There is a trend for offshore wind farms to move further from the point of common coupling to access higher and more consistent wind speeds to reduce the levelised cost of energy. To accommodate these rising transmission distances, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission has become increasingly popular. However, existing HVDC wind farm topologies and converter systems are ill suited to the demands of offshore operation. The HVDC and AC substations have been shown to contribute to more than 20% of the capital cost of the wind farm and provide a single point of failure. Therefore, many wind farms have experienced significant delays in construction and commissioning, or been brought off line until faults could be repaired. What is more, around 75% of the cost of the HVDC and AC substations can be attributed to structural and installation costs. Learning from earlier experiences, industry is now beginning to investigate the potential of a modular approach. In place of a single large converter, several converters are connected in series, reducing substation individual size and complexity. While such options somewhat reduce the capital costs, further reductions are possible through elimination of the offshore substations altogether. This thesis concerns the design and evaluation the Hybrid HVDC Transformer, a high power, high voltage, DC transformer. This forms part of the platform-less (i.e. without substations) offshore DC power collection and distribution concept first introduced by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. By operating in the medium frequency range the proposed Hybrid HVDC Transformer can be located within each turbine’s nacelle or tower and remove the need for expensive offshore AC and DC substations. While solid state, non-isolating DC-DC transformers have been proposed in the literature, they are incapable of achieving the step up ratios required for the Hybrid HVDC transformer [1]– [3]. A magnetic transformer is therefore required, although medium frequency and non-sinusoidal operation does complicate the design somewhat. For example, inter-winding capacitances are more significant and core losses are increased due to the added harmonics injected by the primary and secondary converters [1], [2]. To mitigate the impact of these complications, an investigation into the optimal design was conducted, including all power converter topologies, core shapes and winding configurations. The modular multilevel converter in this case proved to be the most efficient and practical topology however, the number of voltage levels that could be generated on the primary converter was limited by the DC bus voltage. To avoid the use of pulse width modulation and hence large switching losses, a novel MMC control algorithm is proposed to reduce the magnitude of the converter generated harmonics while maintaining a high efficiency. The development and analysis of this High Definition Modular Multilevel Control algorithm forms the bulk of this thesis’ contribution. While the High Definition Modular Multilevel Control algorithm was developed initially for the Hybrid HVDC Transformer, analysis shows it has several other potential applications particularly in medium and low voltage ranges.

Le convertisseur multiniveau modulaire (MMC) est une solution appropriée pour les réseaux HVDC grâce à sa modularité, sa faible fréquence de commutation et sa tension alternative quasi-sinusoïdale. En raison de sa topologie, son modèle mathématique est assez complexe et est donc souvent simplifié au stade de la conception. En particulier, la résistance équivalente au bras R, l'inductance du bras L et le courant circulant sont souvent négligés. Toutefois, les résultats expérimentaux obtenus avec notre prototype monophasé de MMC à pont complet à six niveaux ont montré que ces hypothèses ne sont pas toujours acceptables. Dans ce contexte, l'objectif de cette thèse est d'étudier l'impact de R, L et du courant de circulation sur la tension du condensateur du module et sur la zone de fonctionnement du MMC. Premièrement, nous avons étendu le modèle basé sur les intégrales communément utilisé et nous avons clarifié les hypothèses sur lesquelles il repose. Entre autres, des expressions pour les courants de circulation et courant DC ont été développées et comparées à celles que l’on trouve dans la littérature. Cela nous a permis d'analyser l'ondulation de la tension du condensateur du module en fonction de R et L, sans courant de circulation. Deuxièmement, pour surmonter les limites du modèle basé sur l'intégrale, nous avons proposé d'utiliser un modèle MMC invariant dans le temps en régime permanent dans le système dq0. Quelques hypothèses seulement sont nécessaires pour obtenir ce modèle, mais une évaluation numérique est requise. Cela nous a permis d'analyser la tension moyenne du condensateur du module et l'ondulation de tension du condensateur du module en fonction de R et L, avec et sans courant de circulation. Troisièmement, en utilisant le modèle invariant dans le temps en régime permanent, nous avons développé un diagramme PQ détaillé du MMC. Outre la limite de courant AC, la limite de courant DC et la limite d'indice de modulation classiques, nous avons ajouté plusieurs limites internes: courant de l'IGBT, courant efficace des bras et ondulation du courant et de la tension du condensateur du module. Les résultats ont été confirmés par simulation numérique à l'aide d'un modèle détaillé Matlab Simulink SimPowerSystems. Les résultats présentés dans cette thèse pourraient être utilisés pour optimiser le dimensionnement des composants de la MMC en fonction de sa zone d’exploitation et pour évaluer l’impact de différents paramètres sur les performances du MMC. / The modular multilevel converter is a suitable solution for HVDC grids thanks to its modularity, low switching frequency and quasi-sinusoidal AC voltage. However, due to its topology, its mathematical model is quite complex and is therefore often simplified at the design stage. In particular, the arm equivalent resistance R, the arm inductance L and the circulating current are often neglected. But experimental results obtained with our 1-ph 6-level full-bridge MMC prototype showed that these hypotheses are not always acceptable. In this context, the goal of this thesis is to study the impact of accounting for R, L and the circulating current on the module capacitor voltage and on the operating area of the converter. First, we extended the commonly used integral based model and we clarified the hypotheses behind it. Among others, expressions for the circulating and dc currents have been developed and compared with the one that can be found in the literature. It allowed us to analyze the module capacitor voltage ripple as a function of R and L, without circulating current only. Second, to overcome the limitations of the integral based model, we proposed to use a steady state time invariant (DeltaSiga) MMC model in dq0 frame. Only few hypotheses are required to obtain this model, but a numerical evaluation is required. It allowed us to analyze the module capacitor average voltage and the module capacitor voltage ripple as a function of R and L, with and without circulating current. Third, using the steady state time invariant model, we developed a detailed PQ diagram of the MMC. In addition to the conventional AC current limit, DC current limit and modulation index limit, we added several internal limits: IGBT current, arm rms current and module capacitor voltage and current ripple. The results have been confirmed by numerical simulation using a detailed Matlab Simulink SimPowerSystems model. The results presented in this thesis could be used to optimize the sizing of the components of the MMC considering its operating area, and to assess the impact of different parameters on the MMC performance.

