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Fahimi, Babak

Publications and source records attributed to Fahimi, Babak.

A Two-Step Control Approach for Torque Ripple and Vibration Reduction in Switched Reluctance Motor Drives

The objective of this work is to reduce the torque ripple and vibration in Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) drives. To achieve such a goal, a two-step approach is proposed. In the first step, the reference current is profiled using an optimization method, aimed to reduce the torque pulsation. In the second, the optimum current profile is applied to the SRM through an adaptive hysteresis band controller to actively cancel the radial vibration. The proposed technique uses an optimization procedure based on the Field Reconstruction Method (FRM) and Non-Derivative Optimization Method to find the optimal current profile that mitigates the torque pulsation, however, the investigation has shown that the proposed excitation leads to a higher radial vibration, which has been mitigated by using an adaptive hysteresis band controller. The theoretical basis for the proposed approach is initially presented, followed by system modeling and simulation. In addition, experimental verification has been conducted using an 8/6 SRM to show the feasibility of the proposed approach. The proposed method alleviates the acoustic noise and torque pulsation in SRM and offers an effective step towards the prevalent use of SRM in a wide range of applications.

42 ENGINEERING↗

3D multiphysics simulation and analysis of a low temperature liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic power generator prototype

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation is an interdisciplinary process, which was studied heavily in the late 1960’s but interest soon subsided. However, the current socioeconomic climate demands more diversity in renewable energy sources. MHD generators using liquid metal as the working fluid represent a viable option for this augmentation. Additionally, the steady increase in accessible computational capabilities provides a powerful new tool for interdisciplinary modeling and multiphysics simulations. These factors suggest that this is an opportune time to reevaluate MHD power generation. This paper provides mathematical background as well as a detailed multiphysics model of a low temperature liquid metal MHD power generator built in COMSOL. Simulation details are provided in addition to a comparison to experimental results. Finally, the prototype studied in this paper is the first proof of concept of a permanent magnet excited liquid metal MHD generator using Gallium as its working fluid.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Asymmetrical Magnet Shape Optimization Based on S-C Mapping for Torque Profile Mitigation in Unidirectional Application of SPMS Machine

Surface-mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous (SPMS) machines are widely used in applications that require low torque ripple, reduced vibration and acoustic noise. For those applications of SPMSM in which only unidirectional operation is needed, asymmetric design optimization show to have significant advantages over symmetric designs. In this paper, an analytical method based on Schwarz -Christoffel mapping is presented for asymmetrical magnet shape optimization in SPMS machine. In this method, permanent magnet is divided into finite cells so that each cell can be assigned with either air (OFF) or magnet (ON). The Optimization problem is solved using Genetic Algorithms (GAs). In order to remove non-manufacturable shapes, the cluster of materials and cleaning method is used and applied into magnet cells. The analytical method can significantly reduce the computation time used by optimization process as compared with methods based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This method is applied to a 12-pole SPMS machine. Validation of the S-C mapping method and final results are carried out using 2D and 3D finite element analysis. Here, the results obtained demonstrate that asymmetrical magnet shape improves cogging torque and torque ripple performance of SPMS machine by a significant margin.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Active Cancellation of Vibration in Switched Reluctance Motor Using Mechanical Impulse Response Method

Vibration and acoustic noise are considered as major factors preventing the widespread use of switched reluctance motor (SRM) drives in industrial and commercial applications. In this paper, a new active vibration cancellation (AVC) strategy is proposed based on the optimal switching instants. The mechanical impulse response method was used to estimate the stator vibration and an optimization routine was developed to define the optimal instants for switching in such a way that the resulting vibration would cancel the vibration caused by prior switchings. Finally, experimental verification was conducted on an 8/6 SRM and the results show significant reduction in the stator vibration which in turn contributes to reduction of acoustic noise.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

A Coil Detection System for Dynamic Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicle

Application of wireless power transfer while EV is in motion can significantly reduce the battery storage capacity. A major challenge in implementation of dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) is automatic detection of EV to avoid loss in efficiency and alleviate any safety concerns. This paper proposes a novel coil detection method for segmented DWPT. Detection of the EV ahead of its arrival will initiate energizing of the transmitter buried inside the road to enable just-in-time transfer of power. At low speeds, communication can be a reliable method to power up the transmitter coil. However, at high speeds on highways, communication latency time for the detection of an EV is long and hence impractical. This paper proposes a low cost and low power EV detection system based on a novel orthogonal coil arrangement to detect EVs traveling at high speeds. Here, the proposed detection system was tested on a laboratory scale prototype for verification purpose. For high speed verification, simulation in PLECS was conducted to test the functionality of the proposed system.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Structural Analysis of Induction Machine and Switched Reluctance Machine

