30 CFR 77.900-1 - Testing, examination, and maintenance of circuit breakers; procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... protecting low- and medium-voltage circuits serving portable or mobile three-phase alternating current... AND SURFACE WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits...

30 CFR 77.900-2 - Testing, examination, and maintenance of circuit breakers; record.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... protecting low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment and such record... AND SURFACE WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits...

30 CFR 77.900-1 - Testing, examination, and maintenance of circuit breakers; procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... protecting low- and medium-voltage circuits serving portable or mobile three-phase alternating current... AND SURFACE WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits...

A Transformerless Hybrid Active Filter Capable of Complying with Harmonic Guidelines for Medium-Voltage Motor Drives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondo, Ryota; Akagi, Hirofumi

This paper presents a transformerless hybrid active filter that is integrated into medium-voltage adjustable-speed motor drives for fans, pumps, and compressors without regenerative braking. The authors have designed and constructed a three-phase experimental system rated at 400V and 15kW, which is a downscaled model from a feasible 6.6-kV 1-MW motor drive system. This system consists of the hybrid filter connecting a passive filter tuned to the 7th harmonic filter in series with an active filter that is based on a three-level diode-clamped PWM converter, as well as an adjustable-speed motor drive in which a diode rectifier is used as the front end. The hybrid filter is installed on the ac side of the diode rectifier with no line-frequency transformer. The downscaled system has been exclusively tested so as to confirm the overall compensating performance of the hybrid filter and the filtering performance of a switching-ripple filter for mitigating switching-ripple voltages produced by the active filter. Experimental results verify that the hybrid filter achieves harmonic compensation of the source current in all the operating regions from no-load to the rated-load conditions, and that the switching-ripple filter reduces the switching-ripple voltages as expected.

Design and Comparison of Cascaded H-Bridge, Modular Multilevel Converter, and 5-L Active Neutral Point Clamped Topologies for Motor Drive Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marzoughi, Alinaghi; Burgos, Rolando; Boroyevich, Dushan

This paper presents the design procedure and comparison of converters currently used in medium-voltage high-power motor drive applications. For this purpose, the cascaded H-bridge (CHB), modular multilevel converter (MMC), and five-level active neutral point clamped (5-L ANPC) topologies are targeted. The design is performed using 1.7-kV insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) for CHB and MMC converters, and utilizing 3.3- and 4.5-kV IGBTs for 5-L ANPC topology as normally done in industry. The comparison is done between the designed converter topologies at three different voltage levels (4.16, 6.9, and 13.8 kV, with only the first two voltage levels in case ofmore » the 5-L ANPC) and two different power levels (3 and 5 MVA), in order to elucidate the dependence of different parameters on voltage and power rating. Finally, the comparison is done from several points of view such as efficiency, capacitive energy storage, semiconductor utilization, parts count (for measure of reliability), and power density.« less

30 CFR 75.907 - Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.907 Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits. [Statutory Provisions] Trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits shall include grounding...

30 CFR 75.907 - Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.907 Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits. [Statutory Provisions] Trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits shall include grounding...

30 CFR 75.902 - Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.902 Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor circuits. [Statutory Provisions] On or before September 30, 1970, low- and medium-voltage resistance...

30 CFR 75.907 - Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.907 Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits. [Statutory Provisions] Trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits shall include grounding...

30 CFR 75.902 - Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.902 Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor circuits. [Statutory Provisions] On or before September 30, 1970, low- and medium-voltage resistance...

30 CFR 75.902 - Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.902 Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor circuits. [Statutory Provisions] On or before September 30, 1970, low- and medium-voltage resistance...

30 CFR 75.902 - Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.902 Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor circuits. [Statutory Provisions] On or before September 30, 1970, low- and medium-voltage resistance...

30 CFR 75.907 - Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.907 Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits. [Statutory Provisions] Trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits shall include grounding...

30 CFR 75.902 - Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.902 Low- and medium-voltage ground check monitor circuits. [Statutory Provisions] On or before September 30, 1970, low- and medium-voltage resistance...

30 CFR 75.907 - Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.907 Design of trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits. [Statutory Provisions] Trailing cables for medium-voltage circuits shall include grounding...

Efficiency estimation method of three-wired AC to DC line transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solovev, S. V.; Bardanov, A. I.

2018-05-01

The development of power semiconductor converters technology expands the scope of their application to medium voltage distribution networks (6-35 kV). Particularly rectifiers and inverters of appropriate power capacity complement the topology of such voltage level networks with the DC links and lines. The article presents a coefficient that allows taking into account the increase of transmission line capacity depending on the parameters of it. The application of the coefficient is presented by the example of transfer three-wired AC line to DC in various methods. Dependences of the change in the capacity from the load power factor of the line and the reactive component of the resistance of the transmission line are obtained. Conclusions are drawn about the most efficient ways of converting a three-wired AC line to direct current.

A Comparative Analysis between GaN-Based Current and Voltage Mode Class-D and E PAs for Communications

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

power level (5-10W) transmitters. The designs are analyzed and compared with respect to non-idealities such as bondwire effects and input signal duty...Hence, sub-optimum class- E/inverse class-E designs were implemented in this work and compared with respect to reduced duty cycle performance...inverse class E PA achieves 61.5% efficiency for medium power levels (37.7dBm) at 880MHz. The three designed PAs have been compared with respect to

30 CFR 75.805 - Couplers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... ground check continuity conductor shall be broken first and the ground conductors shall be broken last.... [Statutory Provisions] Couplers that are used with medium-voltage or high-voltage power circuits shall be of the three-phase type with a full metallic shell, except that the Secretary may permit, under such...

Technical Trend of Environment-friendly High Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okubo, Hitoshi

Vacuum Circuit Breakers (VCBs) have widely been used for low and medium voltage level, because of their high current interruption performance, maintenance free operations and environment-friendly characteristics. The VCB is now going to be applied to higher voltage systems for transmission and substation use. In this paper, the recent technical trend and future perspectives of high voltage VCBs are described, as well as their technical background.

30 CFR 75.511 - Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution... Electrical Equipment-General § 75.511 Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair. [Statutory Provision] No electrical work shall be performed on low-, medium-, or high-voltage...

30 CFR 75.511 - Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution... Electrical Equipment-General § 75.511 Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair. [Statutory Provision] No electrical work shall be performed on low-, medium-, or high-voltage...

30 CFR 75.511 - Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution... Electrical Equipment-General § 75.511 Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair. [Statutory Provision] No electrical work shall be performed on low-, medium-, or high-voltage...

30 CFR 75.511 - Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution... Electrical Equipment-General § 75.511 Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair. [Statutory Provision] No electrical work shall be performed on low-, medium-, or high-voltage...

30 CFR 75.511 - Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution... Electrical Equipment-General § 75.511 Low-, medium-, or high-voltage distribution circuits and equipment; repair. [Statutory Provision] No electrical work shall be performed on low-, medium-, or high-voltage...

Megawatt Space Power Conditioning, Distribution, and Control Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-01

also must be given to the design of an ac transmission line for this relatively high frequency . 2.3.2 Medium High Voltage Systems. Figure 2-4 shows a...systems are designed to exploit the use of 2 MW klystrode tubes (see Section 3.1) which require a dc voltage of about 140 kV. This high voltage can be...the concerns is that to date there have been no three-phase high voltage, high frequency transmission lines designed . Figure 5-6. While the previous

Synchronous Controlled Switching by VCB with Electromagnetic Operation Mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horinouchi, Katsuhiko; Tsukima, Mitsuru; Tohya, Nobumoto; Inoue, Ryuuichi; Sasao, Hiroyuki

Synchronously controlled switching to suppress transient overvoltage and overcurrent resulting from when the circuit breakers on medium voltage systems are closed is described. Firstly, by simulation it is found that if the closing time is synchronously controlled so that the contacts of the circuit breaker close completely at the instant when the voltage across contacts of the breaker at each of the three individual phases are zero, the resulting overvoltage and overcurrent is significantly suppressed when compared to conventional three phase simultaneous closing. Next, an algorithm for determining the closing timing based on a forecasted voltage zero waveform, obtained from voltage sampling data, is presented. Finally, a synchronous closing experiment of voltage 22kV utilizing a controller to implement the algorithm and a VCB with an electromagnetic operation mechanism is presented. The VCB was successfully closed at the zero point within a tolerance range of 200 microseconds.

The dependence of efficiency of transmembrane molecular transfer using electroporation on medium viscosity.

PubMed

Sungailaitė, Sandra; Ruzgys, Paulius; Šatkauskienė, Ingrida; Čepurnienė, Karolina; Šatkauskas, Saulius

2015-01-01

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the efficiency of drug and gene electrotransfer into cells in vitro depending on medium viscosity. Experiments were performed using Chinese hamster ovary cells. Efficiency of molecular electrotransfer depending of medium viscosity was evaluated using two different electroporation conditions: a high-voltage (HV) pulse and a combination of a high-voltage pulse and a low-voltage pulse (HV + LV). To evaluate the efficiency of molecular electrotransfer, anticancer drug bleomycin and two different plasmids coding for green fluorescent protein and luciferase were used. We found that a slight increase in medium viscosity from 1.3-1.4 mPa·s significantly decreased the transfection efficiency, both in terms of transfected cells and total protein production, which was abolished completely with an increase in medium viscosity to 6.1 mPa·s. Notably, at this medium viscosity, electrotransfer of the small anticancer drug was still efficient. Using HV and HV + LV pulse combinations, we showed that a decrease of DNA electrotransfer, especially at lower medium viscosities, can be compensated for by the LV pulse to some extent. On the other hand, the addition of the LV pulse after the HV pulse did not have any positive effect on the efficiency of bleomycin electrotransfer. These findings demonstrate that transfection is very susceptible to medium viscosity and highlights the importance of the electrophoretic component in experiments when a considerable transfection level is needed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Three-Level 48-Pulse STATCOM with Pulse Width Modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Bhim; Srinivas, Kadagala Venkata

2016-03-01

In this paper, a new control strategy of a three-level 48-pulse static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is proposed with a constant dc link voltage and pulse width modulation at fundamental frequency switching. The proposed STATCOM is realized using eight units of three-level voltage source converters (VSCs) to form a three-level 48-pulse STATCOM. The conduction angle of each three-level VSC is modulated to control the ac converter output voltage, which controls the reactive power of the STATCOM. A fuzzy logic controller is used to control the STATCOM. The dynamic performance of the STATCOM is studied for the control of the reference reactive power, the reference terminal voltage and under the switching of inductive and capacitive loads.

Liquid Nitrogen as Fast High Voltage Switching Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickens, J.; Neuber, A.; Haustein, M.; Krile, J.; Krompholz, H.

2002-12-01

Compact pulsed power systems require new switching technologies. For high voltages, liquid nitrogen seems to be a suitable switching medium, with high hold-off voltage, low dielectric constant, and no need for pressurized systems as in high pressure gas switches. The discharge behavior in liquid nitrogen, such as breakdown voltages, formative times, current rise as function of voltage, recovery, etc. are virtually unknown, however. The phenomenology of breakdown in liquid nitrogen is investigated with high speed (temporal resolution < 1 ns) electrical and optical diagnostics, in a coaxial system with 50-Ohm impedance. Discharge current and voltage are determined with transmission line type current sensors and capacitive voltage dividers. The discharge luminosity is measured with photomultiplier tubes. Preliminary results of self-breakdown investigations (gap 1 mm, breakdown voltage 44 kV, non-boiling supercooled nitrogen) show a fast (2 ns) transition from an unknown current level to several mA, a long-duration (100 ns) phase with constant current superimposed by ns-spikes, and a final fast transition to the impedance limited current during several nanoseconds. The optical measurements will be expanded toward spectroscopy and high speed photography with the aim of clarifying the overall breakdown mechanisms, including electronic initiation, bubble formation, bubble dynamics, and their role in breakdown, for different electrode geometries (different macroscopic field enhancements).

Experimental and theoretical characterization of the voltage distribution generated by deep brain stimulation.

PubMed

Miocinovic, Svjetlana; Lempka, Scott F; Russo, Gary S; Maks, Christopher B; Butson, Christopher R; Sakaie, Ken E; Vitek, Jerrold L; McIntyre, Cameron C

2009-03-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and shows great promise for numerous other disorders. While the fundamental purpose of DBS is to modulate neural activity with electric fields, little is known about the actual voltage distribution generated in the brain by DBS electrodes and as a result it is difficult to accurately predict which brain areas are directly affected by the stimulation. The goal of this study was to characterize the spatial and temporal characteristics of the voltage distribution generated by DBS electrodes. We experimentally recorded voltages around active DBS electrodes in either a saline bath or implanted in the brain of a non-human primate. Recordings were made during voltage-controlled and current-controlled stimulation. The experimental findings were compared to volume conductor electric field models of DBS parameterized to match the different experiments. Three factors directly affected the experimental and theoretical voltage measurements: 1) DBS electrode impedance, primarily dictated by a voltage drop at the electrode-electrolyte interface and the conductivity of the tissue medium, 2) capacitive modulation of the stimulus waveform, and 3) inhomogeneity and anisotropy of the tissue medium. While the voltage distribution does not directly predict the neural response to DBS, the results of this study do provide foundational building blocks for understanding the electrical parameters of DBS and characterizing its effects on the nervous system.

30 CFR 75.900-3 - Testing, examination, and maintenance of circuit breakers; procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... current circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment and their auxiliary devices shall be... Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.900-3 Testing, examination, and...

30 CFR 75.900-3 - Testing, examination, and maintenance of circuit breakers; procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... current circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment and their auxiliary devices shall be... Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.900-3 Testing, examination, and...

NGIPS Early Design Space Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-17

medium - voltage dc ( MVDC ) shipboard power system are described below. These studies pursue the questions posed in the white paper. In...usna.edu Abstract—Short-circuit protection is one of the greatest risks associated with a transition towards medium - voltage dc ( MVDC ) shipboard power...protection is one of the greatest risks associated with a transition towards medium - voltage dc ( MVDC ) shipboard power

76 FR 61288 - Efficiency and Renewables Advisory Committee, Appliance Standards Subcommittee Negotiated...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-04

... Medium- and Low-Voltage Dry-Type Distribution Transformers AGENCY: Department of Energy, Office of Energy... Dry-Type Distribution Transformers and the second addressing Low-Voltage Dry-Type Distribution Transformers. The Liquid Immersed and Medium-Voltage Dry-Type Group (MV Group) and the Low-Voltage Dry-Type...

Operation of a sub-terahertz CW gyrotron with an extremely low voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bratman, V. L.; Fedotov, A. E.; Fokin, A. P.; Glyavin, M. Yu.; Manuilov, V. N.; Osharin, I. V.

2017-11-01

Decreasing the operating voltage for medium-power sub-terahertz gyrotrons aimed at industrial and scientific applications is highly attractive, since it allows size and cost reduction of the tubes and power supply units. In this paper, we examine such an opportunity both numerically and experimentally for the fundamental cyclotron resonance operation of an existing gyrotron initially designed for operation at the second cyclotron harmonic with a relatively high voltage. Simulations predict that output power higher than 10 W can be produced at the fundamental harmonic at voltages less than 2 kV. To form a low-voltage helical electron beam with a sufficiently large pitch-factor, a positive voltage was applied to the first anode of the gyrotron three-electrode magnetron-injection gun with a negative voltage at the cathode. CW gyrotron operation at voltages down to 1.5 kV has been demonstrated at a frequency about of 256 GHz.

Current collection by high voltage anodes in near ionospheric conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antoniades, John A.; Greaves, Rod G.; Boyd, D. A.; Ellis, R.

1990-01-01

The authors experimentally identified three distinct regimes with large differences in current collection in the presence of neutrals and weak magnetic fields. In magnetic field/anode voltage space the three regions are separated by very sharp transition boundaries. The authors performed a series of laboratory experiments to study the dependence of the region boundaries on several parameters, such as the ambient neutral density, plasma density, magnetic field strength, applied anode voltage, voltage pulsewidth, chamber material, chamber size and anode radius. The three observed regimes are: classical magnetic field limited collection; stable medium current toroidal discharge; and large scale, high current space glow discharge. There is as much as several orders of magnitude of difference in the amount of collected current upon any boundary crossing, particularly if one enters the space glow regime. They measured some of the properties of the plasma generated by the breakdown that is present in regimes II and III in the vicinity of the anode including the sheath modified electrostatic potential, I-V characteristics at high voltage as well as the local plasma density.

Low Wind Speed Turbine Project Phase II: The Application of Medium-Voltage Electrical Apparatus to the Class of Variable Speed Multi-Megawatt Low Wind Speed Turbines; 15 June 2004--30 April 2005

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Erdman, W.; Behnke, M.

2005-11-01

Kilowatt ratings of modern wind turbines have progressed rapidly from 50 kW to 1,800 kW over the past 25 years, with 3.0- to 7.5-MW turbines expected in the next 5 years. The premise of this study is simple: The rapid growth of wind turbine power ratings and the corresponding growth in turbine electrical generation systems and associated controls are quickly making low-voltage (LV) electrical design approaches cost-ineffective. This report provides design detail and compares the cost of energy (COE) between commercial LV-class wind power machines and emerging medium-voltage (MV)-class multi-megawatt wind technology. The key finding is that a 2.5% reductionmore » in the COE can be achieved by moving from LV to MV systems. This is a conservative estimate, with a 3% to 3.5% reduction believed to be attainable once purchase orders to support a 250-turbine/year production level are placed. This evaluation considers capital costs as well as installation, maintenance, and training requirements for wind turbine maintenance personnel. Subsystems investigated include the generator, pendant cables, variable-speed converter, and padmount transformer with switchgear. Both current-source and voltage-source converter/inverter MV topologies are compared against their low-voltage, voltage-source counterparts at the 3.0-, 5.0-, and 7.5-MW levels.« less

30 CFR 75.900-4 - Testing, examination, and maintenance of circuit breakers; record.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment used in the mine. Such record shall be kept in a... Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.900-4 Testing, examination, and...

30 CFR 75.900-4 - Testing, examination, and maintenance of circuit breakers; record.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment used in the mine. Such record shall be kept in a... Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.900-4 Testing, examination, and...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Werne, Roger W.; Sampayan, Stephen; Harris, John Richardson

This patent document discloses high voltage switches that include one or more electrically floating conductor layers that are isolated from one another in the dielectric medium between the top and bottom switch electrodes. The presence of the one or more electrically floating conductor layers between the top and bottom switch electrodes allow the dielectric medium between the top and bottom switch electrodes to exhibit a higher breakdown voltage than the breakdown voltage when the one or more electrically floating conductor layers are not present between the top and bottom switch electrodes. This increased breakdown voltage in the presence of onemore » or more electrically floating conductor layers in a dielectric medium enables the switch to supply a higher voltage for various high voltage circuits and electric systems.« less

Battery charge control with temperature compensated voltage limit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thierfelder, H. E.

1983-01-01

Battery charge control for orbiting spacecraft with mission durations from three to ten years, is a critical design feature that is discussed. Starting in 1974, the General Electric Space Systems Division designed, manufactured and tested battery systems for six different space programs. Three of these are geosynchronous missions, two are medium altitude missions and one is a near-earth mission. All six power subsystems contain nickel cadmium batteries which are charged using a temperature compensated voltage limit. This charging method was found to be successful in extending the life of nickel cadmium batteries in all three types of earth orbits. Test data and flight data are presented for each type of orbit.

30 CFR 75.829 - Tramming continuous mining machines in and out of the mine and from section to section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... accordance with movement requirements of high-voltage power centers and portable transformers (§ 75.812) and... transformer. A step-up transformer is a transformer that steps up the low or medium voltage to high voltage... supplying low or medium voltage to the step-up transformer must meet the applicable requirements of 30 CFR...

30 CFR 75.829 - Tramming continuous mining machines in and out of the mine and from section to section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... accordance with movement requirements of high-voltage power centers and portable transformers (§ 75.812) and... transformer. A step-up transformer is a transformer that steps up the low or medium voltage to high voltage... supplying low or medium voltage to the step-up transformer must meet the applicable requirements of 30 CFR...

30 CFR 75.829 - Tramming continuous mining machines in and out of the mine and from section to section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... accordance with movement requirements of high-voltage power centers and portable transformers (§ 75.812) and... transformer. A step-up transformer is a transformer that steps up the low or medium voltage to high voltage... supplying low or medium voltage to the step-up transformer must meet the applicable requirements of 30 CFR...

30 CFR 75.829 - Tramming continuous mining machines in and out of the mine and from section to section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... accordance with movement requirements of high-voltage power centers and portable transformers (§ 75.812) and... transformer. A step-up transformer is a transformer that steps up the low or medium voltage to high voltage... supplying low or medium voltage to the step-up transformer must meet the applicable requirements of 30 CFR...

30 CFR 75.829 - Tramming continuous mining machines in and out of the mine and from section to section.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... accordance with movement requirements of high-voltage power centers and portable transformers (§ 75.812) and... transformer. A step-up transformer is a transformer that steps up the low or medium voltage to high voltage... supplying low or medium voltage to the step-up transformer must meet the applicable requirements of 30 CFR...

A new balancing three level three dimensional space vector modulation strategy for three level neutral point clamped four leg inverter based shunt active power filter controlling by nonlinear back stepping controllers.

PubMed

Chebabhi, Ali; Fellah, Mohammed Karim; Kessal, Abdelhalim; Benkhoris, Mohamed F

2016-07-01

In this paper is proposed a new balancing three-level three dimensional space vector modulation (B3L-3DSVM) strategy which uses a redundant voltage vectors to realize precise control and high-performance for a three phase three-level four-leg neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter based Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF) for eliminate the source currents harmonics, reduce the magnitude of neutral wire current (eliminate the zero-sequence current produced by single-phase nonlinear loads), and to compensate the reactive power in the three-phase four-wire electrical networks. This strategy is proposed in order to gate switching pulses generation, dc bus voltage capacitors balancing (conserve equal voltage of the two dc bus capacitors), and to switching frequency reduced and fixed of inverter switches in same times. A Nonlinear Back Stepping Controllers (NBSC) are used for regulated the dc bus voltage capacitors and the SAPF injected currents to robustness, stabilizing the system and to improve the response and to eliminate the overshoot and undershoot of traditional PI (Proportional-Integral). Conventional three-level three dimensional space vector modulation (C3L-3DSVM) and B3L-3DSVM are calculated and compared in terms of error between the two dc bus voltage capacitors, SAPF output voltages and THDv, THDi of source currents, magnitude of source neutral wire current, and the reactive power compensation under unbalanced single phase nonlinear loads. The success, robustness, and the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies are demonstrated through simulation using Sim Power Systems and S-Function of MATLAB/SIMULINK. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Voltage regulation and power losses reduction in a wind farm integrated MV distribution network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fandi, Ghaeth; Igbinovia, Famous Omar; Tlusty, Josef; Mahmoud, Rateb

2018-01-01

A medium-voltage (MV) wind production system is proposed in this paper. The system applies a medium-voltage permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) as well as MV interconnection and distribution networks. The simulation scheme of an existing commercial electric-power system (Case A) and a proposed wind farm with a gearless PMSG insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power electronics converter scheme (Case B) is compared. The analyses carried out in MATLAB/Simulink environment shows an enhanced voltage profile and reduced power losses, thus, efficiency in installed IGBT power electronics devices in the wind farm. The resulting wind energy transformation scheme is a simple and controllable medium voltage application since it is not restrained by the IGBT power electronics voltage source converter (VSC) arrangement. Active and reactive power control is made possible with the aid of the gearless PMSG IGBT power converters.

Method and apparatus for communicating computer data from one point to another over a communications medium

DOEpatents

Arneson, Michael R [Chippewa Falls, WI; Bowman, Terrance L [Sumner, WA; Cornett, Frank N [Chippewa Falls, WI; DeRyckere, John F [Eau Claire, WI; Hillert, Brian T [Chippewa Falls, WI; Jenkins, Philip N [Eau Claire, WI; Ma, Nan [Chippewa Falls, WI; Placek, Joseph M [Chippewa Falls, WI; Ruesch, Rodney [Eau Claire, WI; Thorson, Gregory M [Altoona, WI

2007-07-24

The present invention is directed toward a communications channel comprising a link level protocol, a driver, a receiver, and a canceller/equalizer. The link level protocol provides logic for DC-free signal encoding and recovery as well as supporting many features including CRC error detection and message resend to accommodate infrequent bit errors across the medium. The canceller/equalizer provides equalization for destabilized data signals and also provides simultaneous bi-directional data transfer. The receiver provides bit deskewing by removing synchronization error, or skewing, between data signals. The driver provides impedance controlling by monitoring the characteristics of the communications medium, like voltage or temperature, and providing a matching output impedance in the signal driver so that fewer distortions occur while the data travels across the communications medium.

Grid Integration of Single Stage Solar PV System using Three-level Voltage Source Converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, Ikhlaq; Kandpal, Maulik; Singh, Bhim

2016-08-01

This paper presents a single stage solar PV (photovoltaic) grid integrated power generating system using a three level voltage source converter (VSC) operating at low switching frequency of 900 Hz with robust synchronizing phase locked loop (RS-PLL) based control algorithm. To track the maximum power from solar PV array, an incremental conductance algorithm is used and this maximum power is fed to the grid via three-level VSC. The use of single stage system with three level VSC offers the advantage of low switching losses and the operation at high voltages and high power which results in enhancement of power quality in the proposed system. Simulated results validate the design and control algorithm under steady state and dynamic conditions.

Experimental Analysis of Voltage Drop Compensation in a DC Electrified Railway by Introducing an Energy Storage System Incorporating EDLCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konishi, Takeshi; Hase, Shin-Ichi; Nakamichi, Yoshinobu; Nara, Hidetaka; Uemura, Tadashi

Interest has been shown in the concept of an energy storage system aimed at leveling load and improving energy efficiency by charging during vehicle regeneration and discharging during running. Such a system represents an efficient countermeasure against pantograph point voltage drop, power load fluctuation and regenerative power loss. We selected an EDLC model as an energy storage medium and a step-up/step-down chopper as a power converter to exchange power between the storage medium and overhead lines. Basic verification was conducted using a mini-model for DC 400V, demonstrating characteristics suitable for its use as an energy storage system. Based on these results, an energy storage system was built for DC 600V and a verification test conducted in conjunction with the Enoshima Electric Railway Co. Ltd. This paper gives its experimental analysis of voltage drop compensation in a DC electrified railway and some discussions based on the test.

New Modulation Method and Control Strategies for Power Electronics Inverters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleenejad, Mohsen

The DC to AC power Converters (so-called Inverters) are widely used in industrial applications. The MLIs are becoming increasingly popular in industrial apparatus aimed at medium to high power conversion applications. In comparison to the conventional inverters, they feature superior characteristics such as lower total harmonic distortion (THD), higher efficiency, and lower switching voltage stress. Nevertheless, the superior characteristics come at the price of a more complex topology with an increased number of power electronic switches. The increased number of power electronics switches results in more complicated control strategies for the inverter. Moreover, as the number of power electronic switches increases, the chances of fault occurrence of the switches increases, and thus the inverter's reliability decreases. Due to the extreme monetary ramifications of the interruption of operation in commercial and industrial applications, high reliability for power inverters utilized in these sectors is critical. As a result, developing simple control strategies for normal and fault-tolerant operation of MLIs has always been an interesting topic for researchers in related areas. The purpose of this dissertation is to develop new control and fault-tolerant strategies for the multilevel power inverter. For the normal operation of the inverter, a new high switching frequency technique is developed. The proposed method extends the utilization of the dc link voltage while minimizing the dv/dt of the switches. In the event of a fault, the line voltages of the faulty inverters are unbalanced and cannot be applied to the 3-phase loads. For the faulty condition of the inverter, three novel fault-tolerant techniques are developed. The proposed fault-tolerant strategies generate balanced line voltages without bypassing any healthy and operative inverter element, makes better use of the inverter capacity and generates higher output voltage. These strategies exploit the advantages of the Selective Harmonic Elimination (SHE) and Space Vector Modulation (SVM) methods in conjunction with a slightly modified Fundamental Phase Shift Compensation (FPSC) technique to generate balanced voltages and manipulate voltage harmonics at the same time. The proposed strategies are applicable to several classes of MLIs with three or more voltage levels.

Characterization of a medium-sized washer-gun for an axisymmetric mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Hongshen; Liu, Ming; Shi, Peiyun; Yang, Zhida; Zhu, Guanghui; Lu, Quanming; Sun, Xuan

2018-04-01

A new medium-sized washer gun is developed for a plasma start-up in a fully axisymmetric mirror. The gun is positioned at the east end of the Keda Mirror with AXisymmetricity facility and operated in the pulsed mode with an arc discharging time of 1.2 ms and a typical arc current of 8.5 kA with 1.5 kV discharge voltage. To optimize the operation, a systematic scan of the neutral pressure, the arc voltage, the bias voltage on a mesh grid 6 cm in front of the gun and an end electrode located on the west end of mirror, and the mirror ratio was performed. The streaming plasma was measured with triple probes in the three mirror cells and a diamagnetic loop in the central cell. Floating potential measurements suggest that the plasma could be divided into streaming and mirror-confined plasmas. The floating potential for the streaming plasma is negative, with an electric field pointing inwards. The mirror-confined plasma has a typical lifetime of 0.5 ms.

Characterization of a medium-sized washer-gun for an axisymmetric mirror.

PubMed

Yi, Hongshen; Liu, Ming; Shi, Peiyun; Yang, Zhida; Zhu, Guanghui; Lu, Quanming; Sun, Xuan

2018-04-01

A new medium-sized washer gun is developed for a plasma start-up in a fully axisymmetric mirror. The gun is positioned at the east end of the Keda Mirror with AXisymmetricity facility and operated in the pulsed mode with an arc discharging time of 1.2 ms and a typical arc current of 8.5 kA with 1.5 kV discharge voltage. To optimize the operation, a systematic scan of the neutral pressure, the arc voltage, the bias voltage on a mesh grid 6 cm in front of the gun and an end electrode located on the west end of mirror, and the mirror ratio was performed. The streaming plasma was measured with triple probes in the three mirror cells and a diamagnetic loop in the central cell. Floating potential measurements suggest that the plasma could be divided into streaming and mirror-confined plasmas. The floating potential for the streaming plasma is negative, with an electric field pointing inwards. The mirror-confined plasma has a typical lifetime of 0.5 ms.

An amorphous alloy core medium frequency magnetic-link for medium voltage photovoltaic inverters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabiul Islam, Md.; Guo, Youguang; Wei Lin, Zhi; Zhu, Jianguo

2014-05-01

The advanced magnetic materials with high saturation flux density and low specific core loss have led to the development of an efficient, compact, and lightweight multiple-input multiple-output medium frequency magnetic-link. It offers a new route to eliminate some critical limitations of recently proposed medium voltage photovoltaic inverters. In this paper, a medium frequency magnetic-link is developed with Metglas amorphous alloy 2605S3A. The common magnetic-link generates isolated and balanced multiple DC supplies for all of the H-bridge inverter cells of the medium voltage inverter. The design and implementation of the prototype, test platform, and the experimental test results are analyzed and discussed. The medium frequency non-sinusoidal excitation electromagnetic characteristics of alloy 2605S3A are also compared with that of alloy 2605SA1. It is expected that the proposed new technology will have great potential for future renewable power generation systems and smart grid applications.

An Enhanced Three-Level Voltage Switching State Scheme for Direct Torque Controlled Open End Winding Induction Motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunisetti, V. Praveen Kumar; Thippiripati, Vinay Kumar

2018-01-01

Open End Winding Induction Motors (OEWIM) are popular for electric vehicles, ship propulsion applications due to less DC link voltage. Electric vehicles, ship propulsions require ripple free torque. In this article, an enhanced three-level voltage switching state scheme for direct torque controlled OEWIM drive is implemented to reduce torque and flux ripples. The limitations of conventional Direct Torque Control (DTC) are: possible problems during low speeds and starting, it operates with variable switching frequency due to hysteresis controllers and produces higher torque and flux ripple. The proposed DTC scheme can abate the problems of conventional DTC with an enhanced voltage switching state scheme. The three-level inversion was obtained by operating inverters with equal DC-link voltages and it produces 18 voltage space vectors. These 18 vectors are divided into low and high frequencies of operation based on rotor speed. The hardware results prove the validity of proposed DTC scheme during steady-state and transients. From simulation and experimental results, proposed DTC scheme gives less torque and flux ripples on comparison to two-level DTC. The proposed DTC is implemented using dSPACE DS-1104 control board interface with MATLAB/SIMULINK-RTI model.

An Enhanced Three-Level Voltage Switching State Scheme for Direct Torque Controlled Open End Winding Induction Motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunisetti, V. Praveen Kumar; Thippiripati, Vinay Kumar

2018-06-01

Open End Winding Induction Motors (OEWIM) are popular for electric vehicles, ship propulsion applications due to less DC link voltage. Electric vehicles, ship propulsions require ripple free torque. In this article, an enhanced three-level voltage switching state scheme for direct torque controlled OEWIM drive is implemented to reduce torque and flux ripples. The limitations of conventional Direct Torque Control (DTC) are: possible problems during low speeds and starting, it operates with variable switching frequency due to hysteresis controllers and produces higher torque and flux ripple. The proposed DTC scheme can abate the problems of conventional DTC with an enhanced voltage switching state scheme. The three-level inversion was obtained by operating inverters with equal DC-link voltages and it produces 18 voltage space vectors. These 18 vectors are divided into low and high frequencies of operation based on rotor speed. The hardware results prove the validity of proposed DTC scheme during steady-state and transients. From simulation and experimental results, proposed DTC scheme gives less torque and flux ripples on comparison to two-level DTC. The proposed DTC is implemented using dSPACE DS-1104 control board interface with MATLAB/SIMULINK-RTI model.

Step-by-step design of a single phase 3.3 kV/200 a resistive type superconducting fault current limiter (R-SFCL) and cryostat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kar, Soumen; Rao, V. V.

2018-07-01

In our first attempt to design a single phase R-SFCL in India, we have chosen the typical rating of a medium voltage level (3.3 kVrms, 200 Arms, 1Φ) R-SFCL. The step-by-step design procedure for the R-SFCL involves conductor selection, time dependent electro-thermal simulations and recovery time optimization after fault removal. In the numerical analysis, effective fault limitation for a fault current of 5 kA for the medium voltage level R-SFCL are simulated. Maximum normal state resistance and maximum temperature rise in the SFCL coil during current limitation are estimated using one-dimensional energy balance equation. Further, a cryogenic system is conceptually designed for aforesaid MV level R-SFCL by considering inner and outer vessel materials, wall-thickness and thermal insulation which can be used for R-SFCL system. Finally, the total thermal load is calculated for the designed R-SFCL cryostat to select a suitable cryo-refrigerator for LN2 re-condensation.

Photovoltaic investigation of minority carrier lifetime in the heavily-doped emitter layer of silicon junction solar cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ho, C.-T.

1982-01-01

The results of experiments on the recombination lifetime in a phosphorus diffused N(+) layer of a silicon solar cell are reported. The cells studied comprised three groups of Czochralski grown crystals: boron doped to one ohm-cm, boron doped to 6 ohm-cm, and aluminum doped to one ohm-cm, all with a shunt resistance exceeding 500 kilo-ohms. The characteristic bulk diffusion length of a cell sample was determined from the short circuit current response to light at a wavelength of one micron. The recombination rates were obtained by measurement of the open circuit voltage as a function of the photogeneration rate. The recombination rate was found to be dependent on the photoinjection level, and is positive-field controlled at low photoinjection, positive-field influence Auger recombination at a medium photoinjection level, and negative-field controlled Auger recombination at a high photoinjection level.

Robust Control of Wide Bandgap Power Electronics Device Enabled Smart Grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Tong

In recent years, wide bandgap (WBG) devices enable power converters with higher power density and higher efficiency. On the other hand, smart grid technologies are getting mature due to new battery technology and computer technology. In the near future, the two technologies will form the next generation of smart grid enabled by WBG devices. This dissertation deals with two applications: silicon carbide (SiC) device used for medium voltage level interface (7.2 kV to 240 V) and gallium nitride (GaN) device used for low voltage level interface (240 V/120 V). A 20 kW solid state transformer (SST) is designed with 6 kHz switching frequency SiC rectifier. Then three robust control design methods are proposed for each of its smart grid operation modes. In grid connected mode, a new LCL filter design method is proposed considering grid voltage THD, grid current THD and current regulation loop robust stability with respect to the grid impedance change. In grid islanded mode, micro synthesis method combined with variable structure control is used to design a robust controller for grid voltage regulation. For grid emergency mode, multivariable controller designed using Hinfinity synthesis method is proposed for accurate power sharing. Controller-hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) testbed considering 7-SST system is setup with Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS). The real TMS320F28335 DSP and Spartan 6 FPGA control board is used to interface a switching model SST in RTDS. And the proposed control methods are tested. For low voltage level application, a 3.3 kW smart grid hardware is built with 3 GaN inverters. The inverters are designed with the GaN device characterized using the proposed multi-function double pulse tester. The inverter is controlled by onboard TMS320F28379D dual core DSP with 200 kHz sampling frequency. Each inverter is tested to process 2.2 kW power with overall efficiency of 96.5 % at room temperature. The smart grid monitor system and fault interrupt devices (FID) based on Arduino Mega2560 are built and tested. The smart grid cooperates with GaN inverters through CAN bus communication. At last, the three GaN inverters smart grid achieved the function of grid connected to islanded mode smooth transition.

Control of Grid Connected Photovoltaic System Using Three-Level T-Type Inverter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zorig, Abdelmalik; Belkeiri, Mohammed; Barkat, Said; Rabhi, Abdelhamid

2016-08-01

Three-level T-Type inverter (3LT2I) topology has numerous advantageous compared to three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter. The main benefits of 3LT2I inverter are the efficiency, inverter cost, switching losses, and the quality of output voltage waveforms. In this paper, a photovoltaic distributed generation system based on dual-stage topology of DC-DC boost converter and 3LT2I is introduced. To that end, a decoupling control strategy of 3LT2I is proposed to control the current injected into the grid, reactive power compensation, and DC-link voltage. The resulting system is able to extract the maximum power from photovoltaic generator, to achieve sinusoidal grid currents, and to ensure reactive power compensation. The voltage-balancing control of two split DC capacitors of the 3LT2I is achieved using three-level space vector modulation with balancing strategy based on the effective use of the redundant switching states of the inverter voltage vectors. The proposed system performance is investigated at different operating conditions.

Testing and failure analysis to improve screening techniques for hermetically sealed metallized film capacitors for low energy applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

Effective screening techniques are evaluated for detecting insulation resistance degradation and failure in hermetically sealed metallized film capacitors used in applications where low capacitor voltage and energy levels are common to the circuitry. A special test and monitoring system capable of rapidly scanning all test capacitors and recording faults and/or failures is examined. Tests include temperature cycling and storage as well as low, medium, and high voltage life tests. Polysulfone film capacitors are more heat stable and reliable than polycarbonate film units.

30 CFR 75.901 - Protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used underground.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... the generator frame and between the wye-connected transformer secondary and the transformer frame when an isolation transformer(s) is used and the generator is supplying power to the other equipment; (see... and the generator frame when an auto-transformer is used. (see Figure III in Appendix A to subpart J...

30 CFR 75.901 - Protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used underground.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... the generator frame and between the wye-connected transformer secondary and the transformer frame when an isolation transformer(s) is used and the generator is supplying power to the other equipment; (see... and the generator frame when an auto-transformer is used. (see Figure III in Appendix A to subpart J...

30 CFR 75.901 - Protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used underground.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... the generator frame and between the wye-connected transformer secondary and the transformer frame when an isolation transformer(s) is used and the generator is supplying power to the other equipment; (see... and the generator frame when an auto-transformer is used. (see Figure III in Appendix A to subpart J...

30 CFR 75.901 - Protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used underground.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the generator frame and between the wye-connected transformer secondary and the transformer frame when an isolation transformer(s) is used and the generator is supplying power to the other equipment; (see... and the generator frame when an auto-transformer is used. (see Figure III in Appendix A to subpart J...

30 CFR 75.901 - Protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used underground.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the generator frame and between the wye-connected transformer secondary and the transformer frame when an isolation transformer(s) is used and the generator is supplying power to the other equipment; (see... and the generator frame when an auto-transformer is used. (see Figure III in Appendix A to subpart J...

76 FR 55834 - Efficiency and Renewables Advisory Committee, Appliance Standards Subcommittee, Negotiated...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-09

... Subcommittee/Working Group for Liquid-Immersed and Medium-Voltage Dry Type Transformers AGENCY: Department of... Medium-Voltage Dry Type Transformers (hereafter ``MV Group''). The MV Group is a working group within the... energy efficiency of distribution transformers, as authorized by the Energy Policy Conservation Act (EPCA...

Reliable low-cost battery voltage indicator for light aircraft and automobiles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, R. L.

1973-01-01

Voltage indicator fits into cigarette lighter socket and utilizes light emitting and Zener diodes to display three levels of battery voltage. Indicator is superior to typical conventional electrical system indicators in that it gives a positive discrete indication of battery voltage. It is simple, inexpensive, and rugged.

Application of Microsecond Voltage Pulses for Water Disinfection by Diaphragm Electric Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakaurov, S. V.; Suvorov, I. F.; Yudin, A. S.; Solovyova, T. L.; Kuznetsova, N. S.

2015-11-01

The paper presents the dependence of copper and silver ions formation on the duration of voltage pulses of diaphragm electric discharge and on the pH of treated liquid medium. Knowing it allows one to create an automatic control system to control bactericidal agent's parameters obtained in diaphragm electric discharge reactor. The current-voltage characteristic of the reactor with a horizontal to the diaphragm membrane water flow powered from the author's custom pulse voltage source is also presented. The results of studies of the power consumption of diaphragm electric discharge depending on temperature of the treated liquid medium are given.

Intercomparison of magnetic field measurements near MV/LV transformer substations: methodological planning and results.

PubMed

Violanti, S; Fraschetta, M; Adda, S; Caputo, E

2009-12-01

Within the framework of Environmental Agencies system's activities, coordinated by ISPRA (superior institute for environmental protection and research), a comparison among measurements was designed and accomplished, in order to go into depth on the matter of measurement problems and to evaluate magnetic field at power frequencies. These measurements have been taken near medium voltage /low voltage transformer substation. This project was developed with the contribution of several experts who belong to different Regional Agencies. In three of these regions, substations having specific international standard characteristics were chosen; then a measurement and data analysis protocol was arranged. Data analysis showed a good level of coherence among results obtained by different laboratories. However, a range of problems emerged, either during the protocol predisposition and definition of the data analysis procedure or during the execution of measures and data reprocessing, because of the spatial and temporal variability of magnetic field. These problems represent elements of particular interest in determining a correct measurement methodology, whose purpose is the comparison with limits of exposure, attention values and quality targets.

Reduction in voltage-gated K+ channel activity in primary sensory neurons in painful diabetic neuropathy: role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

PubMed

Cao, Xue-Hong; Byun, Hee-Sun; Chen, Shao-Rui; Cai, You-Qing; Pan, Hui-Lin

2010-09-01

Abnormal hyperexcitability of primary sensory neurons plays an important role in neuropathic pain. Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels regulate neuronal excitability by affecting the resting membrane potential and influencing the repolarization and frequency of the action potential. In this study, we determined changes in Kv channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a rat model of diabetic neuropathic pain. The densities of total Kv, A-type (IA) and sustained delayed (IK) currents were markedly reduced in medium- and large-, but not in small-, diameter DRG neurons in diabetic rats. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the mRNA levels of IA subunits, including Kv1.4, Kv3.4, Kv4.2, and Kv4.3, in the DRG were reduced approximately 50% in diabetic rats compared with those in control rats. However, there were no significant differences in the mRNA levels of IK subunits (Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv2.1, and Kv2.2) in the DRG between the two groups. Incubation with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) caused a large reduction in Kv currents, especially IA currents, in medium and large DRG neurons from control rats. Furthermore, the reductions in Kv currents and mRNA levels of IA subunits in diabetic rats were normalized by pre-treatment with anti-BDNF antibody or K252a, a TrkB tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In addition, the number of medium and large DRG neurons with BDNF immunoreactivity was greater in diabetic than control rats. Collectively, our findings suggest that diabetes primarily reduces Kv channel activity in medium and large DRG neurons. Increased BDNF activity in these neurons likely contributes to the reduction in Kv channel function through TrkB receptor stimulation in painful diabetic neuropathy.

A three-level support method for smooth switching of the micro-grid operation model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zong, Yuanyang; Gong, Dongliang; Zhang, Jianzhou; Liu, Bin; Wang, Yun

2018-01-01

Smooth switching of micro-grid between the grid-connected operation mode and off-grid operation mode is one of the key technologies to ensure it runs flexible and efficiently. The basic control strategy and the switching principle of micro-grid are analyzed in this paper. The reasons for the fluctuations of the voltage and the frequency in the switching process are analyzed from views of power balance and control strategy, and the operation mode switching strategy has been improved targeted. From the three aspects of controller’s current inner loop reference signal, voltage outer loop control strategy optimization and micro-grid energy balance management, a three-level security strategy for smooth switching of micro-grid operation mode is proposed. From the three aspects of controller’s current inner loop reference signal tracking, voltage outer loop control strategy optimization and micro-grid energy balance management, a three-level strategy for smooth switching of micro-grid operation mode is proposed. At last, it is proved by simulation that the proposed control strategy can make the switching process smooth and stable, the fluctuation problem of the voltage and frequency has been effectively improved.

Controllable Grid Interface for Testing Ancillary Service Controls and Fault Performance of Utility-Scale Wind Power Generation: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gevorgian, Vahan; Koralewicz, Przemyslaw; Wallen, Robb

The rapid expansion of wind power has led many transmission system operators to demand modern wind power plants to comply with strict interconnection requirements. Such requirements involve various aspects of wind power plant operation, including fault ride-through and power quality performance as well as the provision of ancillary services to enhance grid reliability. During recent years, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the U.S. Department of Energy has developed a new, groundbreaking testing apparatus and methodology to test and demonstrate many existing and future advanced controls for wind generation (and other renewable generation technologies) on the multimegawatt scale andmore » medium-voltage levels. This paper describes the capabilities and control features of NREL's 7-MVA power electronic grid simulator (also called a controllable grid interface, or CGI) that enables testing many active and reactive power control features of modern wind turbine generators -- including inertial response, primary and secondary frequency responses, and voltage regulation -- under a controlled, medium-voltage grid environment. In particular, this paper focuses on the specifics of testing the balanced and unbalanced fault ride-through characteristics of wind turbine generators under simulated strong and weak medium-voltage grid conditions. In addition, this paper provides insights on the power hardware-in-the-loop feature implemented in the CGI to emulate (in real time) the conditions that might exist in various types of electric power systems under normal operations and/or contingency scenarios. Using actual test examples and simulation results, this paper describes the value of CGI as an ultimate modeling validation tool for all types of 'grid-friendly' controls by wind generation.« less

Transformer Efficiency Assessment - Okinawa, Japan

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas L. Baldwin; Robert J. Turk; Kurt S. Myers

The US Army Engineering & Support Center, Huntsville (USAESCH), and the US Marine Corps Base (MCB), Okinawa, Japan retained Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to conduct a Transformer Efficiency Assessment of “key” transformers located at multiple military bases in Okinawa, Japan. The purpose of this assessment is to support the Marine Corps Base, Okinawa in evaluating medium voltage distribution transformers for potential efficiency upgrades. The original scope of work included the MCB providing actual transformer nameplate data, manufacturer’s factory test sheets, electrical system data (kWh), demand data (kWd), power factor data, and electricity cost data. Unfortunately, the MCB’s actual data ismore » not available and therefore making it necessary to de-scope the original assessment. Note: Any similar nameplate data, photos of similar transformer nameplates, and basic electrical details from one-line drawings (provided by MCB) are not a replacement for actual load loss test data. It is recommended that load measurements are performed on the high and low sides of transformers to better quantify actual load losses, demand data, and power factor data. We also recommend that actual data, when available, be inserted by MCB Okinawa where assumptions have been made and then the LCC analysis updated. This report covers a generalized assessment of modern U.S. transformers in a three level efficiency category, Low-Level efficiency, Medium-Level efficiency, and High-Level efficiency.« less

Transformer Efficiency Assessment - Okinawa, Japan

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas L. Baldwin; Robert J. Turk; Kurt S. Myers

2012-05-01

The US Army Engineering & Support Center, Huntsville (USAESCH), and the US Marine Corps Base (MCB), Okinawa, Japan retained Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to conduct a Transformer Efficiency Assessment of “key” transformers located at multiple military bases in Okinawa, Japan. The purpose of this assessment is to support the Marine Corps Base, Okinawa in evaluating medium voltage distribution transformers for potential efficiency upgrades. The original scope of work included the MCB providing actual transformer nameplate data, manufacturer’s factory test sheets, electrical system data (kWh), demand data (kWd), power factor data, and electricity cost data. Unfortunately, the MCB’s actual data ismore » not available and therefore making it necessary to de-scope the original assessment. Note: Any similar nameplate data, photos of similar transformer nameplates, and basic electrical details from one-line drawings (provided by MCB) are not a replacement for actual load loss test data. It is recommended that load measurements are performed on the high and low sides of transformers to better quantify actual load losses, demand data, and power factor data. We also recommend that actual data, when available, be inserted by MCB Okinawa where assumptions have been made and then the LCC analysis updated. This report covers a generalized assessment of modern U.S. transformers in a three level efficiency category, Low-Level efficiency, Medium-Level efficiency, and High-Level efficiency.« less

Thin grain oriented electrical steel for PWM voltages fed magnetic cores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belgrand, Thierry; Lemaître, Régis; Benabou, Abdelkader; Blaszkowski, Jonathan; Wang, Chaoyong

2018-04-01

This paper reports on performances of high permeability grain oriented electrical steel when used in association with power electronic switching devices. Loss measurement results obtained from the Epstein test, using sinusoidal or various PWM voltages in medium frequency range, show that for both studied thicknesses (HGO 0.23mm and HGO 0.18mm), comparing performances at a fixed induction level between the various situations may not be the most convenient method. The effect of magnetic domain refinement has been investigated. After having shown the interest of lowering the thickness, an alternative way of looking at losses is proposed that may help to design the magnetic core when it comes to the matter of reducing size in considering frequency and magnetization levels.

Novel switching method for single-phase NPC three-level inverter with neutral-point voltage control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, June-Seok; Lee, Seung-Joo; Lee, Kyo-Beum

2018-02-01

This paper proposes a novel switching method with the neutral-point voltage control in a single-phase neutral-point-clamped three-level inverter (SP-NPCI) used in photovoltaic systems. A proposed novel switching method for the SP-NPCI improves the efficiency. The main concept is to fix the switching state of one leg. As a result, the switching loss decreases and the total efficiency is improved. In addition, it enables the maximum power-point-tracking operation to be performed by applying the proposed neutral-point voltage control algorithm. This control is implemented by modifying the reference signal. Simulation and experimental results provide verification of the performance of a novel switching method with the neutral-point voltage control.

