1. |
- Bissal, Ara, 1986-, et al.
(author)
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Comparison of two Ultra-fast actuator concepts
- 2012
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In: IEEE transactions on magnetics. - : IEEE Press. - 0018-9464 .- 1941-0069. ; 48:11, s. 3315-3318
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, two different types of ultra-fast electromechanical actuators are compared using a multi-physical finite element simulation model that has been experimentally validated. They are equipped with a single-sided Thomson coil (TC) and a double-sided drive coil (DSC), respectively. The former consists of a spirally-wound flat coil with a copper armature on top, while the latter consists of two mirrored spiral coils that are connected in series. Initially, the geometry and construction of each of the actuating schemes are discussed. Subsequently, the theory behind the two force generation principles are described. Furthermore, the current, magnetic flux densities, accelerations, and induced stresses are analyzed. Moreover, mechanical loadability simulations are performed to study the impact on the requirements of the charging unit, the sensitivity of the parameters, and evaluate the degree of influence on the performance of both drives. Finally, it is confirmed that although the DSC is mechanically more complex, it has a greater efficiency than that of the TC.
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2. |
- Bissal, Ara, 1986-, et al.
(author)
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Electric to Mechanical Energy Conversion of Linear Ultra-Fast Electro-Mechanical Actuators Based on Stroke Requirements
- 2014
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In: Electrical Machines (ICEM), 2014 International Conference on. - : IEEE conference proceedings. ; , s. -515
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The operational efficiency of ultra fast actuators usedas drives in high voltage direct current breakers are at best5 %. To boost their efficiency, the design of the energizing circuitis crucial. A multi-physics finite element method (FEM) modelcoupled with a SPICE circuit model that is able to predict theperformance of the actuator with an accuracy of at least 95 % hasbeen developed and verified experimentally. Several variants ofprototypes and models have been simulated, built, and tested.It was shown that one of the main problems leading to lowefficiencies is the stroke of the drive. However, there is a possibilityto increase the efficiency of the electric to mechanical energyconversion process of the studied Thomson (TC) and double sidedcoils (DSC) to a maximum of 54 % and 88 % respectively iftheir stroke is minimized. This can be done at the expense ofincreasing the complexity and the cost of the contact system bydesigning a switch with several series connected contacts that isencapsulated in a medium with a high dielectric strength. Anotherproposed solution is to design a current pulse with a rise timethat is considerably shorter than the mechanical response time ofthe system. Parametric variations of capacitances and chargingvoltages show that the TC and the DSC can achieve efficienciesup to 15 % and 23 % respectively. Regardless of the chosenmethod, the DSC has a superior efficiency compared to a TC.
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3. |
- Bissal, Ara, 1986-, et al.
(author)
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Loadability and scaling aspects of Thomson based ultra-fast actuators
- 2012
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In: Actuator 2012.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, an ultra-fast single-sided Thomson based actuator is studied. The actuator is comprised of a flat spiral-shaped coil with a conductive armature in its proximity. This armature is mechanically loaded with a uniform mass distribution over its cross section. The energizing source consists of a capacitor bank that is discharged through the actuator coil resulting in a high magnetic pressure within fractions of a millisecond. The coil is dimensioned to withstand the temperature rise.An experimentally validated multi-physical finite element model is used to perform simulations by varying the mechanical load to explore the performance of the actuator topology. The obtained currents, induced forces, stresses, and accelerations of the armature are then analyzed in an attempt to develop scaling techniques that can predict for example velocity and efficiency. Finally, the results of the scaling techniques are presented and compared to each other.
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4. |
- Bissal, Ara, 1986-
(author)
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On the Design of Ultra-fast Electro-Mechanical Actuators
- 2013
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Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The continuously increasing demand for connecting electric grids with remote renewable energy sources such as wind power and photovoltaic cells has rekindled interest in high voltage direct current (HVDC) multi-terminal networks. Although HVDC networks have numerous benefits, their adoption relies entirely on the availability of HVDC circuit breakers which, compared to traditional alternating current circuit breakers, have to operate in a time frame of milliseconds.This thesis deals with the design of ultra-fast electro-mechanical actuators based on the so-called Thomson coil (TC) actuator. The simulation of a (TC) actuator constitutes a multi-physical problem where electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical aspects must be considered. Moreover, it is complex since all those variables are co-dependent and have to be solved for simultaneously. As a result, a multi-physics simulation model that can predict the behavior and performance of such actuators with a high degree of accuracy was developed.Furthermore, other actuator concepts were also investigated and modeled in light of searching for a drive with a superior efficiency. The theory behind the force generation principles of two different types of ultra-fast electromechanical actuators, the TC and the double sided coil (DSC), were compared by the use of static, frequency, and comprehensive transient multi-physics finite element simulation models.Although, simulation models serve as a powerful tool for modeling and designing such state of the art actuators, without validation, they are weak and prone to errors since they rely on approximations and simplifications that might not always hold. Therefore, a prototype was built in the laboratory and the model was validated experimentally.Finally, it is important to note that the drives in this thesis are intended to actuate metallic contacts. As such, their behavior and performance upon mechanical loading was studied. Furthermore, some scaling techniques were applied to boost their performance and efficiency.
