Showing papers in "IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine in 2010"

Future Energy Systems: Integrating Renewable Energy Sources into the Smart Power Grid Through Industrial Electronics

Abstract: This paper discusses about integrating renewable energy sources into the smart power grid through industrial electronics. This paper discusses photovoltaic power, wind energy conversion, hybrid energy systems, and tidal energy conversion.

Global Warming: Energy, Environmental Pollution, and the Impact of Power Electronics

Abstract: Global energy consumption is dramatically increasing due to our quest for a higher standard of living and the increasing world population. Most of our energy comes from fossil fuels, and burning these fuels causes environmental problems, and in particular, the global warming problem. Global warming raises the sea level; brings drought in tropical regions near the equator; increases hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods; and causes the spread of diseases. The consequences are serious and have the potential to bring tremendous unrest in the world. Various measures to solve or mitigate the global warming problem have been outlined in this article. This article particularly highlights the impact of power electronics in solving this problem. Power electronics will play a very important role in clean energy generation, bulk storage of electricity, and efficient energy utilization, and eventually, it will be a key element in the energy policies of nations. It has been estimated that the widespread energy efficiency improvement by power electronics and other methods with the existing technologies can save 20% of the global energy demand, and another 20% can be saved by preventing waste, i.e., by various conservation methods. Finally, the global warming problem is solvable by the united effort of humanity.

Distributed Generation: Toward a New Energy Paradigm

Abstract: This paper discusses distributed generation which is emerging as a new paradigm to produce on-site highly reliable and good quality electrical power. Thus, the DG systems are presented as a suitable form to offer highly reliable electrical power supply. The concept is particularly interesting when different kinds of energy resources are available, such as photovoltaic (PV) panels, fuel cells (FCs), or wind turbines.

Hierarchical Control of Intelligent Microgrids

Abstract: Worldwide, electrical grids are expected to become smarter in the near future. In this sense, there is an increasing interest in intelligent and flexible microgrids, i.e., able to operate in island or in grid-connected modes. Black start operation, frequency and voltage stability, active and reactive power flow control, active power filter capabilities, and storage energy management are the functionalities expected for these small grids. This way, the energy can be generated and stored near the consumption points, thus increasing the reliability and reducing the losses produced by the large power lines. In this article, the main concepts related to the configuration, control, and energy management of intelligent microgrids are reviewed.

Renewable Energy Operation and Conversion Schemes: A Summary of Discussions During the Seminar on Renewable Energy Systems

Abstract: A short summary of some speeches given during Seminar on Renewable Energy system (SERENE) is presented. The contributions have been mainly focused on power electronics for photovoltaic (PV) and sea wave energies, pointing out some aspects related to efficiency, reliability, and grid integration. Finally, main issues concerning fuel cell (FC) systems as generators based on hydrogen as a low environmental impact energy vector are presented.

Motion Control for Real-World Haptics

Abstract: Prof. Fumio Harashima had driven the 21st Century Center of Excellence (COE) Program for human-adaptive mechatronics as a subleader from 2003 to 2008, when he was the president of Tokyo Denki University. This program mainly focused on the development of the significant technological breakthroughs in mechatronics and on the cultivation of distinguished young researchers in the field. This project was concluded with a great deal of success. This is one of his significant contributions to the establishment of a solid platform of human-support mechatronics technology. The authors have discussed with him about the human-support mechatronics technology for a long time. They have shared a future prospect of mechatronics for human support. As one of their common understandings, they noticed that the development of a new mechatronics technology based on humans' sensations and actions will be a key for the physical human support. From this background of their deep friendship, a short review about real-world haptics, which can achieve the remote physical support for human activities and the communication of humans' tactile sensation, is presented as a tribute to Prof. Fumio Harashima.

Electric power systems (review of "Modern Electric, Hybrid Electric, and Fuel Cell Vehicles: Fundamentals, Theory, and Design, Second Edition ; Ehsani, Y.G. and Emadi, A.; 2010) [Book News]

Abstract: This new edition of this excellent reference book will greatly aid engineers, students, researchers, and other professionals who are working in automotive-related industries, as well as those in government and academia.