Frequency pulling in a low-voltage medium-power gyrotron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Li; Du, Chao-Hai; Huang, Ming-Guang; Liu, Pu-Kun

2018-04-01

Many recent biomedical applications use medium-power frequency-tunable terahertz (THz) sources, such as sensitivity-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance, THz imaging, and biomedical treatment. As a promising candidate, a low-voltage gyrotron can generate watt-level, continuous THz-wave radiation. In particular, the frequency-pulling effect in a gyrotron, namely, the effect of the electron beam parameters on the oscillation frequency, can be used to tune the operating frequency. Most previous investigations used complicated and time-consuming gyrotron nonlinear theory to study the influence of many beam parameters on the interaction performance. While gyrotron linear theory investigation demonstrates the advantages of rapidly and clearly revealing the physical influence of individual key beam parameters on the overall system performance, this paper demonstrates systematically the use of gyrotron linear theory to study the frequency-pulling effect in a low-voltage gyrotron with either a Gaussian or a sinusoidal axial-field profile. Furthermore, simulations of a gyrotron operating in the first axial mode are carried out in the framework of nonlinear theory as a contrast. Close agreement is achieved between the two theories. Besides, some interesting results are obtained. In a low-current sinusoidal-profile cavity, the ranges of frequency variation for different axial modes are isolated from each other, and the frequency tuning bandwidth for each axial mode increases by increasing either the beam voltage or pitch factor. Lowering the voltage, the total tuning ranges are squeezed and become concentrated. However, the isolated frequency regions of each axial mode cannot be linked up unless the beam current is increased, meaning that higher current operation is the key to achieving a wider and continuous tuning frequency range. The results presented in this paper can provide a reference for designing a broadband low-voltage gyrotron.

VOLTAGE CLAMP BEHAVIOR OF IRON-NITRIC ACID SYSTEM AS COMPARED WITH THAT OF NERVE MEMBRANE

PubMed Central

Tasaki, I.; Bak, A. F.

1959-01-01

The current-voltage relation for the surface layer of an iron wire immersed in nitric acid was investigated by the voltage clamp technique. Comparing the phase of nitric acid to the axoplasm and the metallic phase to the external fluid medium for the nerve fiber, a striking analogy was found between the voltage clamp behavior of the iron-nitric acid system and that of the nerve membrane. The current voltage curve was found to consist of three parts: (a) a straight line representing the behavior of the resting (passive) membrane, (b) a straight line representing the fully excited (active) state, and (c) an intermediate zone connecting (a) and (b). It was shown that in the intermediate zone, the surface of iron consisted of a fully active patch (or patches) surrounded by a remaining resting area. The phenomenon corresponding to "repetitive firing of responses under voltage clamp" in the nerve membrane was demonstrated in the intermediate zone. The behavior of the cobalt electrode system was also investigated by the same technique. An attempt was made to interpret the phenomenon of initiation and abolition of an active potential on the basis of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. PMID:13654740

SmartStretch™ technology. III. The impact of medium voltage stimulation and SmartStretch™ technology on sheep topside (m. semimembranosus) meat quality traits under commercial processing conditions.

PubMed

Toohey, E S; van de Ven, R; Thompson, J M; Geesink, G H; Hopkins, D L

2013-02-01

This study evaluated the interaction between medium voltage electrical stimulation, SmartStretch™ stretching and ageing treatments on key meat quality traits of hot boned sheep m. semimembranosus. Medium voltage stimulation reduced initial pH (P<0.001), but did not impact on other meat quality traits. There was a significant interaction between stretch treatment and ageing (P<0.001) for shear force such that samples which were both stretched and aged were the most tender. Sarcomere length was significantly (P<0.001) increased by SmartStretch™ treatment. Control (no stretching) resulted in greater (P<0.05) cooking loss, but there was significantly less purge loss (P<0.05). The ratio 630/580 nm and a* colour values at 0 and 5 days decreased at a significantly (P<0.05) slower rate when SmartStretch™ was applied. Overall medium voltage stimulation did not inhibit the effectiveness of the SmartStretch™ treatment. The SmartStretch™ treatment provided significant improvement in tenderness and the potential to increase meat display time. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Theoretical evidence of maximum intracellular currents versus frequency in an Escherichia coli cell submitted to AC voltage.

PubMed

Xavier, Pascal; Rauly, Dominique; Chamberod, Eric; Martins, Jean M F

2017-04-01

In this work, the problem of intracellular currents in longilinear bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, suspended in a physiological medium and submitted to a harmonic voltage (AC), is analyzed using the Finite-Element-based software COMSOL Multiphysics. Bacterium was modeled as a cylindrical capsule, ended by semi-spheres and surrounded by a dielectric cell wall. An equivalent single-layer cell wall was defined, starting from the well-recognized three-shell modeling approach. The bacterium was considered immersed in a physiological medium, which was also taken into account in the modeling. A new complex transconductance was thus introduced, relating the complex ratio between current inside the bacterium and voltage applied between two parallel equipotential planes, separated by a realistic distance. When voltage was applied longitudinally relative to the bacterium main axis, numerical results in terms of frequency response in the 1-20 MHz range for E. coli cells revealed that transconductance magnitude exhibited a maximum at a frequency depending on the cell wall capacitance. This occurred in spite of the purely passive character of the model and could be explained by an equivalent electrical network giving very similar results and showing special conditions for lateral paths of the currents through the cell wall. It is shown that the main contribution to this behavior is due to the conductive part of the current. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:213-219, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

47 CFR 15.611 - General technical requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... § 15.109(b). (2) Low voltage power lines. Access BPL systems that operate over low-voltage power lines, including those that operate over low-voltage lines that are connected to the in-building wiring, shall... limits—(1) Medium voltage power lines. (i) Access BPL systems that operate in the frequency range of 1...

47 CFR 15.611 - General technical requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... § 15.109(b). (2) Low voltage power lines. Access BPL systems that operate over low-voltage power lines, including those that operate over low-voltage lines that are connected to the in-building wiring, shall... limits—(1) Medium voltage power lines. (i) Access BPL systems that operate in the frequency range of 1...

47 CFR 15.611 - General technical requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... § 15.109(b). (2) Low voltage power lines. Access BPL systems that operate over low-voltage power lines, including those that operate over low-voltage lines that are connected to the in-building wiring, shall... limits—(1) Medium voltage power lines. (i) Access BPL systems that operate in the frequency range of 1...

Optical sensors for electrical elements of a medium voltage distribution network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Maria, Letizia; Bartalesi, Daniele; Serragli, Paolo; Paladino, Domenico

2012-04-01

The aging of most of the components of the National transmission and distribution system can potentially influence the reliability of power supply in a Medium Voltage (MV) network. In order to prevent possible dangerous situations, selected diagnostic indicators on electrical parts exploiting reliable and potentially low-cost sensors are required. This paper presents results concerning two main research activities regarding the development and application of innovative optical sensors for the diagnostic of MV electrical components. The first concerns a multi-sensor prototype for the detection of pre-discharges in MV switchboards: it is the combination of three different types of sensors operating simultaneously to detect incipient failure and to reduce the occurrence of false alarms. The system is real-time controlled by an embedded computer through a LabView interface. The second activity refers to a diagnostic tool to provide significant real-time information about early aging of MV/Low Voltage (LV) transformers by means of its vibration fingerprint. A miniaturized Optical Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) based unit has been assembled for vibration measurements, wireless connected to a remote computer and controlled via LabView interface. Preliminary comparative tests were carried out with standard piezoelectric accelerometers on a conventional MV/LV test transformer under open circuit and in short-circuited configuration.

System and method for motor speed estimation of an electric motor

DOEpatents

Lu, Bin [Kenosha, WI; Yan, Ting [Brookfield, WI; Luebke, Charles John [Sussex, WI; Sharma, Santosh Kumar [Viman Nagar, IN

2012-06-19

A system and method for a motor management system includes a computer readable storage medium and a processing unit. The processing unit configured to determine a voltage value of a voltage input to an alternating current (AC) motor, determine a frequency value of at least one of a voltage input and a current input to the AC motor, determine a load value from the AC motor, and access a set of motor nameplate data, where the set of motor nameplate data includes a rated power, a rated speed, a rated frequency, and a rated voltage of the AC motor. The processing unit is also configured to estimate a motor speed based on the voltage value, the frequency value, the load value, and the set of nameplate data and also store the motor speed on the computer readable storage medium.

Blood pressure and risk of cancer progression - A possible connection with salt and voltage-gated sodium channel.

PubMed

Djamgoz, Mustafa B A

2015-11-01

Although it is well known that high blood pressure promotes cancer, the underlying cause(s) is not well understood. Here, we advance the hypothesis that the extracellular sodium level could be a contributing factor. The hypothesis is based upon emerging evidence showing (i) that voltage-gated sodium channels are expressed de novo in cancer cells and tissues, and (ii) that the influx of sodium from the extracellular medium into cancer cells, mediated by the channel activity, promotes their metastatic potential. Clinical and lifestyle implications of the hypothesis are discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Three-junction solar cell

DOEpatents

Ludowise, Michael J.

1986-01-01

A photovoltaic solar cell is formed in a monolithic semiconductor. The cell contains three junctions. In sequence from the light-entering face, the junctions have a high, a medium, and a low energy gap. The lower junctions are connected in series by one or more metallic members connecting the top of the lower junction through apertures to the bottom of the middle junction. The upper junction is connected in voltage opposition to the lower and middle junctions by second metallic electrodes deposited in holes 60 through the upper junction. The second electrodes are connected to an external terminal.

30 CFR 75.1002 - Installation of electric equipment and conductors; permissibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... faces must be— (1) Shielded high-voltage cables supplying power to permissible longwall equipment; (2... intrinsically safe circuits; and (4) Cables and conductors supplying power to low- and medium-voltage permissible equipment. (5) Shielded high-voltage cables supplying power to permissible continuous mining...

30 CFR 75.1002 - Installation of electric equipment and conductors; permissibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... faces must be— (1) Shielded high-voltage cables supplying power to permissible longwall equipment; (2... intrinsically safe circuits; and (4) Cables and conductors supplying power to low- and medium-voltage permissible equipment. (5) Shielded high-voltage cables supplying power to permissible continuous mining...

30 CFR 75.1002 - Installation of electric equipment and conductors; permissibility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... faces must be— (1) Shielded high-voltage cables supplying power to permissible longwall equipment; (2... intrinsically safe circuits; and (4) Cables and conductors supplying power to low- and medium-voltage permissible equipment. (5) Shielded high-voltage cables supplying power to permissible continuous mining...

Investigation of transient overvoltages in heavily meshed low-voltage underground distribution networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salcedo Ulerio, Reynaldo Odalis

The analysis of overvoltages in electrical distribution networks is of considerable significance since they may damage the power system infrastructure and the associated electrical equipment. Overvoltages in distribution networks arise due to switching transients, resonance, lightning strikes and ground faults, among other causes. The operation of network protectors (NWP), low voltage circuit breakers with directional power relay, in a secondary network prevents the continuous flow of reverse power. There are three modes of operation for the network protectors: sensitive, time delayed, and insensitive. In case of a fault, although all of the network protectors sense the fault at the same time, their operation is not simultaneous. Many of them open very quickly with opening times similar to those of the feeder breaker. However, some operate a few cycles later, others take several seconds to open and a few might even fail to operate. Therefore, depending on the settings of the network protectors, faults can last for significantly long time due to backfeeding of current from the low voltage (LV) network into the medium voltage (MV) network. In this work, low voltages are defined as 208V/460V and medium voltage are defined as 25kV/35kV. This thesis presents overvoltages which arise because of the occurrence of a single-line-to-ground (SLG) fault on the MV side (connected in delta) of the system. The thesis reveals that overvoltage stresses are imposed on insulation, micro-processor controlled equipment, and switching devices by overvoltages during current backfeeding. Also, it establishes a relationship between overvoltage magnitude, its duration, and the network loading conditions. Overvoltages above 3 p.u. may be developed as a result of a simultaneous occurrence of three phenomena: neutral displacement, Ferranti effect, and magnetic current chopping. Furthermore, this thesis exposes the possibility of occurrence of the ferro-resonance phenomena in a distribution network having secondary grid, making the study of extreme importance especially in the case of a misoperating network protector. The test systems for both studies were designed following the conventional distribution network with secondary grid, similar to those in the New York City Area. Simulations were performed using the electro-magnetic transient program revised version (EMTP-RV) considering detailed representation of system components as well as the non-linear magnetization and losses of transformers.

A Single Phase 7-Level Cascade Inverter Topology with Reduced Number of Switches on Resistive Load by Using PWM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamzah, H. H.; Ponniran, A.; Kasiran, A. N.; Harimon, M. A.; Gendum, D. A.; Yatim, M. H.

2018-04-01

This paper discussing design principles of inverter structure with reduced number of semiconductor devices of seven levels symmetric H-bridge multilevel inverter (MLI) topology. The aim of this paper is to design an inverter circuit with reduction of semiconductor losses, converter size and development cost. The H-bridge and auxiliary structures were considered in order to achieve seven levels output voltage. The performance of design circuit is compared with conventional seven levels structure in terms of voltage output. The circuit development consists of seven switches and three diode. A basic modulation technique is used to confirm the designed circuit. The results show that the designed circuit is able to convert seven level output voltage with low total harmonics distortion (THD) in voltage fundamental output. According to the results, fundamental output voltage is increased up to 8.314%, and the THD is decreased up to 0.81% compared to the conventional seven level inverter.

Design, Control, and Modeling of a New Voltage Source Converter for HVDC System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohan, Madhan; Singh, Bhim; Ketan Panigrahi, Bijaya

2013-05-01

Abstract: A New Voltage Source Converter (VSC) based on neutral clamped three-level circuit is proposed for High Voltage DC (HVDC) system. The proposed VSC is designed in a multipulse configuration. The converter is operated by Fundamental Frequency Switching (FFS). A new control method is developed for achieving all the necessary control aspects of HVDC system such as independent real and reactive power control, bidirectional real and reactive power control. The basic of the control method is varying the pulse width and by keeping the dc link voltage constant. The steady state and dynamic performances of HVDC system interconnecting two different frequencies network are demonstrated for active and reactive power control. Total number of transformers used in this system are reduced to half in comparison with the two-level VSCs for both active and reactive power control. The performance of the HVDC system is improved in terms of reduced harmonics level even at fundamental frequency switching. The harmonic performance of the designed converter is also studied for different value of the dead angle (β), and the optimized range of the dead angle is achieved for varying reactive power requirement. Simulation results are presented for the designed three level multipulse voltage source converters with the proposed control algorithm.

Association of EEG alpha variants and alpha power with alcohol dependence in Mexican American young adults.

PubMed

Ehlers, Cindy L; Phillips, Evelyn

2007-02-01

Several studies support an association between electroencephalogram (EEG) voltage and alcohol dependence. However, the distribution of EEG variants also appears to differ depending on an individual's ethnic heritage, suggesting significant genetic stratification of this EEG phenotype. The present study's aims were to investigate the incidence of EEG alpha variants and spectral power in the alpha frequency range in Mexican American young adults based on gender, and personal and family history of alcohol dependence. Clinical ratings (high-, medium-, and low alpha voltage variants) and spectral characteristics of the EEG in the alpha frequency range (7.5-12 Hz) were investigated in young adult (age 18-25 years) Mexican American men (n=98) and women (n=138) who were recruited from the community. Nineteen percent (n=45) of the participants had a low-voltage alpha EEG variant, 18% had a high-voltage variant, and 63% had a medium-voltage variant. There were no significant differences in the distribution of the EEG variants based on family history of alcohol dependence. There was a significant relationship between gender and the three alpha variants (chi2=9.7; df=2; P<.008), and there were no male participants with alcohol dependence with high alpha variants (chi2=5.8; df=2; P<.056). Alcohol dependence, but not a family history of alcohol dependence, was associated with lower spectral power in the alpha frequency range in the right (F=4.4; df=1,96; P<.04) and left (F=5.3; df=1.96; P<.02) occipital areas in the men but not in the women. In conclusion, in this select population of Mexican American young adults, male gender and alcohol dependence are associated with an absence of high-voltage alpha variants and lower alpha power in the EEG. These data suggest that EEG low voltage, a highly heritable trait, may represent an important endophenotype in male Mexican Americans that may aid in linking brain function with genetic factors underlying alcohol dependence in this ethnic group.

30 CFR 77.902-1 - Fail safe ground check circuits; maximum voltage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Fail safe ground check circuits; maximum voltage. 77.902-1 Section 77.902-1 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.902-1 Fail safe...

30 CFR 77.902-1 - Fail safe ground check circuits; maximum voltage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Fail safe ground check circuits; maximum voltage. 77.902-1 Section 77.902-1 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.902-1 Fail safe...

30 CFR 77.902-1 - Fail safe ground check circuits; maximum voltage.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Fail safe ground check circuits; maximum voltage. 77.902-1 Section 77.902-1 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.902-1 Fail safe...

The Distributions of Voltage-Gated K+ current Subtypes in Different Cell Sizes from Adult Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglia.

PubMed

Sheng, Anqi; Hong, Jiangru; Zhang, Lulu; Zhang, Yan; Zhang, Guangqin

2018-03-29

Voltage-gated K + (K V ) currents play a crucial role in regulating pain by controlling neuronal excitability, and are divided into transient A-type currents (I A ) and delayed rectifier currents (I K ). The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are heterogeneous and the subtypes of K V currents display different levels in distinct cell sizes. To observe correlations of the subtypes of K V currents with DRG cell sizes, K V currents were recorded by whole-cell patch clamp in freshly isolated mouse DRG neurons. Results showed that I A occupied a high proportion in K V currents in medium- and large-diameter DRG neurons, whereas I K possessed a larger proportion of K V currents in small-diameter DRG neurons. A lower correlation was found between the proportion of I A or I K in K V currents and cell sizes. These data suggest that I A channels are mainly expressed in medium and large cells and I K channels are predominantly expressed in small cells.

Two-dimensional modelling of internal arc effects in an enclosed MV cell provided with a protection porous filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rochette, D.; Clain, S.; André, P.; Bussière, W.; Gentils, F.

2007-05-01

Medium voltage (MV) cells have to respect standards (for example IEC ones (IEC TC 17C 2003 IEC 62271-200 High Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear—Part 200 1st edn)) that define security levels against internal arc faults such as an accidental electrical arc occurring in the apparatus. New protection filters based on porous materials are developed to provide better energy absorption properties and a higher protection level for people. To study the filter behaviour during a major electrical accident, a two-dimensional model is proposed. The main point is the use of a dedicated numerical scheme for a non-conservative hyperbolic problem. We present a numerical simulation of the process during the first 0.2 s when the safety valve bursts and we compare the numerical results with tests carried out in a high power test laboratory on real electrical apparatus.

Performance analysis of cascaded h-bridge multilevel inverter using mixed switching frequency with various dc-link voltages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Citarsa, I. B. F.; Satiawan, I. N. W.; Wiryajati, I. K.; Supriono

2016-01-01

Multilevel inverters have been widely used in many applications since the technology is advantageous to increase the converter capability as well as to improve the output voltage quality. According to the applied switching frequency, multilevel modulations can be subdivided into three classes, i.e: fundamental switching frequency, high switching frequency and mixed switching frequency. This paper investigates the performance of cascaded H-bridge (CHB) multilevel inverter that is modulated using mixed switching frequency (MSF) PWM with various dc-link voltage ratios. The simulation results show the nearly sinusoidal load output voltages are successfully achieved. It is revealed that there is improvement in output voltages quality in terms of THD and low-order harmonics content. The CHB inverter that is modulated using MSF PWM with equal dc-link voltage ratio (½ Vdc: ½ Vdc) produces output voltage with the lowest low-order harmonics (less than 1% of fundamental) while the CHB inverter that is modulated using MSF PWM with un-equal dc-link voltage ratio (2/3 Vdc: 1/3 Vdc) produces a 7-level output voltage with the lowest THD (16.31%) compared to the other PWM methods. Improvement of the output voltage quality here is also in line with improvement of the number of available levels provided in the output voltage. Here only 2 cells H-bridge inverter (contain 8 switches) are needed to produce a 7- level output voltage, while in the conventional CHB inverter at least 3 cells of H-bridge inverter (contain 12 switches) are needed to produce a 7-level output voltage. Hence it is valuable in term of saving number of component.

Design considerations for large space electric power systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Renz, D. D.; Finke, R. C.; Stevens, N. J.; Triner, J. E.; Hansen, I. G.

1983-01-01

As power levels of spacecraft rise to the 50 to 100 kW range, it becomes apparent that low voltage (28 V) dc power distribution and management systems will not operate efficiently at these higher power levels. The concept of transforming a solar array voltage at 150 V dc into a 1000 V ac distribution system operating at 20 kHz is examined. The transformation is accomplished with series-resonant inverter by using a rotary transformer to isolate the solar array from the spacecraft. The power can then be distributed in any desired method such as three phase delta to delta. The distribution voltage can be easily transformed to any desired load voltage and operating frequency. The reasons for the voltage limitations on the solar array due to plasma interactions and the many advantages of a high voltage, high frequency at distribution system are discussed.

Automated qualification and analysis of protective spark gaps for DC accelerators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Banerjee, Srutarshi; Rajan, Rehim N.; Dewangan, S.

2014-07-01

Protective spark gaps are used in the high voltage multiplier column of a 3 MeV DC Accelerator to prevent excessive voltage build-ups. Precise gap of 5 mm is maintained between the electrodes in these spark gaps for obtaining 120 kV± 5 kV in 6 kg/cm{sup 2} SF{sub 6} environment which is the dielectric medium. There are 74 such spark gaps used in the multiplier. Each spark gap has to be qualified for electrical performance before fitting in the accelerator to ensure reliable operation. As the breakdown voltage stabilizes after a large number of sparks between the electrodes, the qualification processmore » becomes time consuming and cumbersome. For qualifying large number of spark gaps an automatic breakdown analysis setup has been developed. This setup operates in air, a dielectric medium. The setup consists of a flyback topology based high voltage power supply with maximum rating of 25 kV. This setup works in conjunction with spark detection and automated shutdown circuit. The breakdown voltage is sensed using a peak detector circuit. The voltage breakdown data is recorded and statistical distribution of the breakdown voltage has been analyzed. This paper describes details of the diagnostics and the spark gap qualification process based on the experimental data. (author)« less

Pulse circuit apparatus for gas discharge laser

DOEpatents

Bradley, Laird P.

1980-01-01

Apparatus and method using a unique pulse circuit for a known gas discharge laser apparatus to provide an electric field for preconditioning the gas below gas breakdown and thereafter to place a maximum voltage across the gas which maximum voltage is higher than that previously available before the breakdown voltage of that gas laser medium thereby providing greatly increased pumping of the laser.

Reconstruction of pulse noisy images via stochastic resonance

PubMed Central

Han, Jing; Liu, Hongjun; Sun, Qibing; Huang, Nan

2015-01-01

We investigate a practical technology for reconstructing nanosecond pulse noisy images via stochastic resonance, which is based on the modulation instability. A theoretical model of this method for optical pulse signal is built to effectively recover the pulse image. The nanosecond noise-hidden images grow at the expense of noise during the stochastic resonance process in a photorefractive medium. The properties of output images are mainly determined by the input signal-to-noise intensity ratio, the applied voltage across the medium, and the correlation length of noise background. A high cross-correlation gain is obtained by optimizing these parameters. This provides a potential method for detecting low-level or hidden pulse images in various imaging applications. PMID:26067911

Latest Trends of Vacuum Circuit Breaker and Related Technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozono, Hideaki; Tanimizu, Toru

Vacuum Circuit Breakers (VCBs) have been widely used for medium voltage level, because of their performance: compact size, light weight, maintenance free operations and environment-friendly characteristics. They become most comfortable breakers for our needs from other breakers: oil, air, magnetic blast and gas. In this paper the history of vacuum, and latest trends of circuit breakers and related technologies are described, as well as merits or demerits of using vacuum technologies.

Compensated intruder-detection systems

DOEpatents

McNeilly, David R.; Miller, William R.

1984-01-01

Intruder-detection systems in which intruder-induced signals are transmitted through a medium also receive spurious signals induced by changes in a climatic condition affecting the medium. To combat this, signals received from the detection medium are converted to a first signal. The system also provides a reference signal proportional to climate-induced changes in the medium. The first signal and the reference signal are combined for generating therefrom an output signal which is insensitive to the climatic changes in the medium. An alarm is energized if the output signal exceeds a preselected value. In one embodiment, an acoustic cable is coupled to a fence to generate a first electrical signal proportional to movements thereof. False alarms resulting from wind-induced movements of the fence (detection medium) are eliminated by providing an anemometer-driven voltage generator to provide a reference voltage proportional to the velocity of wind incident on the fence. An analog divider receives the first electrical signal and the reference signal as its numerator and denominator inputs, respectively, and generates therefrom an output signal which is insensitive to the wind-induced movements in the fence.

Characteristics of plasma in culture medium generated by positive pulse voltage and effects of organic compounds on its characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Y.; Sato, T.; Yoshino, D.

2016-12-01

We describe a positive pulse voltage method for generating plasma in culture medium with a composition similar to biological fluids. We also describe the plasma’s characteristics, liquid quality, and the effect of organic compounds in the culture medium on the plasma characteristics through comparisons to a solution containing inorganic salts at the same concentrations as in the culture medium. Light emission with Na and OH spectra was observed within a vapor bubble produced by Joule heating at the tip of the electrode. A downward thermal flow and shock wave were caused by the behavior of the vapor bubble. The culture medium pH gradually increased from 7.9 to 8.3 over the discharge time of 300 s. H2O2 was generated 1.1 mg l-1 in the culture medium after discharge for 300 s, and this value was 0.5 mg l-1 lower than the inorganic salts solution which does not contain organic compounds. This study provides important data that will help facilitate more widespread application of plasma medicine.

Comparing the magnetic resonant coupling radiofrequency stimulation to the traditional approaches: Ex-vivo tissue voltage measurement and electromagnetic simulation analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeung, Sai Ho; Pradhan, Raunaq; Feng, Xiaohua; Zheng, Yuanjin

2015-09-01

Recently, the design concept of magnetic resonant coupling has been adapted to electromagnetic therapy applications such as non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) stimulation. This technique can significantly increase the electric field radiated from the magnetic coil at the stimulation target, and hence enhancing the current flowing through the nerve, thus enabling stimulation. In this paper, the developed magnetic resonant coupling (MRC) stimulation, magnetic stimulation (MS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are compared. The differences between the MRC RF stimulation and other techniques are presented in terms of the operating mechanism, ex-vivo tissue voltage measurement and electromagnetic simulation analysis. The ev-vivo tissue voltage measurement experiment is performed on the compared devices based on measuring the voltage induced by electromagnetic induction at the tissue. The focusing effect, E field and voltage induced across the tissue, and the attenuation due to the increase of separation between the coil and the target are analyzed. The electromagnetic stimulation will also be performed to obtain the electric field and magnetic field distribution around the biological medium. The electric field intensity is proportional to the induced current and the magnetic field is corresponding to the electromagnetic induction across the biological medium. The comparison between the MRC RF stimulator and the MS and TENS devices revealed that the MRC RF stimulator has several advantages over the others for the applications of inducing current in the biological medium for stimulation purposes.

Comparing the magnetic resonant coupling radiofrequency stimulation to the traditional approaches: Ex-vivo tissue voltage measurement and electromagnetic simulation analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yeung, Sai Ho; Pradhan, Raunaq; Feng, Xiaohua

Recently, the design concept of magnetic resonant coupling has been adapted to electromagnetic therapy applications such as non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) stimulation. This technique can significantly increase the electric field radiated from the magnetic coil at the stimulation target, and hence enhancing the current flowing through the nerve, thus enabling stimulation. In this paper, the developed magnetic resonant coupling (MRC) stimulation, magnetic stimulation (MS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are compared. The differences between the MRC RF stimulation and other techniques are presented in terms of the operating mechanism, ex-vivo tissue voltage measurement and electromagnetic simulation analysis. The ev-vivo tissuemore » voltage measurement experiment is performed on the compared devices based on measuring the voltage induced by electromagnetic induction at the tissue. The focusing effect, E field and voltage induced across the tissue, and the attenuation due to the increase of separation between the coil and the target are analyzed. The electromagnetic stimulation will also be performed to obtain the electric field and magnetic field distribution around the biological medium. The electric field intensity is proportional to the induced current and the magnetic field is corresponding to the electromagnetic induction across the biological medium. The comparison between the MRC RF stimulator and the MS and TENS devices revealed that the MRC RF stimulator has several advantages over the others for the applications of inducing current in the biological medium for stimulation purposes.« less

Optimization of Culture Medium Enhances Viable Biomass Production and Biocontrol Efficacy of the Antagonistic Yeast, Candida diversa.

PubMed

Liu, Jia; Li, Guangkun; Sui, Yuan

2017-01-01

Viable biomass production is a key determinant of suitability of antagonistic yeasts as potential biocontrol agents. This study investigated the effects of three metal ions (magnesium, ferrous, and zinc) on biomass production and viability of the antagonistic yeast, Candida diversa . Using response surface methodology to optimize medium components, a maximum biomass was obtained, when the collective Mg 2+ , Fe 2+ , and Zn 2+ concentrations were adjusted in a minimal mineral (MM) medium. Compared with the unmodified MM, and three ion-deficient MM media, yeast cells cultured in the three ion-modified MM medium exhibited a lower level of cellular oxidative damage, and a higher level of antioxidant enzyme activity. A biocontrol assay indicated that C. diversa grown in the ion-modified MM exhibited the greatest level of control of gray mold on apple fruit. These results provide new information on culture medium optimization to grow yeast antagonists in order to improve biomass production and biocontrol efficacy.

Optimization of Culture Medium Enhances Viable Biomass Production and Biocontrol Efficacy of the Antagonistic Yeast, Candida diversa

PubMed Central

Liu, Jia; Li, Guangkun; Sui, Yuan

2017-01-01

Viable biomass production is a key determinant of suitability of antagonistic yeasts as potential biocontrol agents. This study investigated the effects of three metal ions (magnesium, ferrous, and zinc) on biomass production and viability of the antagonistic yeast, Candida diversa. Using response surface methodology to optimize medium components, a maximum biomass was obtained, when the collective Mg2+, Fe2+, and Zn2+ concentrations were adjusted in a minimal mineral (MM) medium. Compared with the unmodified MM, and three ion-deficient MM media, yeast cells cultured in the three ion-modified MM medium exhibited a lower level of cellular oxidative damage, and a higher level of antioxidant enzyme activity. A biocontrol assay indicated that C. diversa grown in the ion-modified MM exhibited the greatest level of control of gray mold on apple fruit. These results provide new information on culture medium optimization to grow yeast antagonists in order to improve biomass production and biocontrol efficacy. PMID:29089939

Present Status of Power Circuit Breaker and its Future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshioka, Yoshio

Gas circuit breaker and vacuum circuit breaker are the 2 main types of circuit breaker used in extra high voltage and medium voltage networks. After reviewing the history of these circuit breakers, their present status and technologies are described. As for future technology, computation of interrupting phenomena, SF6 gas less apparatus and expectation of the high voltage vacuum circuit breaker are discussed.

76 FR 70376 - Efficiency and Renewables Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-14

...-Voltage Dry-Type Distribution Transformers. The Liquid Immersed and Medium-Voltage Dry- Type Group (MV... of distribution transformers, as authorized by the Energy Policy Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975, as... negotiated rulemaking process to develop proposed energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Behnke, M. R.; Bloethe, W.G.; Bradt, M.

Wind power plants use power transformers to step plant output from the medium voltage of the collector system to the HV or EHV transmission system voltage. This paper discusses the application of these transformers with regard to the selection of winding configuration, MVA rating, impedance, loss evaluation, on-load tapchanger requirements, and redundancy.

Highly Uniform Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors and Medium Scale Integrated Circuits.

PubMed

Chen, Bingyan; Zhang, Panpan; Ding, Li; Han, Jie; Qiu, Song; Li, Qingwen; Zhang, Zhiyong; Peng, Lian-Mao

2016-08-10

Top-gated p-type field-effect transistors (FETs) have been fabricated in batch based on carbon nanotube (CNT) network thin films prepared from CNT solution and present high yield and highly uniform performance with small threshold voltage distribution with standard deviation of 34 mV. According to the property of FETs, various logical and arithmetical gates, shifters, and d-latch circuits were designed and demonstrated with rail-to-rail output. In particular, a 4-bit adder consisting of 140 p-type CNT FETs was demonstrated with higher packing density and lower supply voltage than other published integrated circuits based on CNT films, which indicates that CNT based integrated circuits can reach to medium scale. In addition, a 2-bit multiplier has been realized for the first time. Benefitted from the high uniformity and suitable threshold voltage of CNT FETs, all of the fabricated circuits based on CNT FETs can be driven by a single voltage as small as 2 V.

46 CFR 111.30-5 - Construction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Construction. 111.30-5 Section 111.30-5 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Switchboards § 111.30-5 Construction. (a) All low voltage and medium voltage switchboards (as low...

46 CFR 111.30-5 - Construction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Construction. 111.30-5 Section 111.30-5 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Switchboards § 111.30-5 Construction. (a) All low voltage and medium voltage switchboards (as low...

46 CFR 111.30-5 - Construction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Construction. 111.30-5 Section 111.30-5 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Switchboards § 111.30-5 Construction. (a) All low voltage and medium voltage switchboards (as low...

46 CFR 111.30-5 - Construction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Construction. 111.30-5 Section 111.30-5 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Switchboards § 111.30-5 Construction. (a) All low voltage and medium voltage switchboards (as low...

46 CFR 111.30-5 - Construction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Construction. 111.30-5 Section 111.30-5 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Switchboards § 111.30-5 Construction. (a) All low voltage and medium voltage switchboards (as low...

Advanced medium-voltage bidirectional dc-dc conversion systems for future electric energy delivery and management systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Haifeng

2011-12-01

The distributed renewable energy generation and utilization are constantly growing, and are expected to be integrated with the conventional grid. The growing pressure for innovative solutions will demand power electronics to take an even larger role in future electric energy delivery and management systems, since power electronics are required for the conversion and control of electric energy by most dispersed generation systems Furthermore, power electronics systems can provide additional intelligent energy management, grid stability and power quality capabilities. Medium-voltage isolated dc-dc converter will become one of the key interfaces for grid components with moderate power ratings. To address the demand of medium voltage (MV) and high power capability for future electric energy delivery and management systems, the power electronics community and industry have been reacting in two different ways: developing semiconductor technology or directly connecting devices in series/parallel to reach higher nominal voltages and currents while maintaining conventional converter topologies; and by developing new converter topologies with traditional semiconductor technology, known as multilevel converters or modular converters. The modular approach uses the well-known, mature, and cheaper power semiconductor devices by adopting new converter topologies. The main advantages of the modular approach include: significant improvement in reliability by introducing desired level of redundancy; standardization of components leading to reduction in manufacturing cost and time; power systems can be easily reconfigured to support varying input-output specifications; and possibly higher efficiency and power density of the overall system. Input-series output-parallel (ISOP) modular configuration is a good choice to realize MV to low voltage (LV) conversion for utility application. However, challenges still remain. First of all, for the high-frequency MV utility application, the low switching loss and conduction loss are must-haves for high efficiency, while bidirectional power flow capability is a must for power management requirement. To address the demand, the phase-shift dual-halfbridge (DHB) is proposed as the constituent module of ISOP configuration for MV application. The proposed ISOP DHB converter employs zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) technique combined with LV MOSFETs to achieve low switching and conduction losses under high frequency operation, and therefore high efficiency and high power density, and bidirectional power flow as well. Secondly, a large load range of high efficiency is desired rather than only a specific load point due to the continuous operation and large load variation range of utility application, which is of high importance because of the rising energy cost. This work proposes a novel DHB converter with an adaptive commutation inductor. By utilizing an adaptive inductor as the main energy transfer element, the output power can be controlled by not only the phase shift but also the commutation inductance, which allows the circulating energy to be optimized for different load conditions to maintain ZVS under light load conditions and minimize additional conduction losses under heavy load conditions as well. As a result, the efficiency at both light and heavy load can be significantly improved compared with the conventional DHB converter, and therefore extended high-efficiency range can be achieved. In addition, current stress of switch devices can be reduced. The theoretical analysis is presented and validated by the experimental results on a 50 kHz, 1 kW dc-dc converter module. Thirdly, input-voltage sharing and output-current sharing are critical to assure the advantages of the ISOP modular configuration. To solve this issue, an identically distributed control scheme is proposed in this work. The proposed control scheme, using only one distributed voltage loop to realize both input-voltage and output-current sharing, provides plug-and-play capability, possible high-level fault tolerance, and easy implementation. Another unique advantage of the proposed ISOP DHB converter is the power rating can be easily extended further by directly connecting multiple ISOP DHB converters in input-parallel-outparallel (IPOP) while no additional control is needed. The proposed control scheme is elaborated using the large-signal average model. Further, the stability of the control schemes is analyzed in terms of the constituent modules' topology as well as the configuration, and then an important fact that the stability of control scheme depends on not only the configuration but also the constituent module topology is first revealed in this work. Finally, the simulation and experimental results of an ISOP DHB converter consisting of three modules are presented to verify the proposed control scheme and the high frequency high efficiency operation.

Low-to-Medium Power Single Chip Digital Controlled DC-DC Regulator for Point-of-Load Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adell, Philippe C. (Inventor); Bakkaloglu, Bertan (Inventor); Vermeire, Bert (Inventor); Liu, Tao (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A DC-DC converter for generating a DC output voltage includes: a digitally controlled pulse width modulator (DPWM) for controlling a switching power stage to supply a varying voltage to an inductor; and a digital voltage feedback circuit for controlling the DPWM in accordance with a feedback voltage corresponding to the DC output voltage, the digital voltage feedback circuit including: a first voltage controlled oscillator for converting the feedback voltage into a first frequency signal and to supply the first frequency signal to a first frequency discriminator; a second voltage controlled oscillator for converting a reference voltage into a second frequency signal and to supply the second frequency signal to a second frequency discriminator; a digital comparator for comparing digital outputs of the first and second frequency discriminators and for outputting a digital feedback signal; and a controller for controlling the DPWM in accordance with the digital feedback signal.

A study of the effect on human mesenchymal stem cells of an atmospheric pressure plasma source driven by different voltage waveforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laurita, R.; Alviano, F.; Marchionni, C.; Abruzzo, P. M.; Bolotta, A.; Bonsi, L.; Colombo, V.; Gherardi, M.; Liguori, A.; Ricci, F.; Rossi, M.; Stancampiano, A.; Tazzari, P. L.; Marini, M.

2016-09-01

The effect of an atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma on human mesenchymal stem cells was investigated. A dielectric barrier discharge non-equilibrium plasma source driven by two different high-voltage pulsed generators was used and cell survival, senescence, proliferation, and differentiation were evaluated. Cells deprived of the culture medium and treated with nanosecond pulsed plasma showed a higher mortality rate, while higher survival and retention of proliferation were observed in cells treated with microsecond pulsed plasma in the presence of the culture medium. While a few treated cells showed the hallmarks of senescence, unexpected delayed apoptosis ensued in cells exposed to plasma-treated medium. The plasma treatment did not change the expression of OCT4, a marker of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation.

The Breakdown Characteristics of the Silicone Oil for Electric Power Apparatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Hisashi; Yanabu, Satoru

The basic breakdown characteristics of the silicone oil as an insulating medium was studied with aim of realization of electric power apparatus which may be considered to be SF6 free and flame-retarding. As the first step, the impulse breakdown characteristics was measured with three kinds of electrodes whose electric field distributions differed. The breakdown characteristics in silicone oil was explained in relation to stressed oil volume (SOV) and the breakdown stress. At the second step the surface breakdown characteristic for impulse voltage was measured with two kinds of insulators which was set to between plane electrodes. The surface breakdown characteristic for impulse voltage was explained in relation to the ratio of the relative permittivity of oil and insulator. And on the third step, the breakdown characteristics of oil gap after interrupting small capacitive current was studied. In this experiment, the disconnecting switch to interrupt capacitive current was simulated by oil gap after interrupting impulse current, and to measure breakdown characteristics the high impulse voltage was subsequently applied. The breakdown stress in silicone oil after application of impulse current was discussed for insulation recovery characteristics.

High-Efficiency Power Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N (Inventor); Wintucky, Edwin G (Inventor)

2013-01-01

One or more embodiments of the present invention pertain to an all solid-state microwave power module. The module includes a plurality of solid-state amplifiers configured to amplify a signal using a low power stage, a medium power stage, and a high power stage. The module also includes a power conditioner configured to activate a voltage sequencer (e.g., bias controller) when power is received from a power source. The voltage sequencer is configured to sequentially apply voltage to a gate of each amplifier and sequentially apply voltage to a drain of each amplifier.

High-Efficiency Power Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simons, Rainee N. (Inventor); Wintucky, Edwin G. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

One or more embodiments of the present invention pertain to an all solid-state microwave power module. The module includes a plurality of solid-state amplifiers configured to amplify a signal using a low power stage, a medium power stage, and a high power stage. The module also includes a power conditioner configured to activate a voltage sequencer (e.g., bias controller) when power is received from a power source. The voltage sequencer is configured to sequentially apply voltage to a gate of each amplifier and sequentially apply voltage to a drain of each amplifier.

An open data repository for steady state analysis of a 100-node electricity distribution network with moderate connection of renewable energy sources.

PubMed

Lazarou, Stavros; Vita, Vasiliki; Ekonomou, Lambros

2018-02-01

The data of this article represent a real electricity distribution network on twenty kilovolts (20 kV) at medium voltage level of the Hellenic electricity distribution system [1]. This network has been chosen as suitable for smart grid analysis. It demonstrates moderate penetration of renewable sources and it has capability in part of time for reverse power flows. It is suitable for studies of load aggregation, storage, demand response. It represents a rural line of fifty-five kilometres (55 km) total length, a typical length for this type. It serves forty-five (45) medium to low voltage transformers and twenty-four (24) connections to photovoltaic plants. The total installed load capacity is twelve mega-volt-ampere (12 MVA), however the maximum observed load is lower. The data are ready to perform load flow simulation on Matpower [2] for the maximum observed load power on the half production for renewables. The simulation results and processed data for creating the source code are also provided on the database available at http://dx.doi.org/10.7910/DVN/1I6MKU.

Outdoor Testing Areas | Energy Systems Integration Facility | NREL

Science.gov Websites

of engineers running tests on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles at the Medium-Voltage Outdoor Test large microgrids hub, located in the outdoor low-voltage test yard, includes underground trench access pits for full enclosure of rotating machinery under test. Key Infrastructure Secured underground pits

76 FR 63566 - Efficiency and Renewables Advisory Committee, Appliance Standards Subcommittee, Negotiated...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-13

... Medium- and Low-Voltage Dry-Type Distribution Transformers AGENCY: Department of Energy, Office of Energy... Dry-Type and the second addressing Low-Voltage Dry-Type Distribution Transformers. The Liquid Immersed... proposed rule for regulating the energy efficiency of distribution transformers, as authorized by the...

The eGo grid model: An open-source and open-data based synthetic medium-voltage grid model for distribution power supply systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amme, J.; Pleßmann, G.; Bühler, J.; Hülk, L.; Kötter, E.; Schwaegerl, P.

2018-02-01

The increasing integration of renewable energy into the electricity supply system creates new challenges for distribution grids. The planning and operation of distribution systems requires appropriate grid models that consider the heterogeneity of existing grids. In this paper, we describe a novel method to generate synthetic medium-voltage (MV) grids, which we applied in our DIstribution Network GeneratOr (DINGO). DINGO is open-source software and uses freely available data. Medium-voltage grid topologies are synthesized based on location and electricity demand in defined demand areas. For this purpose, we use GIS data containing demand areas with high-resolution spatial data on physical properties, land use, energy, and demography. The grid topology is treated as a capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) combined with a local search metaheuristics. We also consider the current planning principles for MV distribution networks, paying special attention to line congestion and voltage limit violations. In the modelling process, we included power flow calculations for validation. The resulting grid model datasets contain 3608 synthetic MV grids in high resolution, covering all of Germany and taking local characteristics into account. We compared the modelled networks with real network data. In terms of number of transformers and total cable length, we conclude that the method presented in this paper generates realistic grids that could be used to implement a cost-optimised electrical energy system.

Plasma Motor Generator (PMG) electrodynamic tether experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grossi, Mario D.

1995-01-01

The Plasma Motor Generator (PMG) flight of June 26, 1993 has been the most sophisticated and most successful mission that has been carried out thus far with an electrodynamic tether. Three papers from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Washington, DC concerned with the PMG, submitted at the Fourth International Space Conference on Tethers in Space, in Washington, DC, in April 1995, are contained in this document. The three papers are (1) Electromagnetic interactions between the PMG tether and the magneto-ionic medium of the Ionosphere; (2) Tether-current-voltage characteristics, as determined by the Hollow Cathode Operation Modes; and (3) Hawaii-Hilo ground observations on the occasion for the PMG flight of June 23, 1993.

Transient Evolutional Dynamics of Quantum-Dot Molecular Phase Coherence for Sensitive Optical Switching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Jian Qi; Gu, Jing

2018-04-01

Atomic phase coherence (quantum interference) in a multilevel atomic gas exhibits a number of interesting phenomena. Such an atomic quantum coherence effect can be generalized to a quantum-dot molecular dielectric. Two quantum dots form a quantum-dot molecule, which can be described by a three-level Λ-configuration model { |0> ,|1> ,|2> } , i.e., the ground state of the molecule is the lower level |0> and the highly degenerate electronic states in the two quantum dots are the two upper levels |1> ,|2> . The electromagnetic characteristics due to the |0>-|1> transition can be controllably manipulated by a tunable gate voltage (control field) that drives the |2>-|1> transition. When the gate voltage is switched on, the quantum-dot molecular state can evolve from one steady state (i.e., |0>-|1> two-level dressed state) to another steady state (i.e., three-level coherent-population-trapping state). In this process, the electromagnetic characteristics of a quantum-dot molecular dielectric, which is modified by the gate voltage, will also evolve. In this study, the transient evolutional behavior of the susceptibility of a quantum-dot molecular thin film and its reflection spectrum are treated by using the density matrix formulation of the multilevel systems. The present field-tunable and frequency-sensitive electromagnetic characteristics of a quantum-dot molecular thin film, which are sensitive to the applied gate voltage, can be utilized to design optical switching devices.

Carbon fiber composite molecular sieve electrically regenerable air filter media

DOEpatents

Wilson, Kirk A.; Burchell, Timothy D.; Judkins, Roddie R.

1998-01-01

An electrically regenerable gas filter system includes a carbon fiber composite molecular sieve (CFCMS) filter medium. After a separate medium-efficiency pre-filter removes particulate from the supply airstream, the CFCMS filter sorbs gaseous air pollutants before the air is recirculated to the space. When saturated, the CFCMS media is regenerated utilizing a low-voltage current that is caused to pass through the filter medium.

Diagnosis of Insulation Condition of MV Switchgears by Application of Different Partial Discharge Measuring Methods and Sensors

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Partial discharges (PD) measurement provides valuable information for the condition assessment of the insulation status of high-voltage (HV) electrical installations. During the last three decades, several PD sensors and measuring techniques have been developed to perform accurate diagnostics when PD measurements are carried out on-site and on-line. For utilities, the most attractive characteristics of on-line measurements are that once the sensors are installed in the grid, the electrical service is uninterrupted and that electrical systems are tested in real operating conditions. In medium-voltage (MV) and HV installations, one of the critical points where an insulation defect can occur is inside metal-clad switchgears (including the cable terminals connected to them). Thus, this kind of equipment is increasingly being monitored to carry out proper maintenance based on their condition. This paper presents a study concerning the application of different electromagnetic measuring techniques (compliant with IEC 62478 and IEC 60270 standards), together with the use of suitable sensors, which enable the evaluation of the insulation condition mainly in MV switchgears. The main scope is to give a general overview about appropriate types of electromagnetic measuring methods and sensors to be applied, while considering the level of detail and accuracy in the diagnosis and the particular fail-save requirements of the electrical installations where the switchgears are located. PMID:29495601

30 CFR 77.805 - Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum design requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum... connection boxes; minimum design requirements. (a)(1) Couplers that are used in medium- or high-voltage power... materials other than metal. (2) Cable couplers shall be adequate for the intended current and voltage. (3...

30 CFR 77.805 - Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum design requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum... connection boxes; minimum design requirements. (a)(1) Couplers that are used in medium- or high-voltage power... materials other than metal. (2) Cable couplers shall be adequate for the intended current and voltage. (3...

30 CFR 77.805 - Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum design requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum... WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Surface High-Voltage Distribution § 77.805 Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum design requirements. (a)(1) Couplers that are used in medium- or high-voltage power...

30 CFR 77.805 - Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum design requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum... WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Surface High-Voltage Distribution § 77.805 Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum design requirements. (a)(1) Couplers that are used in medium- or high-voltage power...

30 CFR 77.805 - Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum design requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum... WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Surface High-Voltage Distribution § 77.805 Cable couplers and connection boxes; minimum design requirements. (a)(1) Couplers that are used in medium- or high-voltage power...

Self-calibrating multiplexer circuit

DOEpatents

Wahl, Chris P.

1997-01-01

A time domain multiplexer system with automatic determination of acceptable multiplexer output limits, error determination, or correction is comprised of a time domain multiplexer, a computer, a constant current source capable of at least three distinct current levels, and two series resistances employed for calibration and testing. A two point linear calibration curve defining acceptable multiplexer voltage limits may be defined by the computer by determining the voltage output of the multiplexer to very accurately known input signals developed from predetermined current levels across the series resistances. Drift in the multiplexer may be detected by the computer when the output voltage limits, expected during normal operation, are exceeded, or the relationship defined by the calibration curve is invalidated.

Electrophysiological and optical changes in slices of rat hippocampus during spreading depression.

PubMed

Snow, R W; Taylor, C P; Dudek, F E

1983-09-01

Spreading depression (SD) was studied with intracellular and extracellular recordings and with photometry in slices of rat hippocampus. Repetitive electrical stimulation could initiate SD in either normal medium or in low-Ca2+ medium containing Mn2+, especially during transient hypoxia. The extracellular voltage near CA1 pyramidal somata and dendrites became negative by approximately 18 mV during SD. This negativity peaked more slowly in low-Ca2+ medium containing Mn2+. The wave of negativity propagated across the slice in both media at approximately 6 mm/min. Input resistance of pyramidal neurons became undetectable during SD, and differential voltage recording between neurons and adjacent extracellular space demonstrated that transmembrane potential approached zero. Slices became more opaque during SD. Photometry revealed approximately 10% increase in reflectance and a similar decrease in transmittance of white light, which occurred with a time course similar to the extracellularly recorded voltage shift. These data support the hypothesis that SD represents a large increase in membrane permeability associated with substantial movements of water. The persistance of SD in a bathing solution that blocked electrically evoked postsynaptic potentials suggests that the contribution of synaptic transmitter release to the propagation of SD should be reappraised.

