a reluctance network model can be used. The basic idea of the proposed network model is to divide the rotor and the stator into a grid of small reluctance elements and provide those that correspond to the permanent magnet and the air gap between the magnets with time varying reluctances. The suggested computationally approach constitute a fast way to evaluate permanent magnet electrical machines with the respect to their performance. A preferred electrical machine provided with balance teeth and concentrated windings showed good electromechanical and thermal behavior. A balance tooth is a tooth without winding between each adjacent phases that has a cooling effect on the nearest windings, resulting in less copper losses. The balance teeth increases the voltage-time area, leading to higher induced voltage and higher torque production. Another advantage of the chosen design is its redundancy and fault tolerance capabilities. The machine comprises two independent half machines that also offers a high level of redundancy with two separate power channels. / QC 20100914

Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία πραγματεύεται τη μελέτη, το σχεδιασμό και την εξομοίωση ενός σύγχρονου κινητήρα μόνιμου μαγνήτη οδηγούμενο από ελεγχόμενο τριφασικό αντιστροφέα. Η εργασία αυτή εκπονήθηκε στο Εργαστήριο Ηλεκτρομηχανικής Μετατροπής Ενέργειας του Τμήματος Ηλεκτρολόγων Μηχανικών και Τεχνολογίας Υπολογιστών της Πολυτεχνικής Σχολής του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών. Σκοπός λοιπόν της παρούσας εργασίας είναι η μελέτη και προσομοίωση ενός σύγχρονου κινητήρα μόνιμου μαγνήτη μέσω της μεθόδου των πεπερασμένων στοιχείων, με τη βοήθεια του λογισμικού Opera σε δύο διαστάσεις (2d). Στο περιβάλλον σχεδίασης κυκλωμάτων του ίδιου προγράμματος, μοντελοποιήθηκε και ο τριφασικός αντιστροφέας ισχύος για την οδήγηση του κινητήρα. Στην συνέχεια, έγινε διασύνδεση του λογισμικού Opera με το πρόγραμμα Simulink του λογισμικού Matlab, με απώτερο σκοπό να επιτευχθεί έλεγχος κλειστού βρόχου της ταχύτητας περιστροφής του κινητήρα Συγκεκριμένα, έγινε μελέτη και προσομοίωση ενός συγκεκριμένου 8πολικού κινητήρα τύπου Brushless DC, ονομαστικής ισχύος 660 W, ονομαστικής τάσης 48 V, και ονομαστικής ταχύτητας 3000 rpm ο οποίος τροφοδοτήθηκε στην είσοδό του με τριφασικό αντιστροφέα. Ιδιαίτερη προσοχή δόθηκε, στην εξομοίωση του τρόπου λειτουργίας των αισθητήρων Hall, μέσω των ημιαγωγικών διακοπτικών στοιχείων του αντιστροφέα, τα οποία ρυθμίστηκαν για να λειτουργούν σε κατάλληλες, για την υπό μελέτη μηχανή, χρονικές περιόδους. Κρίσιμη ήταν επίσης, η διαδικασία εύρεσης των κατάλληλων κερδών των ελεγκτών PI, έτσι ώστε να βελτιωθεί η μεταβατική απόκριση του συστήματος κλειστού βρόχου και να μειωθεί το σφάλμα μόνιμης κατάστασης ταχύτητας. Αναλυτικά, στο κεφάλαιο 1 γίνεται αναφορά στα θεμελιώδη μεγέθη του μαγνητικού πεδίου, καθώς και στις ιδιότητες των μαγνητικών υλικών που χρησιμοποιούνται στην κατασκευή σύγχρονων μηχανών μόνιμου μαγνήτη. Στο κεφάλαιο 2 αναλύονται οι σύγχρονοι κινητήρες μόνιμου μαγνήτη και γίνεται εκτενής αναφορά στα κατασκευαστικά χαρακτηριστικά, στη βασική αρχή λειτουργίας και στις μαθηματικές εξισώσεις που τους περιγράφουν. Στο κεφάλαιο 3 περιγράφεται η διάταξη οδήγησης του κινητήρα και αναλύονται λεπτομερώς η λειτουργία και του αντιστροφέα και του κυκλώματος ελέγχου κλειστού βρόχου. Στο κεφάλαιο 4 περιγράφεται η διαδικασία διεξαγωγής μετρήσεων και σχεδιασμού του μοντέλου πεπερασμένων στοιχείων της μηχανής στο περιβάλλον του υπολογιστικού προγράμματος Opera-2d. Στο κεφάλαιο 5 περιγράφεται η διαδικασία σχεδιασμού του τριφασικού αντιστροφέα και παρουσιάζονται τα αποτελέσματα εξομοίωσης για το σύστημα ανοικτού βρόχου. Στο κεφάλαιο 6 εξηγείται η διαδικασία διασύνδεσης των δύο προγραμμάτων (Matlab-Opera) και παρουσιάζονται τα αποτελέσματα της εξομοίωσης για το σύστημα ελέγχου κλειστού βρόχου. / In this dissertation, the design and simulation of a permanent magnet synchronous motor driven by a three-phase inverter, is presented. The work was conducted at the Laboratory of Electromechanical Energy