This paper presents the mechanical design of a 70 kW Switched Reluctance Motor prototype with a nominal airgap length of 0.4 mm with a relatively large stator outer diameter of 280 mm. It presents the mechanical design considerations and manufacturing tolerances that are vital for an electric motor to maintain component integrity and meet performance requirements. Multi-stage design of the mechanical components and fittings for the complete mechanical system are presented and justified with finite element analysis results. The radial and axial stack-up analysis are presented which account for the dimensional variations during the manufacturing of motor components. The assembly of the motor prototype is described, which demonstrates that the axial and radial alignment of the motor components are achieved while maintaining the small airgap length required. The motor assembly is then verified with static end-of-line tests, such as winding insulation and housing leakage tests. Additionally, experimental modal analysis of the housing assembly is performed to examine the influence of the winding, housing, and potting on its modal frequencies and damping characteristics.

This paper studies three different control strategies which can be used to control the cold side temperature of a TECI-12706 Peltier device. After experimenting with ON-OFF control, PID control and Fuzzy logic control an optimum control method is selected considering the time taken by the Peltier device to settle down at a given temperature. A prototype of a portable refrigerator is still in development stage. For that, in this way, a comparative study of the performance of Peltier device temperature control is done. Finally, Fuzzy logic controller is selected as the optimum control strategy.

It is essential to experimentally evaluate a Switched Reluctance Motor’s (SRM) flux-linkage characteristics to verify that its magnetic behavior aligns with design targets. This paper presents the development of a novel, fully automated custom experimental test bed and a control model capable of characterizing the static self- and mutual flux linkages of a switched reluctance motor. The proposed setup is programmed with MATLAB/Simulink for automatic characterization across various rotor positions and excitation currents, which has not been previously addressed in the literature. The automated measurement algorithm is implemented and validated on a 70 kW, 18/12 propulsion SRM prototype. Flux-linkage data is obtained across a full 360° mechanical rotation, with self-flux linkages measured up to 210 A and mutual flux linkages up to 130 A. Experimental results indicate a maximum 6% deviation from the finite element analysis (FEA) results for mutual flux linkage and below 5% for self-flux linkage. The developed flux-linkage characterization approach demonstrates good accuracy and repeatability, enabling the construction of reliable flux–current–position datasets essential for SRM modeling and validation.

In recent days, high interest is paid on topics related to industrial automation in electrical engineering degree courses. Industrial communication protocol is necessary to teach in such courses. The Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol is a simple two-wire differential serial bus system. This research paper presents the complete methodology followed in designing and implementing a laboratory setup to teach Controller Area Network protocol. Implementation of the laboratory setup is presented. MCP2515 CAN controller and TJA1050 CAN transceiver are used to implement CAN communication in each node with Atmega328P microcontroller. Students can observe the data in the CAN bus using vCAN analyzer. Also, waveform of the CAN bus can be observed in the digital oscilloscope. Students are provided with a lab sheet containing challenging laboratory exercises. They are also given components to do a hands on practical to make two CAN nodes. With that they can understand the functions and properties of CAN while identifying hardware related to CAN nodes. Students are also given chance to understand some standards related to CAN protocol. Experimental results are also presented validating the accuracy of the work done and improvement of the learning experience.

The Sri Lankan scenario as far as waste management is concerned is not much enlightening. When the population was low, dump areas served the purpose of dumping garbage which rotted away given time. However, with increase in population and expansion of urban areas, dumping sights is being restricted. Solid Waste Management is mostly done by the municipalities and town/urban councils and at times their expertise is found wanting as there is a lack or weaknesses in the management system for collection, transporting and disposal. Waste generates mostly at a household level while the rest is generated from industries and plantations such as paddy cultivation et.el. This paper examines the means of taking advantage of research results from advanced countries like European Union (EU) and tailor same in line with the local needs.

Core loss significantly impacts the efficiency of a switched reluctance motor (SRM), especially under high-frequency operation. Conventional measurement methods are often inadequate for capturing losses in assembled stator cores, where flux paths are complex, and excitation waveforms are non-sinusoidal. In this paper, a core loss measurement method is introduced for SRM based on transformer induction theory, enabling time-domain reconstruction of magnetic field quantities from voltage and current waveforms. The method is validated using a ring core and SRM stator geometry with finite element analysis (FEA), replicating practical excitation conditions. An experimental setup is built with a fractional SRM stator core and custom-designed magnetizing yokes. The experimental setup captures induced voltage and current waveforms from the stator. The proposed method is experimentally validated over a wide frequency range from 100 Hz to 10,000 Hz and under varying flux density levels, confirming the applicability for practical core loss characterization of SRM stators.