A compact 100 kV high voltage glycol capacitor.

PubMed

Wang, Langning; Liu, Jinliang; Feng, Jiahuai

2015-01-01

A high voltage capacitor is described in this paper. The capacitor uses glycerol as energy storage medium, has a large capacitance close to 1 nF, can hold off voltages of up to 100 kV for μs charging time. Allowing for low inductance, the capacitor electrode is designed as coaxial structure, which is different from the common structure of the ceramic capacitor. With a steady capacitance at different frequencies and a high hold-off voltage of up to 100 kV, the glycol capacitor design provides a potential substitute for the ceramic capacitors in pulse-forming network modulator to generate high voltage pulses with a width longer than 100 ns.

Carbon fiber composite molecular sieve electrically regenerable air filter media

DOEpatents

Wilson, K.A.; Burchell, T.D.; Judkins, R.R.

1998-10-27

An electrically regenerable gas filter system includes a carbon fiber composite molecular sieve (CFCMS) filter medium. After a separate medium-efficiency pre-filter removes particulate from the supply air stream, the CFCMS filter sorbs gaseous air pollutants before the air is recirculated to the space. When saturated, the CFCMS media is regenerated utilizing a low-voltage current that is caused to pass through the filter medium. 3 figs.

A new type of single-phase five-level inverter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhi; Li, Shengnan; Qin, Risheng; Zhao, Yanhang

2017-11-01

At present, Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) multilevel inverter is widely applied in new energy field. However, it has some disadvantages including low utilization rate of direct current (DC) voltage source and the unbalance of neutral potential. Therefore, a new single-phase five level inverter is proposed in this paper. It has two stage structure, the former stage is equivalent to three level DC/DC converter, and the back stage uses H bridge to realize inverter. Compared with the original central clamp type inverter, the new five level inverter can improve the utilization of DC voltage, and realize the neutral point potential balance with hysteresis comparator.

Detection of stator winding faults in induction motors using three-phase current monitoring.

PubMed

Sharifi, Rasool; Ebrahimi, Mohammad

2011-01-01

The objective of this paper is to propose a new method for the detection of inter-turn short circuits in the stator windings of induction motors. In the previous reported methods, the supply voltage unbalance was the major difficulty, and this was solved mostly based on the sequence component impedance or current which are difficult to implement. Some other methods essentially are included in the offline methods. The proposed method is based on the motor current signature analysis and utilizes three phase current spectra to overcome the mentioned problem. Simulation results indicate that under healthy conditions, the rotor slot harmonics have the same magnitude in three phase currents, while under even 1 turn (0.3%) short circuit condition they differ from each other. Although the magnitude of these harmonics depends on the level of unbalanced voltage, they have the same magnitude in three phases in these conditions. Experiments performed under various load, fault, and supply voltage conditions validate the simulation results and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique. It is shown that the detection of resistive slight short circuits, without sensitivity to supply voltage unbalance is possible. Copyright © 2010 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design versions of HTS three-phase cables with the minimized value of AC losses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altov, V. A.; Balashov, N. N.; Degtyarenko, P. N.; Ivanov, S. S.; Kopylov, S. I.; Lipa, DA; Samoilenkov, S. V.; Sytnikov, V. E.; Zheltov, V. V.

2018-03-01

Design versions of HTS three-phase cables consisting of 2G HTS tapes have been investigated by the numerical simulation method with the aim of AC losses minimization. Two design versions of cables with the coaxial and extended rectangular cross-section shape are considered – the non-sectioned and sectioned one. In the latter each cable phase consists of sections connected in parallel. The optimal dimensions of sections and order of their alteration are chosen by appropriate calculations. The model used takes into account the current distribution between the sections and its non-uniformity within each single HTS tape as well. The following characteristics are varied: design version, dimension, positioning of extra copper layer in a cable, design of HTS tapes themselves and their mutual position. The dependence of AC losses on the latter two characteristics is considered in details, and the examples of cable designs optimized by the total set of characteristics for the medium class of voltages (10 – 60 kV) are given. At the critical current JC=5.1 кA per phase and current amplitudes lower than 0.85JC, the level of total AC losses does not exceed the natural cryostat heat losses.

Automatic control and detector for three-terminal resistance measurement

DOEpatents

Fasching, George E.

1976-10-26

A device is provided for automatic control and detection in a three-terminal resistance measuring instrument. The invention is useful for the rapid measurement of the resistivity of various bulk material with a three-terminal electrode system. The device maintains the current through the sample at a fixed level while measuring the voltage across the sample to detect the sample resistance. The three-electrode system contacts the bulk material and the current through the sample is held constant by means of a control circuit connected to a first of the three electrodes and works in conjunction with a feedback controlled amplifier to null the voltage between the first electrode and a second electrode connected to the controlled amplifier output. An A.C. oscillator provides a source of sinusoidal reference voltage of the frequency at which the measurement is to be executed. Synchronous reference pulses for synchronous detectors in the control circuit and an output detector circuit are provided by a synchronous pulse generator. The output of the controlled amplifier circuit is sampled by an output detector circuit to develop at an output terminal thereof a D.C. voltage which is proportional to the sample resistance R. The sample resistance is that segment of the sample between the area of the first electrode and the third electrode, which is connected to ground potential.

NREL’s Controllable Grid Interface Saves Time and Resources, Improves Reliability of Renewable Energy Technologies; NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) controllable grid interface (CGI) test system at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) is one of two user facilities at NREL capable of testing and analyzing the integration of megawatt-scale renewable energy systems. The CGI specializes in testing of multimegawatt-scale wind and photovoltaic (PV) technologies as well as energy storage devices, transformers, control and protection equipment at medium-voltage levels, allowing the determination of the grid impacts of the tested technology.

Synthetic Plasma Liquid Based Electronic Circuits Realization-A Novel Concept.

PubMed

Pandya, Killol V; Kosta, ShivPrasad

2016-09-01

Biomedical research is contributing significant role in the field of biomedical engineering and applied science. It brings research and innovations to a different level. This study investigated artificial human blood -synthetic plasma liquid as conductive medium. Keeping in mind the conductivity of synthetic plasma, astable multivibrator as well as differential amplifier circuit were demonstrated. The circuits were given normal input voltages at regular temperature and ideal conditions. The result shows desired response which supports the novel concept. For both the circuits, phase shift of 180° achieved by analysing biological electronic circuits.

Voltage-Gated Na+ Channel Isoforms and Their mRNA Expression Levels and Protein Abundance in Three Electric Organs and the Skeletal Muscle of the Electric Eel Electrophorus electricus

PubMed Central

Hiong, Kum C.; Boo, Mel V.; Wong, Wai P.; Chew, Shit F.

2016-01-01

This study aimed to obtain the coding cDNA sequences of voltage-gated Na+ channel (scn) α-subunit (scna) and β-subunit (scnb) isoforms from, and to quantify their transcript levels in, the main electric organ (EO), Hunter’s EO, Sach’s EO and the skeletal muscle (SM) of the electric eel, Electrophorus electricus, which can generate both high and low voltage electric organ discharges (EODs). The full coding sequences of two scna (scn4aa and scn4ab) and three scnb (scn1b, scn2b and scn4b) were identified for the first time (except scn4aa) in E. electricus. In adult fish, the scn4aa transcript level was the highest in the main EO and the lowest in the Sach’s EO, indicating that it might play an important role in generating high voltage EODs. For scn4ab/Scn4ab, the transcript and protein levels were unexpectedly high in the EOs, with expression levels in the main EO and the Hunter’s EO comparable to those of scn4aa. As the key domains affecting the properties of the channel were mostly conserved between Scn4aa and Scn4ab, Scn4ab might play a role in electrogenesis. Concerning scnb, the transcript level of scn4b was much higher than those of scn1b and scn2b in the EOs and the SM. While the transcript level of scn4b was the highest in the main EO, protein abundance of Scn4b was the highest in the SM. Taken together, it is unlikely that Scna could function independently to generate EODs in the EOs as previously suggested. It is probable that different combinations of Scn4aa/Scn4ab and various Scnb isoforms in the three EOs account for the differences in EODs produced in E. electricus. In general, the transcript levels of various scn isoforms in the EOs and the SM were much higher in adult than in juvenile, and the three EOs of the juvenile fish could be functionally indistinct. PMID:27907137

Third-harmonic generation in tunable nonlinear hyperbolic metamaterial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wicharn, Surawut; Buranasiri, Prathan

2018-03-01

In this research, a third-harmonic generation (THG) in a tunable nonlinear hyperbolic metamaterial (TNHM) has been investigated numerically. The TNHM is consisted of periodically arranging of multilayered graphene layers system for controlled optical properties purpose, and ordinary nonlinear dielectric layer. The possibility of TNHM permittivity dispersion controlled by number of graphene layers and external bias voltage to graphene layers was satisfied, then the structure has created the nearly perfect phase-matching scheme based on epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) behavior of the nonlinear medium. Finally, the optimal designed TNHM structure with sufficient bias voltage have given the forwardand backward-direction TH pulses, which the backward-forward TH intensity ratio is closely unity. The THG conversion efficiencies have been maximized after increasing the pumping level to 800 MW/cm2 . From this study, the optimal designed TNHM can be applied as a bi-directional nonlinear frequency converters in nanophotonic systems.

Dark-count-less photon-counting x-ray computed tomography system using a YAP-MPPC detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Eiichi; Sato, Yuich; Abudurexiti, Abulajiang; Hagiwara, Osahiko; Matsukiyo, Hiroshi; Osawa, Akihiro; Enomoto, Toshiyuki; Watanabe, Manabu; Kusachi, Shinya; Sato, Shigehiro; Ogawa, Akira; Onagawa, Jun

2012-10-01

A high-sensitive X-ray computed tomography (CT) system is useful for decreasing absorbed dose for patients, and a dark-count-less photon-counting CT system was developed. X-ray photons are detected using a YAP(Ce) [cerium-doped yttrium aluminum perovskite] single crystal scintillator and an MPPC (multipixel photon counter). Photocurrents are amplified by a high-speed current-voltage amplifier, and smooth event pulses from an integrator are sent to a high-speed comparator. Then, logical pulses are produced from the comparator and are counted by a counter card. Tomography is accomplished by repeated linear scans and rotations of an object, and projection curves of the object are obtained by the linear scan. The image contrast of gadolinium medium slightly fell with increase in lower-level voltage (Vl) of the comparator. The dark count rate was 0 cps, and the count rate for the CT was approximately 250 kcps.

77 FR 28496 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-15

... daily retention limit would be the default retention limit of one large medium or giant BFT (measuring... default level of one large medium or giant BFT as follows: Two large medium or giant BFT for the January subquota period (75 FR 79309, December 20, 2010); three large medium or giant BFT for June through November...

Medium Caliber Lead-Free Electric Primer. Version 2

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Toxic Substance Control Act TGA Thermogravimetric Analysis TNR Trinitroresorcinol V Voltage VDC Voltage Direct Current WSESRB Weapons System...variety of techniques including Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), base-hydrolysis, Surface Area Analysis using Brunauer, Emmett, Teller (BET...Distribution From Thermogravimetric Analysis Johnson, C. E.; Fallis, S.; Chafin, A. P.; Groshens, T. J.; Higa, K. T.; Ismail, I. M. K. and Hawkins, T. W

Vibration, buckling and smart control of microtubules using piezoelectric nanoshells under electric voltage in thermal environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farajpour, A.; Rastgoo, A.; Mohammadi, M.

2017-03-01

Piezoelectric nanomaterials such as zinc oxide (ZnO) are of low toxicity and have many biomedical applications including optical imaging, drug delivery, biosensing and harvesting biomechanical energy using hybrid nanogenerators. In this paper, the vibration, buckling and smart control of microtubules (MTs) embedded in an elastic medium in thermal environment using a piezoelectric nanoshell (PNS) are investigated. The MT and PNS are considered to be coupled by a filament network. The PNS is subjected to thermal loads and an external electric voltage which operates to control the mechanical behavior of the MT. Using the nonlocal continuum mechanics, the governing differential equations are derived. An exact solution is presented for simply supported boundary conditions. The differential quadrature method is also used to solve the governing equations for other boundary conditions. A detailed parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of the elastic constants of surrounding medium and internal filament matrix, scale coefficient, electric voltage, the radius-to-thickness ratio of PNSs and temperature change on the smart control of MTs. It is found that the applied electric voltage can be used as an effective controlling parameter for the vibration and buckling of MTs.

Multiple pore conformations driven by asynchronous movements of voltage sensors in a eukaryotic sodium channel

PubMed Central

Goldschen-Ohm, Marcel P.; Capes, Deborah L.; Oelstrom, Kevin M.; Chanda, Baron

2013-01-01

Voltage-dependent Na+ channels are crucial for electrical signalling in excitable cells. Membrane depolarization initiates asynchronous movements in four non-identical voltage-sensing domains of the Na+ channel. It remains unclear to what extent this structural asymmetry influences pore gating as compared with outwardly rectifying K+ channels, where channel opening results from a final concerted transition of symmetric pore gates. Here we combine single channel recordings, cysteine accessibility and voltage clamp fluorimetry to probe the relationships between voltage sensors and pore conformations in an inactivation deficient Nav1.4 channel. We observe three distinct conductance levels such that DI-III voltage sensor activation is kinetically correlated with formation of a fully open pore, whereas DIV voltage sensor movement underlies formation of a distinct subconducting pore conformation preceding inactivation in wild-type channels. Our experiments reveal that pore gating in sodium channels involves multiple transitions driven by asynchronous movements of voltage sensors. These findings shed new light on the mechanism of coupling between activation and fast inactivation in voltage-gated sodium channels. PMID:23322038

Ultrasteep Voltage Dependence in a Membrane Channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mangan, Patrick S.; Colombini, Marco

1987-07-01

A mechanism for regulating voltage-gated channels is presented. The treatment amplifies the effect of the applied membrane potential resulting in a dramatic increase in the channel's voltage dependence. Addition of a large polyvalent anion to the medium bathing a phospholipid bilayer containing the voltage-dependent channel from the mitochondrial outer membrane, VDAC, induced up to a 12-fold increase in the channel's voltage sensitivity. The highest polyvalent anion concentration tested resulted in an e-fold conductance change for a 0.36-mV change in membrane potential. On the low end, a concentration of 2 μ M resulted in a 50% increase in VDAC voltage dependence. A mechanism based on polyvalent anion accumulation in the access resistance region at the mouth of the pore is consistent with all findings. Perhaps the voltage dependence of voltage-gated channels is amplified in vivo by polyvalent ions. If so, the control of excitable phenomena may be under much finer regulation than that provided by membrane potential alone.

Aspects on HTS applications in confined power grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arndt, T.; Grundmann, J.; Kuhnert, A.; Kummeth, P.; Nick, W.; Oomen, M.; Schacherer, C.; Schmidt, W.

2014-12-01

In an increasing number of electric power grids the share of distributed energy generation is also increasing. The grids have to cope with a considerable change of power flow, which has an impact on the optimum topology of the grids and sub-grids (high-voltage, medium-voltage and low-voltage sub-grids) and the size of quasi-autonomous grid sections. Furthermore the stability of grids is influenced by its size. Thus special benefits of HTS applications in the power grid might become most visible in confined power grids.

Exploring Three-Phase Systems and Synchronous Motors: A Low-Voltage and Low-Cost Experiment at the Sophomore Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schubert, T. F., Jr.; Jacobitz, F. G.; Kim, E. M.

2011-01-01

In order to meet changing curricular and societal needs, a three-phase system and synchronous motor laboratory experience for sophomore-level students in a wide variety of engineering majors was designed, implemented, and assessed. The experiment is unusual in its early placement in the curriculum, and in that it focuses primarily on basic…

SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS: A quasi-3-dimensional simulation method for a high-voltage level-shifting circuit structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jizhi, Liu; Xingbi, Chen

2009-12-01

A new quasi-three-dimensional (quasi-3D) numeric simulation method for a high-voltage level-shifting circuit structure is proposed. The performances of the 3D structure are analyzed by combining some 2D device structures; the 2D devices are in two planes perpendicular to each other and to the surface of the semiconductor. In comparison with Davinci, the full 3D device simulation tool, the quasi-3D simulation method can give results for the potential and current distribution of the 3D high-voltage level-shifting circuit structure with appropriate accuracy and the total CPU time for simulation is significantly reduced. The quasi-3D simulation technique can be used in many cases with advantages such as saving computing time, making no demands on the high-end computer terminals, and being easy to operate.

The effect of pre-injury physical fitness on the initial severity and recovery from whiplash injury, at six-month follow-up.

PubMed

Geldman, Mark; Moore, Ann; Cheek, Liz

2008-04-01

To evaluate the effect of pre-injury physical fitness on the initial severity and recovery of motor vehicle-induced neck injury (whiplash injury). A quantitative experimental design using both retrospective and prospective data. Metropolitan Police physiotherapy and rehabilitation department in the UK. One-hundred and two patients with neck pain following whiplash injury. Patients were divided into three groups based on pre-injury physical fitness (low, medium and high). Recovery was compared between the three groups initially then again at three and six months. Three measurement scales were used: the Neck Disability Index, the Problem Percentage, and the Physical Activity Scale. Pre-injury physical fitness had a marked effect on recovery at three and six months, with the medium and high fitness groups having significantly better recovery than the low fitness group. At three months the Neck Disability Index score for the low fitness group was 12 compared with 7 and 7.5 for the medium and high fitness groups respectively (P = 0.009). At six months the Neck Disability Index score was 9 for the low fitness group compared with 0 and 3 for the medium and high fitness groups (P = 0.002). In addition, the return to work rate was almost twice as high for individuals with medium/high fitness. Early recovery from whiplash injury was significantly more likely for individuals with medium to high levels of pre-injury physical fitness than for individuals with low levels of pre-injury physical fitness.

Piezonuclear battery

DOEpatents

Bongianni, Wayne L.

1992-01-01

A piezonuclear battery generates output power arising from the piezoelectric voltage produced from radioactive decay particles interacting with a piezoelectric medium. Radioactive particle energy may directly create an acoustic wave in the piezoelectric medium or a moderator may be used to generate collision particles for interacting with the medium. In one embodiment a radioactive material (.sup.252 Cf) with an output of about 1 microwatt produced a 12 nanowatt output (1.2% conversion efficiency) from a piezoelectric copolymer of vinylidene fluoride/trifluorethylene.

78 FR 72584 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-03

... medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip to five large medium or giant BFT per vessel per day/trip for... through December 31, 2013. The General category daily retention limit is currently three large medium or... category limit from the default level of one large medium or giant BFT for the 2013 January subquota period...

76 FR 76900 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-09

... retention limit of one large medium or giant BFT (measuring 73 inches (185 cm) CFL) or greater per vessel... level of one large medium or giant BFT as follows: Two large medium or giant BFT for January (75 FR 79309, December 20, 2010); three large medium or giant BFT for June through August (76 FR 32086, June 3...

75 FR 79309 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-20

... limit of one large medium or giant BFT (measuring 73 inches (185 cm) CFL) or greater per vessel per day... adjusted the General category limit from the default level of one large medium or giant BFT as follows: Two large medium or giant BFT for January (74 FR 68709, December 29, 2009), and three large medium or giant...

@NWTC Newsletter: Fall 2013 | Wind | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Assessment of the U.S. Wind Industry in 2012 NREL Identifies Investments for Wind Turbine Drivetrain , medium-speed, medium-voltage wind turbine drivetrain design. Tapping into unparalleled expertise, the The drivetrain of a wind turbine converts the power of the wind into electrical energy. Now

Battery Cell By-Pass Circuit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mumaw, Susan J. (Inventor); Evers, Jeffrey (Inventor); Craig, Calvin L., Jr. (Inventor); Walker, Stuart D. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

The invention is a circuit and method of limiting the charging current voltage from a power supply net work applied to an individual cell of a plurality of cells making up a battery being charged in series. It is particularly designed for use with batteries that can be damaged by overcharging, such as Lithium-ion type batteries. In detail. the method includes the following steps: 1) sensing the actual voltage level of the individual cell; 2) comparing the actual voltage level of the individual cell with a reference value and providing an error signal representative thereof; and 3) by-passing the charging current around individual cell necessary to keep the individual cell voltage level generally equal a specific voltage level while continuing to charge the remaining cells. Preferably this is accomplished by by-passing the charging current around the individual cell if said actual voltage level is above the specific voltage level and allowing the charging current to the individual cell if the actual voltage level is equal or less than the specific voltage level. In the step of bypassing the charging current, the by-passed current is transferred at a proper voltage level to the power supply. The by-pass circuit a voltage comparison circuit is used to compare the actual voltage level of the individual cell with a reference value and to provide an error signal representative thereof. A third circuit, designed to be responsive to the error signal, is provided for maintaining the individual cell voltage level generally equal to the specific voltage level. Circuitry is provided in the third circuit for bypassing charging current around the individual cell if the actual voltage level is above the specific voltage level and transfers the excess charging current to the power supply net work. The circuitry also allows charging of the individual cell if the actual voltage level is equal or less than the specific voltage level.

Response of larval sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) to pulsed DC electrical stimuli in laboratory experiments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bowen, Anjanette K.; Weisser, John W.; Bergstedt, Roger A.; Famoye, Felix

2003-01-01

Four electrical factors that are used in pulsed DC electrofishing for larval sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) were evaluated in two laboratory studies to determine the optimal values to induce larval emergence over a range of water temperatures and conductivities. Burrowed larvae were exposed to combinations of pulsed DC electrical factors including five pulse frequencies, three pulse patterns, and two levels of duty cycle over a range of seven voltage gradients in two separate studies conducted at water temperatures of 10, 15, and 20°C and water conductivities of 25, 200, and 900 μS/cm. A four-way analysis of variance was used to determine significant (α = 0.05) influences of each electrical factor on larval emergence. Multiple comparison tests with Bonferroni adjustments were used to determine which values of each factor resulted in significantly higher emergence at each temperature and conductivity. Voltage gradient and pulse frequency significantly affected emergence according to the ANOVA model at each temperature and conductivity tested. Duty cycle and pulse pattern generally did not significantly influence the model. Findings suggest that a setting of 2.0 V/cm, 3 pulses/sec, 10% duty, and 2:2 pulse pattern seems the most promising in waters of medium conductivity and across a variety of temperatures. This information provides a basis for understanding larval response to pulsed DC electrofishing gear factors and identifies electrofisher settings that show promise to increase the efficiency of the gear during assessments for burrowed sea lamprey larvae.

Highly-Efficient and Modular Medium-Voltage Converters

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-28

HVDC modular multilevel converter in decoupled double synchronous reference frame for voltage oscillation reduction," IEEE Trans. Ind...Electron., vol. 29, pp. 77-88, Jan 2014. [10] M. Guan and Z. Xu, "Modeling and control of a modular multilevel converter -based HVDC system under...34 Modular multilevel converter design for VSC HVDC applications," IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics, vol. 3, pp.

Electric field modulated ferromagnetism in ZnO films deposited at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bu, Jianpei; Liu, Xinran; Hao, Yanming; Zhou, Guangjun; Cheng, Bin; Huang, Wei; Xie, Jihao; Zhang, Heng; Qin, Hongwei; Hu, Jifan

2018-04-01

The ZnO film deposited at room temperature, which is composed of the amorphous-phase background plus a few nanograins or nanoclusters (about 1-2 nm), exhibits room temperature ferromagnetism (FM). Such FM is found to be connected with oxygen vacancies. For the Ta/ZnO/Pt device based on the medium layer ZnO deposited at room temperature, the saturation magnetization not only is modulated between high and low resistive states by electric voltage with DC loop electric current but also increases/decreases through adjusting the magnitudes of positive/negative DC sweeping voltage. Meanwhile, the voltage-controlled conductance quantization is observed in Ta/ZnO/Pt, accompanying the voltage-controlled magnetization. However, the saturation magnetization of the Ta/ZnO/Pt device becomes smaller under positive electric voltage and returns in some extent under negative electric voltage, when the DC loop electric current is not applied.

Tuning Electrochemical Properties of Li-Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes by Adjusting Co/Ni Ratios and Mechanism Investigation Using in situ X-ray Diffraction and Online Continuous Flow Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Shen, ShouYu; Hong, YuHao; Zhu, FuChun; Cao, ZhenMing; Li, YuYang; Ke, FuSheng; Fan, JingJing; Zhou, LiLi; Wu, LiNa; Dai, Peng; Cai, MingZhi; Huang, Ling; Zhou, ZhiYou; Li, JunTao; Wu, QiHui; Sun, ShiGang

2018-04-18

Owing to high specific capacity of ∼250 mA h g -1 , lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials (Li 1+ x Ni y Co z Mn (3- x-2 y-3 z)/4 O 2 ) have been considered as one of the most promising candidates for the next-generation cathode materials of lithium ion batteries. However, the commercialization of this kind of cathode materials seriously restricted by voltage decay upon cycling though Li-rich materials with high cobalt content have been widely studied and show good capacity. This research successfully suppresses voltage decay upon cycling while maintaining high specific capacity with low Co/Ni ratio in Li-rich cathode materials. Online continuous flow differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS) and in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques have been applied to investigate the structure transformation of Li-rich layered oxide materials during charge-discharge process. The results of OEMS revealed that low Co/Ni ratio lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials released no lattice oxygen at the first charge process, which will lead to the suppression of the voltage decay upon cycling. The in situ XRD results displayed the structure transition of lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials during the charge-discharge process. The Li 1.13 Ni 0.275 Mn 0.580 O 2 cathode material exhibited a high initial medium discharge voltage of 3.710 and a 3.586 V medium discharge voltage with the lower voltage decay of 0.124 V after 100 cycles.

On the use of an Arduino-based controller to control the charging process of a wind turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmuddin, Faisal; Yusran, Ahmad Muhtam; Klara, Syerly

2017-02-01

In order to avoid an excessive charging voltage which can damage power storage when converting wind energy using a turbine, it is necessary to control the charging voltage of the turbine generator. In the present study, a charging controller which uses an Arduino microcontroller, is designed. 3 (three) indicator lights are installed to indicate the battery charging process, power diversion to dummy load and battery power level. The performance of the designed controller is evaluated by simulating 3 cases. In this simulation, a battery with maximum voltage of 12.4 V is used. Case 1 is performed with input voltage equals the one set in Arduino which is 10 V. In this case, the battery is charged up to 10.8 V. In case 2, the input voltage is 13 V while the maximum voltage set in Arduino is also 13 V. In this case, the battery is charged up to maximum voltage of the battery. Moreover, the dummy load indicator is ON and charging indicator is OFF after the maximum charging voltage is reached because the electricity is flowed to the dummy load. In the final case, the input voltage is set to be 16 V while the maximum voltage set in Arduino is 13 V. In this case, the charging indicator is OFF and dummy load indicator is ON which means that the Arduino has successfully switched the power to be flowed to dummy load. From the 3 (three) cases, it can be concluded that the designed controller works perfectly to control the charging process of the wind turbine. Moreover, the charging time needed in each case can also be determined.

Electron beam method and apparatus for obtaining uniform discharges in electrically pumped gas lasers

DOEpatents

Fenstermacher, Charles A.; Boyer, Keith

1986-01-01

A method and apparatus for obtaining uniform, high-energy, large-volume electrical discharges in the lasing medium of a gas laser whereby a high-energy electron beam is used as an external ionization source to ionize substantially the entire volume of the lasing medium which is then readily pumped by means of an applied potential less than the breakdown voltage of the medium. The method and apparatus are particularly useful in CO.sub.2 laser systems.

Lightning Overvoltage on Low-Voltage Distribution System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michishita, Koji

The portion of the faults of a medium-voltage line, cause by lightning, tends to increase with often reaching beyond 30%. However, due to the recent progress of the lightning protection design, the number of faults has decreased to 1/3 of that at 30 years ago. As for the low-voltage distribution line, the fault rate has been estimated primarily, although the details of the overvoltages have not been studied yet. For the further development of highly information-oriented society, improvement of reliability of electric power supply to the appliance in a low-voltage customer will be socially expected. Therefore, it is important to establish effective lightning protection design of the low-voltage distribution system, defined to be composed of lines having mutual interaction on the customers' electric circuits, such as a low-voltage distribution line, an antenna line and a telecommunication line. In this report, the author interprets the recent research on the lightning overvoltage on a low-voltage distribution system.

78 FR 26709 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-08

... the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category daily retention limit to three large medium or giant... medium or giant BFT (measuring 73 inches (185 cm) curved fork length (CFL) or greater) per vessel per day... 2012 fishing year, NMFS adjusted the General category limit from the default level of one large medium...

Performance of Li-Ion Cells Under Battery Voltage Charge Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, Gopalakrishna M.; Vaidyanathan, Hari; Day, John H. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

A study consisting of electrochemical characterization and Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) cycling of Li-Ion cells from three vendors was initiated in 1999 to determine the cycling performance and to infuse the new technology in the future NASA missions. The 8-cell batteries included in this evaluation are prismatic cells manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances Company (MSA), cylindrical cells manufactured by SAFT and prismatic cells manufactured by Yardney Technical Products, Inc. (YTP). The three batteries were cycle tested in the LEO regime at 40% depth of discharge, and under a charge control technique that consists of battery voltage clamp with a current taper. The initial testing was conducted at 20 C; however, the batteries were cycled also intermittently at low temperatures. YTP 20 Ah cells consisted of mixed-oxide (Co and Ni) positive, graphitic carbon negative, LIPF6 salt mixed with organic carbonate solvents. The battery voltage clamp was 32 V. The low temperature cycling tests started after 4575 cycles at 20 C. The cells were not capable of cycling. at low temperature since the charge acceptance at battery level was poor. There was a cell in the battery that showed too high an end-of-charge (EOC) voltage thereby limiting the ability to charge the rest of the cells in the battery. The battery has completed 6714 cycles. SAFT 12 Ah cells consisted of mixed-oxide (Co and NO positive, graphitic carbon negative, LiPF6 salt mixed with organic carbonate solvents. The battery voltage clamp was for 30.8 V. The low temperature cycling tests started after 4594 cycles at 20 C. A cell that showed low end of discharge (EOD) and EOC voltages and three other cells that showed higher EOC voltages limited the charge acceptance at the selected voltage limit during charge. The cells were capable of cycling at 10 C and 0 C but the charge voltage limit had to be increased to 34.3 V (4.3 V per cell). The low temperature cycling may have induced poor chargeability since the voltage had to be increased to achieve the required charge input. The battery has completed 6226 cycles. MSA 10 Ah cells consisted of Co oxide positive, graphitic carbon negative, LiPF6 salt mixed with organic carbonate solvents. The battery voltage clamp was 30.8 V. The low temperature cycling tests were started after 2182 cycles at 20 C. The cells were capable of cycling at 10 C and 0 C. Like SAFT, the voltage limit on charge had to be increased to 36 V (4.5 V per cell). There was a cell (cell S/N 13) in the battery that showed poor performance features such as low EOD voltage and high EOC voltage. The battery has completed 3441 cycles. A reconditioning procedure that consisted of C15 charge to a taper current of C/100 and C/20 discharge improved the voltage behavior of SAFT and MSA cells with no significant effect on YTP cells. We have demonstrated that the charge operation with VT clamp at battery rather than at cell level is feasible for onboard Li-Ion battery operation.

The Design and Characterization of a Prototype Wideband Voltage Sensor Based on a Resistive Divider

PubMed Central

Garnacho, Fernando; Khamlichi, Abderrahim; Rovira, Jorge

2017-01-01

The most important advantage of voltage dividers over traditional voltage transformers is that voltage dividers do not have an iron core with non-linear hysteresis characteristics. The voltage dividers have a linear behavior with respect to over-voltages and a flat frequency response larger frequency range. The weak point of a voltage divider is the influence of external high-voltage (HV) and earth parts in its vicinity. Electrical fields arising from high voltages in neighboring phases and from ground conductors and structures are one of their main sources for systematic measurement errors. This paper describes a shielding voltage divider for a 24 kV medium voltage network insulated in SF6 composed of two resistive-capacitive dividers, one integrated within the other, achieving a flat frequency response up to 10 kHz for ratio error and up to 5 kHz for phase displacement error. The metal shielding improves its immunity against electric and magnetic fields. The characterization performed on the built-in voltage sensor shows an accuracy class of 0.2 for a frequency range from 20 Hz to 5 kHz and a class of 0.5 for 1 Hz up to 20 Hz. A low temperature effect is also achieved for operation conditions of MV power grids. PMID:29149085

The Design and Characterization of a Prototype Wideband Voltage Sensor Based on a Resistive Divider.

PubMed

Garnacho, Fernando; Khamlichi, Abderrahim; Rovira, Jorge

2017-11-17

The most important advantage of voltage dividers over traditional voltage transformers is that voltage dividers do not have an iron core with non-linear hysteresis characteristics. The voltage dividers have a linear behavior with respect to over-voltages and a flat frequency response larger frequency range. The weak point of a voltage divider is the influence of external high-voltage (HV) and earth parts in its vicinity. Electrical fields arising from high voltages in neighboring phases and from ground conductors and structures are one of their main sources for systematic measurement errors. This paper describes a shielding voltage divider for a 24 kV medium voltage network insulated in SF6 composed of two resistive-capacitive dividers, one integrated within the other, achieving a flat frequency response up to 10 kHz for ratio error and up to 5 kHz for phase displacement error. The metal shielding improves its immunity against electric and magnetic fields. The characterization performed on the built-in voltage sensor shows an accuracy class of 0.2 for a frequency range from 20 Hz to 5 kHz and a class of 0.5 for 1 Hz up to 20 Hz. A low temperature effect is also achieved for operation conditions of MV power grids.

Multiphase contrast medium injection for optimization of computed tomographic coronary angiography.

PubMed

Budoff, Matthew Jay; Shinbane, Jerold S; Child, Janis; Carson, Sivi; Chau, Alex; Liu, Stephen H; Mao, SongShou

2006-02-01

Electron beam angiography is a minimally invasive imaging technique. Adequate vascular opacification throughout the study remains a critical issue for image quality. We hypothesized that vascular image opacification and uniformity of vascular enhancement between slices can be improved using multiphase contrast medium injection protocols. We enrolled 244 consecutive patients who were randomized to three different injection protocols: single-phase contrast medium injection (Group 1), dual-phase contrast medium injection with each phase at a different injection rate (Group 2), and a three-phase injection with two phases of contrast medium injection followed by a saline injection phase (Group 3). Parameters measured were aortic opacification based on Hounsfield units and uniformity of aortic enhancement at predetermined slices (locations from top [level 1] to base [level 60]). In Group 1, contrast opacification differed across seven predetermined locations (scan levels: 1st versus 60th, P < .05), demonstrating significant nonuniformity. In Group 2, there was more uniform vascular enhancement, with no significant differences between the first 50 slices (P > .05). In Group 3, there was greater uniformity of vascular enhancement and higher mean Hounsfield units value across all 60 images, from the aortic root to the base of the heart (P < .05). The three-phase injection protocol improved vascular opacification at the base of the heart, as well as uniformity of arterial enhancement throughout the study.

Phase locking of a semiconductor double-quantum-dot single-atom maser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Y.-Y.; Hartke, T. R.; Stehlik, J.; Petta, J. R.

2017-11-01

We experimentally study the phase stabilization of a semiconductor double-quantum-dot (DQD) single-atom maser by injection locking. A voltage-biased DQD serves as an electrically tunable microwave frequency gain medium. The statistics of the maser output field demonstrate that the maser can be phase locked to an external cavity drive, with a resulting phase noise L =-99 dBc/Hz at a frequency offset of 1.3 MHz. The injection locking range, and the phase of the maser output relative to the injection locking input tone are in good agreement with Adler's theory. Furthermore, the electrically tunable DQD energy level structure allows us to rapidly switch the gain medium on and off, resulting in an emission spectrum that resembles a frequency comb. The free running frequency comb linewidth is ≈8 kHz and can be improved to less than 1 Hz by operating the comb in the injection locked regime.

Inductive Position Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Youngquist, Robert C. (Inventor); Simmons, Stephen M. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

An inductive position sensor uses three independent inductors inductively coupled by a common medium such as air. First and second inductors are separated by a fixed distance with the first inductor's axial core and second inductor's axial core maintained parallel to one another. A third inductor is disposed between the first and second inductors with the third inductor's axial core being maintained parallel to those of the first and second inductors. The combination of the first and second inductors are configured for relative movement with the third inductor's axial core remaining parallel to those of the first and second inductors as distance changes from the third inductor to each of the first inductor and second inductor. An oscillating current can be supplied to at least one of the three inductors, while voltage induced in at least one of the three inductors not supplied with the oscillating current is measured.

Method and apparatus for I-V data acquisition from solar cells

DOEpatents

Cole, Steven W.

1985-01-01

A method and apparatus for logging current-voltage (I-V) characteristic d of a solar cell module (10) in two modes using a portable instrument. One mode controls the load current through a circuit (36) in 256 equal intervals while voltage is measured from open circuit to at least halfway into the knee of the curve and the other mode controls the load voltage through a circuit (34) in 256 equal intervals from the lowest voltage measurement possible (short circuit) to at least halfway into the knee of the curve, under control of a microcomputer (12). All measurements are packed by discarding each measurement that is within 0.5% of the value predicted from two previous measurements, except every ninth (9th) measurement which is retained. The remaining data is further packed into a memory block of a detachable storage medium (14) by recording the data points in sequence following a header containing data common to all points, with each point having the value of the controlled parameter recorded as the number of increments from the previous point recorded followed by the measured value. The detachable storage medium is preferably a solid state device for reliability, and is transferable to a playback terminal which unpacks the data for analysis and display.

Evaluation of the Chem 1 analyzer.

PubMed

Biosca, C; Antoja, F; Sierra, C; Aluma, A; Farre, J; Alsina, M J; Galimany, R

1991-01-01

The selective multitest Technicon Chem 1 analyser was evaluated according to the guidelines of the 'Comisión de Instrumentación de la Sociedad Española de Química Clínica', and the protocols of the 'European Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards' and 'Commission de validation de techniques' of the 'Société Française de Biologie Clinique'. The evaluation was performed in three steps: evaluation in routine conditions, assessment of the interferences and study of practicability. Under routine working conditions, eighteen constituents were studied. Within-run imprecision ranged from 0.6% (CV) for gamma-GT to 4.7% (CV) for AST. Between-run imprecision ranged from 1.6% (CV) for ion sodium to 5.5% (CV) for creatinine. Specimen related carry-over was not within the samples; specimen independent carry-over was found in some of the constituents studied. The relative inaccuracy is good for all the constituents assayed. Haemoglobin (290 mumol.l1) showed a positive interference with urate at three concentration levels (low, medium and high). Bilirubin (up to 300 mumol.l-1) caused a negative interference with creatinine at three concentration levels. Turbidity (trigliceride up to 4 mumol.l-1) stated a positive interference with creatinine at three concentration levels and with AST at two concentration levels (low and medium). Turbidity also caused a negative interference with urate at three concentration levels and with urea at two concentration levels (low and medium).

Effect of different methods of pulse width modulation on power losses in an induction motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulyaev, Alexander; Fokin, Dmitrii; Shuharev, Sergey; Ten, Evgenii

2017-10-01

We consider the calculation of modulation power losses in a system “induction motor-inverter” for various pulse width modulation (PWM) methods of the supply voltage. Presented values of modulation power losses are the result of modeling a system “DC link - two-level three-phase voltage inverter - induction motor - load”. In this study the power losses in a system “induction motor - inverter” are computed, as well as losses caused by higher harmonics of PWM supply voltage, followed by definition of active power consumed by the DC link for a specified value mechanical power on the induction motor shaft. Mechanical power was determined by the rotation speed and the torque on the motor shaft in various quasi-sinusoidal supply voltage PWM modes. These calculations reveal the best coefficient of performance (COP) in a system of a variable frequency drive (VFD) with independent voltage inverter controlled by induction motor PWM.

The sea urchin egg jelly coat is a three-dimensional fibrous network as seen by intermediate voltage electron microscopy and deep etching analysis.

PubMed

Bonnell, B S; Larabell, C; Chandler, D E

1993-06-01

The egg jelly (EJ) coat which surrounds the unfertilized sea urchin egg undergoes extensive swelling upon contact with sea water, forming a three-dimensional network of interconnected fibers extending nearly 50 microns from the egg surface. Owing to its solubility, this coat has been difficult to visualize by light and electron microscopy. However, Lytechinus pictus EJ coats remain intact, if the fixation medium is maintained at pH 9. The addition of alcian blue during the final dehydration step of sample preparation stains the EJ for visualization of resin embedded eggs by both light and electron microscopy. Stereo pairs taken of thick sections prepared for intermediate voltage electron microscopy (IVEM) produce a three-dimensional image of the EJ network, consisting of interconnected fibers decorated along their length by globular jelly components. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we have shown that before swelling, EJ exists in a tightly bound network of jelly fibers, 50-60 nm in diameter. In contrast, swollen EJ consists of a greatly extended network whose fibrous components measure 10 to 30 nm in diameter. High resolution stereo images of hydrated jelly produced by the quick-freeze/deep-etch/rotary-shadowing technique (QF/DE/RS) show nearly identical EJ networks, suggesting that dehydration does not markedly alter the structure of this extracellular matrix.

Stimulation of insulin secretion by medium-chain triglycerides in patients with cirrhosis 1

PubMed Central

McCullough, Frank S.; Tzagournis, Manuel; Greenberger, Norton J.; Linscheer, Willem G.

1971-01-01

Oral medium-chain triglycerides were given to 10 normal volunteers, 12 cirrhotics (group I) without and 28 cirrhotics (group II) with abnormal portal systemic communications (ascites, splenomegaly, oesophageal varices, or surgically-created portacaval shunts). After 30 ml of medium-chain triglyceride oil there was no appreciable change in serum glucose levels in any of the three groups nor in serum insulin levels in the normals and in cirrhotics in group I. However, there was a significant increase in serum insulin levels in the cirrhotic patients in group II. It is suggested that the rise in serum insulin levels after medium-chain triglycerides noted in the cirrhotics with shunts is due to shunting of insulin-containing portal blood around the liver (anatomical shunts) and to a diminished hepatic cell mass capable of extracting insulin (functional shunt). This differential response of serum insulin levels to medium-chain triglycerides may prove to be of value in detecting the presence of abnormal portal systemic communications in cirrhotic patients. PMID:5548559

High-resolution parallel-detection sensor array using piezo-phototronics effect

DOEpatents

Wang, Zhong L.; Pan, Caofeng

2015-07-28

A pressure sensor element includes a substrate, a first type of semiconductor material layer and an array of elongated light-emitting piezoelectric nanostructures extending upwardly from the first type of semiconductor material layer. A p-n junction is formed between each nanostructure and the first type semiconductor layer. An insulative resilient medium layer is infused around each of the elongated light-emitting piezoelectric nanostructures. A transparent planar electrode, disposed on the resilient medium layer, is electrically coupled to the top of each nanostructure. A voltage source is coupled to the first type of semiconductor material layer and the transparent planar electrode and applies a biasing voltage across each of the nanostructures. Each nanostructure emits light in an intensity that is proportional to an amount of compressive strain applied thereto.

A Linguistic Analysis of Counselor's Affect Oriented Responses across Three Levels of Counseling Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warden, Kathleen; Wycoff, Jean

The effect of counselors' level of experience on clients' expression of feeling has not been investigated using stylistic and semantic measures. To examine the influence of affectively oriented counselors' level of experience, six counselors at three experience levels (low--masters, counseling practicum students; medium--doctoral, counseling…

Management Education for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the European Communities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holzer, Rainer

This report summarizes the activities of various bodies providing training impetus for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe on the three levels of (1) basic management education for potential small and medium-sized business owners and/or managers; (2) programs for small firm start-ups; and (3) activities to improve the management of…

Anisotropy of electromagnetically induced left-handedness in atomic three-level media based upon bianisotropic polarizabilities and tensor character

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krowne, Clifford M.

2008-05-01

A three-level atomic system, configured as either a gaseous medium or a solid state material, with a driving field establishing a Rabi frequency of control, is tested by a probe field. The medium has bianisotropic microscopic polarizability and magnetizability, from which the permittivity and permeability tensors are derived. Non-isotropy and polarization dependence for left-handedness (negative index of refraction) is demonstrated through examination of tensor components in the detuning frequency spectrum. These results have important implications for use in optical or electronic devices.

Automated tube voltage selection for radiation dose and contrast medium reduction at coronary CT angiography using 3(rd) generation dual-source CT.

PubMed

Mangold, Stefanie; Wichmann, Julian L; Schoepf, U Joseph; Poole, Zachary B; Canstein, Christian; Varga-Szemes, Akos; Caruso, Damiano; Bamberg, Fabian; Nikolaou, Konstantin; De Cecco, Carlo N

2016-10-01

To investigate the relationship between automated tube voltage selection (ATVS) and body mass index (BMI) and its effect on image quality and radiation dose of coronary CT angiography (CCTA). We evaluated 272 patients who underwent CCTA with 3(rd) generation dual-source CT (DSCT). Prospectively ECG-triggered spiral acquisition was performed with automated tube current selection and advanced iterative reconstruction. Tube voltages were selected by ATVS (70-120 kV). BMI, effective dose (ED), and vascular attenuation in the coronary arteries were recorded. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. Five-point scales were used for subjective image quality analysis. Image quality was rated good to excellent in 98.9 % of examinations without significant differences for proximal and distal attenuation (all p ≥ .0516), whereas image noise was rated significantly higher at 70 kV compared to ≥100 kV (all p < .0266). However, no significant differences were observed in SNR or CNR at 70-120 kV (all p ≥ .0829). Mean ED at 70-120 kV was 1.5 ± 1.2 mSv, 2.4 ± 1.5 mSv, 3.6 ± 2.7 mSv, 5.9 ± 4.0 mSv, 7.9 ± 4.2 mSv, and 10.7 ± 4.1 mSv, respectively (all p ≤ .0414). Correlation analysis showed a moderate association between tube voltage and BMI (r = .639). ATVS allows individual tube voltage adaptation for CCTA performed with 3(rd) generation DSCT, resulting in significantly decreased radiation exposure while maintaining image quality. • Automated tube voltage selection allows an individual tube voltage adaption in CCTA. • A tube voltage-based reduction of contrast medium volume is feasible. • Image quality was maintained while radiation exposure was significantly decreased. • A moderate association between tube voltage and body mass index was found.

Reliability of High-Voltage Tantalum Capacitors. Parts 3 and 4)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teverovsky, Alexander

2010-01-01

Weibull grading test is a powerful technique that allows selection and reliability rating of solid tantalum capacitors for military and space applications. However, inaccuracies in the existing method and non-adequate acceleration factors can result in significant, up to three orders of magnitude, errors in the calculated failure rate of capacitors. This paper analyzes deficiencies of the existing technique and recommends more accurate method of calculations. A physical model presenting failures of tantalum capacitors as time-dependent-dielectric-breakdown is used to determine voltage and temperature acceleration factors and select adequate Weibull grading test conditions. This model is verified by highly accelerated life testing (HALT) at different temperature and voltage conditions for three types of solid chip tantalum capacitors. It is shown that parameters of the model and acceleration factors can be calculated using a general log-linear relationship for the characteristic life with two stress levels.

Elevated voltage level I.sub.DDQ failure testing of integrated circuits

DOEpatents

Righter, Alan W.

1996-01-01

Burn in testing of static CMOS IC's is eliminated by I.sub.DDQ testing at elevated voltage levels. These voltage levels are at least 25% higher than the normal operating voltage for the IC but are below voltage levels that would cause damage to the chip.

Elevated voltage level I{sub DDQ} failure testing of integrated circuits

DOEpatents

Righter, A.W.

1996-05-21

Burn in testing of static CMOS IC`s is eliminated by I{sub DDQ} testing at elevated voltage levels. These voltage levels are at least 25% higher than the normal operating voltage for the IC but are below voltage levels that would cause damage to the chip. 4 figs.

Utility-Scale Solar Power Converter: Agile Direct Grid Connect Medium Voltage 4.7-13.8 kV Power Converter for PV Applications Utilizing Wide Band Gap Devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

Solar ADEPT Project: Satcon is developing a compact, lightweight power conversion device that is capable of taking utility-scale solar power and outputting it directly into the electric utility grid at distribution voltage levels—eliminating the need for large transformers. Transformers “step up” the voltage of the power that is generated by a solar power system so it can be efficiently transported through transmission lines and eventually “stepped down” to usable voltages before it enters homes and businesses. Power companies step up the voltage because less electricity is lost along transmission lines when the voltage is high and current is low. Satcon’smore » new power conversion devices will eliminate these heavy transformers and connect a utility-scale solar power system directly to the grid. Satcon’s modular devices are designed to ensure reliability—if one device fails it can be bypassed and the system can continue to run.« less

Medium-scale carbon nanotube thin-film integrated circuits on flexible plastic substrates.

PubMed

Cao, Qing; Kim, Hoon-sik; Pimparkar, Ninad; Kulkarni, Jaydeep P; Wang, Congjun; Shim, Moonsub; Roy, Kaushik; Alam, Muhammad A; Rogers, John A

2008-07-24

The ability to form integrated circuits on flexible sheets of plastic enables attributes (for example conformal and flexible formats and lightweight and shock resistant construction) in electronic devices that are difficult or impossible to achieve with technologies that use semiconductor wafers or glass plates as substrates. Organic small-molecule and polymer-based materials represent the most widely explored types of semiconductors for such flexible circuitry. Although these materials and those that use films or nanostructures of inorganics have promise for certain applications, existing demonstrations of them in circuits on plastic indicate modest performance characteristics that might restrict the application possibilities. Here we report implementations of a comparatively high-performance carbon-based semiconductor consisting of sub-monolayer, random networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes to yield small- to medium-scale integrated digital circuits, composed of up to nearly 100 transistors on plastic substrates. Transistors in these integrated circuits have excellent properties: mobilities as high as 80 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1), subthreshold slopes as low as 140 m V dec(-1), operating voltages less than 5 V together with deterministic control over the threshold voltages, on/off ratios as high as 10(5), switching speeds in the kilohertz range even for coarse (approximately 100-microm) device geometries, and good mechanical flexibility-all with levels of uniformity and reproducibility that enable high-yield fabrication of integrated circuits. Theoretical calculations, in contexts ranging from heterogeneous percolative transport through the networks to compact models for the transistors to circuit level simulations, provide quantitative and predictive understanding of these systems. Taken together, these results suggest that sub-monolayer films of single-walled carbon nanotubes are attractive materials for flexible integrated circuits, with many potential areas of application in consumer and other areas of electronics.