A High-Power-Density Converter

Abstract: This article presents the development and experimental performance of a 10-kW high-power-density three-phase ac-dc-ac converter. The converter consists of a Vienna-type rectifier front end and a two-level voltage source inverter (VSΓ)To reduce the switching loss and achieve a high operating junction temperature, the SiC JFET and SiC Schottky diode are used. Design considerations for the phase-leg units, gate drivers, integrated input filter-combining electromagnetic interference (EMI) and boost inductor stages-and the system protection are described in full detail. Experiments are carried out under different operating conditions, and the results obtained verify the performance and feasibility of the proposed converter system.

Alternating Current Drives in the Steel Industry

Abstract: In this article, a review of the state-of-the-art high-power devices, such as silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs), gate turn-off thyristors (GTOs), insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), integrated gate-commutated thyristors (IGCTs), and injection-enhanced gate transistors (IEGTs), converters, such as cycloconverters and three-level inverters, and control technologies adopted for such drives, such as the vector control (VC) and the direct torque control (DTC), is presented with brief features of the industrial ac drives developed for the steel industry by the leading drive manufacturers worldwide.

Human Adaptive Mechatronics

Abstract: This article explains the background of human adaptive mechatronics (HAM) and the skill level of individuals to operate machines. It is natural to consider both human and environmental factors in the field of robotics and mechatronics. The progress of machines cannot be achieved without paying attention to these factors; a culture that accepts that this evolved through the contributions of many researchers and developers. Prof. Fumio Harashima contributed to the development of HAM significantly. He has done cooperative research with many companies (Hitachi, Toshiba, Mitsubishi Electric, Fuji Electric, Toyo Electric, Dengensha Co., Toyota Corp., Tohoku Electric Power Co., Sumitomo Heavy Machine Corp., Yazaki Corp., and many others) and promoted several large research projects concerned with this culture, such as “Electromagnetic Interference” in the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science project (1998-2003), “Interaction and Intelligence” in the Sakigake Project (2001-2006), and “Human Adaptive Mechatronics” in the HAM project by coordinating with Prof. Furuta during 2004-2008. The HAM project was initiated by Prof. Harashima and Prof. Furuta, my supervisors when I was a student at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, and this project gave me an opportunity to meet Prof. Harashima.

Micro- and Nanomechatronics

Abstract: The current and future technologies and issues of micro- and nanomechatronics, and nanobiotechnology based on the nanorobotic manipulation system are presented. The following are also discussed in detail: micromechatronics for industrial and research applications; nanomechatronics for industrial and research applications; single-cell surgery system based on the nanorobotic manipulation system; nanorobotic manipulation system; and single-cell analysis based on an environmental scanning electron microscope (E-SEM). Devices based on micro- and nanomechatronics technologies have great potential in advanced industrial applications that will realize high efficiency, high integration, high functionality, low-energy consumption, and low cost.

The Early History of Radar [Historical]

Abstract: The history of radar has often been told by the nations who used it to win World War II (WWII). History books often stated that radar won the war for the Allies. This is probably an overstatement, as both sides used radar. Research on radar started in eight nations well before WWII: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The first evidence of the radar principle sprung from wireless technology as early as 1897, when Alexander Popov observed interference caused by a passing ship while he was transmitting wireless signals.

