Gaston Maggetto

Control of a three-phase PWM rectifier using estimated AC-side and DC-side voltages

A new control method of a pulsewidth modulation (PWM) rectifier without measuring AC- and DC-side voltages is proposed. As information about these voltages is necessary for the controller, all required voltage values are estimated from the measured line currents and the calculated values of the input reactor voltage during switching of the rectifier circuit. The input reactor voltage can be obtained by using a differentiator that produces the derivative of the line current or by detecting the voltage induced in a secondary winding wound on the input reactor. The secondary winding creates the electric isolation between the main circuit and the controller. The proposed method is verified by experiment. This paper describes the estimation method, gives the configuration of the controller, and discusses steady-state and transient performances of the rectifier.

Electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles : state of the art and perspectives

Abstract In urban areas, due to their beneficial effects on the environment, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles are an important factor for the improvement of traffic and more particularly for a healthier environment. We are quite rapidly reaching the end of the cheap oil era. This could happen around 2010 and is nowadays probably indicated by the steadily growing oil price. Therefore the need for alternative energy sources is growing and the competitiveness of alternatives against oil is becoming more and more realistic. Electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles are offering the best possibility for the use of new energy sources, because electricity can result from a transformation with high efficiency of these sources and is always used with the highest possible efficiency in systems with electric drives or components. Some basic considerations about the situation, today and in a mid and long-term perspective, are presented together with the infrastructure developments.

Comparison of the environmental damage caused by vehicles with different alternative fuels and drivetrains in a Brussels context

Abstract A comprehensive methodology has been developed to compare the environmental damage caused by vehicles with different alternative fuels, such as CNG, LPG, etc., and drivetrains, such as electric and hybrid drives. This paper describes how the environmental effect of vehicles should be defined and includes parameters concerning vehicle emissions and their influence on human wellbeing and the environment. It then describes how the environmental effect of vehicles could be defined, taking into account the availability of accurate and reliable data. Rating systems are analysed as a means of comparing the environmental effect of vehicles, allowing decision-makers to dedicate their financial and non-financial policies and measures as a function of the ecological damage. Different types of pollution (acid rain, photochemical air pollution, noise pollution, etc.) and their effect on numerous receptors such as ecosystems, buildings and human beings (e.g. cancer, respiratory diseases, etc.) and global warming are considered. The methodology described, known as Ecoscore, is based on a methodology similar to life cycle assessment (LCA) which considers the part played by emissions in certain types of damage (e.g. by using the exposure-response damage function). Total emissions involve oil extraction, transport and refinery, fuel distribution and electricity generation and distribution (well-to-wheel approach). Emissions due to the production, use and dismantling of the vehicle (cradle-to-grave approach) should also be considered. The different types of damage are normalized to make comparisons possible. Hence, a reference value (determined by a chosen reference vehicle) will be defined as a target value (the normalized value will thus measure a kind of distance to target). The contribution of the different normalized types of damage to a single value—Ecoscore—is based on a panel weighting method. This new approach differs from other methodologies in that it has been especially developed for the assessment of the environmental effect of vehicle emissions in an urban context, such as the Brussels Capital Region. Additionally, this methodology not only considers conventional vehicles but can also evaluate all alternative fuels and drivetrains with new vehicle technologies. Some examples of Ecoscore calculation are illustrated.

Steady-state analysis of the series resonant DC-DC converter in conjunction with loosely coupled transformer-above resonance operation

This paper presents the steady-state analysis of the series resonant DC-DC power converter (SRC) in conjunction with loosely coupled transformer (LCT) operating above resonance (f/sub s//f/sub o/>1). It is an extension of the conventional steady-state analysis of the SRC. Three operational modes other than the continuous current mode (CCM) have been identified, and the boundaries of all the operational modes are defined. Based on the well-defined operational plane, all the operational modes are analyzed. Results are given in normalized form and experimentally verified.

Identification of steady-state operational modes of the series resonant DC-DC converter based on loosely coupled transformers in below-resonance operation

This paper identifies all the steady-state operational modes of a series-loaded resonant DC-DC power converter (SRC) in below-resonance operation, taking into account the coupling quality of the isolating transformer. A novel operational plane is defined, and ten operational modes are identified in this plane. Borders between neighboring domains of these operational modes are analytically defined. Results are given in normalized form and experimentally verified.

Assessment of the impact of transformer coupling quality on steady state characteristics of series resonant converters

In some applications, for example an electric vehicle inductive charger using a proximity type inductive coupler, the coupling quality of the transformer could be much lower than a usual isolating/scaling transformer. For such applications it is necessary for the impact of transformer coupling quality on the high frequency inverter stage to be clearly assessed. This paper, on a sound base of steady state analysis, offers an assessment concerning the series resonant converter (SRC). The results are given in normalized form and experimentally verified.

CITELEC — electric vehicles on the move in Europe's cities

Abstract Today, urban areas are faced with major environment- and traffic-related problems. Electric vehicles are able to bring a contribution to the solution of these problems; currently available electric vehicles are well suited for the typical speed and range characteristics shown by cars and vans operating in towns and cities. Cities are thus likely to be the first large-scale operation theatre for electric vehicles, whether for municipal use, for public transport or as private vehicles. A growing number of European cities are united into CITELEC (European association of cities interested in electric vehicles) to study the opportunities for the introduction of electric vehicles, to share common experiences and to follow up developments. CITELEC informs and assists its members in the introduction and exploitation of electric vehicles; furthermore, it is organizing realistic test demonstrations of electric vehicles in urban traffic (“Twelve Electric Hours’) and performs studies on different aspects of the introduction of electric vehicles in cities: users requirements, battery charging, energy distribution, infrastructure, safety aspects, and others. The paper will present the Association and its activities, focusing on current and future developments in European cities.

Environmental vehicle rating system

Part 1: Efficiency and Sustainability in Transport 1.1. Intermodal Versus Unimodal Road Freight Transport - A Review of Comparison of The External Costs 1.2. Environmental Impact of Underground Freight Transport 1.3. Intelligent Speed Adaptation - Increased Safety Through Speed Reduction 1.4. Peering and Investments in Interfaced Networks 1.5. Environmental Vehicle Rating System Part 2: Regulation and Policies to Stimulate Better Performance 2.1. Is the Debate Over the Contestability of Airline Markets Really Dead? 2.2. Decoupling Transport Growth and Economic Growth in Europe 2.3. Travel Plans: Using Good Practice to Inform Future Policy 2.4. Economies of Scale, Efficiency and Government Intervention in Public Transport Part 3: Methods and Models Related to Valuation and Efficiency Analysis 3.1. Dynamics of Global Supply Chain Supernetworks in a New Era of Risk and Uncertainty 3.2. Evaluating Accessibility Gains Produces by New High Speed Train Services 3.3. Evaluation of the Cost Performance of Pre- And Post-Haulage in Intermodal Freight Networks: Analysis of The Interaction of Production Models and Demand Characteristics 3.4. A Methodological Framework to Analyse the Market Opportunities of Short Sea Shipping: The Adaptive Stated Preference Approach 3.5. An Improved Framework for Large-Scale Multi-Agent Simulation of Travel Behaviour 3.6. A Multi-Criteria Approach to the Strategic Assessment of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems