Matthew McDonough

An Extended Field Reconstruction Method for Modeling of Switched Reluctance Machines

This paper presents an extended Field Reconstruction Method (FRM) to model a Switched Reluctance Machine (SRM), which is set apart from other electric machines by its double-saliency and magnetic saturation. Traditional magnetic models of SRM developed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are computationally inefficient. This, in turn, limits their application in simulation of SRM drive system especially under iterative optimization procedures. FRM can significantly reduce the computational time by utilizing a small number of static magnetic field snapshots to establish the basis functions which are then used to reconstruct the magnetic field with high accuracy. In this paper an extended version of FRM is introduced within which effects of magnetic saturation and double saliency are taken into account. Results from FRM, FEA and experiments are compared and good accuracy is observed.

Application of multi-port power electronic interface for contactless transfer of energy in automotive applications

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and Electric Vehicles (EV) are gaining popularity due to political, environmental, and economical reasons. Research is being done to charge these alternatively fueled vehicles by means of Inductively Coupled Power Transfer (ICPT). In this paper authors present a system to use a Multi Port Power Electronics Interface (MPEI) to control power flow from/to several AC and DC sources/sinks within a PHEV or EV, especially including Inductively Coupled Power Transfer (ICPT). This paper shows potential reduction in mass and improvement in driving range and fuel economy due to the use of a novel charging strategy.

Peak shaving and minimum cost operation of an electric vehicle charging station based on Multi-port Power Electronic Interface

In this paper, an energy management system for Multi-port Power Electronics Interface (MPEI) is developed to be used in public electric vehicle charging stations. The MPEI has power electronic converters to interface with the utility grid, photovoltaic panels, battery energy storage, and the loads. In order to achieve a minimum daily utility cost, the proposed energy management system provides an economic dispatch of the grid converter considering time-of-use price of electricity and peak shaving functions. Experimental results have been presented to demonstrate the technical capability of the MPEI system and its controllers to operate under various dispatching strategies. A numerical solution of the day-ahead economic dispatch optimization problem is also presented to demonstrate how the dispatching power commands can be calculated based on a suitable forecasting model of the load and photovoltaic generation.

Dynamic modeling of ICPT considering misalignment and speed of vehicle

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and Electric Vehicles (EV) are gaining popularity due to political, environmental, and economical reasons. Research is being done to charge these alternatively fueled vehicles by means of Inductively Coupled Power Transfer (ICPT). Previous research, however, does not adequately address misalignment of the primary and secondary coils. In this research, we will develop a model for the effects of misalignment and movement of the rectangular coils with respect to each other. This will be accomplished using analytical models, followed by FEM analysis.

Application of Multi-port Power Electronic Interface: Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging Platform

Mass integration of Electric Vehicles (EVs) will lead to transmission line congestion, transformer overload, necessary power plant construction, and power quality problems on the electric grid. In this work, Multi-port Power Electronics Interface (MPEI) is proposed as a solution. It is shown that MPEI, especially coupled with some distributed generation source(s), can perform the required functions to eliminate the harsh effects of mass EV market penetration. An MPEI is built to perform these functions in conjunction with a fleet of electrified golf carts. The reduction in CO2 emissions, reduction in cost of energy, reduced impact to the electric grid, and battery management systems will be discussed in the context of this application and as a solution to EV integration.

The sustainability of new technologies in vehicular transportation

This paper compares the sustainability of three new technologies in vehicular transportation which consist of (1) innovations in the fuel the vehicles use and (2) innovations in the vehicle design itself. An array of vehicle platforms, which consist of different vehicle designs and fuels types, are modeled and a life cycle analysis (LCA) is performed to find the total energy consumption and emissions of each model. As high energy consumption and pollution become growing concerns, this paper aims to provide a better understanding of where new advancements in vehicular technology should be focused.

Wide-Bandgap Semiconductor Technology: Its impact on the electrification of the transportation industry.

The efficiency of any electric vehicle (EV) is limited by the efficiency of its power electronic motor drive. Currently, EVs use conventional silicon (Si) insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or Si metal?oxide?semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technologies. Si technology prevents traction motor drives from exceeding the low switching frequencies (tens of kilohertz) due to excessive switching losses. This is important as the size of passive components (and thus cost) is inversely related to the switching frequency.

Performance evaluation of various semiconductor technologies for automotive applications

This paper evaluates the commercially available semiconductor switches for automotive applications. For this purpose, a conventional Silicon (Si) Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) is compared with a Silicon Carbide (SiC) Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET). Performance criteria for automotive drive systems are compared between the two switches. Electromagnetic interferences due to the switching times of the switches are studied. A test is performed to measure the actual power losses for both switches. Using the simulated model of the heatsink, the temperature of the junction for each switch is estimated. Afterwards, the results are compared with the data provided in the technical documents of the switches.

A study on the effects of motion in inductively coupled vehicular charging applications

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and Electric Vehicles (EV) are gaining popularity due to political, environmental, and economical reasons. Research is being done to charge these alternatively fueled vehicles by means of Inductively Coupled Power Transfer (ICPT). In this paper, the authors study the effects of motion on inductively coupled systems. It is concluded that motion has very little effect in the form of induced voltage on the system.