Sanda Victorinne Paturca

Finite Element Analysis of Self-Excited Induction Generator for Isolated Small Power Wind Turbines

This paper deals with the field-circuit type finite element analysis of the dynamic regimes of the three-phase squirrel cage induction generator used in the isolated small power wind conversion systems. The numerical analysis of the squirrel cage induction generator using circuit models may lead to inaccurate results due to the usual simplifying hypotheses. This paper proposes a field-circuit model of the machine that is much more elaborated, being able to successfully take into account the complex specific phenomena such as: magnetic saturation, skin effect in the rotor bars, teeth harmonics etc. Among the dynamic regimes specific to the operation of the induction generator integrated in the isolated wind conversion systems, this paper is focused on the following aspects: self excitation phenomenon in case of open-circuit, three-phase short-circuit and dynamic response of the generator in case of load variations.

Data acquisition and image processing system for surface inspection

This paper presents the hardware and software structures of a proposed data acquisition and processing system, which is designated to perform an automated inspection of roads pavement condition. The system was designed to gather information from multiple sources - laser-based imaging systems for road profiling, cameras for environmental images, proximity sensors, all information being spatially correlated by means of odometry and geolocation. The system was tested while performing real road inspection, and some results are presented.

Multiple sensor software and hardware architecture for field robots

Applications in Field Robotics often require synchronous acquiring various environment information using multiple sensors and devices, including digital cameras. For such applications, this paper proposes a software architecture that is designed to cope with large amount of mixed type data, acquired with various sample times, and gathered from multiple sensors and sensing devices. By allowing the integration of cameras having widely available communication interfaces, such as USB and Ethernet, the presented architecture is intended to allow a cost-effective and flexible robotic system configuration, providing consistent data and loss-less images to be further used in automated data processing. The paper presents the software design, which was implemented in LabVIEW environment, and an illustrative hardware configuration.

Performance Comparison of Vision Sensors and Processing Power of Two Robotic Platforms for Obstacle Avoidance

This paper presents a comparison of performance for the vision sensors and processing power of two, widely used, robotic systems: NXT Mindstorms and SRV-1 Blackfin. The performance analysis was done in relation to an obstacle avoidance algorithm implemented on both platforms. Three case studies were performed: in the first case study we analyzed the accuracy of object recognitions, in the second case we analyzed the performance of multiple object detection and in third case determined the average time it took each robot avoid the obstacle. These case studies show how much the performance depreciates with the use of low level hardware, like the NXT, for the task of obstacle avoidance.

Robot Workshop and Contest for High-School Students Organized by “Politehnica” University of Bucharest

The paper presents a workshop and a contest organized for 25 high school students at the “Politehnica” University of Bucharest in early 2010. These activities were coordinated by both University professors and high school teachers and their objectives include introducing students to robotics and also creating a bridge between engineering university and high school, to attract more high schools students towards engineering education. The events showed that the students were very motivated when working together to solve practical problems and when they were in competition with their peers. Based on the success of this project we are considering extending it in the future, to cover several high schools.

AN IMPROVEMENT OF THE MECHANIC ECCENTRIC POWER PRESSER DYNAMICS BY USING VARIABLE FREQUENCY INDUCTION MOTOR DRIVES

Abstract This paper proposes the improvement of eccentric power presser dynamics by using variable speed induction motor drives. This study comprises two parts: a computer aided data acquisition for the presser motor driven by a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI), and the simulation of the presser dynamics. The power presser and the motor control schemes have been modeled and simulated in the Matlab - Simulink environment. Two control schemes are investigated: Volt-Hertz and Direct Torque Control (DTC). A brief on the operation principle and the Simulink models of each control scheme are presented. The comparative graphical results can illustrate their effect on the power presser dynamics.

Use of pedagogical agents to build multiple choice equations for an electric workshop based on LabVIEW

e-Learning, with its various aspects, represents a major trend in education. This paper presents a solution to extend the traditional multiple choice tests to effectively graphic design of calculus equations for an electric workshop. Equation built procedure was augmented using animated pedagogical agents to increase the effectiveness of learning and practical skills and improve the attractive aspect of the process. The implemented algorithms and software were tested on two groups of bachelor degree students from Electrical Engineering Faculty, proving useful results and ways to develop further works.

Analysis of a photo-voltaic-thermal panel using comsol and simulink/simscape tools

A solution to improve the lower overall photo-voltaic panel efficiency is to provide it with a forced cooling system. In this way a hybrid conversion device is derived and electric and thermal energies are obtained simultaneously. To model such system, two major and different components should be considered: solar cells and cooling radiator. The main purpose of this paper is to study the electrical and thermal effects in an inter-correlated approach.

Presentations and laboratory developed in LabVIEW using microsoft agent

Research in e-Learning, Micro Learning and all activities where ITC and multimedia are implied in the process of learning brought a significant debate on the utility of narration in the process. Far from intended to solve this discussion, this paper is about the use of animated agents in presentation integrated with LabVIEW with the benefit of Data Acquisition and Virtual Instrumentation for activities close to micro learning in workshops.

System for power supply, monitoring, control and communication for isolated temporary habitats - SIGHAB

This paper describes a system for power supply, monitoring, control and communication for isolated temporary habitats. The system described consists in six modules and offers all the necessary equipment in order to operate a fully functional camp.