Virtual Automation Networks

Abstract: Industrial automation has been dominated by fieldbuses for several decades Legacy fieldbuses, such as Profibus, were able to provide the required functions, as they were precisely tailored to automation needs Fieldbuses represent a complex communication solution for automation, and they define automation-specific physical and link layers and a dedicated communication object model Nevertheless, Ethernet-based communication ubiquitously appearing in offices fostered temptations to bring Ethernet to production Ethernet provides market-proven cost-effective hardware components with high data rates and immense integration and network management support using the overlaid management protocols However, Ethernet has not been designed for industrial applications and would fail to fulfill requirements of industrial automation in its generic form Hence, adaptations in both end devices and sometimes even switching devices had to be carried out Finally, various industrial requirements were met, and Ethernet-based fieldbuses became state-of-the-art technologies competing with legacy fieldbuses

Adaptive On-Time Converters

Abstract: Pulse frequency modulation (PFM) converters are fast in response and simple in design and implementation because compensation is not required. However, the large variation of switching frequency during operation introduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems. This article proposes a mixed analog and digital adaptive on-time (AOT) controller for PFM converters so that the switching frequency can be maintained constant adaptively, while the transient response is not degraded. The transient response is handled by an analog controller, which is fast. The switching frequency regulation is implemented by a digital microcontroller.

Mechatronics Technology in Mobile Devices

Abstract: Recently, haptics research has grown into an interdisciplinary field, covering perception, psychophysics, virtual reality, mechanism design, and control. Haptics research is considered to have originated from teleoperator systems. In these initial explorations, increasing the transparency level of the mechanical master/slave manipulator system was the main issue. As computer graphics technology has emerged to realize a wide range of virtual reality applications, the development of control technologies and haptic master device designs have adapted to focus mainly on interaction with virtual environments. Numerous breakthroughs in visual, sound, and haptic modeling technologies enable the real-time display of contact with virtual objects, including capabilities such as shape deformation and reactive force. There have been attempts to model and display the fine details of touched surfaces to enhance virtual presence. Research in neuroscience and psychophysics has led to discoveries in the human perceptual processes underlying haptic sensations. Drawing on this understanding, researchers have begun to examine efficient methods of building tactile display units that are capable of rendering feelings of roughness, softness, and temperature.

The Roots of Automation Before Mechatronics [Historical]

Abstract: The inventions of Kenotron (the thermionic valve diode, 1904) by John A. Fleming and Audion (the thermionic valve triode, 1906) by Lee De Forest started the revolution of electronics, that merged with mechanics, automation, and computer science around the mid-1950, generating present-day industrial robots and eventually mechatronics. A brief look at the history of automation before mechatronics came is given in this paper.

Multisensor Fusion and Integration Aspects of Mechatronics

Abstract: This article presents the application of multisensor fusion and integration in a mechatronics aspect. A review of algorithms for multisensor fusion is given, and an overview of the mechatronics is also described. Because of the advancements in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computing technology, more and more compact and highly integrated mechatronic systems are developed. By combining multisensor fusion technology, the performance of mechatronic systems and the derived applications can be enhanced and extended.

Virtualization on Multicore for Industrial Real-Time Operating Systems [From Mind to Market]

Abstract: While much of the attention regarding virtualization in the software community has been focused on server applications, embedded applications can also benefit from the latest advances in multicore processors and hardware support for virtualization. Multicore processors offer a unique means to combine new features with legacy code and to host multiple operating systems (OSs) on a single platform. For example, a highly integrated system can be constructed with a real-time OS (RTOS) and a general-purpose OS (GPOS) running on separate cores of a single processor.

The Television: From Mechanics to Electronics [Historical]

Abstract: The possibility of using electricity for transmitting still images was conceived by the prolific Scottish philosopher Alexander Bain.

State-of-the-Art Intelligent Mechatronics in Human–Machine Interaction [Guest Introduction]

Abstract: Intelligent mechatronics is a machine system that has its own entity and equips humanlike or creaturelike smart abilities. The concept of intelligence is, however, ambiguous; hence, there is no clear definition because the meanings and nuances are modified according to the individual intention of a designer who deals with the concept. In this column, the characteristics and system structure of intelligent mechatronics are briefly mentioned. Several types of state-of-the-art intelligent mechatronics, such as communicative, network, human-assistive, and cognitive types, are introduced.

