This paper presents a control scheme based on the predictive control theory and Petri nets (PNs) formalism to control a flying capacitor multilevel converter. The proposed scheme takes advantage of the benefits offered by the finite control set-model predictive control (FCS-MPC) methodology and the versatility of PNs to regulate the capacitor voltages and output current, simultaneously. The inclusion of PNs allows us to simplify the control scheme. A first PN is used to select, from a subset of switching states, the switching state that accomplishes both control objectives. This approach reduces the computational burden if compared with a typical predictive control scheme. Furthermore, a PN-based prediction scheme is used to predict the capacitor voltages. This prediction scheme uses only measurements of output voltage and current, which reduces the number of required sensors. This approach allows us to implement the internal capacitor voltages control independently if a multileg configuration is needed. The scheme is experimentally validated in a five-level flying capacitor multilevel converter.

This article presents an evaluation of Prony method and its implementation considerations for motor current signal analysis diagnostics in rotor cage induction motors. The broken rotor bar fault signature in current signals is evaluated using Prony method, where its advantages in comparison with fast Fourier transform are presented. The broken rotor bar fault signature could occur during the life cycle operation of induction motors, so that is why an effective early detection estimation technique of this fault could prevent an insulation failure or heavy damage, leaving the motor out of service. First, an overview of cage winding defects in rotor cage induction motors is presented. Next, Prony method and its considerations for the implementation in current signature analysis are described. Then, the performance of Prony method using numerical simulations is evaluated. Lastly, an assessment of Prony method as a tool for current signal analysis diagnostics is performed using a laboratory test system where real signals of an induction motor with broken rotor bar operated with/without a variable frequency drive are analyzed. The summary results of the estimation (amplitudes and frequencies) are presented in the results and discussion section.

This article presents an evaluation of Prony method estimation and its implementation considerations for surge comparison test application in turn insulation diagnostics for three-phase stator windings. Surge testing diagnostics compares recorded surge voltage signals of motor winding, and a diagnostic is then defined with a defined value of EAR (error area ratio), which evaluates the difference between signals to determine a turn insulation diagnostic. First, an overview of surge testing is presented. Next, the Prony method and the considerations for its implementation in surge testing are described. Then, a numerical simulation is used to define a simulated turn fault surge voltage signal, where its parameters can be obtained with Prony method estimation and compared with EAR to evaluate its performance. Lastly, recorded surge test signals from two tested motors are used to validate Prony method estimation application for surge test diagnostics, where twelve recorded surge signals for no-fault and fault conditions were analyzed. The summary results of the surge signals parameter estimation are presented in the results and discussion section.

This article presents a comparative analysis for the design considerations for a solar power generation transformer. One of the main existing problems in transformer manufacturing is in the renewable energy field, specifically the solar power generation, where the transformer connected to the inverter is operated under a certain harmonic content and operating conditions. The operating conditions of the transformer connected to the inverter are particularly unknown for each solar power plant; thus, the transformer will be subject to a particular harmonic content, which is defined by the inverter of the solar power plant. First, the fundamental calculations for solar power plant transformer and the proposed methodology for the design calculation of the distribution pad-mounted three phase transformer are presented. Then, a design study case is described where a distribution transformer and an inverter of a particular solar power plant are used for the analysis. Next, the transformer under analysis is modeled using finite element analysis in ANSYS Maxwell^® software, where the transformer will be designed for a non-harmonic and harmonic content application. Lastly, the main design parameters, flux density, the core losses and the winding excitation voltage of the transformer are calculated and presented in results and discussion section.

Synchrophasor measurements are used as a tool to obtain information from an electrical network to make control decisions. The electrical grid is susceptible to many changes due to faults, lightning discharges, switching surges, transformer energization, back-to-back switching of capacitor banks, and so on. Hence, the phasor takes different shapes under several operating conditions of the electrical grid. Therefore, phasor estimation should consider changes in the waveform. In this article, a proposed methodology based on deterministic state observers is presented, where transients and modulation changes in the analyzed signals are considered during phasor measurement. This approach aims to provide competitive estimations using a simplified algorithm compared to Kalman phasor estimation techniques. To evaluate the proposed technique, the requirements of standard IEC/IEEE 60255-118-1 for protection relay applications and analytic measurements are studied.