Quadratic Electro-optic Effect in a Novel Nonconjugated Conductive Polymer, iodine-doped Polynorbornene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narayanan, Ananthakrishnan; Thakur, Mrinal

2009-03-01

Quadratic electro-optic effect in a novel nonconjugated conductive polymer, iodine-doped polynorbornene has been measured using field-induced birefringence at 633 nm. The electrical conductivity^1 of polynorbornene increases by twelve orders of magnitude to about 0.01 S/cm upon doping with iodine. The electro-optic measurement has been made in a film doped at the medium doping-level. The electro-optic modulation signal was recorded using a lock-in amplifier for various applied ac voltages (4 kHz) and the quadratic dependence of the modulation on the applied voltage was observed. A modulation of about 0.01% was observed for an applied electric field of 3 V/micron for a 100 nm thick film The Kerr coefficient as determined is about 1.77x10-11m/V^2. This exceptionally large quadratic electro-optic effect has been attributed to the confinement of this charge-transfer system within a sub-nanometer dimension. 1. A. Narayanan, A. Palthi and M. Thakur, J. Macromol. Sci. -- PAC, accepted.

Surveying hospital network structure in New York State: how are they structured?

PubMed

Nauenberg, E; Brewer, C S

2000-01-01

We determine the most common network structures in New York state. The taxonomy employed uses three structural dimensions: integration, complexity, and risk-sharing between organizations. Based on a survey conducted in 1996, the most common type of network (26.4 percent) had medium levels of integration, medium or high levels of complexity, and some risk-sharing. Also common were networks with low levels of integration, low levels of complexity, and no risk-sharing (22.1 percent).

New insights on the voltage dependence of the KCa3.1 channel block by internal TBA.

PubMed

Banderali, Umberto; Klein, Hélène; Garneau, Line; Simoes, Manuel; Parent, Lucie; Sauvé, Rémy

2004-10-01

We present in this work a structural model of the open IKCa (KCa3.1) channel derived by homology modeling from the MthK channel structure, and used this model to compute the transmembrane potential profile along the channel pore. This analysis showed that the selectivity filter and the region extending from the channel inner cavity to the internal medium should respectively account for 81% and 16% of the transmembrane potential difference. We found however that the voltage dependence of the IKCa block by the quaternary ammonium ion TBA applied internally is compatible with an apparent electrical distance delta of 0.49 +/- 0.02 (n = 6) for negative potentials. To reconcile this observation with the electrostatic potential profile predicted for the channel pore, we modeled the IKCa block by TBA assuming that the voltage dependence of the block is governed by both the difference in potential between the channel cavity and the internal medium, and the potential profile along the selectivity filter region through an effect on the filter ion occupancy states. The resulting model predicts that delta should be voltage dependent, being larger at negative than positive potentials. The model also indicates that raising the internal K+ concentration should decrease the value of delta measured at negative potentials independently of the external K+ concentration, whereas raising the external K+ concentration should minimally affect delta for concentrations >50 mM. All these predictions are born out by our current experimental results. Finally, we found that the substitutions V275C and V275A increased the voltage sensitivity of the TBA block, suggesting that TBA could move further into the pore, thus leading to stronger interactions between TBA and the ions in the selectivity filter. Globally, these results support a model whereby the voltage dependence of the TBA block in IKCa is mainly governed by the voltage dependence of the ion occupancy states of the selectivity filter.

Fiber-coupled LED gas sensor and its application to online monitoring of ecoefficient dielectric insulation gases in high-voltage circuit breakers.

PubMed

Kramer, Axel; Over, Daniel; Stoller, Patrick; Paul, Thomas A

2017-05-20

Novel dielectric insulation gases used as alternatives to sulfur hexafluoride in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) include several mixtures containing fluorinated organic compounds. We developed a fiber-optic analyzer enabling concentration measurement of fluoroketones used in medium- and high-voltage switchgear applications by ABB, with concurrent compensation of disturbing effects caused by dust and dirt. The sensor enables measurements in GIS and even in operating high-voltage circuit breakers. The online availability of concentration readings of fluoroketones is important for development tests, but can also be applied for monitoring or diagnostics of field installations.

Preprototype independent air revitalization subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schubert, F. H.; Hallick, T. M.; Woods, R. R.

1982-01-01

The performance and maturity of a preprototype, three-person capacity, automatically controlled and monitored, self-contained independent air revitalization subsystem were evaluated. The subsystem maintains the cabin partial pressure of oxygen at 22 kPa (3.2 psia) and that of carbon dioxide at 400 Pa (3 mm Hg) over a wide range of cabin air relative humidity conditions. Consumption of water vapor by the water vapor electrolysis module also provides partial humidity control of the cabin environment. During operation, the average carbon dioxide removal efficiency at baseline conditions remained constant throughout the test at 84%. The average electrochemical depolarized concentrator cell voltage at the end of the parametric/endurance test was 0.41 V, representing a very slowly decreasing average cell voltage. The average water vapor electrolysis cell voltage increased only at a rate of 20 mu/h from the initial level of 1.67 V to the final level of 1.69 V at conclusion of the testing.

Study of the internal morphology of cation-exchange membranes by means of electroosmotic permeability relaxations.

PubMed

Barragán, V M; Izquierdo-Gil, M A; Godino, M P; Villaluenga, J P G

2009-10-01

The effect of an ac sinusoidal perturbation of known amplitude and frequency superimposed to the usual dc applied electric voltage difference on the electroosmotic flow through three cation-exchange membranes with different morphology has been studied. A dispersion of the electroosmotic permeability on the frequency of the applied ac signal has been found for the three membranes investigated, observing that the electroosmotic permeability reaches maximum values for some characteristic values of the frequency. These characteristic frequency values, which are related to relaxation processes in heterogeneous media, depend on the membrane system and permit to obtain information about the different structures of the membrane system. Thus, the study of the electroosmotic permeability relaxation can be used as a method to study the internal morphology of a cation-exchange membrane in a given electrolyte medium.

30 CFR 77.905 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.905 Connection of single-phase loads. Single-phase loads shall be connected phase-to-phase in resistance grounded systems. ...

30 CFR 77.905 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.905 Connection of single-phase loads. Single-phase loads shall be connected phase-to-phase in resistance grounded systems. ...

30 CFR 77.905 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.905 Connection of single-phase loads. Single-phase loads shall be connected phase-to-phase in resistance grounded systems. ...

Performance analysis of electronic power transformer based on neuro-fuzzy controller.

PubMed

Acikgoz, Hakan; Kececioglu, O Fatih; Yildiz, Ceyhun; Gani, Ahmet; Sekkeli, Mustafa

2016-01-01

In recent years, electronic power transformer (EPT), which is also called solid state transformer, has attracted great interest and has been used in place of the conventional power transformers. These transformers have many important functions as high unity power factor, low harmonic distortion, constant DC bus voltage, regulated output voltage and compensation capability. In this study, proposed EPT structure contains a three-phase pulse width modulation rectifier that converts 800 Vrms AC to 2000 V DC bus at input stage, a dual active bridge converter that provides 400 V DC bus with 5:1 high frequency transformer at isolation stage and a three-phase two level inverter that is used to obtain AC output at output stage. In order to enhance dynamic performance of EPT structure, neuro fuzzy controllers which have durable and nonlinear nature are used in input and isolation stages instead of PI controllers. The main aim of EPT structure with the proposed controller is to improve the stability of power system and to provide faster response against disturbances. Moreover, a number of simulation results are carried out to verify EPT structure designed in MATLAB/Simulink environment and to analyze compensation ability for voltage harmonics, voltage flicker and voltage sag/swell conditions.

Power electronic solutions for interfacing offshore wind turbine generators to medium voltage DC collection grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daniel, Michael T.

Here in the early 21st century humanity is continuing to seek improved quality of life for citizens throughout the world. This global advancement is providing more people than ever with access to state-of-the-art services in areas such as transportation, entertainment, computing, communication, and so on. Providing these services to an ever-growing population while considering the constraints levied by continuing climate change will require new frontiers of clean energy to be developed. At the time of this writing, offshore wind has been proven as both a politically and economically agreeable source of clean, sustainable energy by northern European nations with many wind farms deployed in the North, Baltic, and Irish Seas. Modern offshore wind farms are equipped with an electrical system within the farm itself to aggregate the energy from all turbines in the farm before it is transmitted to shore. This collection grid is traditionally a 3-phase medium voltage alternating current (MVAC) system. Due to reactive power and other practical constraints, it is preferable to use a medium voltage direct current (MVDC) collection grid when siting farms >150 km from shore. To date, no offshore wind farm features an MVDC collection grid. However, MVDC collection grids are expected to be deployed with future offshore wind farms as they are sited further out to sea. In this work it is assumed that many future offshore wind farms may utilize an MVDC collection grid to aggregate electrical energy generated by individual wind turbines. As such, this work presents both per-phase and per-pole power electronic converter systems suitable for interfacing individual wind turbines to such an MVDC collection grid. Both interfaces are shown to provide high input power factor at the wind turbine while providing DC output current to the MVDC grid. Common mode voltage stress and circulating currents are investigated, and mitigation strategies are provided for both interfaces. A power sharing scheme for connecting multiple wind turbines in series to allow for a higher MVDC grid voltage is also proposed and analyzed. The overall results show that the proposed per-pole approach yields key advantages in areas of common mode voltage stress, circulating current, and DC link capacitance, making it the more appropriate choice of the two proposed interfaces for this application.

Characterizing the Exhaust Plume of the Three-Electrode Micro Pulsed Plasma Thrusters

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

Plasma Thruster “, J Prop Power 1998;14:716-35 3 W. Andrew Hoskins, Christopher Rayburn, and Charles Sarmiento ” Pulsed Plasma Thruster...plasma thrusters are based on the previous PPT-4 and PPT-7 thruster designs. These thrusters used energy levels between 40 and 80 J generating several...PPT Programs 3 Program Year Energy Voltage Program Year Energy Voltage Zond-2 1964 50 J 1000 V TIP-III 1976 20 J 1630 V LES-6 1968 1.85 J 1360 V NOVA

SPIKE-2: a Practical Stirling Engine for Kilowatt Level Solar Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beale, W. T.

1984-01-01

Recent advances in the art of free piston Stirling engine design make possible the production of 1-10kW free piston Stirling linear alternator engine, hermetically sealed, efficient, durable and simple in construction and operation. Power output is in the form of single or three phase 60 Hz. AC, or DC. The three phase capability is available from single machines without need of external conditioning. Engine voltage control regains set voltage within 5 cycles in response to any load change. The existing SPIKE-2 design has an engine alternator efficiency of 25% at 650 C heater wall temperature and a service life of over three years in solar service. The same system can be scaled over a range of at least 100 watts to 25kW.

Ion accelerator system mounting design and operating characteristics for a 5 kW 30-cm xenon ion engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aston, Graeme; Brophy, John R.

1987-01-01

Results from a series of experiments to determine the effect of accelerator grid mount geometry on the performance of the J-series ion optics assembly are described. Three mounting schemes, two flexible and one rigid, are compared for their relative ion extraction capability over a range of total accelerating voltages. The largest ion beam current, for the maximum total voltage investigated, is shown to occur using one of the flexible grid mounting geometries. However, at lower total voltages and reduced engine input power levels, the original rigid J-series ion optics accelerator grid mounts result in marginally better grid system performance at the same cold interelectrode gap.

Thermally Stable, Piezoelectric and Pyroelectric Polymeric Substrates and Method Relating Thereto

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, Joycelyn O. (Inventor); St.Clair, Terry L. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

Production of an electric voltage in response to mechanical excitation (piezoelectricity) or thermal excitation (pyroelectricity) requires a material to have a preferred dipole orientation in its structure. This preferred orientation or polarization occurs naturally in some crystals such as quartz and can be induced into some ceramic and polymeric materials by application of strong electric or mechanical fields. For some materials, a combination of mechanical and electrical orientation is necessary to completely polarize the material. The only commercially available piezoelectric polymer is poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF2). However, this polymer has material and process limitations which prohibit its use in numerous device applications where thermal stability is a requirement. By the present invention, thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrates were prepared from polymers having a softening temperature greater than 1000C. A metal electrode material is deposited onto the polymer substrate and several electrical leads are attached to it. The polymer substrate is heated in a low dielectric medium to enhance molecular mobility of the polymer chains. A voltage is then applied to the polymer substrate inducing polarization. The voltage is then maintained while the polymer substrate is cooled 'freezing in' the molecular orientation. The novelty of the invention resides in the process of preparing the piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate. The nonobviousness of the invention is found in heating the polymeric substrate in a low dielectric medium while applying a voltage.

[Ion-dependency of the GABA-potentiating effects of benzodiazepine tranquilizers and harmane].

PubMed

Abramets, I I; Komissarov, I V

1984-06-01

Experiments on an isolated spinal cord of 8-15-day-old rats have shown that one of the possible mechanisms of the GABA-potentiating action of the benzodiazepine tranquilizer, chlorodiazepoxide, may be a decrease in the intraneuronal concentration of Ca2+. This is evidenced by the enhancement of the GABA-potentiating action of chlorodiazepoxide under Ca2+ deficiency in the medium and in the presence of the blockers of the voltage-dependent Ca2+ ionic channels--Mn2+ and Co2+, and by the reduction of the effect in question under Ca2+ excess in the medium and in the presence of the K+ channels blockers--tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine. The GABA-potentiating action of harmane is likely to be related to the blockade of the voltage-dependent K+ channels and elevation of the intracellular concentration of Ca2+.

The Effects of the Medium of Instruction in Certificate-Level Physics on Achievement and Motivation to Learn

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fung, Dennis; Yip, Valerie

2014-01-01

A 3-year study was launched in a Hong Kong secondary school to investigate the effects of the medium of instruction (MOI), specifically English and Chinese, on the learning of certificate-level physics. A total of 199 Secondary Four (S4 or tenth-grade) students, divided into three major ability groups, participated in a teaching intervention…

pH measurements of FET-based (bio)chemical sensors using portable measurement system.

PubMed

Voitsekhivska, T; Zorgiebel, F; Suthau, E; Wolter, K-J; Bock, K; Cuniberti, G

2015-01-01

In this study we demonstrate the sensing capabilities of a portable multiplex measurement system for FET-based (bio)chemical sensors with an integrated microfluidic interface. We therefore conducted pH measurements with Silicon Nanoribbon FET-based Sensors using different measurement procedures that are suitable for various applications. We have shown multiplexed measurements in aqueous medium for three different modes that are mutually specialized in fast data acquisition (constant drain current), calibration-less sensing (constant gate voltage) and in providing full information content (sweeping mode). Our system therefore allows surface charge sensing for a wide range of applications and is easily adaptable for multiplexed sensing with novel FET-based (bio)chemical sensors.

Characterization and modeling of radiation effects NASA/MSFC semiconductor devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerns, D. V., Jr.; Cook, K. B., Jr.

1978-01-01

A literature review of the near-Earth trapped radiation of the Van Allen Belts, the radiation within the solar system resulting from the solar wind, and the cosmic radiation levels of deep space showed that a reasonable simulation of space radiation, particularly the Earth orbital environment, could be simulated in the laboratory by proton bombardment. A 3 MeV proton accelerator was used to irradiate CMOS integrated circuits fabricated from three different processes. The drain current and output voltage for three inverters was recorded as the input voltage was swept from zero to ten volts after each successive irradiation. Device parameters were extracted. Possible damage mechanisms are discussed and recommendations for improved radiation hardness are suggested.

Improved multi-level capability in Si3N4-based resistive switching memory using continuous gradual reset switching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sungjun; Park, Byung-Gook

2017-01-01

In this letter, we compare three different types of reset switching behavior in a bipolar resistive random-access memory (RRAM) system that is housed in a Ni/Si3N4/Si structure. The abrupt, step-like gradual and continuous gradual reset transitions are largely determined by the low-resistance state (LRS). For abrupt reset switching, the large conducting path shows ohmic behavior or has a weak nonlinear current-voltage (I-V) characteristics in the LRS. For gradual switching, including both the step-like and continuous reset types, trap-assisted direct tunneling is dominant in the low-voltage regime, while trap-assisted Fowler-Nordheim tunneling is dominant in the high-voltage regime, thus causing nonlinear I-V characteristics. More importantly, we evaluate the multi-level capabilities of the two different gradual switching types, including both step-like and continuous reset behavior, using identical and incremental voltage conditions. Finer control of the conductance level with good uniformity is achieved in continuous gradual reset switching when compared to that in step-like gradual reset switching. For continuous reset switching, a single conducting path, which initially has a tunneling gap, gradually responds to pulses with even and identical amplitudes, while for step-like reset switching, the multiple conducting paths only respond to incremental pulses to obtain effective multi-level states.

Iron bromide vapor laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukhanov, V. B.; Shiyanov, D. V.; Trigub, M. V.; Dimaki, V. A.; Evtushenko, G. S.

2016-03-01

We have studied the characteristics of a pulsed gas-discharge laser on iron bromide vapor generating radiation with a wavelength of 452.9 nm at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 5-30 kHz. The maximum output power amounted to 10 mW at a PRF within 5-15 kHz for a voltage of 20-25 kV applied to electrodes of the discharge tube. Addition of HBr to the medium produced leveling of the radial profile of emission. Initial weak lasing at a wavelength of 868.9 nm was observed for the first time, which ceased with buildup of the main 452.9-nm line.

The vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser incorporating a high contrast grating mirror as a sensing device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marciniak, Magdalena; Gebski, Marcin; Piskorski, Łukasz; Dems, Maciej; Wasiak, M.; Panajotov, Krassimir; Lott, James A.; Czyszanowski, Tomasz

2018-02-01

We propose a novel optical sensing system based on one device that both emits and detects light consisting of a verticalcavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) incorporating an high contrast grating (HCG) as a top mirror. Since HCGs can be very sensitive to the optical properties of surrounding media, they can be used to detect gases and liquid. The presence of a gas or a liquid around an HCG mirror causes changes of the power reflectance of the mirror, which corresponds to changes of the VCSEL's cavity quality factor and current-voltage characteristic. By observation of the current-voltage characteristic we can collect information about the medium around the HCG. In this paper we investigate how the properties of the HCG mirror depend on the refractive index of the HCG surroundings. We present results of a computer simulation performed with a three-dimensional fully vectorial model. We consider silicon HCGs on silica and designed for a 1300 nm VCSEL emission wavelength. We demonstrate that our approach can be applied to other wavelengths and material systems.

Comparative performance of a genetically-encoded voltage indicator and a blue voltage sensitive dye for large scale cortical voltage imaging

PubMed Central

Mutoh, Hiroki; Mishina, Yukiko; Gallero-Salas, Yasir; Knöpfel, Thomas

2015-01-01

Traditional small molecule voltage sensitive dye indicators have been a powerful tool for monitoring large scale dynamics of neuronal activities but have several limitations including the lack of cell class specific targeting, invasiveness and difficulties in conducting longitudinal studies. Recent advances in the development of genetically-encoded voltage indicators have successfully overcome these limitations. Genetically-encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) provide sufficient sensitivity to map cortical representations of sensory information and spontaneous network activities across cortical areas and different brain states. In this study, we directly compared the performance of a prototypic GEVI, VSFP2.3, with that of a widely used small molecule voltage sensitive dye (VSD), RH1691, in terms of their ability to resolve mesoscopic scale cortical population responses. We used three synchronized CCD cameras to simultaneously record the dual emission ratiometric fluorescence signal from VSFP2.3 and RH1691 fluorescence. The results show that VSFP2.3 offers more stable and less invasive recording conditions, while the signal-to-noise level and the response dynamics to sensory inputs are comparable to RH1691 recordings. PMID:25964738

Low voltage to high voltage level shifter and related methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mentze, Erik J. (Inventor); Buck, Kevin M. (Inventor); Hess, Herbert L. (Inventor); Cox, David F. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

A shifter circuit comprises a high and low voltage buffer stages and an output buffer stage. The high voltage buffer stage comprises multiple transistors arranged in a transistor stack having a plurality of intermediate nodes connecting individual transistors along the stack. The transistor stack is connected between a voltage level being shifted to and an input voltage. An inverter of this stage comprises multiple inputs and an output. Inverter inputs are connected to a respective intermediate node of the transistor stack. The low voltage buffer stage has an input connected to the input voltage and an output, and is operably connected to the high voltage buffer stage. The low voltage buffer stage is connected between a voltage level being shifted away from and a lower voltage. The output buffer stage is driven by the outputs of the high voltage buffer stage inverter and the low voltage buffer stage.

30 CFR 75.902-4 - Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to equipment frames; use of separate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits... from resistance grounded systems separate connections shall be used when practicable. ...

30 CFR 75.902-4 - Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to equipment frames; use of separate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits... from resistance grounded systems separate connections shall be used when practicable. ...

30 CFR 75.902-4 - Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to equipment frames; use of separate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits... from resistance grounded systems separate connections shall be used when practicable. ...

Plastic scintillators in coincidence for the study of multi-particle production of sea level cosmic rays in dense medium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chuang, L. S.; Chan, K. W.; Wada, M.

1985-01-01

Cosmic ray particles at sea level penetrate a thick layer of dense medium without appreciable interaction. These penetrating particles are identified with muons. The only appreciable interaction of muons are by knock on processes. A muon may have single, double or any number of knock on with atoms of the material so that one, two, three or more particles will come out from the medium in which the knock on processes occur. The probability of multiparticle production is expected to decrease with the increase of multiplicity. Measurements of the single, double, and triple particles generated in a dense medium (Fe and Al) by sea level cosmic rays at 22.42 N. Lat. and 114.20 E. Long. (Hong Kong) are presented using a detector composed of two plastic scintillators connected in coincidence.

Large Magnetoresistance at High Bias Voltage in Double-layer Organic Spin Valves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subedi, R. C.; Liang, S. H.; Geng, R.; Zhang, Q. T.; Lou, L.; Wang, J.; Han, X. F.; Nguyen, T. D.

We report studies of magnetoresistance (MR) in double-layer organic spin valves (DOSV) using tris (8-hydroxyquinolinato) aluminum (Alq3) spacers. The device exhibits three distinct resistance levels depending on the relative magnetizations of the ferromagnetic electrodes. We observed a much weaker bias voltage dependence of MR in the device compared to that in the conventional organic spin valve (OSV). The MR magnitude reduces by the factor of two at 0.7 V bias voltage in the DOSV compared to 0.02 V in the conventional OSV. Remarkably, the MR magnitude reaches 0.3% at 6 V bias in the DOSVs, the largest MR response ever reported in OSVs at this bias. Our finding may have a significant impact on achieving high efficient bipolar OSVs strictly performed at high voltages. University of Georgia start-up fund, Ministry of Education, Singapore, National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Characteristics of MAO coating obtained on ZK60 Mg alloy under two and three steps voltage-increasing modes in dual electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jun; Wang, Ze-Xin; Lu, Sheng; Lv, Wei-gang; Jiang, Xi-zhi; Sun, Lei

2017-03-01

The micro-arc oxidation process was conducted on ZK60 Mg alloy under two and three steps voltage-increasing modes by DC pulse electrical source. The effect of each mode on current-time responses during MAO process and the coating characteristic were analysed and discussed systematically. The microstructure, thickness and corrosion resistance of MAO coatings were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), microscope with super-depth of field and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicate that two and three steps voltage-increasing modes can improve weak spark discharges with insufficient breakdown strength in later period during the MAO process. Due to higher value of voltage and voltage increment, the coating with maximum thickness of about 20.20μm formed under two steps voltage-increasing mode shows the best corrosion resistance. In addition, the coating fabricated under three steps voltage-increasing mode shows a smoother coating with better corrosion resistance due to the lower amplitude of voltage-increasing.

Superluminescence from an optically pumped molecular tunneling junction by injection of plasmon induced hot electrons

PubMed Central

Braun, Kai; Wang, Xiao; Kern, Andreas M; Adler, Hilmar; Peisert, Heiko; Chassé, Thomas; Zhang, Dai

2015-01-01

Summary Here, we demonstrate a bias-driven superluminescent point light-source based on an optically pumped molecular junction (gold substrate/self-assembled molecular monolayer/gold tip) of a scanning tunneling microscope, operating at ambient conditions and providing almost three orders of magnitude higher electron-to-photon conversion efficiency than electroluminescence induced by inelastic tunneling without optical pumping. A positive, steadily increasing bias voltage induces a step-like rise of the Stokes shifted optical signal emitted from the junction. This emission is strongly attenuated by reversing the applied bias voltage. At high bias voltage, the emission intensity depends non-linearly on the optical pump power. The enhanced emission can be modelled by rate equations taking into account hole injection from the tip (anode) into the highest occupied orbital of the closest substrate-bound molecule (lower level) and radiative recombination with an electron from above the Fermi level (upper level), hence feeding photons back by stimulated emission resonant with the gap mode. The system reflects many essential features of a superluminescent light emitting diode. PMID:26171286

Soft switching resonant converter with duty-cycle control in DC micro-grid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Bor-Ren

2018-01-01

Resonant converter has been widely used for the benefits of low switching losses and high circuit efficiency. However, the wide frequency variation is the main drawback of resonant converter. This paper studies a new modular resonant converter with duty-cycle control to overcome this problem and realise the advantages of low switching losses, no reverse recovery current loss, balance input split voltages and constant frequency operation for medium voltage direct currentgrid or system network. Series full-bridge (FB) converters are used in the studied circuit in order to reduce the voltage stresses and power rating on power semiconductors. Flying capacitor is used between two FB converters to balance input split voltages. Two circuit modules are paralleled on the secondary side to lessen the current rating of rectifier diodes and the size of magnetic components. The resonant tank is operated at inductive load circuit to help power switches to be turned on at zero voltage with wide load range. The pulse-width modulation scheme is used to regulate output voltage. Experimental verifications are provided to show the performance of the proposed circuit.

30 CFR 75.705-1 - Work on high-voltage lines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... wye-connected systems, the neutral wire is the system-grounding medium. In the case of an ungrounded power system, either the steel armor or conduit enclosing the system or a surface grounding field is a...

30 CFR 75.705-1 - Work on high-voltage lines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... wye-connected systems, the neutral wire is the system-grounding medium. In the case of an ungrounded power system, either the steel armor or conduit enclosing the system or a surface grounding field is a...

Voltage dependence of a stochastic model of activation of an alpha helical S4 sensor in a K channel membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaccaro, S. R.

2011-09-01

The voltage dependence of the ionic and gating currents of a K channel is dependent on the activation barriers of a voltage sensor with a potential function which may be derived from the principal electrostatic forces on an S4 segment in an inhomogeneous dielectric medium. By variation of the parameters of a voltage-sensing domain model, consistent with x-ray structures and biophysical data, the lowest frequency of the survival probability of each stationary state derived from a solution of the Smoluchowski equation provides a good fit to the voltage dependence of the slowest time constant of the ionic current in a depolarized membrane, and the gating current exhibits a rising phase that precedes an exponential relaxation. For each depolarizing potential, the calculated time dependence of the survival probabilities of the closed states of an alpha helical S4 sensor are in accord with an empirical model of the ionic and gating currents recorded during the activation process.

Study and Experiment on Non-Contact Voltage Sensor Suitable for Three-Phase Transmission Line

PubMed Central

Zhou, Qiang; He, Wei; Xiao, Dongping; Li, Songnong; Zhou, Kongjun

2015-01-01

A voltage transformer, as voltage signal detection equipment, plays an important role in a power system. Presently, more and more electric power systems are adopting potential transformer and capacitance voltage transformers. Transformers are often large in volume and heavyweight, their insulation design is difficult, and an iron core or multi-grade capacitance voltage division structure is generally adopted. As a result, the detection accuracy of transformer is reduced, a huge phase difference exists between detection signal and voltage signal to be measured, and the detection signal cannot accurately and timely reflect the change of conductor voltage signal to be measured. By aiming at the current problems of electric transformation, based on electrostatic induction principle, this paper designed a non-contact voltage sensor and gained detection signal of the sensor through electrostatic coupling for the electric field generated by electric charges of the conductor to be measured. The insulation structure design of the sensor is simple and its volume is small; phase difference of sensor measurement is effectively reduced through optimization design of the electrode; and voltage division ratio and measurement accuracy are increased. The voltage sensor was tested on the experimental platform of simulating three-phase transmission line. According to the result, the designed non-contact voltage sensor can realize accurate and real-time measurement for the conductor voltage. It can be applied to online monitoring for the voltage of three-phase transmission line or three-phase distribution network line, which is in accordance with the development direction of the smart grid. PMID:26729119

Study and Experiment on Non-Contact Voltage Sensor Suitable for Three-Phase Transmission Line.

PubMed

Zhou, Qiang; He, Wei; Xiao, Dongping; Li, Songnong; Zhou, Kongjun

2015-12-30

A voltage transformer, as voltage signal detection equipment, plays an important role in a power system. Presently, more and more electric power systems are adopting potential transformer and capacitance voltage transformers. Transformers are often large in volume and heavyweight, their insulation design is difficult, and an iron core or multi-grade capacitance voltage division structure is generally adopted. As a result, the detection accuracy of transformer is reduced, a huge phase difference exists between detection signal and voltage signal to be measured, and the detection signal cannot accurately and timely reflect the change of conductor voltage signal to be measured. By aiming at the current problems of electric transformation, based on electrostatic induction principle, this paper designed a non-contact voltage sensor and gained detection signal of the sensor through electrostatic coupling for the electric field generated by electric charges of the conductor to be measured. The insulation structure design of the sensor is simple and its volume is small; phase difference of sensor measurement is effectively reduced through optimization design of the electrode; and voltage division ratio and measurement accuracy are increased. The voltage sensor was tested on the experimental platform of simulating three-phase transmission line. According to the result, the designed non-contact voltage sensor can realize accurate and real-time measurement for the conductor voltage. It can be applied to online monitoring for the voltage of three-phase transmission line or three-phase distribution network line, which is in accordance with the development direction of the smart grid.

Enhancing fire safety at Hydro plants with dry transformers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Clemen, D.M.

Hydroelectric plant owners and engineers can use dry-type transformers to reduce fire hazards in auxiliary power systems. The decision to replace a liquid-immersed transformer with a dry-type product has a price: higher unit cost and a need to be more vigilant in detailing transformer specifications. But, whether the change affects only one failed transformer or is part of a plant rehabilitation project, the benefits in safety can be worth it. Voltages on hydroelectric plant auxiliary power systems can range from a 20 kV medium-voltage system to the normal 480-208/120 V low-voltage system. Dry transformers typically are used in such systemsmore » to reduce the fire hazard present with liquid-filled transformers. For a hydro plant owner or engineer seeking alternatives to liquid-filled transformers, there are two main kinds of dry-type transformers to consider: vacuum pressure impregnated (VPI) and cast coil epoxy resin. VPI transformers normally are manufactured in sizes up to 6,000 kVA with primary voltage ratings up to 20 kV. Cast coil transformers can be made in sizes from 75 to 10,000 kVA, with primary voltage ratings up to 34,500 V. Although the same transformer theory applies to dry transformers as to liquid-filled units, the cooling medium, air, required different temperature rise ratings, dielectric tests, and construction techniques to ensure reliability. Consequently, the factory and field tests for dry units are established by a separate set of American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards. Cast coil transformers have several important advantages over VPI units.« less

Cascaded Converters for Integration and Management of Grid Level Energy Storage Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alaas, Zuhair

This research work proposes two cascaded multilevel inverter structures for BESS. The gating and switching control of switching devices in both inverter typologies are done by using a phase-shifted PWM scheme. The first proposed isolated multilevel inverter is made up of three-phase six-switch inverter blocks with a reduced number of power components compared with traditional isolated CHB. The suggested isolated converter has only one battery string for three-phase system that can be used for high voltage and high power applications such as grid connected BESS and alternative energy systems. The isolated inverter enables dq frame based simple control and eliminates the issues of single-phase pulsating power, which can cause detrimental impacts on certain dc sources. Simulation studies have been carried out to compare the proposed isolated multi-level inverter with an H-bridge cascaded transformer inverter. The simulation results verified the performance of the isolated inverter. The second proposed topology is a Hierarchal Cascaded Multilevel Converter (HCMC) with phase to phase SOC balancing capability which also for high voltage and high power battery energy storage systems. The HCMC has a hybrid structure of half-bridge converters and H-bridge inverters and the voltage can be hierarchically cascaded to reach the desired value at the half-bridge and the H-bridge levels. The uniform SOC battery management is achieved by controlling the half-bridge converters that are connected to individual battery modules/cells. Simulation studies and experimental results have been carried on a large scale battery system under different operating conditions to verify the effectiveness of the proposed inverters. Moreover, this dissertation presents a new three-phase SOC equalizing circuit, called six-switch energy-level balancing circuit (SSBC), which can be used to realize uniform SOC operation for full utilization of the battery capacity in proposed HCMC or any CMI inverter while keeping balanced three-phase operation. A sinusoidal PWM modulation technique is used to control power transferring between phases. Simulation results have been carried out to verify the performance of the proposed SSBC circuit of uniform three-phase SOC balancing.

Hybrid electric vehicle power management system

DOEpatents

Bissontz, Jay E.

2015-08-25

Level voltage levels/states of charge are maintained among a plurality of high voltage DC electrical storage devices/traction battery packs that are arrayed in series to support operation of a hybrid electric vehicle drive train. Each high voltage DC electrical storage device supports a high voltage power bus, to which at least one controllable load is connected, and at least a first lower voltage level electrical distribution system. The rate of power transfer from the high voltage DC electrical storage devices to the at least first lower voltage electrical distribution system is controlled by DC-DC converters.

Demonstration and Science Experiment (DSX) Space Weather Experiment (SWx)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

environment encountered by medium-earth orbits (MEO). at an altitude range from 6,000 to 15.000 km "’. The discovery of the earth’s radiation...forecast models that enable future space missions in the medium Earth orbit regime to enable better spacecraft designed to withstand the harsh environment...the size of the sensor and to exploit a compact layout. The inside spherical section has an attraction voltage and the outside section has the

Low power arcjet performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curran, Francis M.; Sarmiento, Charles J.

1990-01-01

An experimental investigation was performed to evaluate arc jet operation at low power. A standard, 1 kW, constricted arc jet was run using nozzles with three different constrictor diameters. Each nozzle was run over a range of current and mass flow rates to explore stability and performance in the low power engine. A standard pulse-width modulated power processor was modified to accommodate the high operating voltages required under certain conditions. Stable, reliable operation at power levels below 0.5 kW was obtained at efficiencies between 30 and 40 percent. The operating range was found to be somewhat dependent on constrictor geometry at low mass flow rates. Quasi-periodic voltage fluctuations were observed at the low power end of the operating envelope, The nozzle insert geometry was found to have little effect on the performance of the device. The observed performance levels show that specific impulse levels above 350 seconds can be obtained at the 0.5 kW power level.

Low power arcjet performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curran, Francis M.; Sarmiento, Charles J.

1990-01-01

An experimental investigation was performed to evaluate arcjet operation at low power. A standard, 1 kW, constricted arcjet was run using nozzles with three different constrictor diameters. Each nozzle was run over a range of current and mass flow rates to explore stability and performance in the low power regime. A standard pulse-width modulated power processor was modified to accommodate the high operating voltages required under certain conditions. Stable, reliable operation at power levels below 0.5 kW was obtained at efficiencies between 30 and 40 percent. The operating range was found to be somewhat dependent on constrictor geometry at low mass flow rates. Quasi-periodic voltage fluctuations were observed at the low power end of the operating envelope. The nozzle insert geometry was found to have little effect on the performance of the device. The observed performance levels show that specific impulse levels above 350 seconds can be obtained at the 0.5 kW power level.

The Cathode Oscillograph for the Study of Low, Medium, and High Frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dufour, A

1924-01-01

The object of this work has been to construct an apparatus for obtaining oscillogram of voltages and currents which are variable with respect to time and of the frequency which is constantly met in radio.

30 CFR 77.704-1 - Work on high-voltage lines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... grounded or solid wye-connected systems, the neutral wire is the system grounding medium. In the case of an ungrounded power system, either the steel armor or conduit enclosing the system or a surface grounding field...

30 CFR 77.704-1 - Work on high-voltage lines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... grounded or solid wye-connected systems, the neutral wire is the system grounding medium. In the case of an ungrounded power system, either the steel armor or conduit enclosing the system or a surface grounding field...

Design of a phased array for the generation of adaptive radiation force along a path surrounding a breast lesion for dynamic ultrasound elastography imaging.

PubMed

Ekeom, Didace; Hadj Henni, Anis; Cloutier, Guy

2013-03-01

This work demonstrates, with numerical simulations, the potential of an octagonal probe for the generation of radiation forces in a set of points following a path surrounding a breast lesion in the context of dynamic ultrasound elastography imaging. Because of the in-going wave adaptive focusing strategy, the proposed method is adapted to induce shear wave fronts to interact optimally with complex lesions. Transducer elements were based on 1-3 piezocomposite material. Three-dimensional simulations combining the finite element method and boundary element method with periodic boundary conditions in the elevation direction were used to predict acoustic wave radiation in a targeted region of interest. The coupling factor of the piezocomposite material and the radiated power of the transducer were optimized. The transducer's electrical impedance was targeted to 50 Ω. The probe was simulated by assembling the designed transducer elements to build an octagonal phased-array with 256 elements on each edge (for a total of 2048 elements). The central frequency is 4.54 MHz; simulated transducer elements are able to deliver enough power and can generate the radiation force with a relatively low level of voltage excitation. Using dynamic transmitter beamforming techniques, the radiation force along a path and resulting acoustic pattern in the breast were simulated assuming a linear isotropic medium. Magnitude and orientation of the acoustic intensity (radiation force) at any point of a generation path could be controlled for the case of an example representing a heterogeneous medium with an embedded soft mechanical inclusion.

Atomically Thin Femtojoule Memristive Device

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Huan; Dong, Zhipeng; Tian, He; ...

2017-10-25

The morphology and dimension of the conductive filament formed in a memristive device are strongly influenced by the thickness of its switching medium layer. Aggressive scaling of this active layer thickness is critical toward reducing the operating current, voltage, and energy consumption in filamentary-type memristors. Previously, the thickness of this filament layer has been limited to above a few nanometers due to processing constraints, making it challenging to further suppress the on-state current and the switching voltage. In this paper, the formation of conductive filaments in a material medium with sub-nanometer thickness formed through the oxidation of atomically thin two-dimensionalmore » boron nitride is studied. The resulting memristive device exhibits sub-nanometer filamentary switching with sub-pA operation current and femtojoule per bit energy consumption. Furthermore, by confining the filament to the atomic scale, current switching characteristics are observed that are distinct from that in thicker medium due to the profoundly different atomic kinetics. The filament morphology in such an aggressively scaled memristive device is also theoretically explored. Finally, these ultralow energy devices are promising for realizing femtojoule and sub-femtojoule electronic computation, which can be attractive for applications in a wide range of electronics systems that desire ultralow power operation.« less

Mitigation of Power Quality Problems in Grid-Interactive Distributed Generation System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhende, C. N.; Kalam, A.; Malla, S. G.

2016-04-01

Having an inter-tie between low/medium voltage grid and distributed generation (DG), both exposes to power quality (PQ) problems created by each other. This paper addresses various PQ problems arise due to integration of DG with grid. The major PQ problems are due to unbalanced and non-linear load connected at DG, unbalanced voltage variations on transmission line and unbalanced grid voltages which severely affect the performance of the system. To mitigate the above mentioned PQ problems, a novel integrated control of distribution static shunt compensator (DSTATCOM) is presented in this paper. DSTATCOM control helps in reducing the unbalance factor of PCC voltage. It also eliminates harmonics from line currents and makes them balanced. Moreover, DSTATCOM supplies the reactive power required by the load locally and hence, grid need not to supply the reactive power. To show the efficacy of the proposed controller, several operating conditions are considered and verified through simulation using MATLAB/SIMULINK.

Safety and tolerability of different titration rates of retigabine (ezogabine) in patients with partial-onset seizures.

PubMed

Biton, Victor; Gil-Nagel, Antonio; Brodie, Martin J; Derossett, Sarah E; Nohria, Virinder

2013-11-01

Retigabine (RTG; international nonproprietary name)/ezogabine (EZG; US adopted name) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) that prolongs neuronal voltage-gated potassium-channel KCNQ2-5 (Kv 7.2-7.5) opening. This double-blind study evaluated different RTG/EZG dose-titration rates. Patients (N=73) with partial-onset seizures receiving concomitant AEDs were randomized to one of three titration groups, all of which were initiated at RTG/EZG 300mg/day divided into three equal doses. Fast-, medium-, and slow-titration groups received dose increments of 150mg/day every 2, 4, and 7 days, respectively, achieving the target dose of 1200mg/day after 13, 25, and 43 days, respectively. Safety assessments were performed throughout. Discontinuation rates due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were numerically higher in the fast- (10/23) and medium- (7/22) titration groups than in the slow-titration group (3/23) but statistical significance was achieved only for the high-titration group compared with the low-titration group (p=0.024). Stratified analysis, with concomitant AEDs divided into enzyme inducers (carbamazepine, phenytoin, oxcarbazepine) or noninducers, showed that the risk of discontinuation due primarily to TEAEs was significantly higher in the fast- (p=0.010) but not in the medium-titration group (p=0.078) when compared with the slow-titration group. Overall, the slow-titration rate appeared to be best tolerated and was used in further efficacy and safety studies with RTG/EZG. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of entropy and nonclassical properties of the state of a Λ-type three-level atom interacting with a single-mode cavity field with intensity-dependent coupling in a Kerr medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faghihi, M. J.; Tavassoly, M. K.

2012-02-01

In this paper, we study the interaction between a three-level atom and a quantized single-mode field with ‘intensity-dependent coupling’ in a ‘Kerr medium’. The three-level atom is considered to be in a Λ-type configuration. Under particular initial conditions, which may be prepared for the atom and the field, the dynamical state vector of the entire system will be explicitly obtained, for the arbitrary nonlinearity function f(n) associated with any physical system. Then, after evaluating the variation of the field entropy against time, we will investigate the quantum statistics as well as some of the nonclassical properties of the introduced state. During our calculations we investigate the effects of intensity-dependent coupling, Kerr medium and detuning parameters on the depth and domain of the nonclassicality features of the atom-field state vector. Finally, we compare our obtained results with those of V-type three-level atoms.

Efficient platinum-free counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cell applications.

PubMed

Ahmad, Shahzada; Yum, Jun-Ho; Butt, Hans-Jürgen; Nazeeruddin, Mohammad K; Grätzel, Michael

2010-09-10

Nanoporous layers of poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) (PProDOT) were fabricated by electrical-field-assisted growth using hydrophobic ionic liquids as the growing medium. A series of PProDoT layers was prepared with three different ionic liquids to control the microstructure and electrochemical properties of the resulting dye-sensitized solar cells, which were highly efficient and showed a power conversion efficiency of >9% under different sunlight intensities. The current-voltage characteristics of the counter electrodes varied depending on the ionic liquids used in the synthesis of PProDOT. The most hydrophobic ionic liquids exhibited high catalytic properties, thus resulting in high power conversion efficiency and allowing the fabrication of platinum-free, stable, flexible, and cost-effective dye-sensitized solar cells.

Competitive-level differences in Yo-Yo intermittent recovery and twelve minute run test performance in soccer referees.

PubMed

Castagna, Carlo; Abt, Grant; D'Ottavio, Stefano

2005-11-01

The aim of this study was to examine yo-yo intermittent recovery test (Yo-Yo test) and 12-minute run test (12MRT) performances in experienced soccer referees of different competitive levels. Three groups (n = 14 each) of experienced Italian soccer referees officiating in the first (series AB, top-level), third (series C, medium-level), and fourth (series D, low-level) division, were randomly submitted to the 12MRT and the Yo-Yo test during 2 testing sessions, 48-hours apart. 12MRT performances were 3,000 +/- 112 m; 2,894 +/- 99 m; and 2,896 +/- 171 m for top-level, medium-level and low-level referees, respectively (p > 0.05). In the Yo-Yo test, the top-level, medium-level, and low-level referees covered 1,874 +/- 431 m; 1,360 +/- 172 m; and 1,272 +/- 215 m, respectively. The test performances of top-level referees in the Yo-Yo test was significantly different from those scored by medium-level and low-level referees (p < 0.05). After the Yo-Yo test, blood lactate concentrations (BLC) were higher in the medium-level and low-level referees compared with the top-level referees (p < 0.05). The results of the present study show that the Yo-Yo test and not the 12MRT can discriminate endurance performance in experienced elite level soccer referees. With respect to its discriminative and match performance validity, the Yo-Yo test may be considered a relevant field test to assess endurance preparedness for experienced soccer referees and a useful tool in talent selection.

Characteristics of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons at different ages and sizes.

PubMed

Hou, Baohua; Chen, Hengling; Qu, Xiangwei; Lin, Xianguang; Luo, Fang; Li, Chenhong

2015-11-11

In rat's sensory neurons, hyperpolarization-activated inward currents (Ih) play an essential role in mediating action potentials and contributing to neuronal excitability. Classified by the size of neurons and ages, we studied the Ih and transcription levels of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels using electrophysiology and the single-cell RT-PCR. In voltage-clamp studies, Ih and half-maximal activation voltage (V1/2) changed with age and size. An analysis of all HCN subtypes in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons by single-cell RT-PCR was carried out. HCN1 and HCN3 in medium-small elderly neurons had a weak expression. HCN2 in newborns and HCN4 in elderly rats also had a weak expression. The aim of this study is to examine the age-related Ih and HCN channels subunits in different ages and sizes of DRG neurons. The results would be significant in understanding the physiological and pathophysiological function of different sizes of DRG neurons in different age periods.

Ultrasound shock wave generator with one-bit time reversal in a dispersive medium, application to lithotripsy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montaldo, Gabriel; Roux, Philippe; Derode, Arnaud; Negreira, Carlos; Fink, Mathias

2002-02-01

The building of high-power ultrasonic sources from piezoelectric ceramics is limited by the maximum voltage that the ceramics can endure. We have conceived a device that uses a small number of piezoelectric transducers fastened to a cylindrical metallic waveguide. A one-bit time- reversal operation transforms the long-lasting low-level dispersed wave forms into a sharp pulse, thus taking advantage of dispersion to generate high-power ultrasound. The pressure amplitude that is generated at the focus is found to be 15 times greater than that achieved with comparable standard techniques. Applications to lithotripsy are discussed and the destructive efficiency of the system is demonstrated on pieces of chalk.

Effect of pulsed corona discharge voltage and feed gas flow rate on dissolved ozone concentration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prasetyaningrum, A., E-mail: ajiprasetyaningrum@gmail.com; Ratnawati,; Jos, B.

Ozonization is one of the methods extensively used for water purification and degradation of organic materials. Ozone (O{sub 3}) is recognized as a powerful oxidizing agent. Due to its strong oxidability and better environmental friendless, ozone increasing being used in domestic and industrial applications. Current technology in ozone production utilizes several techniques (corona discharge, ultra violet radiation and electrolysis). This experiment aimed to evaluating effect of voltage and gas flow rate on ozone production with corona discharge. The system consists of two net-type stainless steel electrode placed in a dielectric barrier. Three pulsed voltage (20, 30, 40 KV) and flowmore » rate (5, 10, 15 L/min) were prepare for operation variable at high frequency (3.7 kHz) with AC pulsed power supply. The dissolved ozone concentration depends on the applied high-voltage level, gas flow rate and the discharge exposure duration. The ozone concentration increases with decreasing gas flow rate. Dissolved ozone concentrations greater than 200 ppm can be obtained with a minimum voltage 40 kV.« less

Modelling and simulation of fuel cell dynamics for electrical energy usage of Hercules airplanes.

PubMed

Radmanesh, Hamid; Heidari Yazdi, Seyed Saeid; Gharehpetian, G B; Fathi, S H

2014-01-01

Dynamics of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) with hydrogen storage system for generating part of Hercules airplanes electrical energy is presented. Feasibility of using fuel cell (FC) for this airplane is evaluated by means of simulations. Temperature change and dual layer capacity effect are considered in all simulations. Using a three-level 3-phase inverter, FC's output voltage is connected to the essential bus of the airplane. Moreover, it is possible to connect FC's output voltage to airplane DC bus alternatively. PID controller is presented to control flow of hydrogen and oxygen to FC and improve transient and steady state responses of the output voltage to load disturbances. FC's output voltage is regulated via an ultracapacitor. Simulations are carried out via MATLAB/SIMULINK and results show that the load tracking and output voltage regulation are acceptable. The proposed system utilizes an electrolyser to generate hydrogen and a tank for storage. Therefore, there is no need for batteries. Moreover, the generated oxygen could be used in other applications in airplane.

Modelling and Simulation of Fuel Cell Dynamics for Electrical Energy Usage of Hercules Airplanes

PubMed Central

Radmanesh, Hamid; Heidari Yazdi, Seyed Saeid; Gharehpetian, G. B.; Fathi, S. H.

2014-01-01

Dynamics of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) with hydrogen storage system for generating part of Hercules airplanes electrical energy is presented. Feasibility of using fuel cell (FC) for this airplane is evaluated by means of simulations. Temperature change and dual layer capacity effect are considered in all simulations. Using a three-level 3-phase inverter, FC's output voltage is connected to the essential bus of the airplane. Moreover, it is possible to connect FC's output voltage to airplane DC bus alternatively. PID controller is presented to control flow of hydrogen and oxygen to FC and improve transient and steady state responses of the output voltage to load disturbances. FC's output voltage is regulated via an ultracapacitor. Simulations are carried out via MATLAB/SIMULINK and results show that the load tracking and output voltage regulation are acceptable. The proposed system utilizes an electrolyser to generate hydrogen and a tank for storage. Therefore, there is no need for batteries. Moreover, the generated oxygen could be used in other applications in airplane. PMID:24782664

Effect of pulsed corona discharge voltage and feed gas flow rate on dissolved ozone concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasetyaningrum, A.; Ratnawati, Jos, B.

2015-12-01

Ozonization is one of the methods extensively used for water purification and degradation of organic materials. Ozone (O3) is recognized as a powerful oxidizing agent. Due to its strong oxidability and better environmental friendless, ozone increasing being used in domestic and industrial applications. Current technology in ozone production utilizes several techniques (corona discharge, ultra violet radiation and electrolysis). This experiment aimed to evaluating effect of voltage and gas flow rate on ozone production with corona discharge. The system consists of two net-type stainless steel electrode placed in a dielectric barrier. Three pulsed voltage (20, 30, 40 KV) and flow rate (5, 10, 15 L/min) were prepare for operation variable at high frequency (3.7 kHz) with AC pulsed power supply. The dissolved ozone concentration depends on the applied high-voltage level, gas flow rate and the discharge exposure duration. The ozone concentration increases with decreasing gas flow rate. Dissolved ozone concentrations greater than 200 ppm can be obtained with a minimum voltage 40 kV.