Conversion, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Patras. The objective of this dissertation is the study and simulation of a permanent magnet synchronous motor employing the finite element method, with the help of Opera-2d simulation software. In the Circuit Editor environment of the same software, a three-phase inverter for driving the motor was designed, utilizing the PWM method and achieving open loop control of the motor rotation speed under constant loads. In addition, a closed loop control system was designed on Simulink user interface of Matlab software and making use of the interconnection capability of the two programs (Matlab-Opera) closed loop control of the motor rotation speed was achieved. Specifically, chapter 1 gives reference to fundamentals of the magnetic field and the magnetic properties of materials used in the construction of modern permanent magnet machines. Chapter 2 analyzes synchronous permanent magnet motors and makes an extensive reference to the constructional features, basic operation principle and the mathematical equations that describe them. Chapter 3 describes the motor driving converter and analyzes in detail the operation of the inverter and the closed loop control circuit. Chapter 4 describes the procedure for carrying out measurements and designing the finite element model of the machine in the environment of Opera-2d software. Chapter 5 describes the three-phase inverter design process and presents the simulation results for the open loop system. Chapter 6 explains the interconnection process of the two programs (Matlab-Opera) and presents the results of the simulation for the closed loop control system.

The McTronX research group, at the Potchefstroom campus of the North–West University, has been researching Active Magnetic Bearings (AMBs). A fully suspended, flywheel energy storage system (FESS) has been developed. Due to excessive unbalance on the rotor, the motor drive could not be tested up to its rated speed. In the interim, until the rotor can be balanced and other rotor dynamic effects have been investigated, the group decided that the existing drive control should be improved and tested on a high–speed permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), using normal roller element bearings. In order to test the motor control a second (identical) PMSM, mechanically coupled to the former, operates in generator mode which serves as the torque load. Two different control algorithms, namely V/f and vector control, are designed and implemented on a rapid control prototyping system, i.e. dSPACE®. The V/f control is an open–loop, position sensorless technique, whilst the vector controller makes use of a position sensor. From the design and implementation it became clear that the vector control is more robust, in the sense that it is less sensitive on parameter variations and disturbances. It can start up reliably even under full load conditions. The V/f control is an attractive alternative to the vector control, especially in AMB systems, where it may be difficult to mount the position sensor, has to operate in a hazardous environment not suited to the sensor or could degrade the reliability of the AMB system. The cost of the position sensor is not really a concern compared to the cost of an AMB system. The V/f control is more suited to fan and pump applications, which has a low dynamic requirement. The V/f control has high startup currents and is not recommended for applications requiring a high starting torque or fast acceleration during operation. The inverter, which drives the PMSM, also had to be developed. With regard to the motor control, the effects of inverter non–idealities had to be accounted, especially for the V/f control. The implemented control algorithms were tested up to 20 krpm. Discrepancies between the expected and actual results are discussed. Overall, the controllers performed as desired. Generally, the project goals have been reached satisfactorily. / Thesis (M.Ing. (Computer and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.