Recent literature proposes some approaches that employ explicit equations for identifying the five parameters of the single-diode model describing a photovoltaic (PV) panel. These methods avoid the iterative solution of a nonlinear system of equations, whose convergence is very sensitive to the guess solution. Therefore, they are particularly suitable to perform parameter identification in real time and to be implemented on low-cost, low-performance processing platforms. In this paper, the applicability of some explicit methods, previously validated under standard test conditions, is analyzed for a large class of panels under operating conditions that are different from the standard ones. The study considers both a consolidated method for translating the PV model parameters as well as a novel approach. The analysis allows assessing the most suitable parameter translation equations for each considered explicit identification method, highlighting the effectiveness of such explicit approaches under different operating conditions. An in-depth validation based on experimental data concerning two commercial PV panels corroborates the analysis.

This paper proposes a method for parameter identification of a photovoltaic (PV) source dynamic model. The identification procedure is based on a suitable time-domain step response and on a least-squares regression-based data processing algorithm. The considered equivalent circuit models the PV source as seen at load terminals; it is composed of a four-parameter static model and a dynamic part, which includes a capacitor with a series resistance and an inductance. The identification technique determines all three dynamic parameters with a single measurement. The proposed approach allows the appropriate dynamic modeling of the PV source and its connection cables, obtaining a better accuracy with respect to other methods in the technical literature. A practical case of parameter identification is presented.

A novel common-mode (CM) EMI active filter for dc-fed motor drives is proposed. The active filter performs both the compensation of the CM voltage at the motor input and the mitigation of the leakage high-frequency CM currents, thus increasing the drive reliability and the vehicle electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The filter scheme is based on a voltage feedback action and also includes a feed-forward action by exploiting a suitably estimated CM current. An optimized design of the CM voltage detection/injection systems is implemented. Moreover, the active filter is supplied by a smaller voltage than the dc link value; this permits a more performing amplifier to be used. The active filter behavior is analyzed theoretically and its performance is assessed by experiments. The realized prototype shows a good efficiency and compactness.

This paper proposes an analytical formulation of a maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) technique, accounting for the magnetic saturation of the iron core, specifically developed for Synchronous Reluctance Motors (SynRMs). The proposed MTPA is based on a magnetic saturation model of the SynRM, which has been obtained after simplifying a more complete magnetic model, including also cross saturation effects. This simplified magnetic model, and consequently the proposed MTPA, can be easily parameterized directly starting from a unique set of tests for the off-line identification of the motor, without the need for any complex, time consuming, and cumbersome finite element analysis (FEA) of the machine under test. The proposed MTPA has been tested experimentally on a suitably developed test set-up. Results obtained with the proposed MTPA have been compared experimentally with both the classic MTPA and the real MTPA. Results clearly show that the proposed technique permits a significant increase of the torque per ampere (TPA) with respect to the case of the classic MTPA, which does not consider magnetic saturation. TPA increase varies from 5% at 3 Nm load to 18% at 12 Nm load. Moreover, the loss of maximum torque, with respect to the real MTPA, obtained at the maximum speed and load torque with the proposed MTPA is about 15%, whereas the loss of maximum torque obtained with the classic MTPA is about 38.5%.

In this paper, a complete computer aided procedure based on the power density concept and aimed at the automatic design of EMI filters for power electronic converters is presented. It is rule-based, and it uses suitable databases built-up by considering information on passive components available from commercial datasheets. The power density constraint is taken into consideration by imposing the minimization of the filter volume and/or weight; nevertheless, the system in which the automatically designed filter is included satisfies the electromagnetic compatibility standards limits. Experimental validations of the proposed procedure are presented for two real case studies, for which the performance and the size of the best filter design are compared with those related to a conventionally designed one.