Die neuen TRIP-Matrix-Composite-Werkstoffe - verstärkt durch mit MgO teilstabilisiertem ZrO2 - gestatten es, durch die Besonderheiten der beteiligten Phasen eine gute Eigenschaftskombination hinsichtlich hoher Festigkeits- und Dehnungswerte zu erzielen. Aus diesem Grund ist die vorliegende Arbeit der Erforschung wissenschaftlicher Grundlagen zur Herstellung von TRIP-Matrix-Compositen sowie zur Analyse deren Eigenschaften in Abhängigkeit von den unterschiedlichen pulvermetallurgischen Herstellungsverfahren, wie konventionelles und konduktives Sintern sowie Heißpressen gewidmet worden. Als Ergebnis ist ein tieferes Verständnis der Kinetik von Sinterprozessen mit dem Aufbau eines physikalisch-mathematischen Modells festzuhalten. Ferner wurden mit weiterführenden Untersuchungen erste Ansätze zur Auslegung von Warmumformprozessen von gesinterten Halbzeugen aus dem Verbundwerkstoff durch quantitative Beschreibung der Entfestigungskinetik geleistet.

Die neuen TRIP-Matrix-Composite-Werkstoffe - verstärkt durch mit MgO teilstabilisiertem ZrO2 - gestatten es, durch die Besonderheiten der beteiligten Phasen eine gute Eigenschaftskombination hinsichtlich hoher Festigkeits- und Dehnungswerte zu erzielen. Aus diesem Grund ist die vorliegende Arbeit der Erforschung wissenschaftlicher Grundlagen zur Herstellung von TRIP-Matrix-Compositen sowie zur Analyse deren Eigenschaften in Abhängigkeit von den unterschiedlichen pulvermetallurgischen Herstellungsverfahren, wie konventionelles und konduktives Sintern sowie Heißpressen gewidmet worden. Als Ergebnis ist ein tieferes Verständnis der Kinetik von Sinterprozessen mit dem Aufbau eines physikalisch-mathematischen Modells festzuhalten. Ferner wurden mit weiterführenden Untersuchungen erste Ansätze zur Auslegung von Warmumformprozessen von gesinterten Halbzeugen aus dem Verbundwerkstoff durch quantitative Beschreibung der Entfestigungskinetik geleistet.

No description available.

Rapid modern technological changes and improvements bring great motivations in advanced material designs and fabrications. In this context, metal matrix composites, as an emerging material category, have undergone great developments over the past 50 years. Their primary applications, such as automotive, aerospace and military industries, require materials with increasingly strict specifications, especially high stiffness, lightweight and superior strength. For these advanced applications, carbon fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composites have proven their enormous potential where outstanding machinability, engineering reliability and economy efficiency are vital priorities. To contribute in the understanding and development of carbon fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composites, this study focuses on composite fabrication, mechanical testing and physical property modelling. The composites are fabricated by squeeze casting. Plain weave carbon fiber (AS4 Hexcel) is used as reinforcement, while aluminum alloy 6061 is used as matrix. The improvement of the squeeze casting fabrication process is focused on reducing leakage while combining thermal expansion pressure with post-processing pressing. Three different fiber volume fractions are investigated to achieve optimum mechanical properties. Piston-on-ring (POR) bend tests are used to measure the biaxial flexural stiffness and fracture strength on disc samples. The stress-strain curves and fracture surfaces reveal the effect of fiber-matrix interface bonding on composite bend behaviour. The composites achieved up to 11.6%, 248.3% and 90.1% increase in flexural modulus, strain hardening modulus and yield strength as compared with the unreinforced aluminum alloy control group, respectively. Analytical modelling and finite element modelling are used to comparatively characterise and verify the composite effective flexural modulus and strength. Specifically, they allowed iii evaluating how far the experimental results deviate from idealized assumptions of the models, which provides an insight into the composite sample quality, particularly at fiber-matrix interfaces. Overall, the models agree well with experimental results in identifying an improvement in flexural modulus up to a carbon fiber volume fraction of 4.81vol%. However, beyond a fiber content of 3.74vol%, there is risk of deterioration of mechanical properties, particularly the strength. This is because higher carbon fiber volume fractions restrict the infiltration and wetting of carbon fibre by the liquid, potentially leading to poor fiber-matrix interface bonding. It is shown that higher thermal expansion pressures and subsequent post-processing pressing can overcome this challenge at higher carbon fiber volume contents by reducing fiber-aluminum contact angle, improving infiltration, reducing defects such as porosity, and overall improving fiber-matrix bonding.

