Christopher M. Bingham

Nonlinear observers for predicting state-of-charge and state-of-health of lead-acid batteries for hybrid-electric vehicles

This paper describes the application of state-estimation techniques for the real-time prediction of the state-of-charge (SoC) and state-of-health (SoH) of lead-acid cells. Specifically, approaches based on the well-known Kalman Filter (KF) and Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), are presented, using a generic cell model, to provide correction for offset, drift, and long-term state divergence-an unfortunate feature of more traditional coulomb-counting techniques. The underlying dynamic behavior of each cell is modeled using two capacitors (bulk and surface) and three resistors (terminal, surface, and end), from which the SoC is determined from the voltage present on the bulk capacitor. Although the structure of the model has been previously reported for describing the characteristics of lithium-ion cells, here it is shown to also provide an alternative to commonly employed models of lead-acid cells when used in conjunction with a KF to estimate SoC and an EKF to predict state-of-health (SoH). Measurements using real-time road data are used to compare the performance of conventional integration-based methods for estimating SoC with those predicted from the presented state estimation schemes. Results show that the proposed methodologies are superior to more traditional techniques, with accuracy in determining the SoC within 2% being demonstrated. Moreover, by accounting for the nonlinearities present within the dynamic cell model, the application of an EKF is shown to provide verifiable indications of SoH of the cell pack.

Application of fuzzy control algorithms for electric vehicle antilock braking/traction control systems

The application of fuzzy-based control strategies has gained enormous recognition as an approach for the rapid development of effective controllers for nonlinear time-variant systems. This paper describes the preliminary research and implementation of a fuzzy logic based controller to control the wheel slip for electric vehicle antilock braking systems (ABSs). As the dynamics of the braking systems are highly nonlinear and time variant, fuzzy control offers potential as an important tool for development of robust traction control. Simulation studies are employed to derive an initial rule base that is then tested on an experimental test facility representing the dynamics of a braking system. The test facility is composed of an induction machine load operating in the generating region. It is shown that the torque-slip characteristics of an induction motor provides a convenient platform for simulating a variety of tire/road /spl mu/-/spl sigma/ driving conditions, negating the initial requirement for skid-pan trials when developing algorithms. The fuzzy membership functions were subsequently refined by analysis of the data acquired from the test facility while simulating operation at a high coefficient of friction. The robustness of the fuzzy-logic slip regulator is further tested by applying the resulting controller over a wide range of operating conditions. The results indicate that ABS/traction control may substantially improve longitudinal performance and offer significant potential for optimal control of driven wheels, especially under icy conditions where classical ABS/traction control schemes are constrained to operate very conservatively.

Analysis of CLL Voltage-Output ResonantConverters Using Describing Functions

A new AC equivalent circuit for the CLL voltage-output resonant converter is presented, that offers improved accuracy compared with traditional FMA-based techniques. By employing describing function techniques, the nonlinear interaction of the parallel inductor, rectifier and load is replaced by a complex impedance, thereby facilitating the use of AC equivalent circuit analysis methodologies. Moreover, both continuous and discontinuous rectifier-current operating conditions are addressed. A generic normalized analysis of the converter is also presented. To further aid the designer, error maps are used to demonstrate the boundaries for providing accurate behavioral predictions. A comparison of theoretical results with those from simulation studies and experimental measurements from a prototype converter, are also included as a means of clarifying the benefits of the proposed techniques.

Analysis and Control of Dual-Output

The analysis, design and control of fourth-order LCLC voltage-output series-parallel resonant converters for the provision of multiple regulated outputs, is described. Specifically, state-variable concepts are developed to establish operating mode boundaries with which to describe the internal behavior and the impact of output leakage inductance. The resulting models are compared with those obtained from SPICE simulations and measurements from a prototype power supply under closed loop control to verify the analysis, modeling, and control predictions.

LCLC

The application of multilevel converters for exciting permanent-magnet machines with low-phase inductance to dc-link voltage ratios facilitates a reduction in high-frequency switching harmonics. However, converter nonlinearities and, in-particular, on-state device voltage drops, create additional low-frequency harmonics. This paper therefore proposes a generic compensation scheme to accommodate the effects of such converter nonlinearities and, in doing so, improve the harmonic quality of the machine phase currents. Experimental results gathered from a prototype five-level diode-clamped converter validate the benefits of the proposed scheme by showing quantitative reductions in low-frequency harmonics.

Resonant Converters With SignificantLeakage Inductance

A normalization of the LCC voltage-output resonant converter performance characteristics, in terms of the tank gain at resonance and the parallel-to-series-capacitor ratio, is presented. The resulting description is subsequently used for the derivation of a design procedure that incorporates the effects of diode losses and the finite charge/discharge time of the parallel capacitor. Unlike previously reported techniques, the resulting normalized behavior of the converter is used to identify design regions to facilitate a reduction in component electrical stresses, and the use of harmonics to transfer real power. Consideration of the use of preferred component values is also given. The underlying methodology is ultimately suitable for incorporation into a software suite for use as part of a rapid interactive design tool. Both simulation results and experimental measurements from a prototype converter are included to demonstrate the attributes of the proposed analysis and design methodologies.

Compensation of Nonlinearities in Diode-Clamped Multilevel Converters

A strategy for self-oscillating control of LCC current-output resonant converters, is presented, based on varying the phase-angle between the fundamental of the input voltage and current. Unlike other commonly employed control methodologies, the proposed technique is shown to provide a convenient, linear system input-output characteristic suitable for the design of regulators. The method is shown to have a similar effect as controlling the DC-link supply voltage, in terms of output-voltage/current control. The LCC converter variant is used as an application focus for demonstrating the presented techniques, with simulation and experimental measurements from a prototype converter being used to show the practical benefits. Third-order small and large-signal models are developed, and employed in the formulation of robust output-voltage and output-current control schemes. However, notably, the presented techniques are ultimately generic and readily applicable to other resonant converter variants.

Normalized Analysis and Design of LCC Resonant Converters

This paper describes the digital control of a vibratory pile driver in which the vibration is generated via two tandem pairs of electrically driven, geared, contra-rotating eccentrics. Experimental results are included to show the controller-induced system dynamics for a variety of load conditions, and to highlight the fact that, if the relative phase of the eccentric pairs is not controlled, the natural tendency at high excitation frequency is for the pile driver to operate with a low vibration amplitude. An analytical technique for identifying the system parameters is presented, and analytical performance predictions are compared with experimental results. Analysis of the power flow in the system shows that, although significant power transfer occurs between the two electrical drives, the net power dissipation during pile driving is relatively low.

Self-Oscillating Control Methods for the LCC Current-Output Resonant Converter

The paper presents a two-stage, single-phase power converter system fed from PV and Wind Turbine energy sources, and a new control methodology for transferring the output power to the grid, leading to reduce harmonics in the grid current, and controlled power factor. The proposed control depends on comparing the total power from the renewable energy sources with the power required to supply the nonlinear load, leading to a controlled distribution of power requirement from the sources. A key outcome of the paper is that excellent power factor and good harmonic reduction is obtained from the perspective of the grid, with no requirement for an intermediate battery due to the inherent ability to provide leading reactive power to the grid when necessary. Simulation and experimental results are used to support the proposed control methodology.

Amplitude and frequency control of a vibratory pile driver

The accuracy of rotor position estimation in the conventional signal injection based sensorless control of permanent magnet brushless AC drives depends on the load current. This paper proposes an improved method, which significantly reduces the estimation error by accounting for the cross-coupling effect between the d-and q-axes. The conventional and proposed methods are described and their performance is compared by both simulation and experiment.