Energy Systems Integration Facility Named Lab of the Year | News | NREL

Science.gov Websites

series of LEED Platinum high-performance buildings at NREL. Constructed by the design-build team of medium voltage outdoor testing areas. The total cost to build and equip ESIF was $135 million. "To

Mineralization of collagen may occur on fibril surfaces: evidence from conventional and high-voltage electron microscopy and three-dimensional imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, W. J.; Hodgens, K. J.; Song, M. J.; Arena, J.; Kiyonaga, S.; Marko, M.; Owen, C.; McEwen, B. F.

1996-01-01

The interaction between collagen and mineral crystals in the normally calcifying leg tendons from the domestic turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, has been investigated at an ultrastructural level with conventional and high-voltage electron microscopy, computed tomography, and three-dimensional image reconstruction methods. Specimens treated by either aqueous or anhydrous techniques and resin-embedded were appropriately sectioned and regions of early tendon mineralization were photographed. On the basis of individual photomicrographs, stereoscopic pairs of images, and tomographic three-dimensional image reconstructions, platelet-shaped crystals may be demonstrated for the first time in association with the surface of collagen fibrils. Mineral is also observed in closely parallel arrays within collagen hole and overlap zones. The mineral deposition at these spatially distinct locations in the tendon provides insight into possible means by which calcification is mediated by collagen as a fundamental event in skeletal and dental formation among vertebrates.

Fabrication and characterization of dichroic fine crystals by the reprecipitation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iino, Tatsuya; Mori, Shunsuke; Shito, Keiji; Kimura, Ayaka; Morishita, Yoshii; Chiba, Takayuki; Katagiri, Hiroshi; Okada, Shuji; Masuhara, Akito

2018-06-01

Suspended particle devices can rapidly switch from a dark blue state to a clear state by applying AC voltage, but their maximum transmittance has to be improved. In this work, we have targeted dichroic dyes and applied the reprecipitation method to KPD-503, a trisazo dye showing little dichroism in bulk crystals despite the dye molecules having large dichroism. As a result, microcrystals showing large dichroism were obtained. These microcrystals were considered to have a kinetically stable structure and oriented by voltage in a dispersing medium.

Tunable plasmonic crystal

DOEpatents

Dyer, Gregory Conrad; Shaner, Eric A.; Reno, John L.; Aizin, Gregory

2015-08-11

A tunable plasmonic crystal comprises several periods in a two-dimensional electron or hole gas plasmonic medium that is both extremely subwavelength (.about..lamda./100) and tunable through the application of voltages to metal electrodes. Tuning of the plasmonic crystal band edges can be realized in materials such as semiconductors and graphene to actively control the plasmonic crystal dispersion in the terahertz and infrared spectral regions. The tunable plasmonic crystal provides a useful degree of freedom for applications in slow light devices, voltage-tunable waveguides, filters, ultra-sensitive direct and heterodyne THz detectors, and THz oscillators.

Schlieren flow visualization of helium atmospheric plasma jet and influence of the gas flow rate and applied voltage frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borghei, S. M.; Vaziri, N.; Alibabaei, S.

2018-03-01

We used schlieren photography to visualize the influence of gas flow rates of 1, 2.5, 5, 10 L/min and of the applied voltage frequency on a helium atmospheric plasma jet induced at the nozzle of a capillary tube. The expansion of the gas in the surrounding medium (air) was analyzed in the two different modes – plasma on/plasma off. Changes in the above parameters affect the gas flow regime and the hydrodynamics of the jet.

Manufacture of conical springs with elastic medium technology improvement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurguzov, S. A.; Mikhailova, U. V.; Kalugina, O. B.

2018-01-01

This article considers the manufacturing technology improvement by using an elastic medium in the stamping tool forming space to improve the conical springs performance characteristics and reduce the costs of their production. Estimation technique of disk spring operational properties is developed by mathematical modeling of the compression process during the operation of a spring. A technique for optimizing the design parameters of a conical spring is developed, which ensures a minimum voltage value when operated in the edge of the spring opening.

Efficiency Enhancement of a Cantilever-Based Vibration Energy Harvester

PubMed Central

Kubba, Ali E.; Jiang, Kyle

2014-01-01

Extracting energy from ambient vibration to power wireless sensor nodes has been an attractive area of research, particularly in the automotive monitoring field. This article reports the design, analysis and testing of a vibration energy harvesting device based on a miniature asymmetric air-spaced cantilever. The developed design offers high power density, and delivers electric power that is sufficient to support most wireless sensor nodes for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. The optimized design underwent three evolutionary steps, starting from a simple cantilever design, going through an air-spaced cantilever, and ending up with an optimized air-spaced geometry with boosted power density level. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used as an initial tool to compare the three geometries' stiffness (K), output open-circuit voltage (Vave), and average normal strain in the piezoelectric transducer (εave) that directly affect its output voltage. Experimental tests were also carried out in order to examine the energy harvesting level in each of the three designs. The experimental results show how to boost the power output level in a thin air-spaced cantilever beam for energy within the same space envelope. The developed thin air-spaced cantilever (8.37 cm3), has a maximum power output of 2.05 mW (H = 29.29 μJ/cycle). PMID:24366177

Efficiency enhancement of a cantilever-based vibration energy harvester.

PubMed

Kubba, Ali E; Jiang, Kyle

2013-12-23

Extracting energy from ambient vibration to power wireless sensor nodes has been an attractive area of research, particularly in the automotive monitoring field. This article reports the design, analysis and testing of a vibration energy harvesting device based on a miniature asymmetric air-spaced cantilever. The developed design offers high power density, and delivers electric power that is sufficient to support most wireless sensor nodes for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. The optimized design underwent three evolutionary steps, starting from a simple cantilever design, going through an air-spaced cantilever, and ending up with an optimized air-spaced geometry with boosted power density level. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used as an initial tool to compare the three geometries' stiffness (K), output open-circuit voltage (V(ave)), and average normal strain in the piezoelectric transducer (ε(ave)) that directly affect its output voltage. Experimental tests were also carried out in order to examine the energy harvesting level in each of the three designs. The experimental results show how to boost the power output level in a thin air-spaced cantilever beam for energy within the same space envelope. The developed thin air-spaced cantilever (8.37 cm3), has a maximum power output of 2.05 mW (H = 29.29 μJ/cycle).

High performance bias-selectable three-color Short-wave/Mid-wave/Long-wave Infrared Photodetectors based on Type-II InAs/GaSb/AlSb superlattices

PubMed Central

Hoang, Anh Minh; Dehzangi, Arash; Adhikary, Sourav; Razeghi, Manijeh

2016-01-01

We propose a new approach in device architecture to realize bias-selectable three-color shortwave-midwave-longwave infrared photodetectors based on InAs/GaSb/AlSb type-II superlattices. The effect of conduction band off-set and different doping levels between two absorption layers are employed to control the turn-on voltage for individual channels. The optimization of these parameters leads to a successful separation of operation regimes; we demonstrate experimentally three-color photodiodes without using additional terminal contacts. As the applied bias voltage varies, the photodiodes exhibit sequentially the behavior of three different colors, corresponding to the bandgap of three absorbers. Well defined cut-offs and high quantum efficiency in each channel are achieved. Such all-in-one devices also provide the versatility of working as single or dual-band photodetectors at high operating temperature. With this design, by retaining the simplicity in device fabrication, this demonstration opens the prospect for three-color infrared imaging. PMID:27051979

Investigation of defect properties in Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 solar cells by deep-level transient spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerr, L. L.; Li, Sheng S.; Johnston, S. W.; Anderson, T. J.; Crisalle, O. D.; Kim, W. K.; Abushama, J.; Noufi, R. N.

2004-09-01

The performance of the chalcopyrite material Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) used as an absorber layer in thin-film photovoltaic devices is significantly affected by the presence of native defects. The deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) technique is used in this work to characterize the defect properties, yielding relevant information about the defect types, their capture cross-sections, and energy levels and densities in the CIGS cells. Three solar cells developed using different absorber growth technologies were analyzed using DLTS, capacitance-voltage ( C- V), and capacitance-temperature ( C- T) techniques. It was found that CIS cells grown at the University of Florida exhibits a middle-gap defect level that may relate to the cell's low fill factor and open-circuit voltage values observed. A high efficiency ( ηc>18%) CIGS cell produced by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was found to contain three minority-carrier (electron) traps and a 13% CIGS cell produced by the Energy Photovoltaics Inc. (EPV) exhibited one majority (hole) trap. The approach followed using the DLTS technique serves as a paradigm for revealing the presence of significant defect levels in absorber materials, and may be used to support the identification of remedial processing operations.

Next Generation Drivetrain Development and Test Program

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Keller, Jonathan; Erdman, Bill; Blodgett, Doug

2015-11-03

This presentation was given at the Wind Energy IQ conference in Bremen, Germany, November 30 through December 2, 2105. It focused on the next-generation drivetrain architecture and drivetrain technology development and testing (including gearbox and inverter software and medium-voltage inverter modules.

Low Power, High Voltage Power Supply with Fast Rise/Fall Time

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bearden, Douglas B. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A low power, high voltage power supply system includes a high voltage power supply stage and a preregulator for programming the power supply stage so as to produce an output voltage which is a predetermined fraction of a desired voltage level. The power supply stage includes a high voltage, voltage doubler stage connected to receive the output voltage from the preregulator and for, when activated, providing amplification of the output voltage to the desired voltage level. A first feedback loop is connected between the output of the preregulator and an input of the preregulator while a second feedback loop is connected between the output of the power supply stage and the input of the preregulator.

Low power, high voltage power supply with fast rise/fall time

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bearden, Douglas B. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A low power, high voltage power supply system includes a high voltage power supply stage and a preregulator for programming the power supply stage so as to produce an output voltage which is a predetermined fraction of a desired voltage level. The power supply stage includes a high voltage, voltage doubler stage connected to receive the output voltage from the preregulator and for, when activated, providing amplification of the output voltage to the desired voltage level. A first feedback loop is connected between the output of the preregulator and an input of the preregulator while a second feedback loop is connected between the output of the power supply stage and the input of the preregulator.

Powerplexer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woods, J. M. (Inventor)

1973-01-01

An electrical power distribution system is described for use in providing different dc voltage levels. A circuit is supplied with DC voltage levels and commutates pulses for timed intervals onto a pair of distribution wires. The circuit is driven by a command generator which places pulses on the wires in a timed sequence. The pair of wires extend to voltage strippers connected to the various loads. The voltage strippers each respond to the pulse dc levels on the pair of wires and form different output voltages communicated to each load.

Electrostatic separation for recycling silver, silicon and polyethylene terephthalate from waste photovoltaic cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zisheng; Sun, Bo; Yang, Jie; Wei, Yusheng; He, Shoujie

2017-04-01

Electrostatic separation technology has been proven to be an effective and environmentally friendly way of recycling electronic waste. In this study, this technology was applied to recycle waste solar panels. Mixed particles of silver and polyethylene terephthalate, silicon and polyethylene terephthalate, and silver and silicon were separated with a single-roll-type electrostatic separator. The influence of high voltage level, roll speed, radial position corona electrode and angular position of the corona electrode on the separation efficiency was studied. The experimental data showed that separation of silver/polyethylene terephthalate and silicon/polyethylene terephthalate needed a higher voltage level, while separation of silver and silicon needed a smaller angular position for the corona electrode and a higher roll speed. The change of the high voltage level, roll speed, radial position of the corona electrode, and angular position of the corona electrode has more influence on silicon separation efficiency than silver separation efficiency. An integrated process is proposed using a two-roll-type corona separator for multistage separation of a mixture of these three materials. The separation efficiency for silver and silicon were found to reach 96% and 98%, respectively.

Literacy Acquisition in Indian Students: A Descriptive Study of Reading Achievement in One English Medium School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paige, David D.; Spagnoli, Victoria; Wood, Holly

2013-01-01

This study investigates the literacy skills of 193 students across grades three, five, seven, and nine in one private English medium school in Kerala, India. Students were assessed on their ability to read phonologically regular and irregular words, fluency with grade-level text, vocabulary knowledge, and comprehension skill. Results showed that…

Correlation between the thermal performance and the microstructure of the material used in medium and high voltage transformer terminals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salas, Y. J.; Vera-Monroy, S. P.; Mejia-Camacho, A.; Rivera, W.

2017-12-01

In Colombia, energy companies neglect the distribution that represents the main and most valuable process, presenting shortcomings in prevention and forecasting programs, using contractors who perform corrective maintenance of the components without guaranteeing the quality and performance of the materials. Within the process, the terminals determine the effective connection between the voltage line and the transformer, which have faults that are evidenced by the thermal deterioration of the material. In this work, a diagnosis of the thermal performance of these components was carried out and it was correlated with the microstructure, observing variations of the working temperature, with a thermography camera, for three types of terminals, which were classified by X-ray fluorescence in brass Z20, Z40 and Z60, and for two types of connection, copper and aluminium. The microstructure results showed that copper is the conductor that degrades the terminals faster, evidencing cracking of the material; on the other hand, the Z40 brass was the most stable with the lowest temperature variation regardless of the conductor diameter; however, in all cases the behaviour of higher temperature to lower calibre is satisfied.

Design and construction of a home-made and cheaper argon arc lamp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabaeian, Mohammad; Nazari-Tarkarani, Zeinab; Ebrahimzadeh, Azadeh

2018-05-01

The authors report on the design and construction of an argon arc lamp which provides noticeably a cheaper instrument for laser and medical applications. Cesium-doped tungsten and pure tungsten rods were used, respectively, for the lamp cathode and anode. To seal the glassy tube, a 50-50 Fe-Ni alloy was successfully used as a medium to attach the tungsten electrodes to the borosilicate glass tube. Starting voltage of the lamp versus the gas pressure, operation voltage-current diagram at various gas pressures, and lamp spectrum in the various pressures were measured. A comparison was made with krypton arc lamp. The lamp operation was satisfactory without any crack or fracture during lightening operation. The results showed that the lamp-lightening threshold voltage depends linearly on the pressure and arc length in such a way that there is an increase in the voltage by raising these two parameters. We have also observed that by increasing the argon pressure, there is a shifting in emission spectrum from the ultraviolet to the visible region. Comparison with krypton arc lamp indicated that argon lamp needs a higher threshold lightening voltage.

Nanowire-Modified Three-Dimensional Electrode Enabling Low-Voltage Electroporation for Water Disinfection.

PubMed

Huo, Zheng-Yang; Xie, Xing; Yu, Tong; Lu, Yun; Feng, Chao; Hu, Hong-Ying

2016-07-19

More than 10% of the people in the world still suffer from inadequate access to clean water. Traditional water disinfection methods (e.g., chlorination and ultraviolet radiation) include concerns about the formation of carcinogenic disinfection byproducts (DBPs), pathogen reactivation, and/or excessive energy consumption. Recently, a nanowire-assisted electroporation-disinfection method was introduced as an alternative. Here, we develop a new copper oxide nanowire (CuONW)-modified three-dimensional copper foam electrode using a facile thermal oxidation approach. An electroporation-disinfection cell (EDC) equipped with two such electrodes has achieved superior disinfection performance (>7 log removal and no detectable bacteria in the effluent). The disinfection mechanism of electroporation guarantees an exceedingly low operation voltage (1 V) and level of energy consumption (25 J L(-1)) with a short contact time (7 s). The low operation voltage avoids chlorine generation and thus reduces the potential of DBP formation. Because of irreversible electroporation damage on cell membranes, no regrowth and/or reactivation of bacteria occurs during storage after EDC treatment. Water disinfection using EDCs has great potential for practical applications.

Spectral optimization for micro-CT.

PubMed

Hupfer, Martin; Nowak, Tristan; Brauweiler, Robert; Eisa, Fabian; Kalender, Willi A

2012-06-01

To optimize micro-CT protocols with respect to x-ray spectra and thereby reduce radiation dose at unimpaired image quality. Simulations were performed to assess image contrast, noise, and radiation dose for different imaging tasks. The figure of merit used to determine the optimal spectrum was the dose-weighted contrast-to-noise ratio (CNRD). Both optimal photon energy and tube voltage were considered. Three different types of filtration were investigated for polychromatic x-ray spectra: 0.5 mm Al, 3.0 mm Al, and 0.2 mm Cu. Phantoms consisted of water cylinders of 20, 32, and 50 mm in diameter with a central insert of 9 mm which was filled with different contrast materials: an iodine-based contrast medium (CM) to mimic contrast-enhanced (CE) imaging, hydroxyapatite to mimic bone structures, and water with reduced density to mimic soft tissue contrast. Validation measurements were conducted on a commercially available micro-CT scanner using phantoms consisting of water-equivalent plastics. Measurements on a mouse cadaver were performed to assess potential artifacts like beam hardening and to further validate simulation results. The optimal photon energy for CE imaging was found at 34 keV. For bone imaging, optimal energies were 17, 20, and 23 keV for the 20, 32, and 50 mm phantom, respectively. For density differences, optimal energies varied between 18 and 50 keV for the 20 and 50 mm phantom, respectively. For the 32 mm phantom and density differences, CNRD was found to be constant within 2.5% for the energy range of 21-60 keV. For polychromatic spectra and CMs, optimal settings were 50 kV with 0.2 mm Cu filtration, allowing for a dose reduction of 58% compared to the optimal setting for 0.5 mm Al filtration. For bone imaging, optimal tube voltages were below 35 kV. For soft tissue imaging, optimal tube settings strongly depended on phantom size. For 20 mm, low voltages were preferred. For 32 mm, CNRD was found to be almost independent of tube voltage. For 50 mm, voltages larger than 50 kV were preferred. For all three phantom sizes stronger filtration led to notable dose reduction for soft tissue imaging. Validation measurements were found to match simulations well, with deviations being less than 10%. Mouse measurements confirmed simulation results. Optimal photon energies and tube settings strongly depend on both phantom size and imaging task at hand. For in vivo CE imaging and density differences, strong filtration and voltages of 50-65 kV showed good overall results. For soft tissue imaging of animals the size of a rat or larger, voltages higher than 65 kV allow to greatly reduce scan times while maintaining dose efficiency. For imaging of bone structures, usage of only minimum filtration and low tube voltages of 40 kV and below allow exploiting the high contrast of bone at very low energies. Therefore, a combination of two filtrations could prove beneficial for micro-CT: a soft filtration allowing for bone imaging at low voltages, and a variable stronger filtration (e.g., 0.2 mm Cu) for soft tissue and contrast-enhanced imaging. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy with target-controlled infusion using propofol and monitored depth of sedation to determine treatment strategies in obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Heiser, Clemens; Fthenakis, Phillippe; Hapfelmeier, Alexander; Berger, Sebastian; Hofauer, Benedikt; Hohenhorst, Winfried; Kochs, Eberhard F; Wagner, Klaus J; Edenharter, Guenther M

2017-09-01

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) has become an important diagnostic examination tool in the treatment decision process for surgical therapies in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Currently, there is a variety of regimes for the performance of DISE, which renders comparison and assessment across results difficult. It remains unclear how the different regimes influence the findings of the examination and the resulting conclusions and treatment recommendations. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between increasing levels of sedation (i.e., light, medium, and deep) induced by propofol using a target-controlled infusion (TCI) pump, with the obstruction patterns at the levels of the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, and epiglottis (i.e., VOTE classification). A second goal was the establishment of a sufficient sedation level to enable a reliable decision regarding treatment recommendations. Forty-three patients with OSA underwent a DISE procedure using propofol TCI. Three levels of sedation were defined, depending on entropy levels and assessment of sedation: light sedation, medium sedation, and deep sedation. The evaluation of the upper airway at each level, with increasing sedation, was documented using the VOTE classification. The elapsed time at which each assessment was performed was recorded. Upper airway changes occurred and were measured throughout the DISE procedure. Clinically useful determinations of airway closure occurred at medium sedation; this level of sedation was most probably achieved with a blood propofol concentration of 3.2 μg/ml. In all 43 patients, definite treatment decisions could be made at medium sedation level. Increasing sedation did not result in changes in the treatment decision. Changes in upper airway collapse during DISE with propofol TCI occur at levels of medium sedation. Decisions regarding surgical treatment could be made at this level of sedation. Upper Airway Collapse in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome by Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy (URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT02588300&Search=Search ) REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02588300.

Resonant tunneling through discrete quantum states in stacked atomic-layered MoS2.

PubMed

Nguyen, Linh-Nam; Lan, Yann-Wen; Chen, Jyun-Hong; Chang, Tay-Rong; Zhong, Yuan-Liang; Jeng, Horng-Tay; Li, Lain-Jong; Chen, Chii-Dong

2014-05-14

Two-dimensional crystals can be assembled into three-dimensional stacks with atomic layer precision, which have already shown plenty of fascinating physical phenomena and been used for prototype vertical-field-effect-transistors.1,2 In this work, interlayer electron tunneling in stacked high-quality crystalline MoS2 films were investigated. A trilayered MoS2 film was sandwiched between top and bottom electrodes with an adjacent bottom gate, and the discrete energy levels in each layer could be tuned by bias and gate voltages. When the discrete energy levels aligned, a resonant tunneling peak appeared in the current-voltage characteristics. The peak position shifts linearly with perpendicular magnetic field, indicating formation of Landau levels. From this linear dependence, the effective mass and Fermi velocity are determined and are confirmed by electronic structure calculations. These fundamental parameters are useful for exploitation of its unique properties.

High-voltage supply for neutron tubes in well-logging applications

DOEpatents

Humphreys, D.R.

1982-09-15

A high voltage supply is provided for a neutron tube used in well logging. The biased pulse supply of the invention combines DC and full pulse techniques and produces a target voltage comprising a substantial negative DC bias component on which is superimposed a pulse whose negative peak provides the desired negative voltage level for the neutron tube. The target voltage is preferably generated using voltage doubling techniques and employing a voltage source which generates bipolar pulse pairs having an amplitude corresponding to the DC bias level.

High voltage supply for neutron tubes in well logging applications

DOEpatents

Humphreys, D. Russell

1989-01-01

A high voltage supply is provided for a neutron tube used in well logging. The "biased pulse" supply of the invention combines DC and "full pulse" techniques and produces a target voltage comprising a substantial negative DC bias component on which is superimposed a pulse whose negative peak provides the desired negative voltage level for the neutron tube. The target voltage is preferably generated using voltage doubling techniques and employing a voltage source which generates bipolar pulse pairs having an amplitude corresponding to the DC bias level.

Cavallo's multiplier for in situ generation of high voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clayton, S. M.; Ito, T. M.; Ramsey, J. C.; Wei, W.; Blatnik, M. A.; Filippone, B. W.; Seidel, G. M.

2018-05-01

A classic electrostatic induction machine, Cavallo's multiplier, is suggested for in situ production of very high voltage in cryogenic environments. The device is suitable for generating a large electrostatic field under conditions of very small load current. Operation of the Cavallo multiplier is analyzed, with quantitative description in terms of mutual capacitances between electrodes in the system. A demonstration apparatus was constructed, and measured voltages are compared to predictions based on measured capacitances in the system. The simplicity of the Cavallo multiplier makes it amenable to electrostatic analysis using finite element software, and electrode shapes can be optimized to take advantage of a high dielectric strength medium such as liquid helium. A design study is presented for a Cavallo multiplier in a large-scale, cryogenic experiment to measure the neutron electric dipole moment.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

R. Camp

Over the past four years, the Electrical Safety Program at PPPL has evolved in addressing changing regulatory requirements and lessons learned from accident events, particularly in regards to arc flash hazards and implementing NFPA 70E requirements. This presentation will discuss PPPL's approaches to the areas of electrical hazards evaluation, both shock and arc flash; engineered solutions for hazards mitigation such as remote racking of medium voltage breakers, operational changes for hazards avoidance, targeted personnel training and hazard appropriate personal protective equipment. Practical solutions for nominal voltage identification and zero voltage checks for lockout/tagout will also be covered. Finally, we willmore » review the value of a comprehensive electrical drawing program, employee attitudes expressed as a personal safety work ethic, integrated safety management, and sustained management support for continuous safety improvement.« less

Simulative and experimental investigation on stator winding turn and unbalanced supply voltage fault diagnosis in induction motors using Artificial Neural Networks.

PubMed

Lashkari, Negin; Poshtan, Javad; Azgomi, Hamid Fekri

2015-11-01

The three-phase shift between line current and phase voltage of induction motors can be used as an efficient fault indicator to detect and locate inter-turn stator short-circuit (ITSC) fault. However, unbalanced supply voltage is one of the contributing factors that inevitably affect stator currents and therefore the three-phase shift. Thus, it is necessary to propose a method that is able to identify whether the unbalance of three currents is caused by ITSC or supply voltage fault. This paper presents a feedforward multilayer-perceptron Neural Network (NN) trained by back propagation, based on monitoring negative sequence voltage and the three-phase shift. The data which are required for training and test NN are generated using simulated model of stator. The experimental results are presented to verify the superior accuracy of the proposed method. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

30 CFR 77.903 - Disconnecting devices.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Disconnecting devices. 77.903 Section 77.903... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.903 Disconnecting devices. Disconnecting devices shall be installed in circuits supplying power to portable or mobile equipment and shall provide visual...

47 CFR 15.601 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Scope. 15.601 Section 15.601 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES Access Broadband Over Power Line (Access... (Access BPL) devices operating in the 1.705-80 MHz band over medium or low voltage lines. ...

Random Dopant Induced Threshold Voltage Lowering and Fluctuations in Sub-0.1 (micron)meter MOSFET's: A 3-D 'Atomistic' Simulation Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Asenov, Asen

1998-01-01

A three-dimensional (3-D) "atomistic" simulation study of random dopant induced threshold voltage lowering and fluctuations in sub-0.1 microns MOSFET's is presented. For the first time a systematic analysis of random dopant effects down to an individual dopant level was carried out in 3-D on a scale sufficient to provide quantitative statistical predictions. Efficient algorithms based on a single multigrid solution of the Poisson equation followed by the solution of a simplified current continuity equation are used in the simulations. The effects of various MOSFET design parameters, including the channel length and width, oxide thickness and channel doping, on the threshold voltage lowering and fluctuations are studied using typical samples of 200 atomistically different MOSFET's. The atomistic results for the threshold voltage fluctuations were compared with two analytical models based on dopant number fluctuations. Although the analytical models predict the general trends in the threshold voltage fluctuations, they fail to describe quantitatively the magnitude of the fluctuations. The distribution of the atomistically calculated threshold voltage and its correlation with the number of dopants in the channel of the MOSFET's was analyzed based on a sample of 2500 microscopically different devices. The detailed analysis shows that the threshold voltage fluctuations are determined not only by the fluctuation in the dopant number, but also in the dopant position.

High power density dc-to-dc converters for aerospace applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divan, Deepakraj M.

1990-01-01

Three dc-to-dc converter topologies aimed at high-power high-frequency applications are introduced. Major system parasitics, namely, the leakage inductance of the transformer and the device output capacitance are efficiently utilized. Of the three circuits, the single-phase and three-phase versions of the dual active bridge topology demonstrate minimal stresses, better utilization of the transformer, bidirectional, and buck-boost modes of operation. All circuits operate at a constant switching frequency, thus simplifying design of the reactive elements. The power transfer characteristics and soft-switching regions on the Vout-Iout plane are identified. Two coaxial transformers with different cross-sections were built for a rating of 50 kVA. Based on the single-phase dual active bridge topology, a 50 kW, 50 kHz converter operating at an input voltage of 200 Vdc and an output voltage of 1600 Vdc was fabricated. Characteristics of current-fed output make the dual active bridge topologies amenable to paralleling and hence extension to megawatt power levels. Projections to a 1 MW system operating from a 500 Vdc input, at an output voltage of 10 kVdc and a switching frequency of 50 kHz, using MOS-controlled thyristors, coaxially wound transformers operating at three times the present current density with cooling, and multilayer ceramic capacitors, suggests an overall power density of 0.075 to 0.08 kg/kW and an overall efficiency of 96 percent.

A Manufacturing Cost and Supply Chain Analysis of SiC Power Electronics Applicable to Medium-Voltage Motor Drives

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Horowitz, Kelsey; Remo, Timothy; Reese, Samantha

Wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices are increasingly being considered for use in certain power electronics applications, where they can improve efficiency, performance, footprint, and, potentially, total system cost compared to systems using traditional silicon (Si) devices. Silicon carbide (SiC) devices in particular -- which are currently more mature than other WBG devices -- are poised for growth in the coming years. Today, the manufacturing of SiC wafers is concentrated in the United States, and chip production is split roughly equally between the United States, Japan, and Europe. Established contract manufacturers located throughout Asia typically carry out manufacturing of WBG powermore » modules. We seek to understand how global manufacturing of SiC components may evolve over time by illustrating the regional cost drivers along the supply chain and providing an overview of other factors that influence where manufacturing is sited. We conduct this analysis for a particular case study where SiC devices are used in a medium-voltage motor drive.« less

Development and Investigation of Tungsten Copper Sintered Parts for Using in Medium and High Voltage Switching Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lungu, M. V.; Lucaci, M.; Tsakiris, V.; Brătulescu, A.; Cîrstea, C. D.; Marin, M.; Pătroi, D.; Mitrea, S.; Marinescu, V.; Grigore, F.; Tălpeanu, D.; Stancu, N.; Godeanu, P.; Melnic, C.

2017-06-01

Abstract Tungsten-copper (W-Cu) sintered parts with 75 wt.% W, 24 wt.% Cu and 1 wt.% Ni for using as arcing contacts in medium and high voltage switching devices were developed successfully by powder metallurgy (PM) techniques. Sintered parts with diameter of 50±0.5 mm and height of 6±0.5 mm were manufactured by pressing-sintering-infiltration (P-S-I) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) at sintering temperature of 1150°C, and 1050°C, respectively. Physical, chemical, electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of the samples were investigated. Microstructure was analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Material properties were influenced by the consolidation processes. The best results were achieved by SPS process. The relative density was more than 95 %, Vickers hardness HV1/15 was over 227, elastic modulus was over 143 GPa, and homogeneous microstructure was revealed. These good properties can contribute to higher lifetime of arcing contacts under severe working conditions.

Temperature and Voltage Coupling to Channel Opening in Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8)*♦

PubMed Central

Raddatz, Natalia; Castillo, Juan P.; Gonzalez, Carlos; Alvarez, Osvaldo; Latorre, Ramon

2014-01-01

Expressed in somatosensory neurons of the dorsal root and trigeminal ganglion, the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel is a Ca2+-permeable cation channel activated by cold, voltage, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, and menthol. Although TRPM8 channel gating has been characterized at the single channel and macroscopic current levels, there is currently no consensus regarding the extent to which temperature and voltage sensors couple to the conduction gate. In this study, we extended the range of voltages where TRPM8-induced ionic currents were measured and made careful measurements of the maximum open probability the channel can attain at different temperatures by means of fluctuation analysis. The first direct measurements of TRPM8 channel temperature-driven conformational rearrangements provided here suggest that temperature alone is able to open the channel and that the opening reaction is voltage-independent. Voltage is a partial activator of TRPM8 channels, because absolute open probability values measured with fully activated voltage sensors are less than 1, and they decrease as temperature rises. By unveiling the fast temperature-dependent deactivation process, we show that TRPM8 channel deactivation is well described by a double exponential time course. The fast and slow deactivation processes are temperature-dependent with enthalpy changes of 27.2 and 30.8 kcal mol−1. The overall Q10 for the closing reaction is about 33. A three-tiered allosteric model containing four voltage sensors and four temperature sensors can account for the complex deactivation kinetics and coupling between voltage and temperature sensor activation and channel opening. PMID:25352597

Tin Whisker Electrical Short Circuit Characteristics Part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Courey, Karim J.; Asfour, Shihab S.; Bayliss, Jon A.; Ludwib, Lawrence L.; Zapata, Maria C.

2007-01-01

Existing risk simulations make the assumption that when a free tin whisker has bridged two adjacent exposed electrical conductors, the result is an electrical short circuit. This conservative assumption is made because shorting is a random event that has a currently unknown probability associated with it. Due to contact resistance electrical shorts may not occur at lower voltage levels. In this experiment, we study the effect of varying voltage on the breakdown of the contact resistance which leads to a short circuit. From this data we can estimate the probability of an electrical short, as a function of voltage, given that a free tin whisker has bridged two adjacent exposed electrical conductors. In addition, three tin whiskers grown from the same Space Shuttle Orbiter card guide used in the aforementioned experiment were cross-sectioned and studied using a focused ion beam (FIB).

A Smart Voltage and Current Monitoring System for Three Phase Inverters Using an Android Smartphone Application

PubMed Central

Mnati, Mohannad Jabbar; Van den Bossche, Alex; Chisab, Raad Farhood

2017-01-01

In this paper, a new smart voltage and current monitoring system (SVCMS) technique is proposed. It monitors a three phase electrical system using an Arduino platform as a microcontroller to read the voltage and current from sensors and then wirelessly send the measured data to monitor the results using a new Android application. The integrated SVCMS design uses an Arduino Nano V3.0 as the microcontroller to measure the results from three voltage and three current sensors and then send this data, after calculation, to the Android smartphone device of an end user using Bluetooth HC-05. The Arduino Nano V3.0 controller and Bluetooth HC-05 are a cheap microcontroller and wireless device, respectively. The new Android smartphone application that monitors the voltage and current measurements uses the open source MIT App Inventor 2 software. It allows for monitoring some elementary fundamental voltage power quality properties. An effort has been made to investigate what is possible using available off-the-shelf components and open source software. PMID:28420132

A Smart Voltage and Current Monitoring System for Three Phase Inverters Using an Android Smartphone Application.

PubMed

Mnati, Mohannad Jabbar; Van den Bossche, Alex; Chisab, Raad Farhood

2017-04-15

In this paper, a new smart voltage and current monitoring system (SVCMS) technique is proposed. It monitors a three phase electrical system using an Arduino platform as a microcontroller to read the voltage and current from sensors and then wirelessly send the measured data to monitor the results using a new Android application. The integrated SVCMS design uses an Arduino Nano V3.0 as the microcontroller to measure the results from three voltage and three current sensors and then send this data, after calculation, to the Android smartphone device of an end user using Bluetooth HC-05. The Arduino Nano V3.0 controller and Bluetooth HC-05 are a cheap microcontroller and wireless device, respectively. The new Android smartphone application that monitors the voltage and current measurements uses the open source MIT App Inventor 2 software. It allows for monitoring some elementary fundamental voltage power quality properties. An effort has been made to investigate what is possible using available off-the-shelf components and open source software.

Miniaturized two-stack Blumlein pulser with a variable repetition-rate for non-thermal irreversible-electroporation experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Min, Sun-Hong; Kwon, Ohjoon; Sattorov, Matlabjon; Baek, In-Keun; Kim, Seontae; Jeong, Jin-Young; Hong, Dongpyo; Park, Seunghyuk; Park, Gun-Sik

2017-01-01

Non-thermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE) to avoid thermal damage to cells during intense DC ns pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) is a recent modality for medical applications. This mechanism, related to bioelectrical dynamics of the cell, is linked to the effect of a DC electric field and a threshold effect with an electrically stimulated membrane for the charge distribution in the cell. To create the NTIRE condition, the pulse width of the nsPEF should be shorter than the charging time constant of the membrane related to the cell radius, membrane capacitance, cytoplasm resistivity, and medium resistivity. It is necessary to design and fabricate a very intense nanosecond DC electric field pulser that is capable of producing voltages up to the level of 100 kV/cm with an artificial pulse width (˜ns) with controllable repetition rates. Many devices to generate intense DC nsPEF using various pulse-forming line technologies have been introduced thus far. However, the previous Blumlein pulse-generating devices are clearly inefficient due to the energy loss between the input voltage and the output voltage. An improved two-stage stacked Blumlein pulse-forming line can overcome this limitation and decrease the energy loss from a DC power supply. A metal oxide silicon field-effect transistor switch with a fast rise and fall time would enable a high repetition rate (max. 100 kHz) and good endurance against very high voltages (DC ˜ 30 kV). The load is designed to match the sample for exposure to cell suspensions consisting of a 200 Ω resistor matched with a Blumlein circuit and two electrodes without the characteristic RC time effect of the circuit (capacitance =0.174 pF).

High-power converters for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, J. N.; Cooper, Randy

1991-01-01

Phase 1 was a concept definition effort to extend space-type dc/dc converter technology to the megawatt level with a weight of less than 0.1 kg/kW (220 lb./MW). Two system designs were evaluated in Phase 1. Each design operates from a 5 kV stacked fuel cell source and provides a voltage step-up to 100 kV at 10 A for charging capacitors (100 pps at a duty cycle of 17 min on, 17 min off). Both designs use an MCT-based, full-bridge inverter, gaseous hydrogen cooling, and crowbar fault protection. The GE-CRD system uses an advanced high-voltage transformer/rectifier filter is series with a resonant tank circuit, driven by an inverter operating at 20 to 50 kHz. Output voltage is controlled through frequency and phase shift control. Fast transient response and stability is ensured via optimal control. Super-resonant operation employing MCTs provides the advantages of lossless snubbing, no turn-on switching loss, use of medium-speed diodes, and intrinsic current limiting under load-fault conditions. Estimated weight of the GE-CRD system is 88 kg (1.5 cu ft.). Efficiency of 94.4 percent and total system loss is 55.711 kW operating at 1 MW load power. The Maxwell system is based on a resonance transformer approach using a cascade of five LC resonant sections at 100 kHz. The 5 kV bus is converted to a square wave, stepped-up to a 100 kV sine wave by the LC sections, rectified, and filtered. Output voltage is controlled with a special series regulator circuit. Estimated weight of the Maxwell system is 83.8 kg (4.0 cu ft.). Efficiency is 87.2 percent and total system loss is 146.411 kW operating at 1 MW load power.

Effect of an ac Perturbation on the Electroosmotic Behavior of a Cation-Exchange Membrane. Influence of the Cation Nature.

PubMed

Barragán, V. M.; Bauzá, C. Ruíz

2001-08-01

The effect of an ac sinusoidal perturbation of known amplitude and frequency superimposed on the usual dc applied electric voltage difference on the electroosmotic flow through a typical cation-exchange membrane has been studied using different monovalent electrolytes. As a general trend, the presence of the ac perturbation increases the value of the electroosmotic flow with respect to the value in the absence of ac perturbation. A dispersion of the electroosmotic permeability on the frequency of the applied ac signal has been found for the three studied electrolytes, observing that the electroosmotic permeability reaches maximum values for some characteristic values of the frequency. This behavior may be related to the different relaxation processes in heterogeneous mediums. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Automatic Line Network Extraction from Aerial Imagery of Urban Areas through Knowledge-Based Image Analysis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-19

approach for the analysis of aerial images. In this approach image analysis is performed ast three levels of abstraction, namely iconic or low-level... image analysis , symbolic or medium-level image analysis , and semantic or high-level image analysis . Domain dependent knowledge about prototypical urban

Effect of Energy Input on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Titanium Aluminide Alloy Fabricated by the Additive Manufacturing Process of Electron Beam Melting

PubMed Central

Mohammad, Ashfaq; Alahmari, Abdulrahman M.; Mohammed, Muneer Khan; Renganayagalu, Ravi Kottan; Moiduddin, Khaja

2017-01-01

Titanium aluminides qualify adequately for advanced aero-engine applications in place of conventional nickel based superalloys. The combination of high temperature properties and lower density gives an edge to the titanium aluminide alloys. Nevertheless, challenges remain on how to process these essentially intermetallic alloys in to an actual product. Electron Beam Melting (EBM), an Additive Manufacturing Method, can build complex shaped solid parts from a given feedstock powder, thus overcoming the shortcomings of the conventional processing techniques such as machining and forging. The amount of energy supplied by the electron beam has considerable influence on the final build quality in the EBM process. Energy input is decided by the beam voltage, beam scan speed, beam current, and track offset distance. In the current work, beam current and track offset were varied to reflect three levels of energy input. Microstructural and mechanical properties were evaluated for these samples. The microstructure gradually coarsened from top to bottom along the build direction. Whereas higher energy favored lath microstructure, lower energy tended toward equiaxed grains. Computed tomography analysis revealed a greater amount of porosity in low energy samples. In addition, the lack of bonding defects led to premature failure in the tension test of low energy samples. Increase in energy to a medium level largely cancelled out the porosity, thereby increasing the strength. However, this trend did not continue with the high energy samples. Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction investigations were carried out to understand this non-linear behavior of the strength in the three samples. Overall, the results of this work suggest that the input energy should be considered primarily whenever any new alloy system has to be processed through the EBM route. PMID:28772572

Effect of Energy Input on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Titanium Aluminide Alloy Fabricated by the Additive Manufacturing Process of Electron Beam Melting.

PubMed

Mohammad, Ashfaq; Alahmari, Abdulrahman M; Mohammed, Muneer Khan; Renganayagalu, Ravi Kottan; Moiduddin, Khaja

2017-02-21

Titanium aluminides qualify adequately for advanced aero-engine applications in place of conventional nickel based superalloys. The combination of high temperature properties and lower density gives an edge to the titanium aluminide alloys. Nevertheless, challenges remain on how to process these essentially intermetallic alloys in to an actual product. Electron Beam Melting (EBM), an Additive Manufacturing Method, can build complex shaped solid parts from a given feedstock powder, thus overcoming the shortcomings of the conventional processing techniques such as machining and forging. The amount of energy supplied by the electron beam has considerable influence on the final build quality in the EBM process. Energy input is decided by the beam voltage, beam scan speed, beam current, and track offset distance. In the current work, beam current and track offset were varied to reflect three levels of energy input. Microstructural and mechanical properties were evaluated for these samples. The microstructure gradually coarsened from top to bottom along the build direction. Whereas higher energy favored lath microstructure, lower energy tended toward equiaxed grains. Computed tomography analysis revealed a greater amount of porosity in low energy samples. In addition, the lack of bonding defects led to premature failure in the tension test of low energy samples. Increase in energy to a medium level largely cancelled out the porosity, thereby increasing the strength. However, this trend did not continue with the high energy samples. Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction investigations were carried out to understand this non-linear behavior of the strength in the three samples. Overall, the results of this work suggest that the input energy should be considered primarily whenever any new alloy system has to be processed through the EBM route.

Harmonic analysis and FPGA implementation of SHE controlled three phase CHB 11-level inverter in MV drives using deterministic and stochastic optimization techniques.

PubMed

Vesapogu, Joshi Manohar; Peddakotla, Sujatha; Kuppa, Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu

2013-01-01

With the advancements in semiconductor technology, high power medium voltage (MV) Drives are extensively used in numerous industrial applications. Challenging technical requirements of MV Drives is to control multilevel inverter (MLI) with less Total harmonic distortion (%THD) which satisfies IEEE standard 519-1992 harmonic guidelines and less switching losses. Among all modulation control strategies for MLI, Selective harmonic elimination (SHE) technique is one of the traditionally preferred modulation control technique at fundamental switching frequency with better harmonic profile. On the other hand, the equations which are formed by SHE technique are highly non-linear in nature, may exist multiple, single or even no solution at particular modulation index (MI). However, in some MV Drive applications, it is required to operate over a range of MI. Providing analytical solutions for SHE equations during the whole range of MI from 0 to 1, has been a challenging task for researchers. In this paper, an attempt is made to solve SHE equations by using deterministic and stochastic optimization methods and comparative harmonic analysis has been carried out. An effective algorithm which minimizes %THD with less computational effort among all optimization algorithms has been presented. To validate the effectiveness of proposed MPSO technique, an experiment is carried out on a low power proto type of three phase CHB 11- level Inverter using FPGA based Xilinx's Spartan -3A DSP Controller. The experimental results proved that MPSO technique has successfully solved SHE equations over all range of MI from 0 to 1, the %THD obtained over major range of MI also satisfies IEEE 519-1992 harmonic guidelines too.

HF Interference, Procedures and Tools (Interferences HF, procedures et outils)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

Systems 3-2 3.1.2 Medium (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) Systems 3-4 3.1.3 Access Systems 3-5 3.1.4 In-House Systems 3-7 3.1.5 Technical Characteristics...Grounded Monopole Antenna Figure 2.3-3 Low Natural Noise Measured in Germany 2-15 Figure 2.3-4 Minimum Natural Noise Measured in Germany 1985 and in...arrows) Figure 3.1.1-2 Basic BPL System 3-3 Figure 3.1.2-1 Power Line TN-C-S Network 3-5 Figure 3.1.3-1 Usual Low Voltage Electricity Distribution

Single phase inverter for a three phase power generation and distribution system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindena, S. J.

1976-01-01

A breadboard design of a single-phase inverter with sinusoidal output voltage for a three-phase power generation and distribution system was developed. The three-phase system consists of three single-phase inverters, whose output voltages are connected in a delta configuration. Upon failure of one inverter the two remaining inverters will continue to deliver three-phase power. Parallel redundancy as offered by two three-phase inverters is substituted by one three-phase inverter assembly with high savings in volume, weight, components count and complexity, and a considerable increase in reliability. The following requirements must be met: (1) Each single-phase, current-fed inverter must be capable of being synchronized to a three-phase reference system such that its output voltage remains phaselocked to its respective reference voltage. (2) Each single-phase, current-fed inverter must be capable of accepting leading and lagging power factors over a range from -0.7 through 1 to +0.7.

Carbon nanotubes buckypaper radiation studies for medical physics applications.

PubMed

Alanazi, Abdulaziz; Alkhorayef, Mohammed; Alzimami, Khalid; Jurewicz, Izabela; Abuhadi, Nouf; Dalton, Alan; Bradley, D A

2016-11-01

Graphite ion chambers and semiconductor diode detectors have been used to make measurements in phantoms but these active devices represent a clear disadvantage when considered for in vivo dosimetry. In such circumstance, dosimeters with atomic number similar to human tissue are needed. Carbon nanotubes have properties that potentially meet the demand, requiring low voltage in active devices and an atomic number similar to adipose tissue. In this study, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) buckypaper has been used to measure the beta particle dose deposited from a strontium-90 source, the medium displaying thermoluminescence at potentially useful sensitivity. As an example, the samples show a clear response for a dose of 2Gy. This finding suggests that carbon nanotubes can be used as a passive dosimeter specifically for the high levels of radiation exposures used in radiation therapy. Furthermore, the finding points towards further potential applications such as for space radiation measurements, not least because the medium satisfies a demand for light but strong materials of minimal capacitance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of alismol isolated from Alismatis Rhizoma on calcium-induced contraction in the rabbit thoracic aorta

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matsuda, H.; Kobayashi, G.; Yamahara, J.

1987-10-12

The authors examined the inhibitory effects of alismol, a sesquiterpenoid isolated from Alismatis Rhizoma, on vascular contractions induced by high concentrations of K/sup +/ and Ca/sup 2 +/, and on /sup 45/Ca/sup 2 +/ retention in normal and in high K/sup +/-containing medium. Alismol affected neither the resting tension nor the /sup 45/Ca/sup 2 +/ retention in normal medium, but it inhibited sustained contraction and increased /sup 45/Ca/sup 2 +/ retention induced by high K/sup +/ concentrations. Alismol did not affect norepinephrine-induced contractions in normal medium, nor phasic contractions in Ca/sup 2 +/-free medium. These results suggested that alismol inhibitedmore » mainly Ca/sup 2 +/ influx through a voltage-dependent Ca/sup 2 +/ channel. 19 references, 6 figures.« less

Computed myography: three-dimensional reconstruction of motor functions from surface EMG data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van den Doel, Kees; Ascher, Uri M.; Pai, Dinesh K.

2008-12-01

We describe a methodology called computed myography to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the activation level of individual muscles by voltage measurements from an array of voltage sensors on the skin surface. A finite element model for electrostatics simulation is constructed from morphometric data. For the inverse problem, we utilize a generalized Tikhonov regularization. This imposes smoothness on the reconstructed sources inside the muscles and suppresses sources outside the muscles using a penalty term. Results from experiments with simulated and human data are presented for activation reconstructions of three muscles in the upper arm (biceps brachii, bracialis and triceps). This approach potentially offers a new clinical tool to sensitively assess muscle function in patients suffering from neurological disorders (e.g., spinal cord injury), and could more accurately guide advances in the evaluation of specific rehabilitation training regimens.

A model for the trap-assisted tunneling mechanism in diffused n-p and implanted n(+)-p HgCdTe photodiodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenfeld, David; Bahir, Gad

1992-01-01

A theoretical model for the trap-assisted tunneling process in diffused n-on-p and implanted n(+)-on-p HgCdTe photodiodes is presented. The model describes the traps and the trap characteristics: concentration, energy level, and capture cross sections. We have observed that the above two types of diodes differ in the voltage dependence of the trap-assisted tunneling current and dynamic resistance. Our model takes this difference into account and offers an explanation of the phenomenon. The good fit between measured and calculated DC characteristics of the photodiodes (for medium and high reverse bias and for temperatures from 65 to 140 K) supports the validity of the model.

Ground difference compensating system

DOEpatents

Johnson, Kris W.; Akasam, Sivaprasad

2005-10-25

A method of ground level compensation includes measuring a voltage of at least one signal with respect to a primary ground potential and measuring, with respect to the primary ground potential, a voltage level associated with a secondary ground potential. A difference between the voltage level associated with the secondary ground potential and an expected value is calculated. The measured voltage of the at least one signal is adjusted by an amount corresponding to the calculated difference.

The Rated Voltage Determination of DC Building Power Supply System Considering Human Beings Safety

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhicheng; Yu, Kansheng; Xie, Guoqiang; Zou, Jin

2018-01-01

Generally two-level voltages are adopted for DC building power supply system. From the point of view of human beings safety, only the lower level voltage which may be contacted barehanded is discussed in this paper based on the related safety thresholds of human beings current effect. For several voltage levels below 100V recommended by IEC, the body current and current density of human electric shock under device normal work condition, as well as effect of unidirectional single impulse currents of short durations are calculated and analyzed respectively. Finally, DC 60V is recommended as the lower level rating voltage through the comprehensive consideration of technical condition and cost of safety criteria.

Squeezing via two-photon transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savage, C. M.; Walls, D. F.

1986-05-01

The squeezing spectrum for a cavity field mode interacting with an ensemble of three-level 'Lambda-configuration' atoms by an effective two-photon transition is calculated. The advantage of the three-level Lambda system as a squeezing medium, that is, optical nonlinearity without atomic saturation, has recently been pointed out by Reid, Walls, and Dalton. Perfect squeezing is predicted at the turning points for dispersive optical bistability and good squeezing for a range of other cases. Three-level ladder atoms interacting by an effective two-photon transition are also shown to give perfect squeezing in the dispersive limit.

How to Analyze the Students’ Thinking Levels Based on SOLO Taxonomy?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putri, U. H.; Mardiyana, M.; Saputro, D. R. S.

