M.C. Caponet

Bio: M.C. Caponet is an academic researcher from Polytechnic University of Turin. The author has contributed to research in topics: Electromagnetic interference & EMI. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 10 publications receiving 388 citations.

Low stray inductance bus bar design and construction for good EMC performance in power electronic circuits

Abstract: Ten years after the publication of the EC Directive 89/336 on electromagnetic compatibility, the impact of this directive on design and lay-out of modern electrical and electronic equipment can be observed. Many research and development studies have proposed and evaluated detailed improvements in the area of component design, component selection, circuit lay-out, shielding and active and passive filtering. New and innovative solutions to minimize noise, especially common mode conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI), in power electronic circuits continue to be developed. In this paper, the authors investigate to what extent EMI caused by power electronic devices in hard switching inverter topologies can be minimized using ultra-low inductive planar busbars. The concept followed in this study is to tackle EMI directly at the source where most EMI is generated; in other words, to reduce the parasitic magnetic energy stored in the inverter DC link to reduce high voltage spikes during switching. A planar busbar was built, tested and analyzed. Measurements show the validity of the theoretical, but simple, design procedure for planar busbars in power converters.

EMI filters design for power electronics

Abstract: EMI filters for equipment, in which power electronic converters are used, often are designed by trial and error. Moreover, the design is carried out taking into account the total noise produced by the equipment. Thanks to the separation of the noise into the differential mode and the common mode components, it is possible to understand which of the two components is dominant and therefore the filters design can be done straightforwardly by directly measuring the necessary common mode and differential mode attenuation. In this way, it is possible to avoid an expensive and useless heavy filter and satisfy the standards limits only by filtering the dominant component using a smaller, cheaper and optimized filter. In this paper, the authors show a five steps design procedure for the design of EMI filters for power electronics equipment. Experimental results for a studied case are given to show the validity of this approach.

Common and differential mode noise separation: comparison of two different approaches

Abstract: Since the EU Directive 336/89 has been published, the manufacturers of electric and electronic equipment have had to face EMC problems. For this reason, the problem of EMI measurements and the design of a proper filter in order to mitigate EMI noise have become very important. In EMI analysis, the separation of common mode and differential mode noises is a procedure well-known in textbooks. However, separated measurements are only sometimes conducted. Therefore, two different approaches are shown for the diagnosis and reduction of conducted noise emission. Two devices have been realized for determining whether the differential mode or common mode component is dominant and in order to determine whether an anticipated change in a value of an element in the power supply filter will be effective. Experimental results are given to show the validity of these approaches.

Low stray inductance bus bar design and construction for good EMC performance in power electronic circuits

Abstract: Ten years after the publication of the EC Directive 89/336, research and development related to electromagnetic compatibility have covered many aspects in the design and development of electrical and electronic equipment. Different solutions regarding these problems were presented in recent years, in order to minimize the electromagnetic interference, but new and innovative solutions are still being studied. In this paper, the authors show to what extent electromagnetic interference caused by power electronic circuits can be minimized with the use of planar busbars. Indeed, the goal is to tackle EMI directly at the source where most EMI is generated by proper design of the inverter busbars. A planar busbar design was made and implemented, Measurements show the validity of the theoretical approach.

Devices for the separation of the common and differential mode noise: design and realization

Abstract: EMI measurements and the design of proper filter to mitigate the EMI noise is very important, since the EU Directive 336/89 has been published. For conduction emission noise, the separation of the common and the differential mode noise is important for determining whether the differential or common mode component is dominant. Therefore, it will be possible determine whether an anticipated change in a value of an element in the power supply filter will be effective on the considered component. Two devices for the separation of the conducted EMI noise into the common and the differential mode components have been realized and tested. In this paper the authors show the design considerations that have to be taken into account for the realization of the two devices.

Reliability of Capacitors for DC-Link Applications in Power Electronic Converters—An Overview

Abstract: DC-link capacitors are an important part in the majority of power electronic converters which contribute to cost, size and failure rate on a considerable scale. From capacitor users' viewpoint, this paper presents a review on the improvement of reliability of dc link in power electronic converters from two aspects: 1) reliability-oriented dc-link design solutions; 2) conditioning monitoring of dc-link capacitors during operation. Failure mechanisms, failure modes and lifetime models of capacitors suitable for the applications are also discussed as a basis to understand the physics-of-failure. This review serves to provide a clear picture of the state-of-the-art research in this area and to identify the corresponding challenges and future research directions for capacitors and their dc-link applications.

Conducted EMI Mitigation Techniques for Switch-Mode Power Converters: A Survey

Abstract: Several techniques to mitigate conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) in switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) have been reported in literature. Of these, this paper reviews those techniques that are primarily meant for ac-dc and dc-dc power converters. The techniques are broadly classified based on two criteria-1) reduction of the noise after generation and 2) reduction of the noise at the generation stage itself. A detailed classification and review of various noise mitigation techniques currently available in literature are presented. It is believed that the classification and review of the conducted EMI mitigation techniques presented in this paper would be useful to SMPS researchers and designers.

Electric Drive Technology Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for Future Electric Vehicles

Abstract: The transition to electric road transport technologies requires electric traction drive systems to offer improved performances and capabilities, such as fuel efficiency (in terms of MPGe, i.e., miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent), extended range, and fast-charging options. The enhanced electrification and transformed mobility are translating to a demand for higher power and more efficient electric traction drive systems that lead to better fuel economy for a given battery charge. To accelerate the mass-market adoption of electrified transportation, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the automotive industry, has announced the technical targets for light-duty electric vehicles (EVs) for 2025. This article discusses the electric drive technology trends for passenger electric and hybrid EVs with commercially available solutions in terms of materials, electric machine and inverter designs, maximum speed, component cooling, power density, and performance. The emerging materials and technologies for power electronics and electric motors are presented, identifying the challenges and opportunities for even more aggressive designs to meet the need for next-generation EVs. Some innovative drive and motor designs with the potential to meet the DOE 2025 targets are also discussed.

Reliability of Capacitors for DC-Link Applications in Power Electronic Converters

Abstract: DC-link capacitors are an important part in the majority of power electronic converters which contribute to cost, size and failure rate on a considerable scale. From capacitor users' viewpoint, this paper presents a review on the improvement of reliability of dc link in power electronic converters from two aspects: 1) reliability-oriented dc-link design solutions; 2) conditioning monitoring of dc-link capacitors during operation. Failure mechanisms, failure modes and lifetime models of capacitors suitable for the applications are also discussed as a basis to understand the physics-of-failure. This review serves to provide a clear picture of the state-of-the-art research in this area and to identify the corresponding challenges and future research directions for capacitors and their dc-link applications.

Noise and vibration suppression in hybrid electric vehicles: State of the art and challenges

Abstract: The need for more efficient and renewable means of transport makes the development of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) an important topic for both automobile manufacturers and academic researchers. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of a vehicle are important factors for vehicle users and essential for successful commercialization of this vehicle type. This paper is a compact state-of-the-art review of both NVH characteristics and relevant suppression methods for HEVs. The NVH-related problems are categorized into three categories: engine, powertrain, motor-related. A detailed overview of each category/problem-type is provided, the NVH-suppression methods for different types of HEVs are introduced, and their respective advantages discussed. In addition, emerging developments and ideas for future improvements are summarized. As a result, the paper should be particularly helpful for researchers, who are interested in the development of high-performance HEVs that can provide both substantially improved ride-comfort and reduced energy-consumption.