he main purpose of this semestral thesis is to get to know programming of Atmel AVR microcontroller, working with SD/MMC cards, working with ethernet (TCP/IP) to create a standalone programmer of AVR microcontroller with ethernet connectivity. The first part deals with the questions of programming theory of memories inside microcontrollers and description of programming algorithm. The most used programming method is called „In System Programming“ - ISP. This method provides easy and fast manipulaton. Concept of this programmer is designed for this ISP method. In this thesis is too explain how to work SD/MMC card and file systém FAT16. This knowledges are necesary to store binary program inside standalone programmer. In final part and in attachments there is hardware design, electrical scheme, bill of materials, printed circuit board.

No description available.

For the future of sustainable energy, renewable energy will need to significantly penetrate existing utility grids. While various renewable energy sources are networked with high-voltage DC grids, integration between these high-voltage DC grids and the existing AC grids is a significant technical challenge. Among the limited choices available, the modular multi-level converter (MMC) is the most prominent interface converter used between the DC and AC grids. This subject has been widely pursued in recent years. One of the important design challenges when using an MMC is to reduce the capacitor size associated with each module. Currently, a rather large capacitor bank is required to store a certain amount of line-frequency related circulating energy. Several control strategies have been introduced to reduce the capacitor voltage ripples by injecting certain harmonic current. Most of these strategies were developed using trial and error and there is a lack of a systematic means to address this issue. Most recently, Yadong Lyu has proposed to control the modulation index in order to reduce capacitor ripples. The total elimination of the unwanted circulating power associated with both the fundamental line frequency and the second-order harmonic was demonstrated, and this resulted in a dramatic reduction in capacitor size. To gain a better understanding of the intricate operation of the MMC, this thesis proposes a state-space analysis technique in the present paper. Combining the power flow analysis with the state trajectory portrayed on a set of two-dimensional state plans, it clearly delineates the desired power transfer from the unwanted circulating energy, thus leading to an ultimate reduction in the circulation energy and therefore the required capacitor volume. / Master of Science

Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία έχει ως αντικείμενο την κατασκευή συστήματος ανίχνευσης κίνησης αυτοκινήτου και την καταγραφή των δεδομένων σε μνήμη SD ή MMC.Η καταγραφή της κίνησης γίνεται μέσω της μέτρησης της επιτάχυνσης και στους τρεις άξονες με χρήση του μικροελεγκτή STM32 Cortex-M3 της εταιρίας ST Microelectronics. Πιο συγκεκριμένα χρησιμοποιείται το STM32-103STK Development Board της εταιρίας Olimex το οποίο διαθέτει και κάποια ενσωματωμένα περιφερειακά. Αρχικά, περιγράφονται τα διάφορα χαρακτηριστικά του συστήματος και δίνονται σημαντικές πληροφορίες για τη λειτουργία του και τα πλεονεκτήματα που προσφέρει στο χρήστη.Στη συνέχεια, γίνεται αναφορά και ανάλυση σε κάποια από τα διαθέσιμα περιβάλλοντα για ανάπτυξη ενσωματωμένων εφαρμογών και τελικά παρουσιάζεται διεξοδικά ο αλγόριθμος που χρησιμοποιήθηκε για την ανάπτυξη της συγκεκριμένης εφαρμογής.Το σύστημα που υλοποιήθηκε λαμβάνει τιμές επιτάχυνσης μέσω ενός επιταχυνσιομέτρου τριών αξόνων,προβάλλει τις τιμές αυτές στην οθόνη προς ενημέρωση του χρήστη και τελικά αποθηκεύει αυτές τις τιμές σε κάρτα μνήμης τύπου SD(Secure Digital). / This diploma thesis is about the implementation of a tracking and acceleration data recording system in SD or MMC memories in order to examine the movement of an automobile. Movement tracking is performed through measurement of acceleration values in all three axis with an STM32 Cortex-M3 microcontroller provided by ST Microelectronics. Specifically, we use the STM32-103STK Development board by Olimex with its embedded peripherals. First of all, we give a description of system characteristics and important information about its operation and the advantages it offers to users. Moreover, there is a reference and analysis regarding the available development environments for creating and debugging embedded applications and finally there is a detailed presentation of the algorithm used for the development of this particular application. The implemented system measures the acceleration values through a 3-axis accelerometer, then presents those values on an LCD screen to inform the user and stores the values in an SD(Secure Digital) memory card.