2017-09-01

This study aims to determine the extent to which the students ‘thinking level based on SOLO taxonomy in geometry learning viewed from students’ self efficacy (SE). This research utilizes descriptive research with qualitative approach. The data was collected by giving SE questionnaires to 32 students of grade VIII Junior High School which were then categorized into three (high, medium, and low). The subjects of the study were taken by one student in each SE category (high, medium, and low) which then given the problem solving test and the result was triangulated by interview. From this research, it is found that students with high SE can achieve uniructural-relational thinking level, subject with medium SE can be reach the level of unistructural-multistructural thinking, and subject with low SE able to reach unistructural-pristructural level. By paying attention to SE in learning, especially in problem solving process, it is expected that the educator can prepare the learning as well as possible so as to obtain optimal learning achievement.

Harnessing the Flow of Excitation: TRP, Voltage-Gated Na(+), and Voltage-Gated Ca(2+) Channels in Contemporary Medicine.

PubMed

Frolov, Roman V; Weckström, Matti

2016-01-01

Cellular signaling in both excitable and nonexcitable cells involves several classes of ion channels. Some of them are of minor importance, with very specialized roles in physiology, but here we concentrate on three major channel classes: TRP (transient receptor potential channels), voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav), and voltage-gated calcium channels (Cav). Here, we first propose a conceptual framework binding together all three classes of ion channels, a "flow-of-excitation model" that takes into account the inputs mediated by TRP and other similar channels, the outputs invariably provided by Cav channels, and the regenerative transmission of signals in the neural networks, for which Nav channels are responsible. We use this framework to examine the function, structure, and pharmacology of these channel classes both at cellular and also at whole-body physiological level. Building on that basis we go through the pathologies arising from the direct or indirect malfunction of the channels, utilizing ion channel defects, the channelopathies. The pharmacological interventions affecting these channels are numerous. Part of those are well-established treatments, like treatment of hypertension or some forms of epilepsy, but many other are deeply problematic due to poor drug specificity, ion channel diversity, and widespread expression of the channels in tissues other than those actually targeted. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inversion of time-domain induced polarization data based on time-lapse concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Bitnarae; Nam, Myung Jin; Kim, Hee Joon

2018-05-01

Induced polarization (IP) surveys, measuring overvoltage phenomena of the medium, are widely and increasingly performed not only for exploration of mineral resources but also for engineering applications. Among several IP survey methods such as time-domain, frequency-domain and spectral IP surveys, this study introduces a noble inversion method for time-domain IP data to recover the chargeability structure of target medium. The inversion method employs the concept of 4D inversion of time-lapse resistivity data sets, considering the fact that measured voltage in time-domain IP survey is distorted by IP effects to increase from the instantaneous voltage measured at the moment the source current injection starts. Even though the increase is saturated very fast, we can consider the saturated and instantaneous voltages as a time-lapse data set. The 4D inversion method is one of the most powerful method for inverting time-lapse resistivity data sets. Using the developed IP inversion algorithm, we invert not only synthetic but also field IP data to show the effectiveness of the proposed method by comparing the recovered chargeability models with those from linear inversion that was used for the inversion of the field data in a previous study. Numerical results confirm that the proposed inversion method generates reliable chargeability models even though the anomalous bodies have large IP effects.

IGBT Switching Characteristic Curve Embedded Half-Bridge MMC Modelling and Real Time Simulation Realization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhengang, Lu; Hongyang, Yu; Xi, Yang

2017-05-01

The Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) is one of the most attractive topologies in recent years for medium or high voltage industrial applications, such as high voltage dc transmission (HVDC) and medium voltage varying speed motor drive. The wide adoption of MMCs in industry is mainly due to its flexible expandability, transformer-less configuration, common dc bus, high reliability from redundancy, and so on. But, when the sub module number of MMC is more, the test of MMC controller will cost more time and effort. Hardware in the loop test based on real time simulator will save a lot of time and money caused by the MMC test. And due to the flexible of HIL, it becomes more and more popular in the industry area. The MMC modelling method remains an important issue for the MMC HIL test. Specifically, the VSC model should realistically reflect the nonlinear device switching characteristics, switching and conduction losses, tailing current, and diode reverse recovery behaviour of a realistic converter. In this paper, an IGBT switching characteristic curve embedded half-bridge MMC modelling method is proposed. This method is based on the switching curve referring and sample circuit calculation, and it is sample for implementation. Based on the proposed method, a FPGA real time simulation is carried out with 200ns sample time. The real time simulation results show the proposed method is correct.

Ion detection device and method with compressing ion-beam shutter

DOEpatents

Sperline, Roger P [Tucson, AZ

2009-05-26

An ion detection device, method and computer readable medium storing instructions for applying voltages to shutter elements of the detection device to compress ions in a volume defined by the shutter elements and to output the compressed ions to a collector. The ion detection device has a chamber having an inlet and receives ions through the inlet, a shutter provided in the chamber opposite the inlet and configured to allow or prevent the ions to pass the shutter, the shutter having first and second shutter elements, a collector provided in the chamber opposite the shutter and configured to collect ions passed through the shutter, and a processing unit electrically connected to the first and second shutter elements. The processing unit applies, during a first predetermined time interval, a first voltage to the first shutter element and a second voltage to the second shutter element, the second voltage being lower than the first voltage such that ions from the inlet enter a volume defined by the first and second shutter elements, and during a second predetermined time interval, a third voltage to the first shutter element, higher than the first voltage, and a fourth voltage to the second shutter element, the third voltage being higher than the fourth voltage such that ions that entered the volume are compressed as the ions exit the volume and new ions coming from the inlet are prevented from entering the volume. The processing unit is electrically connected to the collector and configured to detect the compressed ions based at least on a current received from the collector and produced by the ions collected by the collector.

A 2.5 kW cascaded Schwarz converter for 20 kHz power distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shetler, Russell E.; Stuart, Thomas A.

1989-01-01

Because it avoids the high currents in a parallel loaded capacitor, the cascaded Schwarz converter should offer better component utilization than converters with sinusoidal output voltages. The circuit is relatively easy to protect, and it provides a predictable trapezoidal voltage waveform that should be satisfactory for 20-kHz distribution systems. Analysis of the system is enhanced by plotting curves of normalized variables vs. gamma(1), where gamma(1) is proportional to the variable frequency of the first stage. Light-load operation is greatly improved by the addition of a power recycling rectifier bridge that is back biased at medium to heavy loads. Operation has been verified on a 2.5-kW circuit that uses input and output voltages in the same range as those anticipated for certain future spacecraft power systems.

30 CFR 77.606 - Energized trailing cables; handling.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Energized trailing cables; handling. 77.606... COAL MINES Trailing Cables § 77.606 Energized trailing cables; handling. Energized medium- and high-voltage trailing cables shall be handled only by persons wearing protective rubber gloves (see § 77.606-1...

30 CFR 77.905 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.905 Connection of single-phase... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Connection of single-phase loads. 77.905 Section 77.905 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR COAL MINE...

30 CFR 77.905 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.905 Connection of single-phase... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Connection of single-phase loads. 77.905 Section 77.905 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR COAL MINE...

30 CFR 77.901-1 - Grounding resistor; continuous current rating.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Grounding resistor; continuous current rating. 77.901-1 Section 77.901-1 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.901-1 Grounding...

30 CFR 77.901-1 - Grounding resistor; continuous current rating.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Grounding resistor; continuous current rating. 77.901-1 Section 77.901-1 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.901-1 Grounding...

30 CFR 77.901-1 - Grounding resistor; continuous current rating.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Grounding resistor; continuous current rating. 77.901-1 Section 77.901-1 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.901-1 Grounding...

30 CFR 77.901-1 - Grounding resistor; continuous current rating.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Grounding resistor; continuous current rating. 77.901-1 Section 77.901-1 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.901-1 Grounding...

30 CFR 77.901-1 - Grounding resistor; continuous current rating.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Grounding resistor; continuous current rating. 77.901-1 Section 77.901-1 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF... OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.901-1 Grounding...

Measurement and statistical analysis of single-molecule current-voltage characteristics, transition voltage spectroscopy, and tunneling barrier height.

PubMed

Guo, Shaoyin; Hihath, Joshua; Díez-Pérez, Ismael; Tao, Nongjian

2011-11-30

We report on the measurement and statistical study of thousands of current-voltage characteristics and transition voltage spectra (TVS) of single-molecule junctions with different contact geometries that are rapidly acquired using a new break junction method at room temperature. This capability allows one to obtain current-voltage, conductance voltage, and transition voltage histograms, thus adding a new dimension to the previous conductance histogram analysis at a fixed low-bias voltage for single molecules. This method confirms the low-bias conductance values of alkanedithiols and biphenyldithiol reported in literature. However, at high biases the current shows large nonlinearity and asymmetry, and TVS allows for the determination of a critically important parameter, the tunneling barrier height or energy level alignment between the molecule and the electrodes of single-molecule junctions. The energy level alignment is found to depend on the molecule and also on the contact geometry, revealing the role of contact geometry in both the contact resistance and energy level alignment of a molecular junction. Detailed statistical analysis further reveals that, despite the dependence of the energy level alignment on contact geometry, the variation in single-molecule conductance is primarily due to contact resistance rather than variations in the energy level alignment.

Test methods and results of the 10-cell bipolar Ni-H2 battery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cataldo, R.

1983-01-01

Characterization tests were carried out at three charge levels and four discharge levels. The "c' or capacity of the battery is designated at 6.5 ampere-hours. The recharge ampere-hours was the same for all test conditions, 6.5 A-H, regardless of the discharge capacity removed for any particular discharge rate. Less capacity can be removed at higher discharge rates to the same termination voltage, which was 0.50 volts for the weakest (lowest voltage) cell. The general trend of efficiencies increases as the charge rate increases as noted in results of the table included in the handout package. The data also indicate the efficiency increases as the discharge rate decreases. This is true; however, efficiencies at the discharge rates of c and 2c are penalized because these cycles received more overcharge than necessary.

DC arc weld starter

DOEpatents

Campiotti, Richard H.; Hopwood, James E.

1990-01-01

A system for starting an arc for welding uses three DC power supplies, a high voltage supply for initiating the arc, an intermediate voltage supply for sustaining the arc, and a low voltage welding supply directly connected across the gap after the high voltage supply is disconnected.

Design of A Grid Integrated PV System with MPPT Control and Voltage Oriented Controller using MATLAB/PLECES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soreng, Bineeta; Behera, Pradyumna; Pradhan, Raseswari

2017-08-01

This paper presents model of a grid-integrated photovoltaic array with Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) and voltage oriented controller. The MPPT of the PV array is usually an essential part of PV system as MPPT helps the operating point of the solar array to align its maximum power point. In this model, the MPPT along with a DC-DC converter lets a PV generator to produce continuous power, despite of the measurement conditions. The neutral-point-clamped converter (NPC) with a boost converter raises the voltage from the panels to the DC-link. An LCL-filter smoothens the current ripple caused by the PWM modulation of the grid-side inverter. In addition to the MPPT, the system has two more two controllers, such as voltage controller and a current controller. The voltage control has a PI controller to regulate the PV voltage to optimal level by controlling the amount of current injected into the boost stage. Here, the grid-side converter transfers the power from the DC-link into the grid and maintains the DC-link voltage. Three-phase PV inverters are used for off-grid or designed to create utility frequency AC. The PV system can be connected in series or parallel to get the desired output power. To justify the working of this model, the grid-integrated PV system has been designed in MATLAB/PLECS. The simulation shows the P-V curve of implemented PV Array consisting 4 X 20 modules, reactive, real power, grid voltage and current.

Very low noise AC/DC power supply systems for large detector arrays.

PubMed

Arnaboldi, C; Baù, A; Carniti, P; Cassina, L; Giachero, A; Gotti, C; Maino, M; Passerini, A; Pessina, G

2015-12-01

In this work, we present the first part of the power supply system for the CUORE and LUCIFER arrays of bolometric detectors. For CUORE, it consists of AC/DC commercial power supplies (0-60 V output) followed by custom DC/DC modules (48 V input, ±5 V to ±13.5 V outputs). Each module has 3 floating and independently configurable output voltages. In LUCIFER, the AC/DC + DC/DC stages are combined into a commercial medium-power AC/DC source. At the outputs of both setups, we introduced filters with the aim of lowering the noise and to protect the following stages from high voltage spikes that can be generated by the energy stored in the cables after the release of accidental short circuits. Output noise is very low, as required: in the 100 MHz bandwidth the RMS level is about 37 μV(RMS) (CUORE setup) and 90 μV(RMS) (LUCIFER setup) at a load of 7 A, with a negligible dependence on the load current. Even more importantly, high frequency switching disturbances are almost completely suppressed. The efficiency of both systems is above 85%. Both systems are completely programmable and monitored via CAN bus (optically coupled).

An Empirical Model for Estimating the Probability of Electrical Short Circuits from Tin Whiskers-Part I

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Courey, Karim; Wright, Clara; Asfour, Shihab; Bayliss, Jon; Ludwig, Larry

2008-01-01

Existing risk simulations make the assumption that when a free tin whisker has bridged two adjacent exposed electrical conductors, the result is an electrical short circuit. This conservative assumption is made because shorting is a random event that has a currently unknown probability associated with it. Due to contact resistance, electrical shorts may not occur at lower voltage levels. In this experiment, we study the effect of varying voltage on the breakdown of the contact resistance which leads to a short circuit. From this data, we can estimate the probability of an electrical short, as a function of voltage, given that a free tin whisker has bridged two adjacent exposed electrical conductors. In addition, three tin whiskers grown from the same Space Shuttle Orbiter card guide used in the aforementioned experiment were cross sectioned and studied using a focused ion beam (FIB).

Voltage Based Detection Method for High Impedance Fault in a Distribution System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Mini Shaji; Bhaskar, Namrata; Prakash, Anupama

2016-09-01

High-impedance faults (HIFs) on distribution feeders cannot be detected by conventional protection schemes, as HIFs are characterized by their low fault current level and waveform distortion due to the nonlinearity of the ground return path. This paper proposes a method to identify the HIFs in distribution system and isolate the faulty section, to reduce downtime. This method is based on voltage measurements along the distribution feeder and utilizes the sequence components of the voltages. Three models of high impedance faults have been considered and source side and load side breaking of the conductor have been studied in this work to capture a wide range of scenarios. The effect of neutral grounding of the source side transformer is also accounted in this study. The results show that the algorithm detects the HIFs accurately and rapidly. Thus, the faulty section can be isolated and service can be restored to the rest of the consumers.

The simulation on diode-clamped five-level converters common-mode voltage suppression with zero-vector PWM strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yonggao; Gao, Yanli; Long, Lizhong

2012-04-01

More and more researchers have great concern on the issue of Common-mode voltage (CMV) in high voltage large power converter. A novel common-mode voltage suppression scheme based on zero-vector PWM strategy (ZVPWM) is present in this paper. Taking a diode-clamped five-level converter as example, the principle of zero vector PWM common-mode voltage (ZCMVPWM) suppression method is studied in detail. ZCMVPWM suppression strategy is including four important parts, which are locating the sector of reference voltage vector, locating the small triangular sub-sector of reference voltage vector, reference vector synthesis, and calculating the operating time of vector. The principles of four important pars are illustrated in detail and the corresponding MATLAB models are established. System simulation and experimental results are provided. It gives some consultation value for the development and research of multi-level converters.

Close-loop Dynamic Stall Control on a Pitching Airfoil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giles, Ian; Corke, Thomas

2017-11-01

A closed-loop control scheme utilizing a plasma actuator to control dynamic stall is presented. The plasma actuator is located at the leading-edge of a pitching airfoil. It initially pulses at an unsteady frequency that perturbs the boundary layer flow over the suction surface of the airfoil. As the airfoil approaches and enters stall, the amplification of the unsteady disturbance is detected by an onboard pressure sensor also located near the leading edge. Once detected, the actuator is switched to a higher voltage control state that in static airfoil experiments would reattach the flow. The threshold level of the detection is a parameter in the control scheme. Three stall regimes were examined: light, medium, and deep stall, that were defined by their stall penetration angles. The results showed that in general, the closed-loop control scheme was effective at controlling dynamic stall. The cycle-integrated lift improved in all cases, and increased by as much as 15% at the lowest stall penetration angle. As important, the cycle-integrated aerodynamic damping coefficient also increased in all cases, and was made to be positive at the light stall regime where it traditionally is negative. The latter is important in applications where negative damping can lead to stall flutter.

The importance of serum serotonin levels in the measurement of radiation-induced bystander cell death in HaCaT cells.

PubMed

Lyng, Fiona M; Desplanques, Maxime; Jella, Kishore Kumar; Garcia, Amaya; McClean, Brendan

2012-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of serum serotonin levels in the measurement of bystander cell death. The study was undertaken as part of an intercomparison exercise involving seven European laboratories funded under the European Union Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) Non-Targeted Effects (NOTE) integrated project. Three batches of foetal bovine serum were tested; serum with high and low serotonin content from the intercomparison exercise as well as serum from the home laboratory. Three sets of human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) were cultured in DMEM:F12 medium supplemented with serum with high or low serotonin content or serum from the home laboratory and both donor and recipient HaCaT cells were plated. The donor HaCaT cells were irradiated (0.5 Gy) using a cobalt 60 teletherapy unit, the medium was harvested 1 hour post irradiation and transferred to the recipient HaCaT cells. Bystander induced cell death was measured by the clonogenic survival assay and the Alamar blue viability assay. A significant reduction in cell survival, as measured by the clonogenic assay, and in cell viability, as measured by the Alamar blue assay, was observed in the recipient HaCaT cells treated with medium from irradiated cells compared to the cells treated with medium from unirradiated cells. No significant difference was found between the three batches of serum. The data suggest that in our cell system and with our endpoints (clonogenic assay and Alamar blue assay), serum serotonin levels do not play a role in bystander-induced cell death.

SU-E-I-25: Determining Tube Current, Tube Voltage and Pitch Suitable for Low- Dose Lung Screening CT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Williams, K; Matthews, K

2014-06-01

Purpose: The quality of a computed tomography (CT) image and the dose delivered during its acquisition depend upon the acquisition parameters used. Tube current, tube voltage, and pitch are acquisition parameters that potentially affect image quality and dose. This study investigated physicians' abilities to characterize small, solid nodules in low-dose CT images for combinations of current, voltage and pitch, for three CT scanner models. Methods: Lung CT images was acquired of a Data Spectrum anthropomorphic torso phantom with various combinations of pitch, tube current, and tube voltage; this phantom was used because acrylic beads of various sizes could be placedmore » within the lung compartments to simulate nodules. The phantom was imaged on two 16-slice scanners and a 64-slice scanner. The acquisition parameters spanned a range of estimated CTDI levels; the CTDI estimates from the acquisition software were verified by measurement. Several experienced radiologists viewed the phantom lung CT images and noted nodule location, size and shape, as well as the acceptability of overall image quality. Results: Image quality for assessment of nodules was deemed unsatisfactory for all scanners at 80 kV (any tube current) and at 35 mA (any tube voltage). Tube current of 50 mA or more at 120 kV resulted in similar assessments from all three scanners. Physician-measured sphere diameters were closer to actual diameters for larger spheres, higher tube current, and higher kV. Pitch influenced size measurements less for larger spheres than for smaller spheres. CTDI was typically overestimated by the scanner software compared to measurement. Conclusion: Based on this survey of acquisition parameters, a low-dose CT protocol of 120 kV, 50 mA, and pitch of 1.4 is recommended to balance patient dose and acceptable image quality. For three models of scanners, this protocol resulted in estimated CTDIs from 2.9–3.6 mGy.« less

Effects of Overt Teacher Enthusiasm on First-Grade Students' Acquisition of Three Concepts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKinney, C. Warren; And Others

1984-01-01

Teacher enthusiasm has long been considered an important teacher behavior. However, when 52 first graders were divided into three groups and taught about environmental pollution by the same teacher exhibiting three degrees of enthusiasm, little difference was found. Students taught with a medium level of enthusiasm did perform slightly better. (IS)

Experimental characterization of a coaxial plasma accelerator for a colliding plasma experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiechula, J.; Hock, C.; Iberler, M.; Manegold, T.; Schönlein, A.; Jacoby, J.

2015-04-01

We report experimental results of a single coaxial plasma accelerator in preparation for a colliding plasma experiment. The utilized device consisted of a coaxial pair of electrodes, accelerating the plasma due to J ×B forces. A pulse forming network, composed of three capacitors connected in parallel, with a total capacitance of 27 μF was set up. A thyratron allowed to switch the maximum applied voltage of 9 kV. Under these conditions, the pulsed currents reached peak values of about 103 kA. The measurements were performed in a small vacuum chamber with a neutral-gas prefill at gas pressures between 10 Pa and 14 000 Pa. A gas mixture of ArH2 with 2.8% H2 served as the discharge medium. H2 was chosen in order to observe the broadening of the Hβ emission line and thus estimate the electron density. The electron density for a single plasma accelerator reached peak values on the order of 1016 cm-3 . Electrical parameters, inter alia inductance and resistance, were determined for the LCR circuit during the plasma acceleration as well as in a short circuit case. Depending on the applied voltage, the inductance and resistance reached values ranging from 194 nH to 216 nH and 13 mΩ to 23 mΩ, respectively. Furthermore, the plasma velocity was measured using a fast CCD camera. Plasma velocities of 2 km/s up to 17 km/s were observed, the magnitude being highly correlated with gas pressure and applied voltage.

Fiber Composite Sandwich Thermostructural Behavior: Computational Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamis, C. C.; Aiello, R. A.; Murthy, P. L. N.

1986-01-01

Several computational levels of progressive sophistication/simplification are described to computationally simulate composite sandwich hygral, thermal, and structural behavior. The computational levels of sophistication include: (1) three-dimensional detailed finite element modeling of the honeycomb, the adhesive and the composite faces; (2) three-dimensional finite element modeling of the honeycomb assumed to be an equivalent continuous, homogeneous medium, the adhesive and the composite faces; (3) laminate theory simulation where the honeycomb (metal or composite) is assumed to consist of plies with equivalent properties; and (4) derivations of approximate, simplified equations for thermal and mechanical properties by simulating the honeycomb as an equivalent homogeneous medium. The approximate equations are combined with composite hygrothermomechanical and laminate theories to provide a simple and effective computational procedure for simulating the thermomechanical/thermostructural behavior of fiber composite sandwich structures.

Inductance parameter design based seamless transfer strategy for three-phase converter in microgrid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Guopeng; Zhou, Xinwei; Jiang, Chao; Lu, Yi; Wang, Yanjie

2018-06-01

During the operation of microgrid, especially when the unplanned islanding occurs, the voltage of the point of common coupling (PCC) needs to be maintained within a certain range, otherwise it would affect the operation of loads in microgrid. This paper proposes a seamless transfer strategy based on the inductance parameter design for three-phase converter in microgrid, which considers both the fundamental component of voltage on the inductance and the ripple current in the inductance. In grid-connected mode, the PCC voltage is supported by the grid. When the unplanned islanding occurs, the PCC voltage is affected by the output voltage of converter and the voltage on the inductance. According to the single phase equivalent circuit, analyzing the phasor diagram of voltage and current vector, considering the prescribed range of PCC voltage and satisfying the requirement of the magnitude of ripple current, the inductance parameter is designed. At last, the simulation result shows that the designed inductance can ensure the PCC voltage does not exceed the prescribed range and restrain the ripple current.

Spectral optimization for micro-CT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hupfer, Martin; Nowak, Tristan; Brauweiler, Robert

2012-06-15

Purpose: To optimize micro-CT protocols with respect to x-ray spectra and thereby reduce radiation dose at unimpaired image quality. Methods: Simulations were performed to assess image contrast, noise, and radiation dose for different imaging tasks. The figure of merit used to determine the optimal spectrum was the dose-weighted contrast-to-noise ratio (CNRD). Both optimal photon energy and tube voltage were considered. Three different types of filtration were investigated for polychromatic x-ray spectra: 0.5 mm Al, 3.0 mm Al, and 0.2 mm Cu. Phantoms consisted of water cylinders of 20, 32, and 50 mm in diameter with a central insert of 9more » mm which was filled with different contrast materials: an iodine-based contrast medium (CM) to mimic contrast-enhanced (CE) imaging, hydroxyapatite to mimic bone structures, and water with reduced density to mimic soft tissue contrast. Validation measurements were conducted on a commercially available micro-CT scanner using phantoms consisting of water-equivalent plastics. Measurements on a mouse cadaver were performed to assess potential artifacts like beam hardening and to further validate simulation results. Results: The optimal photon energy for CE imaging was found at 34 keV. For bone imaging, optimal energies were 17, 20, and 23 keV for the 20, 32, and 50 mm phantom, respectively. For density differences, optimal energies varied between 18 and 50 keV for the 20 and 50 mm phantom, respectively. For the 32 mm phantom and density differences, CNRD was found to be constant within 2.5% for the energy range of 21-60 keV. For polychromatic spectra and CMs, optimal settings were 50 kV with 0.2 mm Cu filtration, allowing for a dose reduction of 58% compared to the optimal setting for 0.5 mm Al filtration. For bone imaging, optimal tube voltages were below 35 kV. For soft tissue imaging, optimal tube settings strongly depended on phantom size. For 20 mm, low voltages were preferred. For 32 mm, CNRD was found to be almost independent of tube voltage. For 50 mm, voltages larger than 50 kV were preferred. For all three phantom sizes stronger filtration led to notable dose reduction for soft tissue imaging. Validation measurements were found to match simulations well, with deviations being less than 10%. Mouse measurements confirmed simulation results. Conclusions: Optimal photon energies and tube settings strongly depend on both phantom size and imaging task at hand. For in vivo CE imaging and density differences, strong filtration and voltages of 50-65 kV showed good overall results. For soft tissue imaging of animals the size of a rat or larger, voltages higher than 65 kV allow to greatly reduce scan times while maintaining dose efficiency. For imaging of bone structures, usage of only minimum filtration and low tube voltages of 40 kV and below allow exploiting the high contrast of bone at very low energies. Therefore, a combination of two filtrations could prove beneficial for micro-CT: a soft filtration allowing for bone imaging at low voltages, and a variable stronger filtration (e.g., 0.2 mm Cu) for soft tissue and contrast-enhanced imaging.« less

Evaluation of Commercial Automotive-Grade BME Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Donhang

2014-01-01

Three Ni-BaTiO3 ceramic capacitor lots with the same specification (chip size, capacitance, and rated voltage) and the same reliability level, made by three different manufacturers, were degraded using highly accelerated life stress testing (HALST) with the same temperature and applied voltage conditions. The reliability, as characterized by mean time to failure (MTTF), differed by more than one order of magnitude among the capacitor lots. A theoretical model based on the existence of depletion layers at grain boundaries and the entrapment of oxygen vacancies has been proposed to explain the MTTF difference among these BME capacitors. It is the conclusion of this model that reliability will not be improved simply by increasing the insulation resistance of a BME capacitor. Indeed, Ni-BaTiO3 ceramic capacitors with a smaller degradation rate constant K will always give rise to a longer reliability life.

Evaluation of Commercial Automotive-Grade BME Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Donhang

2014-01-01

Three Ni-BaTiO3 ceramic capacitor lots with the same specification (chip size, capacitance, and rated voltage) and the same reliability level, made by three different manufacturers, were degraded using highly accelerated life stress testing (HALST) with the same temperature and applied voltage conditions. The reliability, as characterized by mean time to failure (MTTF), differed by more than one order of magnitude among the capacitor lots. A theoretical model based on the existence of depletion layers at grain boundaries and the entrapment of oxygen vacancies has been proposed to explain the MTTF difference among these BME capacitors. It is the conclusion of this model that reliability will not be improved simply by increasing the insulation resistance of a BME capacitor. Indeed, Ni-BaTiO3 ceramic capacitors with a smaller degradation rate constant K will always give rise to a longer reliability life

Analysis of Weibull Grading Test for Solid Tantalum Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teverovsky, Alexander

2010-01-01

Weibull grading test is a powerful technique that allows selection and reliability rating of solid tantalum capacitors for military and space applications. However, inaccuracies in the existing method and non-adequate acceleration factors can result in significant, up to three orders of magnitude, errors in the calculated failure rate of capacitors. This paper analyzes deficiencies of the existing technique and recommends more accurate method of calculations. A physical model presenting failures of tantalum capacitors as time-dependent-dielectric-breakdown is used to determine voltage and temperature acceleration factors and select adequate Weibull grading test conditions. This, model is verified by highly accelerated life testing (HALT) at different temperature and voltage conditions for three types of solid chip tantalum capacitors. It is shown that parameters of the model and acceleration factors can be calculated using a general log-linear relationship for the characteristic life with two stress levels.

Study on polarization image methods in turbid medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Qiang; Mo, Chunhe; Liu, Boyu; Duan, Jin; Zhang, Su; Zhu, Yong

2014-11-01

Polarization imaging detection technology in addition to the traditional imaging information, also can get polarization multi-dimensional information, thus improve the probability of target detection and recognition.Image fusion in turbid medium target polarization image research, is helpful to obtain high quality images. Based on visible light wavelength of light wavelength of laser polarization imaging, through the rotation Angle of polaroid get corresponding linear polarized light intensity, respectively to obtain the concentration range from 5% to 10% of turbid medium target stocks of polarization parameters, introduces the processing of image fusion technology, main research on access to the polarization of the image by using different polarization image fusion methods for image processing, discusses several kinds of turbid medium has superior performance of polarization image fusion method, and gives the treatment effect and analysis of data tables. Then use pixel level, feature level and decision level fusion algorithm on three levels of information fusion, DOLP polarization image fusion, the results show that: with the increase of the polarization Angle, polarization image will be more and more fuzzy, quality worse and worse. Than a single fused image contrast of the image be improved obviously, the finally analysis on reasons of the increase the image contrast and polarized light.

Study of charge transport in composite blend of P3HT and PCBM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Manoj; Kumar, Sunil; Upadhyaya, Aditi; Yadav, Anjali; Gupta, Saral K.; Singh, Amarjeet

2018-05-01

Poly (3-hexylthiophene-2,5diyl) (P3HT) as donor and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as acceptor are mostly used as active medium in polymeric electronic device. In this paper we have prepare the P3HT - PCBM based bulk hetero junction thin films by spin coating technique. The charge transport properties of P3HT:PCBM blends are investigated by the current-voltage measurements using Ag as an electron injecting electrode and ITO as a hole injecting contact. The current density v/s voltage relationships are analyzed in the backdrop of Schottky and Space charge limited current model.

Impact of Therapist Self-Disclosure.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Hare, Christopher

The effects of first-session interviewer self-disclosures that differed in three levels of intimacy--low, medium and high--and three kinds of temporal focus--historical (past tense and external to the interview process), current (present tense and external to the interview process), and existential in which the interviewer disclosed immediate…

Advantages of T2 Weighted Three Dimensional and T1 Weighted Three Dimensional Contrast Medium Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Urography in Examination of the Child Population.

PubMed

Sehic, Adnan; Julardzija, Fuad; Vegar-Zubovic, Sandra; Sefic-Pasic, Irmina

2017-03-01

The aim of this study is to prove the advantages of combined use of T2 weighted three dimensional (T2 W 3D) and T1 weighted three dimensional contrast medium enhanced (T1 W 3D CE) magnetic resonance (MR) urography in displaying urinary tract in child population. Total of 120 patients were included in the study, 71 (59%) male patients and 49 (41%) female patients. The study was conducted on the Radiology clinic, University of Sarajevo Clinical Center, during the period from February to November 2016. Patients were examined on the 1.5T and 3T MRI, with standard protocol which includes T2 W 3D and T1 W 3D contrast medium enhanced MR urography. In the post procesing quantitative measurement of signal intensity and evaluation of the display quality in the area of renal pelvis, middle of ureter and the mouth of the ureter were done. Measurement was concluded on Syngo software B13. Analyzing the acquired data and statistically processing them we got results which have shown higher signal intensity of measured structures on T1 W 3D contrast medium enhanced MR urography on the level p<0.01 and p<0.05 compared to T2 W 3D MR urography in patients that had normal dynamics of contrast medium secretion. However, in kidneys with decreased function, T2 W 3D MR urography provided higher signal intensity and better display compared to T1 W 3D contrast medium enhanced MR urography on the level p<0.05 and p<0.01. T2 W3D MR urography is useful in imaging nonfunctional kidney as well as in patients prone to allergic reactions, where as T1 W3D CE MR urography is at an advantage over T2 W 3D MR urography in imaging the kidney functionality, kidney dynamics measurement, it provides higher MRI signal intensity required for clear 3D reconstructions.

Development of Multi-Functional Voltage Restore System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Satoshi; Ueda, Yoshinobu; Koganezawa, Takehisa; Ogihara, Yoshinori; Mori, Kenjiro; Fukazu, Naoaki

Recently, with the dawn of the electric deregulation, the installation of distributed generation with power electronics device has grown. This current causes a greater concern of power quality, primarily voltage disturbance for power companies, and their interest in power quality is peaking. Utilities are also interested in keeping their customers satisfied, as well as keeping them on-line and creating more revenue for the utility. As a countermeasure against the above surroundings, a variety type of devices based on power electronics has been developed to protect customers' load from power line voltage disturbance. One of them is the series type voltage restore. The series device is an active device, designed to provide a pure sinusoidal load voltage at all times, correcting voltage disturbance. Series type device compensates for voltage anomalies by inserting the ‘missing’ voltage onto the line through insertion transformer and inverter. This paper shows the setting guideline of target level to compensate voltage disturbance, that is, voltage dip, voltage harmonics, voltage imbalance and voltage flicker, and the design approach of the prototype of series voltage restores to accomplish the required compensation level. The prototype system gives satisfactory compensation performance through evaluation tests, which confirm the validity and effectiveness of the system.

30 CFR 75.906 - Trailing cables for mobile equipment, ground wires, and ground check wires.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Trailing cables for mobile equipment, ground... Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.906 Trailing cables for mobile equipment, ground wires, and ground check wires. [Statutory Provisions] Trailing cables for mobile equipment shall...

30 CFR 75.906 - Trailing cables for mobile equipment, ground wires, and ground check wires.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Trailing cables for mobile equipment, ground... Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.906 Trailing cables for mobile equipment, ground wires, and ground check wires. [Statutory Provisions] Trailing cables for mobile equipment shall...

30 CFR 75.906 - Trailing cables for mobile equipment, ground wires, and ground check wires.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Trailing cables for mobile equipment, ground... Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.906 Trailing cables for mobile equipment, ground wires, and ground check wires. [Statutory Provisions] Trailing cables for mobile equipment shall...

Influence of hydrogen on the thermoelectric voltage signal in a Pt/WO x /6 H-SiC/Ni/Pt layered structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuev, V. V.; Grigoriev, S. N.; Fominski, V. Yu.; Volosova, M. A.; Soloviev, A. A.

2017-09-01

The possibility of detecting H2 by registering the thermal electromotive force signal, which arises between the surfaces of 6 H-SiC plates with a thickness of 400 μm, is established. The working surface of the plates is modified by deposition of a WO x film and catalytic Pt. An ohmic contact (Ni/Pt) is created on the rear surface of the plate, and this surface is maintained at a stabilized temperature of 350°C. The temperature gradient through the plate thickness arises due to the cooling of the working surface with the air medium. The delivery of H2 into this medium up to a concentration of 2% gives rise to a 15-fold increase in the electric signal, which considerably exceeds the Pt/WO x /SiC/Ni/Pt system's response registered in the usual way by measuring the current-voltage dependence. In this case, an additional power source for the registration of the thermal electromotive force is not required.

Medium voltage therapy for preventing and treating asystole and PEA in ICDs.

PubMed

Gilman, Byron L; Brewer, James E; Kroll, Kai; Kroll, Mark W

2009-01-01

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) takes up to 500,000 lives each year before a victim can even be treated. To address this the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was developed to treat those identified at high risk of SCD. Unfortunately, there are a significant number of cases in which the ICD does not successfully return a victim to normal rhythm and effective perfusion of the blood. The vast majority of cases that are not responsive to the ICD therapy require cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to current resuscitation guidelines. A novel electrical stimulus called medium voltage therapy (MVT) has shown efficacy in producing coronary and carotid blood flow during ventricular fibrillation. This report presents the case that the same stimulus may be effective and feasible for use in ICD patients that do not respond to their ICD therapy, or do not have a rhythm in which, an ICD shock is indicated. The inclusion of MVT technology in implantable devices may be effective in preparing the heart for successful defibrillation or in improving the metabolic condition of the heart to the extent that a pulsatile rhythm may spontaneously develop.

Low Medium pH Value Enhances Anthocyanin Accumulation in Malus Crabapple Leaves

PubMed Central

Tian, Ji; Jin, Kaina; Yao, Yuncong

2014-01-01

Anthocyanin is a critical factor involved in coloration of plant tissues, but the mechanism how medium pH values affect anthocyanin accumulation in woody plants is unknown. We analyzed anthocyanin composition and the expression of elements encoding anthocyanin and flavonols biosynthesis underlying different medium pH values by using three different leave color type cultivars. HPLC analysis demonstrated that high medium pH values treatment induced a dramatic decrease in the concentration of cyaniding in crabapple leaves. Conversely, the high medium pH values induced up-regulation of the content of flavones and flavonols, suggesting that low pH treatment-induced anthocyanin accumulation. Quantitative real time PCR experiment showed the expression level of anthocyanidin synthase (McANS) and uridine diphosphate glucose flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (McUFGT) was up-regulated by low pH values treatment, and high medium pH value treatment up-regulate the transcription level of flavonol synthase (McFLS). Meanwhile, several MYB TFs have been suggested in the regulation of pH responses. These results strongly indicate that the low pH treatment-induced anthocyanin accumulation is mediated by the variation of mRNA transcription of the anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. PMID:24914811

Voltage-Load Sensitivity Matrix Based Demand Response for Voltage Control in High Solar Penetration Distribution Feeders

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Xiangqi; Wang, Jiyu; Mulcahy, David

This paper presents a voltage-load sensitivity matrix (VLSM) based voltage control method to deploy demand response resources for controlling voltage in high solar penetration distribution feeders. The IEEE 123-bus system in OpenDSS is used for testing the performance of the preliminary VLSM-based voltage control approach. A load disaggregation process is applied to disaggregate the total load profile at the feeder head to each load nodes along the feeder so that loads are modeled at residential house level. Measured solar generation profiles are used in the simulation to model the impact of solar power on distribution feeder voltage profiles. Different casemore » studies involving various PV penetration levels and installation locations have been performed. Simulation results show that the VLSM algorithm performance meets the voltage control requirements and is an effective voltage control strategy.« less

Parallel Optical Random Access Memory (PORAM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alphonse, G. A.

1989-01-01

It is shown that the need to minimize component count, power and size, and to maximize packing density require a parallel optical random access memory to be designed in a two-level hierarchy: a modular level and an interconnect level. Three module designs are proposed, in the order of research and development requirements. The first uses state-of-the-art components, including individually addressed laser diode arrays, acousto-optic (AO) deflectors and magneto-optic (MO) storage medium, aimed at moderate size, moderate power, and high packing density. The next design level uses an electron-trapping (ET) medium to reduce optical power requirements. The third design uses a beam-steering grating surface emitter (GSE) array to reduce size further and minimize the number of components.

Metal-oxide thin-film transistor-based pH sensor with a silver nanowire top gate electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, Tae-Hee; Sang, Byoung-In; Wang, Byung-Yong; Lim, Dae-Soon; Kang, Hyun Wook; Choi, Won Kook; Lee, Young Tack; Oh, Young-Jei; Hwang, Do Kyung

2016-04-01

Amorphous InGaZnO (IGZO) metal-oxide-semiconductor thin-film transistors (TFTs) are one of the most promising technologies to replace amorphous and polycrystalline Si TFTs. Recently, TFT-based sensing platforms have been gaining significant interests. Here, we report on IGZO transistor-based pH sensors in aqueous medium. In order to achieve stable operation in aqueous environment and enhance sensitivity, we used Al2O3 grown by using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and a porous Ag nanowire (NW) mesh as the top gate dielectric and electrode layers, respectively. Such devices with a Ag NW mesh at the top gate electrode rapidly respond to the pH of solutions by shifting the turn-on voltage. Furthermore, the output voltage signals induced by the voltage shifts can be directly extracted by implantation of a resistive load inverter.

Voltage management of distribution networks with high penetration of distributed photovoltaic generation sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alyami, Saeed

Installation of photovoltaic (PV) units could lead to great challenges to the existing electrical systems. Issues such as voltage rise, protection coordination, islanding detection, harmonics, increased or changed short-circuit levels, etc., need to be carefully addressed before we can see a wide adoption of this environmentally friendly technology. Voltage rise or overvoltage issues are of particular importance to be addressed for deploying more PV systems to distribution networks. This dissertation proposes a comprehensive solution to deal with the voltage violations in distribution networks, from controlling PV power outputs and electricity consumption of smart appliances in real time to optimal placement of PVs at the planning stage. The dissertation is composed of three parts: the literature review, the work that has already been done and the future research tasks. An overview on renewable energy generation and its challenges are given in Chapter 1. The overall literature survey, motivation and the scope of study are also outlined in the chapter. Detailed literature reviews are given in the rest of chapters. The overvoltage and undervoltage phenomena in typical distribution networks with integration of PVs are further explained in Chapter 2. Possible approaches for voltage quality control are also discussed in this chapter, followed by the discussion on the importance of the load management for PHEVs and appliances and its benefits to electric utilities and end users. A new real power capping method is presented in Chapter 3 to prevent overvoltage by adaptively setting the power caps for PV inverters in real time. The proposed method can maintain voltage profiles below a pre-set upper limit while maximizing the PV generation and fairly distributing the real power curtailments among all the PV systems in the network. As a result, each of the PV systems in the network has equal opportunity to generate electricity and shares the responsibility of voltage regulation. The method does not require global information and can be implemented either under a centralized supervisory control scheme or in a distributed way via consensus control. Chapter 4 investigates autonomous operation schedules for three types of intelligent appliances (or residential controllable loads) without receiving external signals for cost saving and for assisting the management of possible photovoltaic generation systems installed in the same distribution network. The three types of controllable loads studied in the chapter are electric water heaters, refrigerators deicing loads, and dishwashers, respectively. Chapter 5 investigates the method to mitigate overvoltage issues at the planning stage. A probabilistic method is presented in the chapter to evaluate the overvoltage risk in a distribution network with different PV capacity sizes under different load levels. Kolmogorov--Smirnov test (K--S test) is used to identify the most proper probability distributions for solar irradiance in different months. To increase accuracy, an iterative process is used to obtain the maximum allowable injection of active power from PVs. Conclusion and discussions on future work are given in Chapter 6.

An Efficient Modulation Strategy for Cascaded Photovoltaic Systems Suffering From Module Mismatch

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Cheng; Zhang, Kai; Xiong, Jian

Modular multilevel cascaded converter (MMCC) is a promising technique for medium/high-voltage high-power photovoltaic systems due to its modularity, scalability, and capability of distributed maximum power point tracking (MPPT) etc. However, distributed MPPT under module-mismatch might polarize the distribution of ac output voltages as well as the dc-link voltages among the modules, distort grid currents, and even cause system instability. For the better acceptance in practical applications, such issues need to be well addressed. Based on mismatch degree that is defined to consider both active power distribution and maximum modulation index, this paper presents an efficient modulation strategy for a cascaded-H-bridge-basedmore » MMCC under module mismatch. It can operate in loss-reducing mode or range-extending mode. By properly switching between the two modes, performance indices such as system efficiency, grid current quality, and balance of dc voltages, can be well coordinated. In this way, the MMCC system can maintain high-performance over a wide range of operating conditions. As a result, effectiveness of the proposed modulation strategy is proved with experiments.« less

An Efficient Modulation Strategy for Cascaded Photovoltaic Systems Suffering From Module Mismatch

DOE PAGES

Wang, Cheng; Zhang, Kai; Xiong, Jian; ...

2017-09-26

Modular multilevel cascaded converter (MMCC) is a promising technique for medium/high-voltage high-power photovoltaic systems due to its modularity, scalability, and capability of distributed maximum power point tracking (MPPT) etc. However, distributed MPPT under module-mismatch might polarize the distribution of ac output voltages as well as the dc-link voltages among the modules, distort grid currents, and even cause system instability. For the better acceptance in practical applications, such issues need to be well addressed. Based on mismatch degree that is defined to consider both active power distribution and maximum modulation index, this paper presents an efficient modulation strategy for a cascaded-H-bridge-basedmore » MMCC under module mismatch. It can operate in loss-reducing mode or range-extending mode. By properly switching between the two modes, performance indices such as system efficiency, grid current quality, and balance of dc voltages, can be well coordinated. In this way, the MMCC system can maintain high-performance over a wide range of operating conditions. As a result, effectiveness of the proposed modulation strategy is proved with experiments.« less

Refinements in the short-circuit technique and its application to active potassium transport across the cecropia midgut.

PubMed

Wood, J L; Moreton, R B

1978-12-01

1. The conventional, two-electrode method for measuring potential difference across an epithelium is subject to error due to potential gradients caused by current flow in the bathing medium. Mathematical analysis shows that the error in measuring short-circuit current is proportional to the resistivity of the bathing medium and to the separation of the two recording electrodes. It is particularly serious for the insect larval midgut, where the resistivity of the medium is high, and that of the tissue is low. 2. A system has been devised, which uses a third recording electrode to monitor directly the potential gradient in the bathing medium. By suitable electrical connexions, the gradient can be automatically compensated, leaving a residual error which depends on the thickness of the tissue, but not on the electrode separation. Because the thicknesses of most epithelia are smaller than the smallest practical electrode spacing, this error is smaller than that inherent in a two-electrode system. 3. Since voltage-gradients are automatically compensated, it is possible to obtain continuous readings of potential and current. A 'voltage-clamp' circuit is described, which allows the time-course of the short-circuit current to be studied. 4.The three-electrode system has been used to study the larval midgut of Hyalophora cecropia. The average results from five experiments were: initial potential difference (open-circuit): 98+/-11 mV (S.E.M.); short-circuit current at time 60 min: 498+/-160 microA cm=2; 'steady-state' resistance at 60 min: 150+/-26 omega cm2. The current is equivalent to a net potassium transport of 18.6 mu-equiv cm-2 h-1. 5. The electrical parameters of the midgut change rapidly with time. The potential difference decays with a half-time of about 158 min, the resistance increases with a half-time of about 16 min, and the short-circuit current decays as the sum of two exponential terms, with half-times of about 16 and 158 min respectively. In addition, potential and short-circuit current show transient responses to step changes. 6. The properties of the midgut are compared with those of other transporting epithelia, and their dependence on the degree of folding of the preparation is discussed. Their time-dependence is discussed in the context of changes in potassium content of the tissue, and the implications for measurements depending on the assumption of a steady state are outlined.

Musculoskeletal pain among critical-care nurses by availability and use of patient lifting equipment: an analysis of cross-sectional survey data.

PubMed

Lee, Soo-Jeong; Faucett, Julia; Gillen, Marion; Krause, Niklas

2013-12-01

Patient handling is a major risk factor for musculoskeletal injuries among nurses. Lifting equipment is a main component of safe patient handling programs that aim to prevent musculoskeletal injury. However, the actual levels of lift availability and usage are far from optimal. To examine the effect of patient lifting equipment on musculoskeletal pain by level of lift availability and lift use among critical-care nurses. A cross-sectional postal survey of a random sample of 361 critical-care nurses in the United States. The survey collected data on low-back, neck, and shoulder pain, lift availability, lift use, physical and psychosocial job factors, and sociodemographics. Musculoskeletal pain was assessed by three types of measures: any pain, work-related pain, and major pain. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between musculoskeletal pain and lift variables, controlling for demographic and job factors. Less than half (46%) of respondents reported that their employer provided lifts. Of 168 nurses who had lifts in their workplace, the level of lift availability was high for 59.5%, medium for 25.0%, and low for 13.7%; the level of lift use was high for 32.1%, medium for 31.5%, and low for 31.5%. Significant associations were found between lift availability and work-related low-back and shoulder pain. Compared to nurses without lifts, nurses reporting high-level lift availability were half as likely to have work-related low-back pain (OR=0.50, 95% CI 0.26-0.96) and nurses reporting medium-level lift availability were 3.6 times less likely to have work-related shoulder pain (OR=0.28, 95% CI 0.09-0.91). With respect to lift use, work-related shoulder pain was three times less common among nurses reporting medium-level use (OR=0.33, 95% CI 0.12-0.93); any neck pain was three times more common among nurses reporting low-level use (OR=3.13, 95% CI 1.19-8.28). Greater availability and use of lifts were associated with less musculoskeletal pain among critical-care nurses. These findings suggest that for lift interventions to be effective, lifts must be readily available when needed and barriers against lift use must be removed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carbonyl compounds in electronic cigarette vapors: effects of nicotine solvent and battery output voltage.

PubMed

Kosmider, Leon; Sobczak, Andrzej; Fik, Maciej; Knysak, Jakub; Zaciera, Marzena; Kurek, Jolanta; Goniewicz, Maciej Lukasz

2014-10-01

Glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) are the most common nicotine solvents used in e-cigarettes (ECs). It has been shown that at high temperatures both VG and PG undergo decomposition to low molecular carbonyl compounds, including the carcinogens formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. The aim of this study was to evaluate how various product characteristics, including nicotine solvent and battery output voltage, affect the levels of carbonyls in EC vapor. Twelve carbonyl compounds were measured in vapors from 10 commercially available nicotine solutions and from 3 control solutions composed of pure glycerin, pure propylene glycol, or a mixture of both solvents (50:50). EC battery output voltage was gradually modified from 3.2 to 4.8V. Carbonyl compounds were determined using the HPLC/DAD method. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were found in 8 of 13 samples. The amounts of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in vapors from lower voltage EC were on average 13- and 807-fold lower than in tobacco smoke, respectively. The highest levels of carbonyls were observed in vapors generated from PG-based solutions. Increasing voltage from 3.2 to 4.8V resulted in a 4 to more than 200 times increase in formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone levels. The levels of formaldehyde in vapors from high-voltage device were in the range of levels reported in tobacco smoke. Vapors from EC contain toxic and carcinogenic carbonyl compounds. Both solvent and battery output voltage significantly affect levels of carbonyl compounds in EC vapors. High-voltage EC may expose users to high levels of carbonyl compounds. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Entanglement dynamics and position-momentum entropic uncertainty relation of a Λ-type three-level atom interacting with a two-mode cavity field in the presence of nonlinearities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faghihi, M. J.; Tavassoly, M. K.; Hooshmandasl, M. R.

2013-05-01

In this paper, the interaction between a $\\Lambda$-type three-level atom and two-mode cavity field is discussed. The detuning parameters and cross-Kerr nonlinearity are taken into account and it is assumed that atom-field coupling and Kerr medium to be $f$-deformed. Even though the system seems to be complicated, the analytical form of the state vector of the entire system for considered model is exactly obtained. The time evolution of nonclassical properties such as quantum entanglement and position-momentum entropic uncertainty relation (entropy squeezing) of the field are investigated. In each case, the influences of the detuning parameters, generalized Kerr medium and intensity-dependent coupling on the latter nonclassicality signs are analyzed, in detail.

