In this study, constrained multiobjective design optimization (MDO) of wound-field flux switching machines (WF-FSMs) for wind energy drives is undertaken in two-dimensional (2-D) static finite-element analyses (FEA), facilitated by simple analytic formulations. The MDO implementation is fully discussed, whereby the simulations for two different problem formulations produce Pareto optimal solutions, which enable important design considerations. Two optimal design candidates, each from the MDO problems investigated, are isolated and compared. The comparison shows that minimizing manufacturing costs places too much pressure on the electromagnetic performance of the WF-FSM, whereas optimizing the generator performance may improve the efficiency and cost of the drivetrain solid state converters (SSCs), with little compromise to the generator costs. In the end, 3-D transient FEA results are provided for validation.

The drive for net-zero emission and global decarbonization spurred the need for a worldwide transition towards cleaner energy options. The fossil-fuel-dominated global transportation system is a target for these initiatives, accounting for 37% of recent carbon emissions. This has accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) into the global market to cut down carbon emissions and improve efficiency in the transportation sector. In the face of this growth, limitations in EV charging infrastructure still loom large amongst EV consumers. Resolving this bottleneck requires systematic approaches to ensure seamless operation and integration into the existing transport systems. This study examines the critical role of IoT in addressing the challenges of EV public charging through reviewing the literature to understand the inter-relation and highlighting its attendant impact on consumer experience. Findings show that while IoT serves as a strong tool to foster public interest through favorable public policy, its novel and innovative nature faces developmental challenges based on existing government policies that could hinder the interest of potential investors. Therefore, governments should consider evaluating existing policies and practices to ascertain their suitability for IoT adoption in EVs, ensuring that they do not constitute unintentional barriers.

In this study, the design optimization of rare-earth-free flux switching machines (FSMs), viz., ferrite permanent magnets (PMs) and wound-fields (WFs), 12-stator slots/10-rotor poles (12/10) and 12/14, has been undertaken in finite element analyses for wind generator applications, in both small-scale (10 kW) and industrial-scale (3 MW) power levels. The focus is on the performance feasibility of these machines to replace rare-earth PMs, as well as on the suitability of the proposed machines for industrial-scale wind power generation. Hence, it is found that the high torque ripple effects typified by the flux focusing characteristics of FSMs are not enhanced by simply using rare-earth-free materials in place of rare-earth PMs, as is usually suggested. Among other listed findings, it is also found that at 10 kW power, the ferrite PM-FSM performs better in terms of lowest torque ripple and active mass, for both machine configurations. At 3 MW power, WF-FSMs have better torque densities, while ferrite PM-FSMs have better torque ripple values, which result in drastic reductions in the cost of the WF-FSMs at industrial-scale power levels compared to other sampled wind generator topologies. To this end, a 10 kW WF-FSM prototype of the considered variant was manufactured and tested for the first time, with some novel implementations. Based on the reported measured no-load to full-load tests, the study is proven beyond reasonable doubt.

The revival of the old synchronous condenser (SC) technology is presently occurring. Hence, this study is proposed on the electromagnetic design and evaluation of turbo wound-field flux switching machines (WF-FSMs) for SC operation, for the first time. Unlike classical wound-field rotating machines, WF-FSMs do not need brushless exciters while possessing a robust topology. A design process based on the frozen permeability technique in static 2-D finite element analysis script-based package, which enhances both iterative and analytic adjudications, is proposed to accurately predict the SC operation. To attain the specific design requirements (~300 MVAR, 16 kV), a global-optimized model (GOM) of the SC machine is obtained through a stochastic optimization process involving multiple objectives. Based on the GOM, simple torque ripple minimization techniques are implemented, from which a final benchmark design is selected. The proposed SC analytical design procedure is then tested and the expected V-curves clearly obtained. The whole design approach is further verified by experimenting on a small-scale prototype, which when synchronized to the grid, confirms the novelty and feasibility of the proposed SC design and operation.

Data for investment into renewable energy resources in Nigeria is mainly unavailable due to over reliance on conventional resources for energy generation. However, recent developments in the energy sector have portrayed a gradual attention to investments in renewable energy resources. This paper reviews the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) which identifies this improvement and presents a draft on how an increase in investment in renewable energy resources will in the long run balance the national energy equation, ensure energy security and promote sustainable development.