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WELCOME TO THE CENTER FOR ELECTROMECHANICS

HEADLINES

May - 2009

Analysis of Fault Events in MVDC Architecture

Effective interruption of load currents under both normal and fault conditions presents major challenges in medium-voltage dc distribution systems. In a highly-integrated dc power system, the preponderance of power converters connecting several loads with power ranging from (W) to (MW) levels rises additional concerns about the effects of a dc fault on other loads connected to the same bus or adjacent buses. Equally critical are the interactions between these power converters during the fault isolation and clearance process. In order to address some of these issues, a basic but relevant model was constructed to study the behavior and effects of dc faults in an MVDC power system for an all-electric ship.

The results of the analysis appear in the paper, “Analysis of Fault Events in MVDC Architecture,” by A. Ouroua, J. Beno, and R. Hebner and were presented at the 2009 IEEE Electric Ship Technologies Symposium, April 20-22, 2009, in Baltimore, Maryland.

For more information, contact A. Ouroua, J. Beno, or R. Hebner.

simulink modelBasic Simulink model for fault analysis


Radial Flux High Temperature Superconductor Motor using Bulk Trapped Field Magnets

This team designed, built, and successfully ran a radial flux high temperature superconductor (HTS) trapped field magnet (TFM) motor. The motor was run in a zero field cooled mode. The paper, “Radial Flux High Temperature Superconductor Motor using Bulk Trapped Field Magnets,” by X. Feng, G. Gao, K. Davey, M. Werst, R. Hebner, R. Weinstein, D. Parks, and R. Sawh and presented at the IEEE International Electric Machines and Drives Conference in Miami, Florida, May 3-6, 2009, conveys several lessons learned about the use of TFMs in motor and generator applications. The state of the art of bulk TFM material is reviewed in the paper, with attention given to the difficulties of activating TFMs in a practical machine design. The difficulties are based on the cooling time needed to field-cool the TFMs; the maximum field which can be produced at the rotor using only MMF on the stator; and the maximum time for which the stator current can be high without sustaining insulation damage. The paper includes a prediction of improvements that can be expected using two significant departures from a conventional three-phase permanent magnet design. Both departures involve the addition of MMF on the rotor using a hybrid wound rotor design. Attention is given to predicting performance when no special activation is employed.

For more information, contact Mike Werst.

high temp superconductor

High temperature superconductor motor using bulk trapped field magnet.

MORE NEWS:

The deleterious effect of full bridge rectifiers on the output of an ac generator deserves attention by the naval community (story here)


Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes are commonly used in shipping ports around the world to move containers massing up to 40 metric tons.(story here)


The operation of a novel long-life flywheel motor and its drive system which can capture the regenerated energy and provide it for subsequent container lifts was tested. (story here)


The University of Texas at Austin is conducting a multidisciplinary research and development program directed toward extraction of triglycerides from algae for the production of transportation fuels. (story here)


With the development of advanced hybrid vehicle architectures, new prime movers, and energy storage technologies, computer modeling and simulation are becoming necessary tools to evaluate vehicle design and efficiency. (story here)


Hydrogen Fueling Stations to Debut in Several States in 2007 (full article)


GTI is the leading research, development and training organization serving the natural gas industry. (web site for GTI)

ARCHIVE SECTION


UPDATED PUBLICATION LIST:

The newly formatted section for Electric Ship Publications can be seen online.


DOWNLOADS:

“Saving Energy Using Flywheels” and published in the November/December 2008 edition of the IEEE Industry Applications Magazine. Download the PDF Document

Low-Emission Vehicle Technologies For Public Transportation - Download the PDF Document

2008 APTA Bus Technical Workshop Presented October 2008

"Development of a Flex-fuel HICE Plug-in Hybrid Shuttle Bus with Future Demonstrations for Performance Assessment" Download the PDF Document

"Fuel Cell Bus Performance Modeling and High Power Energy Storage" Download the PDF Document

PRESS CONFERENCES AT CEM

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Plug-In Hybrid Bus Program Kick-Off. Photos of the event can be found HERE.


Engineer Spotlight - engineering list with biographies can be found below.

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