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5. |
- Bissal, Ara, 1986-, et al.
(author)
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On the Design of Ultra-Fast Electromechanical Actuators : A Comprehensive Multi-Physical Simulation Model
- 2012
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In: Sixth International Conference on Electromagnetic Field Problems and Applications (ICEF), 2012. - : IEEE conference proceedings. - 9781467313339 ; , s. 1-4
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, a simulation of an ultra-fast electromechanical drive was performed by using a two-dimensional axi-symmetric multi-physical finite element model. The aim of this paper is to primarily show that the following model can be used to simulate and design those actuators with good accuracy, secondly, to study the behavior and sensitivity of the system and thirdly, to demonstrate the potential of the model for industrial applications. The simulation model is coupled to a circuit and solves for the electro-magnetic, thermal, and mechanical dynamics utilizing a moving mesh. The actuator under study is composed of a spiral-shaped coil and a disk-shaped 3mm thick copper armature on top. Two numerical studies of such an actuator powered by 2640 J capacitor banks were performed. It is shown that forces up to 38 kN can be achieved in the range of 200 μs. To add credibility, a benchmark prototype was built to validate this experimentally with the use of a high speed camera and image motion analysis.
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6. |
- Chen, C, et al.
(author)
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Numerical modelling and experimental testing of eddy-current dampers
- 2014
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In: ACTUATOR14. - Bremen : MESSE BREMEN.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A contact system driven by a high energetic Thomson actuator requires to be decelerated from full speed down to zero. The forces originated from the interaction between a stationary copper tube and a moving array of magnets combined with plastic separators or ferromagnetic material are used to generate eddy-current damping. Five different configurations of small but strong neodymium magnets and spacers were benchmarked for simple free-fall damping. A comparison between experimental results and simulations (using COMSOL) shows that the most effective damping is reached by two consecutive permanent magnets with opposite magnetization directions, separated by low-carbon content steel concentrators. The proposed damper design is the result of the balance between various parameters such as magnet orientation topology in the array, spacer material and its dimensions, copper tube thickness and the air gap between copper tube and array. Furthermore, the design was scaled up and an actuator-drive system was added to perform more realistic tests, which demonstrated the damping effectiveness on a fast moving armature actuated by a Thomson coil energized by a capacitor bank. The results of these tests validated the numerical model with a good degree of accuracy.
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7. |
- Magnusson, Jesper, 1984-, et al.
(author)
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Design Aspects of a Medium Voltage Hybrid DC Breaker
- 2014
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In: 5th IEEE/PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Europe (ISGT EUROPE) 2014.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With increased demands on energy efficiency and stability, the use of direct current (DC) will have a natural place in the future smart grid. Today DC is mostly used in high voltage, high power transmission over large distances and in low voltage systems where the demands on reliability are high, e.g. data centres. New applications as wind farm collection grids and a desire to replace over-head lines with cables opens possibilities for DC distribution grids in medium voltage.The use of DC grids will require the development of DC breakers to handle fault in the grid. This paper presents the design aspects of a hybrid DC breaker for a medium voltage application. Since the hybrid topology consists of a mechanical switch as well as semiconductor components and metal oxide varistors, the design must handle trade-offs in performance and cost both for each part and also between the different components.
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8. |
- Magnusson, Jesper, 1984-, et al.
(author)
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Optimal design of a medium voltage hybrid fault current limiter
- 2014
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In: 2014 IEEE International Energy Conference, ENERGYCON. - : IEEE Computer Society. - 9781479924493 ; , s. 431-438
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The connection of distributed generation increases the short circuit power which in turn might exceed the ratings of the installed circuit breakers. A solution is to limit the available short circuit power by increasing the grid impedance, but since there is a constant strive for lower losses and higher power transfer capabilities, this is not desired. The application of a fault current limiter (FCL) that can limit the current before the first peak enables a power system with high short circuit power and low short circuit current. This can increase the stability of the grid and reduce the requirements of other equipment. This work presents a simulation model to be used as an aid in the design of a hybrid FCL for a 12 kV AC system. The proposed model combines a transient analysis circuit model with an optimization module to obtain multiple sets of possible design parameters. The design is not straight forward since there is a trade-off between several of the design parameters.
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