Effect of external classroom noise on schoolchildren's reading and mathematics performance: correlation of noise levels and gender.

PubMed

Papanikolaou, M; Skenteris, N; Piperakis, S M

2015-02-01

The present study investigated the effect of low, medium, and high traffic road noise as well as irrelevant background speech noise on primary school children's reading and mathematical performance. A total of 676 participants (324 boys, 47.9% and 352 girls, 52.1%) of the 4th and 5th elementary classes participated in the project. The participants were enrolled in public primary schools from urban areas and had ages ranging from 9 to 10 years and from. Schools were selected on the basis of increasing levels of exposure to road traffic noise and then classified into three categories (Low noise: 55-66 dB, Medium noise: 67-77 dB, and High noise: 72-80 dB). We measured reading comprehension and mathematical skills in accordance with the national guidelines for elementary education, using a test designed specifically for the purpose of this study. On the one hand, children in low-level noise schools showed statistically significant differences from children in medium- and high-level noise schools in reading performance (p<0.001). On the other hand, children in low-level noise schools differed significantly from children in high-level noise schools but only in mathematics performance (p=0.001). Girls in general did better in reading score than boys, especially in schools with medium- and high-level noise. Finally the levels of noise and gender were found to be two independent factors.

Voltage scheduling for low power/energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manzak, Ali

2001-07-01

Power considerations have become an increasingly dominant factor in the design of both portable and desk-top systems. An effective way to reduce power consumption is to lower the supply voltage since voltage is quadratically related to power. This dissertation considers the problem of lowering the supply voltage at (i) the system level and at (ii) the behavioral level. At the system level, the voltage of the variable voltage processor is dynamically changed with the work load. Processors with limited sized buffers as well as those with very large buffers are considered. Given the task arrival times, deadline times, execution times, periods and switching activities, task scheduling algorithms that minimize energy or peak power are developed for the processors equipped with very large buffers. A relation between the operating voltages of the tasks for minimum energy/power is determined using the Lagrange multiplier method, and an iterative algorithm that utilizes this relation is developed. Experimental results show that the voltage assignment obtained by the proposed algorithm is very close (0.1% error) to that of the optimal energy assignment and the optimal peak power (1% error) assignment. Next, on-line and off-fine minimum energy task scheduling algorithms are developed for processors with limited sized buffers. These algorithms have polynomial time complexity and present optimal (off-line) and close-to-optimal (on-line) solutions. A procedure to calculate the minimum buffer size given information about the size of the task (maximum, minimum), execution time (best case, worst case) and deadlines is also presented. At the behavioral level, resources operating at multiple voltages are used to minimize power while maintaining the throughput. Such a scheme has the advantage of allowing modules on the critical paths to be assigned to the highest voltage levels (thus meeting the required timing constraints) while allowing modules on non-critical paths to be assigned to lower voltage levels (thus reducing the power consumption). A polynomial time resource and latency constrained scheduling algorithm is developed to distribute the available slack among the nodes such that power consumption is minimum. The algorithm is iterative and utilizes the slack based on the Lagrange multiplier method.

Gating of the late Na+ channel in normal and failing human myocardium.

PubMed

Undrovinas, Albertas I; Maltsev, Victor A; Kyle, John W; Silverman, Norman; Sabbah, Hani N

2002-11-01

We previously reported an ultraslow inactivating late Na+ current (INaL) in left ventricular cardiomyocytes (VC) isolated from normal (NVC) and failing (FVC) human hearts. This current could play a role in heart failure-induced repolarization abnormalities. To identify properties of NaCh contributing to INaL, we examined early and late openings in cell-attached patches of HEK293 cells expressing human cardiac NaCh alpha-subunit (alpha-HEK) and in VC of one normal and three failing human hearts. Two types of the late NaCh openings underlay INaL in all three preparations: scattered late (SLO) and bursts (BO). Amplitude analysis revealed that slope conductance for both SLO and BO was the same compared to the main level of early openings (EO) in both VC (21 vs 22.7pS, NVC; 22.7 vs 22.6pS, FVC) and alpha-HEK (23.2 vs 23pS), respectively. Analysis of SLO latencies revealed voltage-independent ultraslow inactivation in all preparations with tendency to be slower in FVC compared to NCV. EO and SLO render one open voltage-independent state (tau approximately 0.4ms) for NVC and FVC. One open (voltage-dependent) and two closed states (one voltage-dependent and another voltage-independent) were found in BO of both specimens. Burst duration tend to be longer in FVC ( approximately 50ms) than in NVC ( approximately 30ms). In FVC we found both modes SLO and BO at membrane potential of -10mV that is attribute for take-off voltages (from -18 to -2mV) for early afterdepolarizations (EAD's) in FVC. In conclusions, we found a novel gating mode SLO that manifest slow (hundreds of ms), voltage-independent inactivation in both NVC and FVC. We were unable to reliably demonstrate any differences in the properties of the late NaCh in failing vs a normal human heart. Accordingly, the late current appears to be generated by a single population of channels in normal and failing human ventricular myocardium. Both SLO and BO could be implicated in EADs in HF.

Fuzzy Logic Controlled Solar Module for Driving Three- Phase Induction Motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afiqah Zainal, Nurul; Sooi Tat, Chan; Ajisman

2016-02-01

Renewable energy produced by solar module gives advantages for generated three- phase induction motor in remote area. But, solar module's ou tput is uncertain and complex. Fuzzy logic controller is one of controllers that can handle non-linear system and maximum power of solar module. Fuzzy logic controller used for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique to control Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) for switching power electronics circuit. DC-DC boost converter used to boost up photovoltaic voltage to desired output and supply voltage source inverter which controlled by three-phase PWM generated by microcontroller. IGBT switched Voltage source inverter (VSI) produced alternating current (AC) voltage from direct current (DC) source to control speed of three-phase induction motor from boost converter output. Results showed that, the output power of solar module is optimized and controlled by using fuzzy logic controller. Besides that, the three-phase induction motor can be drive and control using VSI switching by the PWM signal generated by the fuzzy logic controller. This concluded that the non-linear system can be controlled and used in driving three-phase induction motor.

Therapist Directiveness and Client Reactance in the Administration of Homework in Therapy with College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Branagan, William Tyler; Swanbrow Becker, Martin A.

2018-01-01

The present study used an analog design with three vignettes portraying homework administrations at three levels of therapist directiveness (low, medium, and high) and the Therapeutic Reactance Scale to measure participant reactance. Participants (N = 436) read the vignettes and completed the Homework Completion Scale (HCS), Counseling…

Partial Discharge Monitoring on Metal-Enclosed Switchgear with Distributed Non-Contact Sensors.

PubMed

Zhang, Chongxing; Dong, Ming; Ren, Ming; Huang, Wenguang; Zhou, Jierui; Gao, Xuze; Albarracín, Ricardo

2018-02-11

Metal-enclosed switchgear, which are widely used in the distribution of electrical energy, play an important role in power distribution networks. Their safe operation is directly related to the reliability of power system as well as the power quality on the consumer side. Partial discharge detection is an effective way to identify potential faults and can be utilized for insulation diagnosis of metal-enclosed switchgear. The transient earth voltage method, an effective non-intrusive method, has substantial engineering application value for estimating the insulation condition of switchgear. However, the practical application effectiveness of TEV detection is not satisfactory because of the lack of a TEV detection application method, i.e., a method with sufficient technical cognition and analysis. This paper proposes an innovative online PD detection system and a corresponding application strategy based on an intelligent feedback distributed TEV wireless sensor network, consisting of sensing, communication, and diagnosis layers. In the proposed system, the TEV signal or status data are wirelessly transmitted to the terminal following low-energy signal preprocessing and acquisition by TEV sensors. Then, a central server analyzes the correlation of the uploaded data and gives a fault warning level according to the quantity, trend, parallel analysis, and phase resolved partial discharge pattern recognition. In this way, a TEV detection system and strategy with distributed acquisition, unitized fault warning, and centralized diagnosis is realized. The proposed system has positive significance for reducing the fault rate of medium voltage switchgear and improving its operation and maintenance level.

MIS capacitor studies on silicon carbide single crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kopanski, J. J.

1990-01-01

Cubic SIC metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitors with thermally grown or chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) insulators were characterized by capacitance-voltage (C-V), conductance-voltage (G-V), and current-voltage (I-V) measurements. The purpose of these measurements was to determine the four charge densities commonly present in an MIS capacitor (oxide fixed charge, N(f); interface trap level density, D(it); oxide trapped charge, N(ot); and mobile ionic charge, N(m)) and to determine the stability of the device properties with electric-field stress and temperature. The section headings in the report include the following: Capacitance-voltage and conductance-voltage measurements; Current-voltage measurements; Deep-level transient spectroscopy; and Conclusions (Electrical characteristics of SiC MIS capacitors).

System and method for charging electrochemical cells in series

DOEpatents

DeLuca, William H.; Hornstra, Jr, Fred; Gelb, George H.; Berman, Baruch; Moede, Larry W.

1980-01-01

A battery charging system capable of equalizing the charge of each individual cell at a selected full charge voltage includes means for regulating charger current to first increase current at a constant rate until a bulk charging level is achieved or until any cell reaches a safe reference voltage. A system controller then begins to decrease the charging rate as long as any cell exceeds the reference voltage until an equalization current level is reached. At this point, the system controller activates a plurality of shunt modules to permit shunting of current around any cell having a voltage exceeding the reference voltage. Leads extending between the battery of cells and shunt modules are time shared to permit alternate shunting of current and voltage monitoring without the voltage drop caused by the shunt current. After each cell has at one time exceeded the reference voltage, the charging current is terminated.

Analytical solution of the transient temperature profile in gain medium of passively Q-switched microchip laser.

PubMed

Han, Xiahui; Li, Jianlang

2014-11-01

The transient temperature evolution in the gain medium of a continuous wave (CW) end-pumped passively Q-switched microchip (PQSM) laser is analyzed. By approximating the time-dependent population inversion density as a sawtooth function of time and treating the time-dependent pump absorption of a CW end-pumped PQSM laser as the superposition of an infinite series of short pumping pulses, the analytical expressions of transient temperature evolution and distribution in the gain medium for four- and three-level laser systems, respectively, are given. These analytical solutions are applied to evaluate the transient temperature evolution and distribution in the gain medium of CW end-pumped PQSM Nd:YAG and Yb:YAG lasers.

Effect of phase advance on the brushless dc motor torque speed respond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohd, M. S.; Karsiti, M. N.; Mohd, M. S.

2015-12-01

Brushless direct current (BLDC) motor is widely used in small and medium sized electric vehicles as it exhibit highest specific power and thermal efficiency as compared to the induction motor. Permanent magnets BLDC rotor create a constant magnetic flux, which limit the motor top speed. As the back electromotive force (EMF) voltage increases proportionally with motor rotational speed and it approaches the amplitude of the input voltage, the phase current amplitude will reach zero. By advancing the phase current, it is possible to extend the maximum speed of the BLDC motor beyond the rated top speed. This will allow smaller BLDC motor to be used in small electric vehicles (EV) and in larger applications will allow the use of BLDC motor without the use of multispeed transmission unit for high speed operation. However, increasing the speed of BLDC will affect the torque speed response. The torque output will decrease as speed increases. Adjusting the phase angle will affect the speed of the motor as each coil is energized earlier than the corresponding rise in the back emf of the coil. This paper discusses the phase advance strategy of Brushless DC motor by phase angle manipulation approaches using external hall sensors. Tests have been performed at different phase advance angles in advance and retard positions for different voltage levels applied. The objective is to create the external hall sensor system to commutate the BLDC motor, to establish the phase advance of the BLDC by varying the phase angle through external hall sensor manipulation, observe the respond of the motor while applying the phase advance by hall sensor adjustment.

Cardiac cell: a biological laser?

PubMed

Chorvat, D; Chorvatova, A

2008-04-01

We present a new concept of cardiac cells based on an analogy with lasers, practical implementations of quantum resonators. In this concept, each cardiac cell comprises a network of independent nodes, characterised by a set of discrete energy levels and certain transition probabilities between them. Interaction between the nodes is given by threshold-limited energy transfer, leading to quantum-like behaviour of the whole network. We propose that in cardiomyocytes, during each excitation-contraction coupling cycle, stochastic calcium release and the unitary properties of ionic channels constitute an analogue to laser active medium prone to "population inversion" and "spontaneous emission" phenomena. This medium, when powered by an incoming threshold-reaching voltage discharge in the form of an action potential, responds to the calcium influx through L-type calcium channels by stimulated emission of Ca2+ ions in a coherent, synchronised and amplified release process known as calcium-induced calcium release. In parallel, phosphorylation-stimulated molecular amplification in protein cascades adds tuneable features to the cells. In this framework, the heart can be viewed as a coherent network of synchronously firing cardiomyocytes behaving as pulsed laser-like amplifiers, coupled to pulse-generating pacemaker master-oscillators. The concept brings a new viewpoint on cardiac diseases as possible alterations of "cell lasing" properties.

Grid-Integrated Electric Drive Analysis for The Ohio State University |

Science.gov Websites

thermal management analysis and simulations on a high-performance, high-speed drive-developed by The Ohio as a pilot study for the future generation of energy efficient, high power density, high-speed integrated medium/high-voltage drive systems. If successful, the proposed project will significantly advance

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SEMICONDUCTOR INJECTION LASERS SELCO-87: Surface effects in laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beister, G.; Maege, J.; Richter, G.

1988-11-01

Changes in the current-voltage characteristics below the threshold current were observed in gain-guided stripe laser diodes after preliminary lasing. This effect was not fully understood. Similar changes in the laser characteristics appeared as a result of etching in a gaseous medium. The observed changes were attributed tentatively to surface currents.

30 CFR 77.902-3 - Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to equipment frames; use of separate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... SAFETY STANDARDS, SURFACE COAL MINES AND SURFACE WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.902-3 Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to... equipment receiving power from resistance grounded systems, separate connections shall be used. ...

30 CFR 77.902-3 - Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to equipment frames; use of separate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... SAFETY STANDARDS, SURFACE COAL MINES AND SURFACE WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.902-3 Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to... equipment receiving power from resistance grounded systems, separate connections shall be used. ...

30 CFR 77.902-3 - Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to equipment frames; use of separate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... SAFETY STANDARDS, SURFACE COAL MINES AND SURFACE WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.902-3 Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to... equipment receiving power from resistance grounded systems, separate connections shall be used. ...

Electrochemically controlled charging circuit for storage batteries

DOEpatents

Onstott, E.I.

1980-06-24

An electrochemically controlled charging circuit for charging storage batteries is disclosed. The embodiments disclosed utilize dc amplification of battery control current to minimize total energy expended for charging storage batteries to a preset voltage level. The circuits allow for selection of Zener diodes having a wide range of reference voltage levels. Also, the preset voltage level to which the storage batteries are charged can be varied over a wide range.

Extracellular potassium changes in the rat neurohypophysis during activation of the magnocellular neurosecretory system.

PubMed Central

Leng, G; Shibuki, K

1987-01-01

1. Potassium-sensitive microelectrodes were used to measure extracellular [K+] in the isolated rat neurohypophysis maintained in vitro. Electrical stimulation of the neurohypophysial stalk (20 Hz 5 s) increased the inferred extracellular [K+] by 9.2 +/- 0.4 mM (mean +/- S.E. of mean; n = 21). 2. Veratridine (10 microM) enhanced the response to stalk stimulation, and at a higher concentration (50 microM) increased extracellular [K+] in the absence of stimulation. By contrast, tetrodotoxin (1 microM) blocked the [K+] increase completely and reversibly in each of five experiments, indicating that the increase was a consequence of action potential generation. 3. At the end of brief periods of stimulation, the raised extracellular [K+] returned to pre-stimulation levels within 30 s. In the presence of ouabain (100 microM), the recovery was slower: the half-decay time was extended by 150-300% in each of three experiments. 4. Replacement of calcium in the medium with cobalt, cadmium or magnesium reduced the amplitude of the [K+] increase by 26-30%, indicating that the [K+] increase was largely independent of events subsequent to evoked release of hormone and/or transmitters. 5. Potassium-sensitive microelectrodes were placed in the neurohypophysis of rats anaesthetized with urethane. Electrical stimulation of the pituitary stalk (50 Hz, 5 s) produced transient voltage increases of 7.6 +/- 0.9 mV (mean +/- S.E. of mean of seven experiments). These voltage increases were similar in magnitude to the response of the electrodes to the addition of 7.6 +/- 1.0 mM-K+ to rat plasma. 6. In seven lactating rats, the suckling of a litter of hungry pups evoked periodic reflex milk ejections, as detected by increases in intramammary pressure. Potassium-sensitive microelectrodes in the neurohypophysis recorded transient voltage increases prior to each milk ejection (0.4-5.5 mV). Each increase preceded an increase in intramammary pressure by 12-30 s. 7. Thus synchronized high-frequency activation of magnocellular neurones can produce large changes in extracellular [K+]. The implications of these findings for stimulus-secretion coupling in the neurohypophysis are discussed in the light of previous reports that hormone release from the neurohypophysis is highly dependent on the frequency and pattern of electrical stimulation. PMID:2451734

Dynamic characteristics of organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babenko, S. D.; Balakai, A. A.; Moskvin, Yu. L.; Simbirtseva, G. V.; Troshin, P. A.

2010-12-01

Transient characteristics of organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells have been studied using pulsed laser probing. An analysis of the photoresponse waveforms of a typical solar cell measured by varying load resistance within broad range at different values of the bias voltage provided detailed information on the photocell parameters that characterize electron-transport properties of active layers. It is established that the charge carrier mobility is sufficient to ensure high values of the fill factor (˜0.6) in the obtained photocells. On approaching the no-load voltage, the differential capacitance of the photocell exhibits a sixfold increase as compared to the geometric capacitance. A possible mechanism of recombination losses in the active medium is proposed.

Asymmetry, Potential Penetration and Supersonic Speeds in MBX Experiment at High Voltage and Medium Power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quevedo, H. J.; Valanju, P. M.; Bengtson, Roger D.

2007-06-01

In MBX, a small mirror machine with a radial electric field creates a rotating plasma that is expected to evolve, under certain conditions, into a self-organizing, detached toroidal plasma ring, a magnetofluid state. In the present stage of the experiment a low density plasma generated by microwaves (1 kW at 2.54 GHz) has been successfully rotated at supersonic speeds using a 1 kV-80 mF capacitor bank with currents ˜5 amps. Under these conditions the plasma presents high asymmetry in the current, plasma potential and consequently rotation with the voltage applied. A simple model is presented to account for these features.

Characterization and snubbing of a bidirectional MCT in a resonant ac link converter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Tony; Elbuluk, Malik E.; Zinger, Donald S.

1993-01-01

The MOS-Controlled Thyristor (MCT) is emerging as a powerful switch that combines the better characteristics of existing power devices. A study of switching stresses on an MCT switch under zero voltage resonant switching is presented. The MCT is used as a bidirectional switch in an ac/ac pulse density modulated inverter for induction motor drive. Current and voltage spikes are observed and analyzed with variations in the timing of the switching. Different snubber circuit configurations are under investigation to minimize the effect of these transients. The results will be extended to study and test the MCT switching in a medium power (5 hp) induction motor drive.

Electron Beam IEMP Simulation Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-08-01

Three Trigatrons 99 e5 LIST OF FIGURES (Cont.) FIGURE NO. PAGE 5.13 SPI-PULSE 6000 Diode Current Waveform with 30 an Diameter Cathode and Three Trigatron...section. For the capacitive divider, the relation between the actual voltage Vs (t) on the cathode shank at the position opposite the voltage monitor and...the step function voltage output of a SPI-PJLSE 25 transmission line pulser Is split with an unmatched "’T". One output Is applied to the cathode

Anode reactive bleed and injector shift control strategy

DOEpatents

Cai, Jun [Rochester, NY; Chowdhury, Akbar [Pittsford, NY; Lerner, Seth E [Honeoye Falls, NY; Marley, William S [Rush, NY; Savage, David R [Rochester, NY; Leary, James K [Rochester, NY

2012-01-03

A system and method for correcting a large fuel cell voltage spread for a split sub-stack fuel cell system. The system includes a hydrogen source that provides hydrogen to each split sub-stack and bleed valves for bleeding the anode side of the sub-stacks. The system also includes a voltage measuring device for measuring the voltage of each cell in the split sub-stacks. The system provides two levels for correcting a large stack voltage spread problem. The first level includes sending fresh hydrogen to the weak sub-stack well before a normal reactive bleed would occur, and the second level includes sending fresh hydrogen to the weak sub-stack and opening the bleed valve of the other sub-stack when the cell voltage spread is close to stack failure.

Demonstration of Double EIT Using Coupled Harmonic Oscillators and RLC Circuits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harden, Joshua; Joshi, Amitabh; Serna, Juan D.

2011-01-01

Single and double electromagnetically induced transparencies (EIT) in a medium, consisting of four-level atoms in the inverted-Y configuration, are discussed using mechanical and electrical analogies. A three-coupled spring-mass system subject to damping and driven by an external force is used to represent the four-level atom mechanically. The…

Assessing ICTs Skill Challenges in SMEs: Insights from Three Country Investigations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duan, Yangqing; Mullins, Roisin; Hamblin, David; Stanek, Stanislaw; Sroka, Henry; Machada, Virgilio; Araujo, Joao

2002-01-01

Responses from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Britain (n=81), Poland (n=30), and Portugal (n=69) identified current levels of information/communications technology use and training provided and needed. Despite high demand, training is not provided regularly or effectively. Extent of e-commerce adoption influenced level of training.…

Dose and image quality for a cone-beam C-arm CT system.

PubMed

Fahrig, Rebecca; Dixon, Robert; Payne, Thomas; Morin, Richard L; Ganguly, Arundhuti; Strobel, Norbert

2006-12-01

We assess dose and image quality of a state-of-the-art angiographic C-arm system (Axiom Artis dTA, Siemens Medical Solutions, Forchheim, Germany) for three-dimensional neuro-imaging at various dose levels and tube voltages and an associated measurement method. Unlike conventional CT, the beam length covers the entire phantom, hence, the concept of computed tomography dose index (CTDI) is not the metric of choice, and one can revert to conventional dosimetry methods by directly measuring the dose at various points using a small ion chamber. This method allows us to define and compute a new dose metric that is appropriate for a direct comparison with the familiar CTDIw of conventional CT. A perception study involving the CATPHAN 600 indicates that one can expect to see at least the 9 mm inset with 0.5% nominal contrast at the recommended head-scan dose (60 mGy) when using tube voltages ranging from 70 kVp to 125 kVp. When analyzing the impact of tube voltage on image quality at a fixed dose, we found that lower tube voltages gave improved low contrast detectability for small-diameter objects. The relationships between kVp, image noise, dose, and contrast perception are discussed.

Validation of a patch clamp screening protocol that simultaneously measures compound activity in multiple states of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.2.

PubMed

Liu, Yi; Beck, Edward J; Flores, Christopher M

2011-12-01

Hyperactivity of voltage-gated sodium channels underlies, at least in part, a range of pathological states, including pain and epilepsy. Selective blockers of these channels may offer effective treatment of such disorders. Currently employed methods to screen for sodium channel blockers, however, are inadequate to rationally identify mechanistically diverse blockers, limiting the potential range of indications that may be treated by such agents. Here, we describe an improved patch clamp screening assay that increases the mechanistic diversity of sodium channel blockers being identified. Using QPatch HT, a medium-throughput, automated patch clamp system, we tested three common sodium channel blockers (phenytoin, lidocaine, and tetrodotoxin) with distinct mechanistic profiles at Nav1.2. The single-voltage protocol employed in this assay simultaneously measured the compound activity in multiple states, including the slow inactivated state, of the channel. A long compound incubation period (10 s) was introduced during channel inactivation to increase the probability of identifying "slow binders." As such, phenytoin, which preferentially binds with slow kinetics to the fast inactivated state, exhibited significantly higher potency than that obtained from a brief exposure (100 ms) used in typical assays. This assay also successfully detected the use-dependent block of tetrodotoxin, a well-documented property of this molecule yet unobserved in typical patch clamp protocols. These results indicate that the assay described here can increase the likelihood of identification and mechanistic diversity of sodium channel blockers from a primary screen. It can also be used to efficiently guide the in vitro optimization of leads that retain the desired mechanistic properties. © MARY ANN LIEBERT, INC.

Identification of significant medium components that affect docosahexaenoic acid production by Schizochytrium sp. SW1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manikan, Vidyah; Hamid, Aidil A.

2013-11-01

Central composite design (CCD) was employed to investigate the significance of glucose, yeast extract, MSG and sea salt in affecting the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accumulated by a locally isolated strain of Schizochytrium. Design Expert software was used to construct a set of experiments where each medium component mentioned above was varied over three levels. Cultivation was carried out in 250mL flasks containing 50mL of medium, incubated at 30°C with 200 rpm agitation for 96 hours. ANOVA was conducted to identify the influential factors and the level of their significance where factors that scored a probability value of less than 0.05 were considered significant. The level of influence for each independent variable was also interpreted using perturbation whereas pattern of interaction between the factors were interpreted using interaction plots. This experiment revealed that yeast extract and monosodium glutamate have significant influence on DHA accumulation process by Schizochytrium sp. SW1.

The investigation of an electric arc in the long cylindrical channel of the powerful high-voltage AC plasma torch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutberg, Ph G.; Popov, S. D.; Surov, A. V.; Serba, E. O.; Nakonechny, Gh V.; Spodobin, V. A.; Pavlov, A. V.; Surov, A. V.

2012-12-01

The comparison of conductivity obtained in experiments with calculated values is made in this paper. Powerful stationary plasma torches with prolonged period of continuous work are popular for modern plasmachemical applications. The maximum electrode lifetime with the minimum erosion can be reached while working on rather low currents. Meanwhile it is required to provide voltage arc drop for the high power achievement. Electric field strength in the arc column of the high-voltage plasma torch, using air as a plasma-forming gas, does not exceed 15 V/cm. It is possible to obtain the high voltage drop in the long arc stabilized in the channel by the intensive gas flow under given conditions. Models of high voltage plasma torches with rod electrodes with power up to 50 kW have been developed and investigated. The plasma torch arcs are burning in cylindrical channels. Present investigations are directed at studying the possibility of developing long arc plasma torches with higher power. The advantage of AC power supplies usage is the possibility of the loss minimization due to the reactive power compensation. The theoretical maximum of voltage arc drop for power supplies with inductive current limitations is about 50 % of the no-load voltage for a single-phase circuit and about 30 % for the three-phase circuit. Burning of intensively blown arcs in the long cylindrical channel using the AC power supply with 10 kV no-load voltage is experimentally investigated in the work. Voltage drops close to the maximum possible had been reached in the examined arcs in single-phase and three-phase modes. Operating parameters for single-phase mode were: current -30 A, voltage drop -5 kV, air flow rate 35 g/s; for three-phase mode: current (40-85) A, voltage drop (2.5-3.2) kV, air flow rate (60-100) g/s. Arc length in the installations exceeded 2 m.

Mapping the Interaction Site for a β-Scorpion Toxin in the Pore Module of Domain III of Voltage-gated Na+ Channels*

PubMed Central

Zhang, Joel Z.; Yarov-Yarovoy, Vladimir; Scheuer, Todd; Karbat, Izhar; Cohen, Lior; Gordon, Dalia; Gurevitz, Michael; Catterall, William A.

2012-01-01

Activation of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels initiates and propagates action potentials in electrically excitable cells. β-Scorpion toxins, including toxin IV from Centruroides suffusus suffusus (CssIV), enhance activation of NaV channels. CssIV stabilizes the voltage sensor in domain II in its activated state via a voltage-sensor trapping mechanism. Amino acid residues required for the action of CssIV have been identified in the S1-S2 and S3-S4 extracellular loops of domain II. The extracellular loops of domain III are also involved in toxin action, but individual amino acid residues have not been identified. We used site-directed mutagenesis and voltage clamp recording to investigate amino acid residues of domain III that are involved in CssIV action. In the IIISS2-S6 loop, five substitutions at four positions altered voltage-sensor trapping by CssIVE15A. Three substitutions (E1438A, D1445A, and D1445Y) markedly decreased voltage-sensor trapping, whereas the other two substitutions (N1436G and L1439A) increased voltage-sensor trapping. These bidirectional effects suggest that residues in IIISS2-S6 make both positive and negative interactions with CssIV. N1436G enhanced voltage-sensor trapping via increased binding affinity to the resting state, whereas L1439A increased voltage-sensor trapping efficacy. Based on these results, a three-dimensional model of the toxin-channel interaction was developed using the Rosetta modeling method. These data provide additional molecular insight into the voltage-sensor trapping mechanism of toxin action and define a three-point interaction site for β-scorpion toxins on NaV channels. Binding of α- and β-scorpion toxins to two distinct, pseudo-symmetrically organized receptor sites on NaV channels acts synergistically to modify channel gating and paralyze prey. PMID:22761417

Contribution of crosstalk to the uncertainty of electrostatic actuator calibrations.

PubMed

Shams, Qamar A; Soto, Hector L; Zuckerwar, Allan J

2009-09-01

Crosstalk in electrostatic actuator calibrations is defined as the ratio of the microphone response to the actuator excitation voltage at a given frequency with the actuator polarization voltage turned off to the response, at the excitation frequency, with the polarization voltage turned on. It consequently contributes to the uncertainty of electrostatic actuator calibrations. Two sources of crosstalk are analyzed: the first attributed to the stray capacitance between the actuator electrode and the microphone backplate, and the second to the ground resistance appearing as a common element in the actuator excitation and microphone input loops. Measurements conducted on 1/4, 1/2, and 1 in. air condenser microphones reveal that the crosstalk has no frequency dependence up to the membrane resonance frequency and that the level of crosstalk lies at about -60 dB for all three microphones-conclusions that are consistent with theory. The measurements support the stray capacitance model. The contribution of crosstalk to the measurement standard uncertainty of an electrostatic actuator calibration is therewith 0.01 dB.

Tissue culture of three species of Laurencia complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Songdong; Wu, Xunjian; Yan, Binlun; He, Lihong

2010-05-01

To establish a micropropagation system of three Laurencia complex species ( Laurencia okamurai, Laurencia tristicha, and Chondrophycus undulatus) by tissue culture techniques, we studied the regeneration characteristics and optimal culture conditions of axenic algal fragments cultured on solid medium and in liquid medium. Regeneration structures were observed and counted regularly under a reverse microscope to investigate the regeneration process, polarity and optimal illumination, and temperature and salinity levels. The results show that in most cultures of the three species, we obtained bud regeneration on solidified medium with 0.5% agar and in liquid medium. Rhizoid-like regeneration was filamentous and developed from the lower cut surface of fragments in L. okamurai, but was discoid and developed from the apical back side of bud regeneration in L. tristicha and C. undulatus. Regeneration polarity was localized to the apical part of algal fronds in all three species, and on fragments cut from the basal part of algae buds could develop from both the upper and the lower cut surfaces. Buds could develop from both the medullary and the cortical portions in L. okamurai and C. undulatus, while in L. tristicha, buds only emerged from the cortex. The optimal culture conditions for L. okamurai were 4 500 lx, 20°C and 35 (salinity); for C. undulatus, 4 500 lx, 20°C and 30; and for L. tristicha, 4 500 lx, 25°C and 30.

Modelling of an advanced charging system for electric vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan Jaafar, Abdul; Rahman, Ataur; Mohiuddin, A. K. M.; Rashid, Mahbubur

2017-03-01

Climate Change is recognized as one of the greatest environmental problem facing the World today and it has long been appreciated by governments that reducing the impact of the internal combustion (IC) engine powered motor vehicle has an important part to play in addressing this threat. In Malaysia, IC engine powered motor vehicle accounts almost 90% of the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The need to reduce the emission is paramount, as Malaysia has pledged to reduce 40% of CO2 intensity by 2020 from 2005 level by 25% of improvement in average fuel consumption. The introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) is one of the initiatives. However in terms of percentage, the electric vehicles have not been commonly used by people nowadays and one of the reasons is lack in charging infrastructure especially when cars are on the road. The aim of this study is to simulate and model an advanced charging system for the charging infrastructure of EVs/HEVs all over the nation with slow charging mode with charging current 25 A, medium charging mode with charging current 50 A and fast charging mode with charging current 100 A. The slow charging mode is proposed for residence, medium charging mode for office parking lots, and fast charging mode is called fast charging track for charging station on road. With three modes charger topology, consumers could choose a suitable mode for their car based on their need. The simulation and experiment of advanced charging system has been conducted on a scale down battery pack of nominal voltage of 3.75 V and capacity of 1020 mAh. Result shows that the battery could be charging less than 1 hour with fast charging mode. However, due to limitation of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) power grid, the maximum 50 A current is considered to be the optimized passive mode for the EV’s battery charging system. The developed advanced charger prototype performance has been compared with the simulation result and conventional charger performance, the maximum variation has been found 15%, this closed agreement between the advanced charger prototype, simulation model and conventional charger validate the prototype model. Furthermore, based on the result presented in this report, the battery to be charged up to 85% of its rated capacity by constant current mode only rather than continue with constant voltage, which could shorten the battery charging time by 16% and prolong the battery life by 10%.

Reconfiguring redundancy management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gelderloos, H. J. C. (Inventor)

1982-01-01

A redundancy management system is described wherein input signals from a sensor are provided redundantly in parallel so that a primary control signal may be selected. Median value signals for groups of three sensors are detected in median value selectors of selection filter. The detected median value signals are then also compared in a subtractor/comparator to determine whether any of them exceed the others by an amount greater than the signal level for a failed sensor. If so, the exceeding detected medium value signal is sent to a control computer as the primary control signal. If not, the lowest level detected medium value signal is sent as the primary control signal.

Preparation of Power Distribution System for High Penetration of Renewable Energy Part I. Dynamic Voltage Restorer for Voltage Regulation Pat II. Distribution Circuit Modeling and Validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khoshkbar Sadigh, Arash

Part I: Dynamic Voltage Restorer In the present power grids, voltage sags are recognized as a serious threat and a frequently occurring power-quality problem and have costly consequence such as sensitive loads tripping and production loss. Consequently, the demand for high power quality and voltage stability becomes a pressing issue. Dynamic voltage restorer (DVR), as a custom power device, is more effective and direct solutions for "restoring" the quality of voltage at its load-side terminals when the quality of voltage at its source-side terminals is disturbed. In the first part of this thesis, a DVR configuration with no need of bulky dc link capacitor or energy storage is proposed. This fact causes to reduce the size of the DVR and increase the reliability of the circuit. In addition, the proposed DVR topology is based on high-frequency isolation transformer resulting in the size reduction of transformer. The proposed DVR circuit, which is suitable for both low- and medium-voltage applications, is based on dc-ac converters connected in series to split the main dc link between the inputs of dc-ac converters. This feature makes it possible to use modular dc-ac converters and utilize low-voltage components in these converters whenever it is required to use DVR in medium-voltage application. The proposed configuration is tested under different conditions of load power factor and grid voltage harmonic. It has been shown that proposed DVR can compensate the voltage sag effectively and protect the sensitive loads. Following the proposition of the DVR topology, a fundamental voltage amplitude detection method which is applicable in both single/three-phase systems for DVR applications is proposed. The advantages of proposed method include application in distorted power grid with no need of any low-pass filter, precise and reliable detection, simple computation and implementation without using a phased locked loop and lookup table. The proposed method has been verified by simulation and experimental tests under various conditions considering all possible cases such as different amounts of voltage sag depth (VSD), different amounts of point-on-wave (POW) at which voltage sag occurs, harmonic distortion, line frequency variation, and phase jump (PJ). Furthermore, the ripple amount of fundamental voltage amplitude calculated by the proposed method and its error is analyzed considering the line frequency variation together with harmonic distortion. The best and worst detection time of proposed method were measured 1ms and 8.8ms, respectively. Finally, the proposed method has been compared with other voltage sag detection methods available in literature. Part 2: Power System Modeling for Renewable Energy Integration: As power distribution systems are evolving into more complex networks, electrical engineers have to rely on software tools to perform circuit analysis. There are dozens of powerful software tools available in the market to perform the power system studies. Although their main functions are similar, there are differences in features and formatting structures to suit specific applications. This creates challenges for transferring power system circuit models data (PSCMD) between different software and rebuilding the same circuit in the second software environment. The objective of this part of thesis is to develop a Unified Platform (UP) to facilitate transferring PSCMD among different software packages and relieve the challenges of the circuit model conversion process. UP uses a commonly available spreadsheet file with a defined format, for any home software to write data to and for any destination software to read data from, via a script-based application called PSCMD transfer application. The main considerations in developing the UP are to minimize manual intervention and import a one-line diagram into the destination software or export it from the source software, with all details to allow load flow, short circuit and other analyses. In this study, ETAP, OpenDSS, and GridLab-D are considered, and PSCMD transfer applications written in MATLAB have been developed for each of these to read the circuit model data provided in the UP spreadsheet. In order to test the developed PSCMD transfer applications, circuit model data of a test circuit and a power distribution circuit from Southern California Edison (SCE) - a utility company - both built in CYME, were exported into the spreadsheet file according to the UP format. Thereafter, circuit model data were imported successfully from the spreadsheet files into above mentioned software using the PSCMD transfer applications developed for each software. After the SCE studied circuit is transferred into OpenDSS software using the proposed UP scheme and developed application, it has been studied to investigate the impacts of large-scale solar energy penetration. The main challenge of solar energy integration into power grid is its intermittency (i.e., discontinuity of output power) nature due to cloud shading of photovoltaic panels which depends on weather conditions. In order to conduct this study, OpenDSS time-series simulation feature, which is required due to intermittency of solar energy, is utilized. In this study, the impacts of intermittency of solar energy penetration, especially high-variability points, on voltage fluctuation and operation of capacitor bank and voltage regulator is provided. In addition, the necessity to interpolate and resample unequally spaced time-series measurement data and convert them to equally spaced time-series data as well as the effect of resampling time-interval on the amount of error is discussed. Two applications are developed in Matlab to do interpolation and resampling as well as to calculate the amount of error for different resampling time-intervals to figure out the suitable resampling time-interval. Furthermore, an approach based on cumulative distribution, regarding the length for lines/cables types and the power rating for loads, is presented to prioritize which loads, lines and cables the meters should be installed at to have the most effect on model validation.

DIFFERENTIAL FAULT SENSING CIRCUIT

DOEpatents

Roberts, J.H.

1961-09-01

A differential fault sensing circuit is designed for detecting arcing in high-voltage vacuum tubes arranged in parallel. A circuit is provided which senses differences in voltages appearing between corresponding elements likely to fault. Sensitivity of the circuit is adjusted to some level above which arcing will cause detectable differences in voltage. For particular corresponding elements, a group of pulse transformers are connected in parallel with diodes connected across the secondaries thereof so that only voltage excursions are transmitted to a thyratron which is biased to the sensitivity level mentioned.

A Passive EMI Filter with Access to the Ungrounded Motor Neutral Line-The Case that a General-Purpose Inverter is Directly Connected to a Three-Phase Grounded Voltage Source-

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doumoto, Takafumi; Akagi, Hirofumi

This paper proposes a small-sized passive EMI filter for the purpose of eliminating high-frequency shaft voltage and ground leakage current from an ac motor. The motor is driven by a general-purpose PWM inverter connected to a three-phase grounded voltage source. The passive EMI filter requires access to the ungrounded neutral point of the motor. This unique circuit configuration makes the common-mode inductor effective in reducing the high-frequency common-mode voltage generated by the PWM inverter with a carrier frequency of 15kHz. As a result, both high-frequency shaft voltage and ground leakage current can be eliminated very efficiently. However, the common-mode inductor may not play any role in reducing the low-frequency common-mode voltage generated by the diode rectifier, so that a low-frequency component still remains in the shaft voltage. Such a low-frequency shaft voltage may not produce any bad effect on motor bearings. The validity and effectiveness of the EMI filter is verified by experimental results obtained from a 200-V 5-kVA laboratory system.

Dynamically tunable electromagnetically induced transparency analogy in terahertz metamaterial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chenxi; Liu, Peiguo; Bian, Lian; Zhou, Qihui; Li, Gaosheng; Liu, Hanqin

2018-03-01

A metamaterial analogy of tunable electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is theoretically investigated in terahertz regime. The proposed metamaterial consists of vertical gold strips and horizontal graphene wires, which perform as bright elements and dark elements, respectively. The EIT-like phenomenon can be induced by bright-dark mode coupling on condition of structural lateral displacement. Numerical result reveals that the EIT-like effect remains noticeable with a wide range of incidence polarization angles. Most importantly, by manipulating gate voltages, the EIT window can be dynamically controlled without refabricating the structure. The amplitude modulation depth can reach 81%, 79%, and 68% respectively at three characteristic frequencies as Fermi energy changes in the scope of 0.8-1.0 eV. Furthermore, a sensitivity of 0.95 THz per refractive index unit (RIU) is realized varying the refractive index in the surrounding medium. This structure provides potential applications for detectors, sensors, and modulators.

Transparent Electrochemical Gratings from a Patterned Bistable Silver Mirror.

PubMed

Park, Chihyun; Na, Jongbeom; Han, Minsu; Kim, Eunkyoung

2017-07-25

Silver mirror patterns were formed reversibly on a polystyrene (PS)-patterned electrode to produce gratings through the electrochemical reduction of silver ions. The electrochemical gratings exhibited high transparency (T > 95%), similar to a see-through window, by matching the refractive index of the grating pattern with the surrounding medium. The gratings switch to a diffractive state upon the formation of a mirror pattern (T < 5%) with a high diffraction efficiency up to 40%, providing reversible diffractive gratings. The diffraction state was maintained in the voltage-off state (V-off) for 40 min, which demonstrated bistable reversible electrochemical grating (BREG) behavior. By carefully combining the BREGs through period matching, dual-color switching was achieved within the full color region, which exhibited three distinct optical switching states between -2.5, 0, and +2.5 V. The wide range of light tenability using the metallic BREGs developed herein enabled IR modulation, NIR light reflection, and on-demand heat transfer.

DC discharges in atmospheric air for bio-decontamination - spectroscopic methods for mechanism identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machala, Z.; Jedlovský, I.; Chládeková, L.; Pongrác, B.; Giertl, D.; Janda, M.; Ikurová, L. Å.; Polčic, P.

2009-08-01

Three types of DC electrical discharges in atmospheric air (streamer corona, transient spark and glow discharge) were tested for bio-decontamination of bacteria and yeasts in water solution, and spores on surfaces. Static vs. flowing treatment of contaminated water were compared, in the latter the flowing water either covered the grounded electrode or passed through the high voltage needle electrode. The bacteria were killed most efficiently in the flowing regime by transient spark. Streamer corona was efficient when the treated medium flew through the active corona region. The spores on plastic foil and paper surfaces were successfully inactivated by negative corona. The microbes were handled and their population evaluated by standard microbiology cultivation procedures. The emission spectroscopy of the discharges and TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) absorption spectrometric detection of the products of lipid peroxidation of bacterial cell membranes indicated a major role of radicals and reactive oxygen species among the bio-decontamination mechanisms.

Quantification of the level of fat-soluble vitamins in feed based on the novel microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) method.

PubMed

Olędzka, Ilona; Kowalski, Piotr; Bałuch, Alicja; Bączek, Tomasz; Paradziej-Łukowicz, Jolanta; Taciak, Marcin; Pastuszewska, Barbara

2014-02-01

Simultaneous quantification of liposoluble vitamins is not a new area of interest, since these compounds co-determine the nutritional quality of food and feed, a field widely explored in the human and animal diet. However, the development of appropriate methods is still a matter of concern, especially when the vitamin composition is highly complex, as is the case with feed designated for laboratory animals, representing a higher health and microbiological status. A method combining microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) with liquid-liquid extraction was developed for the determination of four fat-soluble vitamins in animal feed. A separation medium consisting of 25 mmol L⁻¹ phosphate buffer (pH 2.5), 2-propanol, 1-butanol, sodium dodecyl sulfate and octane allowed the simultaneous determination of vitamins A, D, E and K within a reasonable time of 25 min. The polarity of the separation voltage was reversed in view of the strongly suppressed electro-osmotic flow, and the applied voltage was set at 12 kV. The fat-soluble vitamins were separated in the order of decreasing hydrophobicity. It was proved that the proposed MEEKC method was sufficiently specific and sensitive for screening fat-soluble vitamins in animal feed samples after their sterilization. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Three-dimensional Co3O4@MWNTs nanocomposite with enhanced electrochemical performance for nonenzymatic glucose biosensors and biofuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Kailong; Jiang, Yu; Kang, Zepeng; Peng, Ruiyun; Jiao, Shuqiang; Hu, Zongqian

2017-12-01

Three-dimensional nanoarchitectures of Co3O4@multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Co3O4@MWNTs) were synthesized via a one-step process with hydrothermal growth of Co3O4 nanoparticles onto MWNTs. The structure and morphology of the Co3O4@MWNTs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic mechanism of the Co3O4@MWNTs was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Co3O4@MWNTs exhibited high electrocatalytic activity towards glucose oxidation in alkaline medium and could be used in nonenzymatic electrochemical devices for glucose oxidation. The open circuit voltage of the nonenzymatic glucose/O2 fuel cell was 0.68 V, with a maximum power density of 0.22 mW cm-2 at 0.30 V. The excellent electrochemical properties, low cost, and facile preparation of Co3O4@MWNTs demonstrate the potential of strongly coupled oxide/nanocarbon hybrid as effective electrocatalyst in glucose fuel cells and biosensors.

Harmonic Optimization in Voltage Source Inverter for PV Application using Heuristic Algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kandil, Shaimaa A.; Ali, A. A.; El Samahy, Adel; Wasfi, Sherif M.; Malik, O. P.

2016-12-01

Selective Harmonic Elimination (SHE) technique is the fundamental switching frequency scheme that is used to eliminate specific order harmonics. Its application to minimize low order harmonics in a three level inverter is proposed in this paper. The modulation strategy used here is SHEPWM and the nonlinear equations, that characterize the low order harmonics, are solved using Harmony Search Algorithm (HSA) to obtain the optimal switching angles that minimize the required harmonics and maintain the fundamental at the desired value. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the output voltage is minimized maintaining selected harmonics within allowable limits. A comparison has been drawn between HSA, Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Newton Raphson (NR) technique using MATLAB software to determine the effectiveness of getting optimized switching angles.

Influence of deposition conditions on electrical and mechanical properties of Sm2O3-doped CeO2 thin films prepared by EB-PVD (+IBAD) methods. Part 1: Effective relative permittivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartmanová, Mária; Nádaždy, Vojtech; Kundracik, František; Mansilla, Catina

2013-03-01

Study is devoted to the effective relative permittivity ɛr of CeO2 + x. Sm2O3 thin films prepared by electron-beam physical vapour deposition and ionic beam-assisted deposition methods; ɛr was investigated by three independent ways from the bulk parallel capacitance Cp, impedance capacitance Cimp, and accumulation capacitance Cacc in dependence on the deposition conditions (deposition temperature, dopant amount x and Ar+ ion bombardment during the film deposition) used. Investigations were performed using impedance spectroscopy, capacitance-voltage and current-voltage characteristics as well as deep level transient spectroscopy. Results obtained are described and discussed.

Recovery and diversity of the forest shrub community 38 years after biomass harvesting in the northern Rocky Mountains

Treesearch

Woongsoon Jang; Christopher R. Keyes; Deborah S. Page-Dumroese

2016-01-01

We investigated the long-term impact of biomass utilization on shrub recovery, species composition, and biodiversity 38 years after harvesting at Coram Experimental Forest in northwestern Montana. Three levels of biomass removal intensity (high, medium, and low) treatments combined with prescribed burning treatment were nested within three regeneration harvest...

Molecular mechanism of voltage sensing in voltage-gated proton channels

PubMed Central

Rebolledo, Santiago; Perez, Marta E.

2013-01-01

Voltage-gated proton (Hv) channels play an essential role in phagocytic cells by generating a hyperpolarizing proton current that electrically compensates for the depolarizing current generated by the NADPH oxidase during the respiratory burst, thereby ensuring a sustained production of reactive oxygen species by the NADPH oxidase in phagocytes to neutralize engulfed bacteria. Despite the importance of the voltage-dependent Hv current, it is at present unclear which residues in Hv channels are responsible for the voltage activation. Here we show that individual neutralizations of three charged residues in the fourth transmembrane domain, S4, all reduce the voltage dependence of activation. In addition, we show that the middle S4 charged residue moves from a position accessible from the cytosolic solution to a position accessible from the extracellular solution, suggesting that this residue moves across most of the membrane electric field during voltage activation of Hv channels. Our results show for the first time that the charge movement of these three S4 charges accounts for almost all of the measured gating charge in Hv channels. PMID:23401575

With medium-chain triglycerides, higher and faster oxygen radical production by stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes occurs.

PubMed

Kruimel, J W; Naber, A H; Curfs, J H; Wenker, M A; Jansen, J B

2000-01-01

Parenteral lipid emulsions are suspected of suppressing the immune function. However, study results are contradictory and mainly concern the conventional long-chain triglyceride emulsions. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes were preincubated with parenteral lipid emulsions. The influence of the lipid emulsions on the production of oxygen radicals by these stimulated leukocytes was studied by measuring chemiluminescence. Three different parenteral lipid emulsions were tested: long-chain triglycerides, a physical mixture of medium- and long-chain triglycerides, and structured triglycerides. Structured triglycerides consist of triglycerides where the medium- and long-chain fatty acids are attached to the same glycerol molecule. Stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes preincubated with the physical mixture of medium- and long-chain triglycerides showed higher levels of oxygen radicals (p < .005) and faster production of oxygen radicals (p < .005) compared with polymorphonuclear leukocytes preincubated with long-chain triglycerides or structured triglycerides. Additional studies indicated that differences in results of various lipid emulsions were not caused by differences in emulsifier. The overall production of oxygen radicals was significantly lower after preincubation with the three lipid emulsions compared with controls without lipid emulsion. A physical mixture of medium- and long-chain triglycerides induced faster production of oxygen radicals, resulting in higher levels of oxygen radicals, compared with long-chain triglycerides or structured triglycerides. This can be detrimental in cases where oxygen radicals play either a pathogenic role or a beneficial one, such as when rapid phagocytosis and killing of bacteria is needed. The observed lower production of oxygen radicals by polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the presence of parenteral lipid emulsions may result in immunosuppression by these lipids.

Water level dynamics in wetlands and nesting success of Black Terns in Maine

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gilbert, A.T.; Servello, F.A.