Presented is a comprehensive analysis of structural performance of Induction Machine (IM) and Switched Reluctance Machine (SRM) rotors under different operational conditions. Electric machines are susceptible to forces of diverse origins. In addition to traditionally considered magnetic and centrifugal forces, this article discusses independent and inclusive effects of thermal expansion and shaft attachment techniques on structural integrity of the machines. A comparative analysis of structural performance of IMs and SRMs has also been performed, under a range of scenarios, to facilitate application specific machine selection from a structural perspective.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Optimization of Air-Gap Profile in Interior Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors for Torque Ripple Mitigation

Interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs) have been widely used due to their high efficiency and high power density. Minimization of torque pulsation resulting in vibration and acoustic noise is one of the important design considerations for IPMSMs. In this paper, a grid on/off search method for the rotor profile is proposed to mitigate torque pulsation. Selection of the rotor profile is due to the fact that air-gap is the most sensitive parameter in electric machines wherein changes in flux densities can cause substantial differences in the distribution of forces. A layer comprised of 20 partitions with a 0.1 mm thickness and 3 degrees wide grids have been introduced to the rotor surface for each pole and the possible geometries have been analyzed using finite element method (FEM) in ANSYS Maxwell. An optimal design was found that has the lowest torque ripple with a higher average torque compared to the original design. Genetic algorithm (GA) has also been applied to the method to automate the coupling between Maxwell and Matlab thereby saving the simulation time. Finally, complete structural analysis has been done for both of the original and optimal designs to verify the superiority and feasibility of the proposed design.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Machine learning based energy management system for grid disaster mitigation

The recent increase in infiltration of distributed resources has challenged the traditional operation of power systems. Simultaneously, devastating effects of recent natural disasters have questioned the resilience of power infrastructure for an electricity dependent community. In this study, a solution has been presented in the form of a resilient smart grid network which utilizes Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to improve the power availability during disastrous events. In addition to power electronics with load categorization features, the presented system utilizes ML tools to use the information from neighbouring units and external sources to make complicated logical decisions directed towards provide power to critical loads at all times. Furthermore, provided model encourages consideration of ML tools as a part of smart grid design process together with power electronics and controls, not as an additional feature.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Electrothermal Modeling of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Vehicles

Performance of lithium-ion batteries is contingent on the operational temperature and applied current rate. Especially in electric vehicle (EV) application, repeated heavy-duty drive cycles impose intense thermal stress on batteries, resulting in safety concerns. This article explains the electrochemistry within the battery and analyzes the dependence of battery internal parameters on temperature and current rate based on their electrochemical nature. In addition, this interdependence is used in the equivalent circuit model to predict the battery behavior under different drive cycles. Finally, the behavior under different drive cycles is analyzed to improve the battery performance in electric vehicles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Comprehensive Report on Design and Development of a 100-kW DSSRM

Switched reluctance machines (SRMs) are low cost and fault tolerant alternatives for traction applications. Due to their relatively low torque density and high torque ripple, these machines have not been used in commercialized electrified power trains yet. The double-stator magnetic configuration, where a segmental rotor shared between two stators, is proven to have superior torque density, lower acoustic noise, and torque pulsation. The double-stator SRM (DSSRM) has a high potential of being the next generation of traction motors since it combines the advantages of permanent magnet-free machines, such as low cost and independence from supply chain issues associated with rare metals, while providing high torque and power densities. In this paper, we introduce the complete design process of a 100-kW DSSRM including electromagnetic, structural, thermal, and system level design. The performance of the developed DSSRM is verified with the experimental data. This paper presents overall study of DSSRM and describes merits of DSSRM drive system.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Single bus star connected reluctance drive and method

A system and methods for operating a switched reluctance machine includes a controller, an inverter connected to the controller and to the switched reluctance machine, a hysteresis control connected to the controller and to the inverter, a set of sensors connected to the switched reluctance machine and to the controller, the switched reluctance machine further including a set of phases the controller further comprising a processor and a memory connected to the processor, wherein the processor programmed to execute a control process and a generation process.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