Francisco Santamaria

Switched Oscillator: Parameter Effects on the Generated Signals

This paper describes a methodology to design a switched oscillator (SWO) together with its experimental validation. The dependence of the SWO resonance frequency, bandwidth, and quality factor upon spark-gap pressure, interelectrode distance, and transmission-line (TL) length is evaluated. The SWO simulation results obtained with both the TL model developed in the computer program EMTP-alternative transient program (ATP) and the electromagnetic (EM) model developed in the computer program Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio are compared. An SWO based on simulation results, connected to an impedance of 100 Ω, was constructed and tested in the laboratory. Simulations and laboratory test results fit well. The proposed methodology, which combines TL and EM simulations, was experimentally validated, and it can be used to design SWO systems for different applications.

Analysis of wavelet based denoising methods applied to measured lightning electric fields

This paper describes the results of a wavelet based noise reduction procedure applied to three lightning electric field signals recorded in Bogotá-Colombia, Colombo-Sri Lanka and Toronto-Canada. In general, the evaluated signals were affected by three different noise sources. These are the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the electronic circuit and the environmental noise.

Experimental Study of a Submillimeter Spark-Gap

This paper describes an experimental study on a submillimeter spark-gap and the effect of the gas type, pressure and interelectrode distance on the gas discharge. A coaxial transmission-line test switch and stainless steel electrodes have been used for the laboratory tests. The results presented in this paper are obtained using air, SF6, and argon, at gas pressures between 174 and 774 kPa and interelectrode distances from 330 to 450 μm. Results show that there is a linear change in breakdown voltage as the pd-relation increases. Important differences are observed when the time of the resistive phase is calculated and compared with the one obtained with some empirical models. It is also found that the arc-resistance depends on the gas type, and it is almost proportional to pd. The Kushner arc-resistance model fits well with the laboratory test results. From these results, a new constant of proportionality depending on electric field, pressure, and interelectrode distance is proposed. Additionally, for the studied pd-range, the gas with the best-fitting results was SF6. Finally, a good fit is observed between the laboratory test results and the obtained models programed in the computer program electromagnetic transient program.

Design and Performance Analysis of a Subnanosecond Pulse Generator

This paper describes the design process of a fast pulse generator, based on a transmission line (TL) system and a spark gap, including its experimental validation. Design criteria and expected parameters are described. Simulation results for the pulse generator obtained with a TL model are presented. This model is implemented using the software package Electromagnetic Transient Program-Alternative Transient program (EMTP-ATP). A constructed pulse generator [based on the mentioned design as well as the simulation results using EMTP-ATP and finite-element method (FEM)] is presented and laboratory test results are described. Simulations and experimental results fit well, except for a difference of 15% in the rise time. The proposed design procedure, which combines TL simulations, theoretical models, and FEM simulations, has been experimentally validated and it can be used to design pulse generator systems for different applications.

Integration of Distributed Generation in Demand Response Programs: Study Case

In this paper a strategy for integration of Distributed Generation (DG) in Demand Response (DR) program is proposed. This strategy allows users of DR increase both the number of participation or the manageable power in disconnecting power program along the day. This paper explores the improvements of voltage profile in an IEEE node test feeder when a DR program is deployed and additionally a DG supply is including, but in a different approach since this power DG supply do not will be injected directly to distribution network but else this one going to be an additional power of DR program in the users that have DG available.