Daniel Foito

Bio: Daniel Foito is an academic researcher from Instituto Politécnico Nacional. The author has contributed to research in topics: Inverter & Fault (power engineering). The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 66 publications receiving 634 citations. Previous affiliations of Daniel Foito include Universidade Nova de Lisboa & INESC-ID.

Quasi-Z-Source Inverter With a T-Type Converter in Normal and Failure Mode

Abstract: This paper presents a three-phase multilevel quasi-Z-source inverter (qZSI) topology operating in normal and fault-tolerant operation mode. This structure is composed by two symmetrical quasi-Z-source networks and a three-phase T-type inverter. Besides the intrinsic advantages of multilevel voltage source inverters, the proposed structure is also characterized by their semiconductor fault tolerance capability. This feature is only obtained through changes on the modulation scheme after the semiconductor fault and does not require additional extra-phase legs or collective switching states. In certain fault types, the reduction of the output power capacity will be compensated by the boost characteristic of the qZSI. The fault-tolerant behavior of the proposed topology is demonstrated by several simulation results of the converter in normal and fault condition. To validate the characteristics of this multilevel qZSI, an experimental prototype was also built to experimentally confirm the results.

High Step-Up DC–DC Converter for Fuel Cell Vehicles Based on Merged Quadratic Boost–Ćuk

Abstract: Most fuel cell electric vehicles require wide voltage-gain DC–DC converters to increase and equalize the relatively low voltage of fuel cell stacks with DC link bus or energy-storage devices, such as supercapacitors or batteries. This paper proposes two new non-isolated DC–DC converters suitable for such applications, which can be extended to other electric vehicles as well. The proposed converters combine the main characteristics of both quadratic Boost and Cuk converters, offering high step-up voltage and control simplicity using only one ground referenced active power switch. Additionally, the proposed topologies present reduced voltage stress across the active power switch when compared to other boost converters. Considerations about the design of the proposed converters will also be presented. Experimental results obtained using a laboratory prototype validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed topologies and its suitability for fuel cell electric vehicles.

A DC–DC Converter With Quadratic Gain and Bidirectional Capability for Batteries/Supercapacitors

Abstract: Energy storage devices are essential to provide voltage and frequency stability in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. Due to operational requirements of distributed generation systems, energy storage devices like batteries and supercapacitors need bidirectional dc–dc converters to allow charge or discharge exchange according with the necessary conditions. In this paper, a new nonisolated bidirectional quadratic converter characterized by high voltage gain in both step-down (Buck) and step-up (Boost) operation modes is proposed. In addition to the wide conversion range, it presents continuous input and output current and reduced charging/discharging ripple. All these features allow an optimized operation between the dc bus and storage devices. The operation principle of the proposed converter in both condition modes (step-down and step-up), the converter design, as well as the theoretical analysis in different conditions will be discussed. Finally, the performance of the proposed converter is confirmed through simulation and experimental results.

Fault-Tolerant Multilevel Topology Based on Three-Phase H-Bridge Inverters for Open-End Winding Induction Motor Drives

Abstract: In this paper, a multilevel inverter based on three-phase H-bridge inverters for an open-end winding induction motor drive is presented and its fault-tolerance capability is investigated. The multilevel topology is obtained using three wye-connected three-phase H-bridge inverters to supply open-end winding induction motors. This topology has the ability to extend the maximum voltage applied to the motor windings up to two times the dc supply voltage of the three-phase inverters. For a given induction motor voltage, the topology allows the use of dc sources with a lower voltage rating. Consequently, faster power semiconductors can be used. This multilevel topology can be directly controlled by modifying known modulation concepts, such as sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM). In this study, two sinusoidal PWM modulation techniques will be implemented: the level-shifted carriers (phase disposition) and the phase-shifted modulator. Fault-tolerant operation under an open-switch fault without adding any extra components and without changing the modulation strategy is also proposed, adding fault-tolerant capability to the new topology. Experimental results of this multilevel inverter in normal operation and in fault tolerant mode are presented. The obtained results confirm the fault effectiveness of the proposed multilevel topology.