IMM-UKF Versus Frequency Analysis [Past and Present]

Abstract: In this article, we consider the degradation in the DAT loops performance caused by a gradual increase in backlash of the valve actuator (valve leakage) and several disturbances that occur in the process. The objective of this study is to develop automated strategies for fault detection, diagnosis, and isolation (FDDI) based on frequency and spectral analysis of the system response and an interactive multiple model (IMM) based on the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) estimation technique to the problem of FDDI of the valve actuator failures in DAT loops of the HVAC systems. The performance of the IMM-UKF is compared with that obtained by using the frequency analysis (FA). Both techniques are HVAC model driven-based, and the simulations results reveal the superiority of the IMM-UKF algorithm concerning its accuracy and robustness to the changes in the system structure parameters. The FDDI based on the IMM algorithm is implemented in a simulation environment, and the fault diagnosis results are presented for a several fault scenarios in terms of mode probabilities and active fault index.

Electric power systems (review of "HVDC Transmission: Power Conversion Applications in Power Systems; Kim, C.-K., et al; 2009) [Book News]

Abstract: This book is valuable not only for undergraduate and postgraduate students in power engineering courses but also for practicing power utility engineers and researchers in power transmission, renewable energy, and power systems planning.

Electric machines and power electronics [review of "Electric Machines: Steady State, Transients, and Design with MATLAB" ; Boldea, I. and Tutelea, L. ; 2010) [Book News]

Abstract: This very capable, well-balanced textbook is primarily dedicated to electrical, mechanical, and mechatronic engineering students but will also be useful for research and development engineers in industry who are interested in design, manufacturing, testing, and exploitation of electric machines for constant or adjustable speed drives and generating electricity.

Electric machines and power electronics [review of "Power Microelectronics: Device and Process Technologies" ; Liang, Y.C. and Samudra, G.S.; 2009) [Book News]

Abstract: Power Microelectronics is a valuable textbook for power electronics final year undergraduate or graduate students and for designers and researchers/engineers working on power semiconductor devices and SoC.

Power quality indices and AC electric machines (review of "Power Quality Indices in Liberalized Markets; Caramia, P., et al; 2009) [Book News]

Abstract: This textbook contains a comprehensive overview of both the traditional PQ indices to quantify PQ disturbances and proposes new indices for future use. It is a valuable resource for students, final year undergraduate courses, or for graduated courses of PQ, reliability, and electrical power systems. It is also useful for practicing designers and researchers/engineers involved in solving PQ problems in liberalized energy markets.

Electrical actuators and high-freguency magnetic components (review of "High-Frequency Magnetic Components"; Kazimierczuk, M.K.; 2009) [Book News]

Abstract: This is the third textbook on power electronics authored by Marian K. Kazimierczuk. It is geared towards senior undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of electrical, electronics, and telecommunications engineering. The book consists of 11 chapters and two appendices and includes answers to problems and an index. It is recommended not only for professors and students but also for practicing engineers working with switch-mode power supplies, resonant converters, RF power amplifiers, and high-frequency contactless energy transfer.

Power quality indices and AC electric machines (review of "AC Electric Machines and Their Control; Torrey, D.A.; 2010) [Book News]

Abstract: This book covers in detail the basic problems related to building, modeling, and control of electric ac machines. The well-written book achieves a balance between mathematical rigor and physical insight. The textbook is recommended for graduate students studying power and control and well as robotics. Also, practicing engineers will gain valuable insight on the topics of modeling and control.

Electrical actuators and high-frequency magnetic components (review of "Electrical Actuators: Identification and Observation"; de Fornel, B. and Louis, J.-P., Eds.; 2010) [Book News]

Abstract: Adapted and updated from two prior volumes, this is a recently published book edited by Bernard de Fornel and Jean-Paul Louis, who have well-known experience on research, teaching, and industrial applications. All chapters emphasize modeling, including nonlinearities such as saturation. The book analytically explains measurements and identification of the ac electrical machine parameters and the development of deterministic and stochastic state observers. The book consists of a general introduction and eight chapters. An authors list, affiliations, index, and references are also included. The book is a valuable research reference for advanced undergraduate courses, graduate courses, and for students, researchers, and industrial engineers in the field of variable speed drives.