Recent Advances in the Design, Modeling, and Control of Multiphase Machines—Part II

Abstract: The main objective of this two-part state-of-the-art paper called “Recent Advances in the Design, Modeling, and Control of Multiphase Machines” is to present latest contributions in the multiphase machines' field. The first part of this paper focuses on the recent progress in the design, modeling, and control, whereas the drive is in healthy operation. This second part presents relevant contributions in two not analyzed fields. The first is in relation with the use of the additional degrees of freedom of multiphase machines and the exploitation of their fault-tolerant capabilities without adding extra hardware. The second one analyzes multiphase generation, particularly in grid-connected wind energy conversion systems and stand-alone applications. Recent progresses are shown and open challenges and future research directions are discussed.

Condition Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis of Induction Motors: A Review

Abstract: There is a constant call for reduction of operational and maintenance costs of induction motors (IMs) These costs can be significantly reduced if the health of the system is monitored regularly This allows for early detection of the degeneration of the motor health, alleviating a proactive response, minimizing unscheduled downtime, and unexpected breakdowns The condition based monitoring has become an important task for engineers and researchers mainly in industrial applications such as railways, oil extracting mills, industrial drives, agriculture, mining industry etc Owing to the demand and influence of condition monitoring and fault diagnosis in IMs and keeping in mind the prerequisite for future research, this paper presents the state of the art review describing different type of IM faults and their diagnostic schemes Several monitoring techniques available for fault diagnosis of IM have been identified and represented The utilization of non-invasive techniques for data acquisition in automatic timely scheduling of the maintenance and predicting failure aspects of dynamic machines holds a great scope in future

A Review on Multiphase Drives for Automotive Traction Applications

Abstract: This article attempts to cover the most recent advancements in multiphase drives (MPDs), which are candidates for replacing three-phase drives in electric vehicle (EV) applications. Multiphase machines have distinctive features that arouse many research directions. This article reviews the recent advancements in several aspects such as topology, control, and performance to evaluate the possibility of exploiting them more in EV applications in future. The six-phase drives are extensively covered here because of their inherent structure as a dual three-phase system, which eases the production process. This article presents different topologies used in dual three-phase drives and the modulation techniques used to operate them as well as the status of using MPDs in traction applications industrially and the upcoming trends toward promoting this technology more.

Voltage Source Multilevel Inverters With Reduced Device Count: Topological Review and Novel Comparative Factors

Abstract: Multilevel inverters (MLIs) have gained increasing interest for advanced energy-conversion systems due to their features of high-quality produced waveforms, modularity, transformerless operation, voltage, and current scalability, and fault-tolerant operation. However, these merits usually come with the cost of a high number of components. Over the past few years, proposing new MLIs with a lower component count has been one of the most active topics in power electronics. The first aim of this article is to update and summarize the recently developed multilevel topologies with a reduced component count, based on their advantages, disadvantages, construction, and specific applications. Within the framework, both single-phase and three-phase topologies with symmetrical and asymmetrical operations are taken into consideration via a detailed comparison in terms of the used component count and type. The second objective is to propose a comparative method with novel factors to take component ratings into account. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a comparative study.

Modeling, Analysis, and Neural Network Control of an EV Electrical Differential

Abstract: This paper presents system modeling, analysis, and simulation of an electric vehicle (EV) with two independent rear wheel drives. The traction control system is designed to guarantee the EV dynamics and stability when there are no differential gears. Using two in-wheel electric motors makes it possible to have torque and speed control in each wheel. This control level improves EV stability and safety. The proposed traction control system uses the vehicle speed, which is different from wheel speed characterized by a slip in the driving mode, as an input. In this case, a generalized neural network algorithm is proposed to estimate the vehicle speed. The analysis and simulations lead to the conclusion that the proposed system is feasible. Simulation results on a test vehicle propelled by two 37-kW induction motors showed that the proposed control approach operates satisfactorily.