2005-01-01

The Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) nests in freshwater wetlands that are prone to water level fluctuations, and nest losses to flooding are common. We examined temporal patterns in water levels at six sites with Black Tern colonies in Maine and determined probabilities of flood events and associated nest loss at Douglas Pond, the location of the largest breeding colony. Daily precipitation data from weather stations and water flow data from a flow gauge below Douglas Pond were obtained for 1960-1999. Information on nest losses from three floods at Douglas Pond in 1997-1999 were used to characterize small (6% nest loss), medium (56% nest loss) and large (94% nest loss) flood events, and we calculated probabilities of these three levels of flooding occurring at Douglas Pond using historic water levels data. Water levels generally decreased gradually during the nesting season at colony sites, except at Douglas Pond where water levels fluctuated substantially in response to rain events. Annual probabilities of small, medium, and large flood events were 68%, 35%, and 13% for nests initiated during 23 May-12 July, with similar probabilities for early (23 May-12 June) and late (13 June-12 July) periods. An index of potential nest loss indicated that medium floods at Douglas Pond had the greatest potential effect on nest success because they occurred relatively frequently and inundated large proportions of nests. Nest losses at other colonies were estimated to be approximately 30% of those at Douglas Pond. Nest losses to flooding appear to be common for the Black Tern in Maine and related to spring precipitation patterns, but ultimate effects on breeding productivity are uncertain.

Transport spectroscopy of induced superconductivity in the three-dimensional topological insulator HgTe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiedenmann, Jonas; Liebhaber, Eva; Kübert, Johannes; Bocquillon, Erwann; Burset, Pablo; Ames, Christopher; Buhmann, Hartmut; Klapwijk, Teun M.; Molenkamp, Laurens W.

2017-10-01

The proximity-induced superconducting state in the three-dimensional topological insulator HgTe has been studied using electronic transport of a normal metal-superconducting point contact as a spectroscopic tool (Andreev point-contact spectroscopy). By analyzing the conductance as a function of voltage for various temperatures, magnetic fields, and gate voltages, we find evidence, in equilibrium, for an induced order parameter in HgTe of 70 µeV and a niobium order parameter of 1.1 meV. To understand the full conductance curve as a function of applied voltage we suggest a non-equilibrium-driven transformation of the quantum transport process where the relevant scattering region and equilibrium reservoirs change with voltage. This change implies that the spectroscopy probes the superconducting correlations at different positions in the sample, depending on the bias voltage.

Feasibility of low-concentration iodinated contrast medium with lower-tube-voltage dual-source CT aortography using iterative reconstruction: comparison with automatic exposure control CT aortography.

PubMed

Shin, Hee Jeong; Kim, Song Soo; Lee, Jae-Hwan; Park, Jae-Hyeong; Jeong, Jin-Ok; Jin, Seon Ah; Shin, Byung Seok; Shin, Kyung-Sook; Ahn, Moonsang

2016-06-01

To evaluate the feasibility of low-concentration contrast medium (CM) for vascular enhancement, image quality, and radiation dose on computed tomography aortography (CTA) using a combined low-tube-voltage and iterative reconstruction (IR) technique. Ninety subjects underwent dual-source CT (DSCT) operating in dual-source, high-pitch mode. DSCT scans were performed using both high-concentration CM (Group A, n = 50; Iomeprol 400) and low-concentration CM (Group B, n = 40; Iodixanol 270). Group A was scanned using a reference tube potential of 120 kVp and 120 reference mAs under automatic exposure control with IR. Group B was scanned using low-tube-voltage (80 or 100 kVp if body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2)) at a fixed current of 150 mAs, along with IR. Images of the two groups were compared regarding attenuation, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), iodine load, and radiation dose in various locations of the CTA. In comparison between Group A and Group B, the average mean attenuation (454.73 ± 86.66 vs. 515.96 ± 101.55 HU), SNR (25.28 ± 4.34 vs. 31.29 ± 4.58), and CNR (21.83 ± 4.20 vs. 27.55 ± 4.81) on CTA in Group B showed significantly greater values and significantly lower image noise values (18.76 ± 2.19 vs. 17.48 ± 3.34) than those in Group A (all Ps < 0.05). Homogeneous contrast enhancement from the ascending thoracic aorta to the infrarenal abdominal aorta was significantly superior in Group B (P < 0.05). Low-concentration CM and a low-tube-voltage combination technique using IR is a feasible method, showing sufficient contrast enhancement and image quality.

Serially-Connected Compensator for Eliminating the Unbalanced Three-Phase Voltage Impact on Wind Turbine Generators: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Z.; Hsu, P.; Muljadi, E.

2015-04-06

Untransposed transmission lines, unbalanced tap changer operations, and unbalanced loading in weak distribution lines can cause unbalanced-voltage conditions. The resulting unbalanced voltage at the point of interconnection affects proper gird integration and reduces the lifetime of wind turbines due to power oscillations, torque pulsations, mechanical stresses, energy losses, and uneven and overheating of the generator stator winding. This work investigates the dynamic impact of unbalanced voltage on the mechanical and electrical components of integrated Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence (FAST) wind turbine generation systems (WTGs) of Type 1 (squirrel-cage induction generator) and Type 3 (doubly-fed induction generator). To alleviate thismore » impact, a serially-connected compensator for a three-phase power line is proposed to balance the wind turbine-side voltage. Dynamic simulation studies are conducted in MATLAB/Simulink to compare the responses of these two types of wind turbine models under normal and unbalanced-voltage operation conditions and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed compensator.« less

A Serially-Connected Compensator for Eliminating the Unbalanced Three-Phase Voltage Impact on Wind Turbine Generators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Ziping; Hsu, Ping; Muljadi, Eduard

2015-10-05

Untransposed transmission lines, unbalanced tap changer operations, and unbalanced loading in weak distribution lines can cause unbalanced-voltage conditions. The resulting unbalanced voltage at the point of interconnection affects proper gird integration and reduces the lifetime of wind turbines due to power oscillations, torque pulsations, mechanical stresses, energy losses, and uneven and overheating of the generator stator winding. This work investigates the dynamic impact of unbalanced voltage on the mechanical and electrical components of integrated Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence (FAST) wind turbine generation systems (WTGs) of Type 1 (squirrel-cage induction generator) and Type 3 (doubly-fed induction generator). To alleviate thismore » impact, a serially-connected compensator for a three-phase power line is proposed to balance the wind turbine-side voltage. Dynamic simulation studies are conducted in MATLAB/Simulink to compare the responses of these two types of wind turbine models under normal and unbalanced-voltage operation conditions and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed compensator.« less

Profile of senior high school students’ creative thinking skills on biology material in low, medium, and high academic perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurhamidah, D.; Masykuri, M.; Dwiastuti, S.

2018-04-01

Creative thinking is one of the most important skills of the 21st Century. Students are demanded not only be able to solve the cognitive problems but also to face the life problems. The aim of this study is to determine students’ creative thinking skills in biology class for XI grade of three Senior High Schools in Ngawi regency. The approach used to categorised the three schools into low, medium and high academic rank was a norm-referenced test. The study involved 92 students who completed a test. Guilford's alternative uses task was used to measure the level of students’ creative thinking skills. The results showed that in the school of high academic rank, 89,74% of students had low creative thinking skills and 10,25% of them are in moderate category. In the medium academic rank school, 85,71% of students had low creative thinking skills and 14,29% of them are moderate. In the school of low academic rank, 8% of students had very low creative thinking skills, 88% are low, and 4% are moderate. Based on the finding of the research, the creative thinking skills of students in the three school was categorised as low level, therefore the learning design should be developed which can improve the students’ creative thinking skills.

Cellular chromosome DNA interferes with fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR detection of HBV DNA in culture medium.

PubMed

Pan, Xiao-Ben; Wei, Lai; Han, Jin-Chao; Gao, Yan

2008-01-01

Fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR (FQ-PCR) is a recently developed technique increasingly used for clinical diagnosis by detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum. FQ-PCR is also used in scientific research for detection of HBV DNA in cell culture. Understanding potential FQ-PCR interference factors can improve the accuracy of HBV DNA quantification in cell culture medium. HBV positive serum was diluted with culture medium to produce three test groups with HBV DNA levels of 5 x 10(7) copies/ml (high), 5 x 10(5) copies/ml (medium), and 5 x 10(3) copies/ml (low). Chromosome DNA was extracted from HepG2 cells and then added to high, medium, and low group samples at final concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 microg/ml. The samples were quantified by FQ-PCR and data were evaluated using statistical software. No marked changes were seen in the quantitative curves for high level HBV DNA samples when the samples were supplemented with 0-100 microg/ml of chromosome DNA. Interference was observed in medium level samples when 50 and 100 microg/ml of chromosome DNA was added. Interference was also observed in low level HBV DNA samples when the concentration of added chromosome DNA was greater than 25 microg/ml. The interference was eliminated when samples were digested by DNase I prior to PCR detection. In Conclusions, the presence of cellular chromosome DNA can interfere with the detection of HBV DNA by FQ-PCR. Removal of cellular chromosome DNA from culture media prior to FQ-PCR is necessary for reliable HBV DNA quantitative detection. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A Three-Stage Enhanced Reactive Power and Voltage Optimization Method for High Penetration of Solar

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ke, Xinda; Huang, Renke; Vallem, Mallikarjuna R.

This paper presents a three-stage enhanced volt/var optimization method to stabilize voltage fluctuations in transmission networks by optimizing the usage of reactive power control devices. In contrast with existing volt/var optimization algorithms, the proposed method optimizes the voltage profiles of the system, while keeping the voltage and real power output of the generators as close to the original scheduling values as possible. This allows the method to accommodate realistic power system operation and market scenarios, in which the original generation dispatch schedule will not be affected. The proposed method was tested and validated on a modified IEEE 118-bus system withmore » photovoltaic data.« less

Physical structure changes of solid medium by steam explosion sterilization.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhi-Min; Wang, Lan; Chen, Hong-Zhang

2016-03-01

Physical structure changes of solid medium were investigated to reveal effects of steam explosion sterilization on solid-state fermentation (SSF). Results indicated that steam explosion changed the structure of solid medium at both molecular and three-dimensional structural levels, which exposed hydrophilic groups and enlarged pores and cavities. It was interesting to find that pores where capillary water located were the active sites for SSF, due to the close relationship among capillary water relaxation time, specific surface area and fermentation performance. Therefore, steam explosion sterilization increased the effective contact area for microbial cells on solid medium, which contributed to improving SSF performance. Combined with the previous research, mechanisms of SSF improvement by steam explosion sterilization contained both chemical and physical effects. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New approaches to provide ride-through for critical loads in electric power distribution systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montero-Hernandez, Oscar C.

2001-07-01

The extensive use of electronic circuits has enabled modernization, automation, miniaturization, high quality, low cost, and other achievements regarding electric loads in the last decades. However, modern electronic circuits and systems are extremely sensitive to disturbances from the electric power supply. In fact, the rate at which these disturbances happen is considerable as has been documented in recent years. In response to the power quality concerns presented previously, this dissertation is proposing new approaches to provide ride-through for critical loads during voltage disturbances with emphasis on voltage sags. In this dissertation, a new approach based on an AC-DC-AC system is proposed to provide ride-through for critical loads connected in buildings and/or an industrial system. In this approach, a three-phase IGBT inverter with a built in Dc-link voltage regulator is suitably controlled along with static by-pass switches to provide continuous power to critical loads. During a disturbance, the input utility source is disconnected and the power from the inverter is connected to the load. The remaining voltage in the AC supply is converted to DC and compensated before being applied to the inverter and the load. After detecting normal utility conditions, power from the utility is restored to the critical load. In order to achieve an extended ride-through capability a second approach is introduced. In this case, the Dc-link voltage regulator is performed by a DC-DC Buck-Boost converter. This new approach has the capability to mitigate voltage variations below and above the nominal value. In the third approach presented in this dissertation, a three-phase AC to AC boost converter is investigated. This converter provides a boosting action for the utility input voltages, right before they are applied to the load. The proposed Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control strategy ensures independent control of each phase and compensates for both single-phase or poly-phase voltage sags. Algorithms capable of detecting voltage disturbances such as voltage sags, voltage swells, flicker, frequency change, and harmonics in a fast and reliable way are investigated and developed in this dissertation as an essential part of the approaches previously described. Simulation and experimental work has been done to validate the feasibility of all approaches under the most common voltage disturbances such as single-phase voltage sags and three-phase voltage sags.

Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy increases the sensitivity of lumbar Aδ primary afferent neurons along with voltage-dependent potassium channels in rats.

PubMed

Furuta, Sadayoshi; Watanabe, Lisa; Doi, Seira; Horiuchi, Hiroshi; Matsumoto, Kenjiro; Kuzumaki, Naoko; Suzuki, Tsutomu; Narita, Minoru

2012-02-01

Subdiaphragmatic vagal dysfunction causes chronic pain. To verify whether this chronic pain is accompanied by enhanced peripheral nociceptive sensitivity, we evaluated primary afferent neuronal excitability in subdiaphragmatic vagotomized (SDV) rats. SDV rats showed a decrease in the electrical stimuli-induced hind limb-flexion threshold at 250 Hz, but showed no similar effect at 5 or 2000 Hz, which indicated that lumbar primary afferent Aδ sensitivity was enhanced in SDV rats. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique also revealed the hyper-excitability of acutely dissociated medium-sized lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons isolated from SDV rats. The contribution of changes in voltage-dependent potassium (Kv) channels was assessed, and transient A-type K(+) (I(A) ) current density was apparently decreased. Moreover, Kv4.3 immunoreactivity in medium-sized DRG neurons was significantly reduced in SDV rats compared to sham. These results indicate that SDV causes hyper-excitability of lumbar primary Aδ afferent neurons, which may be induced along with suppressing I(A) currents via the decreased expression of Kv4.3. Thus, peripheral Aδ neuroplasticity may contribute to the chronic lower limb pain caused by SDV. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

High-Voltage Characterization for the Prototype Induction Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huacen, Wang; Kaizhi, Zhang; Long, Wen; Qinggui, Lai; Linwen, Zhang; Jianjun, Deng

2002-12-01

Two linear induction prototype cells expected to work at 250kV, 3kA,with accelerating voltage flattop (±1%) ⩾ 70ns, have been tested to determine their high-voltage characteristics. Each cell is composed of a ferrite core immersed in oil, a gap with curved stainless steel electrodes, a solenoid magnet, and a insulator. The experiments were carried out with full-scale cells. The high voltage pulses were applied to two cells using a 100ns, 12Ω pulse Blumlein. The tests were performed at various high-voltage levels ranging from -250kV to -350kV. No breakdown was observed during the test at vacuum level (7-10) ṡ10-4 Pa. The cell schematic, the experimental set up, and the measured voltage waveforms are presented in this paper.

Impact of Solar Array Designs on High Voltage Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandhorst, Henry W., Jr.; Ferguson, Dale; Piszczor, Mike; ONeill, Mark

2006-01-01

As power levels of advanced spacecraft climb above 25 kW, higher solar array operating voltages become attractive. Even in today s satellites, operating spacecraft buses at 100 V and above has led to arcing in GEO communications satellites, so the issue of spacecraft charging and solar array arcing remains a design problem. In addition, micrometeoroid impacts on all of these arrays can also lead to arcing if the spacecraft is at an elevated potential. For example, tests on space station hardware disclosed arcing at 75V on anodized A1 structures that were struck with hypervelocity particles in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) plasmas. Thus an understanding of these effects is necessary to design reliable high voltage solar arrays of the future, especially in light of the Vision for Space Exploration of NASA. In the future, large GEO communication satellites, lunar bases, solar electric propulsion missions, high power communication systems around Mars can lead to power levels well above 100 kW. As noted above, it will be essential to increase operating voltages of the solar arrays well above 80 V to keep the mass of cabling needed to carry the high currents to an acceptable level. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to discuss various solar array approaches, to discuss the results of testing them at high voltages, in the presence of simulated space plasma and under hypervelocity impact. Three different types of arrays will be considered. One will be a planar array using thin film cells, the second will use planar single or multijunction cells and the last will use the Stretched Lens Array (SLA - 8-fold concentration). Each of these has different approaches for protection from the space environment. The thin film cell based arrays have minimal covering due to their inherent radiation tolerance, conventional GaAs and multijunction cells have the traditional cerium-doped microsheet glasses (of appropriate thickness) that are usually attached with Dow Corning DC 93-500 silicone adhesive. In practice, these cover glasses and adhesive do not cover the cell edges. Finally, in the SLA, the entire cell and cell edges are fully encapsulated by a cover glass that overhangs the cell perimeter and the silicone adhesive covers the cell edges providing a sealed environment. These three types of blanket technology have been tested at GRC and Auburn. The results of these tests will be described. For example, 15 modules composed of four state-of-the-art 2x4 cm GaAs solar cells with 150 pm cover glasses connected in two-cell series strings were tested at high voltage, in plasma under hypervelocity impact. A picture of one of the modules is shown in figure 1. These were prepared by standard industry practice from a major supplier and had efficiencies above 18%. The test results and other fabrication factors that influenced the tests will be presented. In addition, results for SLA segments tested under the same conditions will be presented. Testing of thin film blankets at GRC will also be presented. Figure 1 : Typical GaAs Solar Cell Module These results will show significant differences in resistance to arcing that are directly related to array design and manufacturing procedures. Finally, the approaches for mitigating the problems uncovered by these tests will be described. These will lay the foundation for future higher voltage array operation, even including voltages above 300-600 V for direct drive SEP applications.

Blood lead levels in children living in three communities, at different risks of lead pollution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abbritti, G.; Cicioni, C.; Gambelunghe, M.

1988-12-01

We carried out a survey on blood lead levels in children living in three different communities in Umbria, Italy: Corciano, a small community (12,500 inhabitants), free of lead-using factories and with light traffic; Perugia, a medium-sized city (146,500 inhabitants); Deruta, a small community (7500 inhabitants) whose economy is based mainly on the production of artistic pottery, mostly in small home-operated factories. The study sample was made up of 539 children (275 boys and 264 girls); 156 of them attended nursery school (aged 3-6) and 383 primary school (aged 6-11). The mean blood lead level was significantly higher in Deruta thanmore » in Corciano (9.7 vs 8.3 micrograms/dl); Deruta children whose parents were occupationally exposed to lead had significantly higher blood lead levels than children of lead-unexposed parents (10.7 vs 9.0 micrograms/dl). The mean blood lead level was higher in Perugia than in Corciano children. On the average boys had higher blood lead levels than girls in all of the groups. We conclude that blood lead levels were low in the groups of children studied. Nevertheless children of ceramic workers and children living in a medium-sized city had greater lead absorption than children living in the control area.« less

Addressable multi-nozzle electrohydrodynamic jet printing with high consistency by multi-level voltage method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Yanqiao; Huang, YongAn; Guo, Lei; Ding, Yajiang; Yin, Zhouping

2015-04-01

It is critical and challenging to achieve the individual jetting ability and high consistency in multi-nozzle electrohydrodynamic jet printing (E-jet printing). We proposed multi-level voltage method (MVM) to implement the addressable E-jet printing using multiple parallel nozzles with high consistency. The fabricated multi-nozzle printhead for MVM consists of three parts: PMMA holder, stainless steel capillaries (27G, outer diameter 400 μm) and FR-4 extractor layer. The key of MVM is to control the maximum meniscus electric field on each nozzle. The individual jetting control can be implemented when the rings under the jetting nozzles are 0 kV and the other rings are 0.5 kV. The onset electric field for each nozzle is ˜3.4 kV/mm by numerical simulation. Furthermore, a series of printing experiments are performed to show the advantage of MVM in printing consistency than the "one-voltage method" and "improved E-jet method", by combination with finite element analyses. The good dimension consistency (274μm, 276μm, 280μm) and position consistency of the droplet array on the hydrophobic Si substrate verified the enhancements. It shows that MVM is an effective technique to implement the addressable E-jet printing with multiple parallel nozzles in high consistency.

Determination of pseudogap state density and carrier mobility in rf sputtered amorphous silicon. Quarterly technical progress report, January-March 31, 1980

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Paul, W

1980-06-01

The effect of a variety of plasma cleaning procedures on the level of bulk and interfacial contaminants in the films is analyzed by secondary ion mass spectrometry. Bulk levels of 0 have been reduced considerably by N/sub 2/ plasma cleaning, but no reproducible reductions in interfacial contamination have been achieved. A method is described of determining the gap state density N(epsilon) of a-Si:H from field effect, in which no assumptions are made about the form of the band bending in the semiconductor. The problem is reduced to three successive integrals over an assumed N(epsilon) by change of variable from distancemore » to applied voltage and the best fit to the experimental data is obtained by iteration of the assumed state density. The method is shown to be no less rigorous and considerably more economical than the recent analysis of Goodman, Fritzsche and Ozaki. In addition, an experimental means of determining the flat-band voltage to within 5% of the maximum gate voltage V/sub g/ used is demonstrated, by finding the value of V/sub g/ for which (kT/e)dlog I/sub SD//dV/sub g/ is independent of temperature.« less

The influence of lightning induced voltage on the distribution power line polymer insulators.

PubMed

Izadi, Mahdi; Abd Rahman, Muhammad Syahmi; Ab-Kadir, Mohd Zainal Abidin; Gomes, Chandima; Jasni, Jasronita; Hajikhani, Maryam

2017-01-01

Protection of medium voltage (MV) overhead lines against the indirect effects of lightning is an important issue in Malaysia and other tropical countries. Protection of these lines against the indirect effects of lightning is a major concern and can be improved by several ways. The choice of insulator to be used for instance, between the glass, ceramic or polymer, can help to improve the line performance from the perspective of increasing the breakdown strength. In this paper, the electrical performance of a 10 kV polymer insulator under different conditions for impulse, weather and insulator angle with respect to a cross-arm were studied (both experimental and modelling) and the results were discussed accordingly. Results show that the weather and insulator angle (with respect to the cross-arm) are surprisingly influenced the values of breakdown voltage and leakage current for both negative and positive impulses. Therefore, in order to select a proper protection system for MV lines against lightning induced voltage, consideration of the local information concerning the weather and also the insulator angles with respect to the cross-arm are very useful for line stability and performance.

The influence of lightning induced voltage on the distribution power line polymer insulators

PubMed Central

Ab-Kadir, Mohd Zainal Abidin; Gomes, Chandima; Jasni, Jasronita; Hajikhani, Maryam

2017-01-01

Protection of medium voltage (MV) overhead lines against the indirect effects of lightning is an important issue in Malaysia and other tropical countries. Protection of these lines against the indirect effects of lightning is a major concern and can be improved by several ways. The choice of insulator to be used for instance, between the glass, ceramic or polymer, can help to improve the line performance from the perspective of increasing the breakdown strength. In this paper, the electrical performance of a 10 kV polymer insulator under different conditions for impulse, weather and insulator angle with respect to a cross-arm were studied (both experimental and modelling) and the results were discussed accordingly. Results show that the weather and insulator angle (with respect to the cross-arm) are surprisingly influenced the values of breakdown voltage and leakage current for both negative and positive impulses. Therefore, in order to select a proper protection system for MV lines against lightning induced voltage, consideration of the local information concerning the weather and also the insulator angles with respect to the cross-arm are very useful for line stability and performance. PMID:28234930

Influence of educational attainments on long term glucose control and morbid events in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving integrated care from 15 China urban communities: The Beijing Community Diabetes Study 11.

PubMed

Yang, Guang-Ran; Yuan, Shen-Yuan; Fu, Han-Jing; Wan, Gang; Zhu, Liang-Xiang; Yuan, Ming-Xia; Lv, Yu-Jie; Zhang, Jian-Dong; Du, Xue-Ping; Li, Yu-Ling; Ji, Yu; Zhou, Li; Li, Yue

2015-12-01

To investigate the effects of educational attainment on glucose control and morbid events in patients with type 2 diabetes in Beijing communities. In this prospective multi-center study, 2866 type 2 diabetes patients receiving integrated care from 15 Beijing urban communities were investigated. Educational attainment was categorized into three levels: low, medium, and high. After a 42-month management, glucose control parameters and morbid events were analyzed. At baseline, the percentages of patients with good glucose control (HbA1c ≤ 7.0%) in the low, medium and high educational groups were 49.09%, 54.82% and 62.59%, respectively (P<0.001). After the 42-month management, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c values were the highest in the low educational group (7.51 ± 2.05 mmol/l and 7.20 ± 1.27%, respectively). Percentages of patients with good glucose control in the three groups were 49.6%, 55.83% and 67.23%, respectively, and the incidences of combined morbid events were 4.5%, 2.4% and 1.5%, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that educational level was related to the incidence of combined morbid events (medium level, HR=0.572; high level, HR=0.351; P<0.05). Educational level was associated with long-term glucose control, and seemed to be related to the incidence of combined morbid events in people with type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2015 Primary Care Diabetes Europe. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Electrode Material on the Voltage of a Tree-Based Energy Generator.

PubMed

Hao, Zhibin; Wang, Guozhu; Li, Wenbin; Zhang, Junguo; Kan, Jiangming

2015-01-01

The voltage between a standing tree and its surrounding soil is regarded as an innovative renewable energy source. This source is expected to provide a new power generation system for the low-power electrical equipment used in forestry. However, the voltage is weak, which has caused great difficulty in application. Consequently, the development of a method to increase the voltage is a key issue that must be addressed in this area of applied research. As the front-end component for energy harvesting, a metal electrode has a material effect on the level and stability of the voltage obtained. This study aimed to preliminarily ascertain the rules and mechanisms that underlie the effects of electrode material on voltage. Electrodes of different materials were used to measure the tree-source voltage, and the data were employed in a comparative analysis. The results indicate that the conductivity of the metal electrode significantly affects the contact resistance of the electrode-soil and electrode-trunk contact surfaces, thereby influencing the voltage level. The metal reactivity of the electrode has no significant effect on the voltage. However, passivation of the electrode materials markedly reduces the voltage. Suitable electrode materials are demonstrated and recommended.

Commercialization of Medium Voltage HTS Triax TM Cable Systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Knoll, David

2012-12-31

The original project scope that was established in 2007 aimed to install a 1,700 meter (1.1 mile) medium voltage HTS Triax{TM} cable system into the utility grid in New Orleans, LA. In 2010, however, the utility partner withdrew from the project, so the 1,700 meter cable installation was cancelled and the scope of work was reduced. The work then concentrated on the specific barriers to commercialization of HTS cable technology. The modified scope included long-length HTS cable design and testing, high voltage factory test development, optimized cooling system development, and HTS cable life-cycle analysis. In 2012, Southwire again analyzed themore » market for HTS cables and deemed the near term market acceptance to be low. The scope of work was further reduced to the completion of tasks already started and to testing of the existing HTS cable system in Columbus, OH. The work completed under the project included: • Long-length cable modeling and analysis • HTS wire evaluation and testing • Cable testing for AC losses • Optimized cooling system design • Life cycle testing of the HTS cable in Columbus, OH • Project management. The 200 meter long HTS Triax{TM} cable in Columbus, OH was incorporated into the project under the initial scope changes as a test bed for life cycle testing as well as the site for an optimized HTS cable cooling system. The Columbus cable utilizes the HTS TriaxTM design, so it provided an economical tool for these of the project tasks.« less

Effect of temperature on the shape of spatial quasi-periodic oscillations of the refractive index of alkali atoms in an optically dense medium with a closed excitation contour of Δ type

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barantsev, K A; Litvinov, A N

2014-10-31

A theory of a closed excitation contour (Δ system) of a three-level atom in an optically dense medium is constructed with allowance for temperature. The spatial quasi-periodic oscillations of the refractive index in the system under study are shown to damp with increasing temperature. The range of temperatures at which these oscillations are most pronounced is found. (quantum optics)

Optimization of end-pumped, actively Q-switched quasi-III-level lasers.

PubMed

Jabczynski, Jan K; Gorajek, Lukasz; Kwiatkowski, Jacek; Kaskow, Mateusz; Zendzian, Waldemar

2011-08-15

The new model of end-pumped quasi-III-level laser considering transient pumping processes, ground-state-depletion and up-conversion effects was developed. The model consists of two parts: pumping stage and Q-switched part, which can be separated in a case of active Q-switching regime. For pumping stage the semi-analytical model was developed, enabling the calculations for final occupation of upper laser level for given pump power and duration, spatial profile of pump beam, length and dopant level of gain medium. For quasi-stationary inversion, the optimization procedure of Q-switching regime based on Lagrange multiplier technique was developed. The new approach for optimization of CW regime of quasi-three-level lasers was developed to optimize the Q-switched lasers operating with high repetition rates. Both methods of optimizations enable calculation of optimal absorbance of gain medium and output losses for given pump rate. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Organic transistors making use of room temperature ionic liquids as gating medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoyos, Jonathan Javier Sayago

The ability to couple ionic and electronic transport in organic transistors, based on pi conjugated organic materials for the transistor channel, can be particularly interesting to achieve low voltage transistor operation, i.e. below 1 V. The operation voltage in typical organic transistors based on conventional dielectrics (200 nm thick SiO2) is commonly higher than 10 V. Electrolyte-gated (EG) transistors, i.e. employing an electrolyte as the gating medium, permit current modulations of several orders of magnitude at relatively low gate voltages thanks to the exceptionally high capacitance at the electrolyte/transistor channel interface, in turn due to the low thickness (ca. 3 nm) of the electrical double layers forming at the electrolyte/semiconductor interface. Electrolytes based on room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are promising in EG transistor applications for their high electrochemical stability and good ionic conductivity. The main motivation behind this work is to achieve low voltage operation in organic transistors by making use of RTILs as gating medium. First we demonstrate the importance of the gate electrode material in the EG transistor performance. The use of high surface area carbon gate electrodes limits undesirable electrochemical processes and renders unnecessary the presence of a reference electrode to monitor the channel potential. This was demonstrated using activated carbon as gate electrode, the electronic conducting polymer MEH-PPV, poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] channel material, and the ionic liquid [EMIM][TFSI] (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide), as gating medium. Using high surface area gate electrodes resulted in sub-1 V operation and charge carrier mobilities of (1.0 +/- 0.5) x 10-2 cm2V -1s-1. A challenge in the field of EG transistors is to decrease their response time, a consequence of the slow ion redistribution in the transistor channel upon application of electric biases. We systematically investigated EG transistors employing RTILs belonging to the same family, i.e. based on a common anion and different cations. The transistor characteristics showed a limited cation influence in establishing the p-type doping of the conducting polymer. Interestingly, we observed that the transistor response time depends on at least two processes: the redistribution of ions from the electrolyte into the transistor channel, affecting the gate-source current (I gs); and the redistribution of charges in the transistor channel, affecting the drain-source current (Ids), as a function of time. The two processes have different rates, with the latter being the slowest. Incorporating propylene carbonate in the electrolyte proved to be an effective solution to increase the ionic conductivity, to lower the viscosity and, consequently, to reduce the transistor response time. Finally, we were able to demonstrate a multifunctional device integrating the transistor logic function with that of energy storage in a supercapacitor: the TransCap. The polymer/electrolyte/carbon vertical stacking of the EG transistor features the cell configuration of a hybrid supercapacitor. Supercapacitors are high specific power systems that, for their ability to store/deliver charge within short times may outperform batteries in applications having high power demand. When the TransCap is ON (open transistor channel), the polymer and the carbon gate electrodes store charge (Q) at a given Vgs, hence the stored energy equals Q˙V gs. When the TransCap is switched OFF, the channel and the gate are discharged and the energy can be delivered back to power other electronic components. EG transistors, making use of activated carbon as gate electrode and different RTILs as well as RTIL solvent mixtures as electrolyte gating medium, are interesting towards low voltage printable electronics. The high capacitance at the interface between the electrolyte and the transistor channel enables energy storage within the EG transistor architecture.

Design study of low-energy beam transport for multi-charge beams at RAON

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahng, Jungbae; Qiang, Ji; Kim, Eun-San

2015-12-01

The Rare isotope Accelerator Of Newness (RAON) at the Rare Isotope Science Project (RISP) is being designed to simultaneously accelerate beams with multiple charge states. It includes a driver superconducting (SC) linac for producing 200 MeV/u and 400 kW continuous wave (CW) heavy ion beams from protons to uranium. The RAON consists of a few electron cyclotron resonance ion sources, a low-energy beam transport (LEBT) system, a CW 81.25 MHz, 500 keV/u radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator, a medium-energy beam transport system, the SC linac, and a charge-stripper system. The LEBT system for the RISP accelerator facility consists of a high-voltage platform, two 90° dipoles, a multi-harmonic buncher (MHB), solenoids, electrostatic quadrupoles, a velocity equalizer, and a diagnostic system. The ECR ion sources are located on a high-voltage platform to reach an initial beam energy of 10 keV/u. After extraction, the ion beam is transported through the LEBT system to the RFQ accelerator. The generated charge states are selected by an achromatic bending system and then bunched by the MHB in the LEBT system. The MHB is used to achieve a small longitudinal emittance in the RFQ by generating a sawtooth wave with three harmonics. In this paper, we present the results and issues of the beam dynamics of the LEBT system.

Ascorbic acid treatment elevates follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone plasma levels and enhances sperm quality in albino Wistar rats.

PubMed

Okon, Uduak Akpan; Utuk, Ikponoabasi Ibanga

2016-01-01

Infertility issues have been linked to the effect of oxidative reaction in the reproductive system. This study evaluated the effect of ascorbic acid, on fertility parameters of male albino Wistar rats was studied. Eighteen albino Wistar rats weighed between 178 g and 241 g were used, randomly assigned into three groups. Group 1 was the control group; oral gavaged 5 ml of distilled water; Groups 2 and 3 were administered medium dose (250 mg/kg) and high dose of ascorbic acid (400 mg/kg), respectively; twice daily for 21 days. Blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture, and blood serum was obtained for hormonal assay, and the testes were harvested for sperm analysis. Follicle stimulating hormone levels significantly increased in the high-dose group as compared to both the control and medium dose groups. Luteinizing hormone levels in the medium dose group decreased significantly as compared to the control group. Testosterone significantly increased in both the medium- and high-dose groups as compared to the control group. Sperm motility increased significantly in the high-dose group as compared to both control and medium-dose groups. Percentage sperm concentration decreased significantly in the medium-dose group when compared to the control and increased significantly in the high-dose group as compared to the medium-dose group. For percentage normal morphology, there was a dose-dependent increase in the test groups when compared to control group. These results are indicative of a positive influence of ascorbic acid on male fertility modulators and may therefore, serve as a potential adjuvant treatment for male infertility cases.

Power Quality Improvement Using an Enhanced Network-Side-Shunt-Connected Dynamic Voltage Restorer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fereidouni, Alireza; Masoum, Mohammad A. S.; Moghbel, Moayed

2015-10-01

Among the four basic dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) topologies, the network-side shunt-connected DVR (NSSC-DVR) has a relatively poor performance and is investigated in this paper. A new configuration is proposed and implemented for NSSC-DVR to enhance its performance in compensating (un)symmetrical deep and long voltage sags and mitigate voltage harmonics. The enhanced NSSC-DVR model includes a three-phase half-bridge semi-controlled network-side-shunt-connected rectifier and a three-phase full-bridge series-connected inverter implemented with a back-to-back configuration through a bidirectional buck-boost converter. The network-side-shunt-connected rectifier is employed to inject/draw the required energy by NSSC-DVR to restore the load voltage to its pre-fault value under sag/swell conditions. The buck-boost converter is responsible for maintaining the DC-link voltage of the series-connected inverter at its designated value in order to improve the NSSC-DVR capability in compensating deep and long voltage sags/swells. The full-bridge series-connected inverter permits to compensate unbalance voltage sags containing zero-sequence component. The harmonic compensation of the load voltage is achieved by extracting harmonics from the distorted network voltage using an artificial neural network (ANN) method called adaptive linear neuron (Adaline) strategy. Detailed simulations are performed by SIMULINK/MATLAB software for six case studies to verify the highly robustness of the proposed NSSC-DVR model under various conditions.

The monitoring results of electromagnetic radiation of 110-kV high-voltage lines in one urban location in Chongqing P.R. China.

PubMed

Qin, Qi-Zhong; Chen, Yu; Fu, Ting-Ting; Ding, Li; Han, Ling-Li; Li, Jian-Chao

2012-03-01

To understand electromagnetic radiation field strength and its influencing factors of certain 110-kV high-voltage lines in one urban area of Chongqing by measuring 110-kV high-voltage line's electromagnetic radiation level. According to the methodology as determined by the National Hygienic Standards, we selected certain adjacent residential buildings, high-voltage lines along a specific street and selected different distances around its vertical projection point as monitoring points. The levels of electromagnetic radiations were measured respectively. In this investigation within the frequency of 5-1,000 Hz both the electric field strength and magnetic field strength of each monitoring sites were lower than the public exposure standards as determined by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. However, the electrical field strength on the roof adjacent to the high-voltage lines was significantly higher than that as measured on the other floors in the same buildings (p < 0.05). The electromagnetic radiation measurements of different monitoring points, under the same high-voltage lines, showed the location which is nearer the high-voltage line maintain a consistently higher level of radiation than the more distant locations (p < 0.05). Electromagnetic radiation generated by high-voltage lines decreases proportionally to the distance from the lines. The buildings can to some extent shield (or absorb) the electric fields generated by high-voltage lines nearby. The electromagnetic radiation intensity near high-voltage lines may be mitigated or intensified by the manner in which the high-voltage lines are set up, and it merits attention for the potential impact on human health.

Auxiliary quasi-resonant dc tank electrical power converter

DOEpatents

Peng, Fang Z.

2006-10-24

An auxiliary quasi-resonant dc tank (AQRDCT) power converter with fast current charging, voltage balancing (or charging), and voltage clamping circuits is provided for achieving soft-switched power conversion. The present invention is an improvement of the invention taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,770, herein incorporated by reference. The present invention provides faster current charging to the resonant inductor, thus minimizing delay time of the pulse width modulation (PWM) due to the soft-switching process. The new AQRDCT converter includes three tank capacitors or power supplies to achieve the faster current charging and minimize the soft-switching time delay. The new AQRDCT converter further includes a voltage balancing circuit to charge and discharge the three tank capacitors so that additional isolated power supplies from the utility line are not needed. A voltage clamping circuit is also included for clamping voltage surge due to the reverse recovery of diodes.

High-frequency ac power distribution in Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsai, Fu-Sheng; Lee, Fred C. Y.

1990-01-01

A utility-type 20-kHz ac power distribution system for the Space Station, employing resonant power-conversion techniques, is presented. The system converts raw dc voltage from photovoltaic cells or three-phase LF ac voltage from a solar dynamic generator into a regulated 20-kHz ac voltage for distribution among various loads. The results of EASY5 computer simulations of the local and global performance show that the system has fast response and good transient behavior. The ac bus voltage is effectively regulated using the phase-control scheme, which is demonstrated with both line and load variations. The feasibility of paralleling the driver-module outputs is illustrated with the driver modules synchronized and sharing a common feedback loop. An HF sinusoidal ac voltage is generated in the three-phase ac input case, when the driver modules are phased 120 deg away from one another and their outputs are connected in series.

SU-E-T-623: Polarity Effects for Small Volume Ionization Chambers in Cobalt-60 Beams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, Y; Bhatnagar, J; Huq, M Saiful

2015-06-15

Purpose: To investigate the polarity effects for small volume ionization chambers in {sup 60}Co gamma-ray beams using the Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion. Methods: Measurements were made for 7 small volume ionization chambers (a PTW 31016, an Exradin A14, 2 Capintec PR0-5P, and 3 Exradin A16) using a PTW UNIDOSwebline Universal Dosemeter and an ELEKTA solid water phantom with proper inserts. For each ion chamber, the temperature/pressure corrected electric charge readings were obtained for 16 voltage values (±50V, ±100V, ±200V, ±300V, ±400V, ±500V, ±600V, ±700V). For each voltage, a five-minute leakage charge reading and a series of 2-minute readings were continuouslymore » taken during irradiation until 5 stable signals (less than 0.05% variation) were obtained. The average of the 5 reading was then used for the calculation of the polarity corrections at the voltage and for generating the saturation curves. Results: The polarity effects are more pronounced at high or low voltages than at the medium voltages for all chambers studied. The voltage dependence of the 3 Exradin A16 chambers is similar in shape. The polarity corrections for the Exradin A16 chambers changes rapidly from about 1 at 500V to about 0.98 at 700V. The polarity corrections for the 7 ion chambers at 300V are in the range from 0.9925 (for the PTW31016) to 1.0035 (for an Exradin A16). Conclusion: The polarity corrections for certain micro-chambers are large even at normal operating voltage.« less

Electron transport in Bi2Se3 ultra thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Sebastian; Bernhart, Alexander M.; Bobisch, Christian A.

2018-02-01

We studied the electronic transport properties of a 4 QL thin Bi2Se3 film in the hybridized phase on Si(111) by scanning tunneling potentiometry. When a transverse voltage is applied, the film exhibits a homogeneous electric field on the nm scale. In addition, thermovoltage signals with lateral nm variations are found which result from sample heating by the transverse current. The thermovoltage signals are directly correlated to morphological structures on the surface, i.e. step edges, and indicate a lateral variation of the local density of states at the Bi2Se3 surface. No discernible voltage drops appear at the surface so that the whole film serves as a current carrying medium and scattering at surface defects is less important.

Note: a 3-stage stacked Blumlein using ceramic for energy storage.

PubMed

Wang, Songsong; Shu, Ting; Yang, Hanwu

2013-02-01

We have developed a novel stacked Blumlein with high compactness by using ceramic for energy storage. The total volume of this stacked Blumlein is only 320 × 100 × 185 mm(3). By triggering 3 spark gaps simultaneously, the developed stacked Blumlein is capable of producing a rectangular pulse with a voltage multiplication. A 32 ns quasi-rectangular pulse of 11.4 kV is measured across a 10 Ω dummy load when the 3-stage stacked Blumlein is DC charged up to 4 kV. The voltage multiplication is about 2.9, and the energy efficiency is about 96%. Simulation results indicate that vacuum or transformer oil is appropriate to be the insulation medium for the stacked Blumlein.

Electrowetting-driven spreading and jumping of drops in oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Jiwoo; Lee, Sang Joon

2013-11-01

Electrowetting-based practical applications include digital microfluidics, liquid lenses, and reflective displays. Most of them are performed in water/oil system, because oil medium reduces the contact-angle hysteresis and prevents drop evaporation. In this study, the effects of drop volume, oil viscosity, and applied voltage on the dynamic behaviors of spreading drops, such as transition of spreading pattern and response time, are investigated. Interestingly, jumping phenomena of drops are observed in oil when the applied voltage is turned off after reaching the electrowetted equilibrium radius of drops. A numerical model to predict the transient behavior of jumping drops is formulated based on the phase-field method. The numerical results for the transient deformation of jumping drops show quantitative agreement with the experimental results.

Note: A 3-stage stacked Blumlein using ceramic for energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Songsong; Shu, Ting; Yang, Hanwu

2013-02-01

We have developed a novel stacked Blumlein with high compactness by using ceramic for energy storage. The total volume of this stacked Blumlein is only 320 × 100 × 185 mm3. By triggering 3 spark gaps simultaneously, the developed stacked Blumlein is capable of producing a rectangular pulse with a voltage multiplication. A 32 ns quasi-rectangular pulse of 11.4 kV is measured across a 10 Ω dummy load when the 3-stage stacked Blumlein is DC charged up to 4 kV. The voltage multiplication is about 2.9, and the energy efficiency is about 96%. Simulation results indicate that vacuum or transformer oil is appropriate to be the insulation medium for the stacked Blumlein.

Image interpretation for a multilevel land use classification system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The potential use is discussed of three remote sensors for developing a four level land use classification system. Three types of imagery for photointerpretation are presented: ERTS-1 satellite imagery, high altitude photography, and medium altitude photography. Suggestions are given as to which remote sensors and imagery scales may be most effectively employed to provide data on specific types of land use.

Corona inception voltage in statorettes with various gas-solid dielectric systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bollenbacher, G.; Kempke, E. E., Jr.

1972-01-01

Corona inception voltage was calculated and measured for three statorettes in several gases and gas mixtures at pressures from 50.8 to 1270 torr. In helium the corona inception voltage was lowest, and in air it was highest. In argon and mixtures of helium and xenon the corona inception voltage was between that of air and helium. Correlation between experimental and calculated data was good.

A Generalised Fault Protection Structure Proposed for Uni-grounded Low-Voltage AC Microgrids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bui, Duong Minh; Chen, Shi-Lin; Lien, Keng-Yu; Jiang, Jheng-Lun

2016-04-01

This paper presents three main configurations of uni-grounded low-voltage AC microgrids. Transient situations of a uni-grounded low-voltage (LV) AC microgrid (MG) are simulated through various fault tests and operation transition tests between grid-connected and islanded modes. Based on transient simulation results, available fault protection methods are proposed for main and back-up protection of a uni-grounded AC microgrid. In addition, concept of a generalised fault protection structure of uni-grounded LVAC MGs is mentioned in the paper. As a result, main contributions of the paper are: (i) definition of different uni-grounded LVAC MG configurations; (ii) analysing transient responses of a uni-grounded LVAC microgrid through line-to-line faults, line-to-ground faults, three-phase faults and a microgrid operation transition test, (iii) proposing available fault protection methods for uni-grounded microgrids, such as: non-directional or directional overcurrent protection, under/over voltage protection, differential current protection, voltage-restrained overcurrent protection, and other fault protection principles not based on phase currents and voltages (e.g. total harmonic distortion detection of currents and voltages, using sequence components of current and voltage, 3I0 or 3V0 components), and (iv) developing a generalised fault protection structure with six individual protection zones to be suitable for different uni-grounded AC MG configurations.

Gas discharge visualization evaluation of ultramolecular doses of homeopathic medicines under blinded, controlled conditions.

PubMed

Bell, Iris R; Lewis, Daniel A; Brooks, Audrey J; Lewis, Sabrina E; Schwartz, Gary E

2003-02-01

To determine the feasibility of using a computerized biophysical method, gas discharge visualization (GDV), to differentiate ultramolecular doses of homeopathic remedies from solvent controls and from each other. Blinded, randomized assessment of four split samples each of 30c potencies of three homeopathic remedies from different kingdoms, for example, Natrum muriaticum (mineral), Pulsatilla (plant), and Lachesis (animal), dissolved in a 20% alcohol-water solvent versus two different control solutions (that is, solvent with untreated lactose/sucrose pellets and unsuccussed solvent alone). GDV measurements, involving application of a brief electrical impulse at four different voltage levels, were performed over 10 successive images on each of 10 drops from each bottle (total 400 images per test solution per voltage). The dependent variables were the quantified image characteristics of the liquid drops (form coefficient, area, and brightness) from the resultant burst of electron-ion emission and optical radiation in the visual and ultraviolet ranges. The procedure generated measurable images at the two highest voltage levels. At 17 kV, the remedies exhibited overall lower image parameter values compared with solvents (significant for Pulsatilla and Lachesis), as well as differences from solvents in fluctuations over repeated images (exposures to the same voltage). At 24 kV, other patterns emerged, with individual remedies showing higher or lower image parameters compared with other remedies and the solvent controls. GDV technology may provide an electromagnetic probe into the properties of homeopathic remedies as distinguished from solvent controls. However, the present findings also highlight the need for additional research to evaluate factors that may affect reproducibility of results.

Characterization of Low Noise, Precision Voltage Reference REF5025-HT Under Extreme Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, Richard; Hammoud, Ahmad

2010-01-01

The performance of Texas Instruments precision voltage reference REF5025-HT was assessed under extreme temperatures. This low noise, 2.5 V output chip is suitable for use in high temperature down-hole drilling applications, but no data existed on its performance at cryogenic temperatures. The device was characterized in terms of output voltage and supply current at different input voltage levels as a function of temperature between +210 C and -190 C. Line and load regulation characteristics were also established at six load levels and at different temperatures. Restart capability at extreme temperatures and the effects of thermal cycling, covering the test temperature range, on its operation and stability were also investigated. Under no load condition, the voltage reference chip exhibited good stability in its output over the temperature range of -50 C to +200 C. Outside that temperature range, output voltage did change as temperature was changed. For example, at the extreme temperatures of +210 C and - 190 C, the output level dropped to 2.43 V and 2.32 V, respectively as compared to the nominal value of 2.5 V. At cryogenic test temperatures of -100 C and -150 C the output voltage dropped by about 20%. The quiescent supply current of the voltage reference varied slightly with temperature but remained close to its specified value. In terms of line regulation, the device exhibited excellent stability between -50 C and +150 C over the entire input voltage range and load levels. At the other test temperatures, however, while line regulation became poor at cryogenic temperatures of -100 C and below, it suffered slight degradation at the extreme high temperature but only at the high load level of 10 mA. The voltage reference also exhibited very good load regulation with temperature down to -100 C, but its output dropped sharply at +210 C only at the heavy load of 10 mA. The semiconductor chip was able restart at the extreme temperatures of -190 C and +210 C, and the limited thermal cycling did not influence its characteristics and had no impact on its packaging as no structural or physical damage was observed.

Degradation of Leakage Currents in Solid Tantalum Capacitors Under Steady-State Bias Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teverovsky, Alexander A.

2010-01-01

Degradation of leakage currents in various types of solid tantalum capacitors under steady-state bias conditions was investigated at temperatures from 105 oC to 170 oC and voltages up to two times the rated voltage. Variations of leakage currents with time under highly accelerated life testing (HALT) and annealing, thermally stimulated depolarization currents, and I-V characteristics were measured to understand the conduction mechanism and the reason for current degradation. During HALT the currents increase gradually up to three orders of magnitude in some cases, and then stabilize with time. This degradation is reversible and annealing can restore the initial levels of leakage currents. The results are attributed to migration of positively charged oxygen vacancies in tantalum pentoxide films that diminish the Schottky barrier at the MnO2/Ta2O5 interface and increase electron injection. A simple model allows for estimation of concentration and mobility of oxygen vacancies based on the level of current degradation.

Experimental Verification of a Dynamic Voltage Restorer Capable of Significantly Reducing an Energy-Storage Element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jimichi, Takushi; Fujita, Hideaki; Akagi, Hirofumi

This paper deals with a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) characterized by installing the shunt converter at the load side. The DVR can compensate for the load voltage when a voltage sag appears in the supply voltage. An existing DVR requires a large capacitor bank or other energy-storage elements such as double-layer capacitors or batteries. The DVR presented in this paper requires only a small dc capacitor intended for smoothing the dc-link voltage. Moreover, three control methods for the series converter are compared and discussed to reduce the series-converter rating, paying attention to the zero-sequence voltages included in the supply voltage and the compensating voltage. Experimental results obtained from a 200-V, 5-kW laboratory system are shown to verify the viability of the system configuration and the control methods.

Low-tube-voltage selection for non-contrast-enhanced CT: Comparison of the radiation dose in pediatric and adult phantoms.

PubMed

Shimonobo, Toshiaki; Funama, Yoshinori; Utsunomiya, Daisuke; Nakaura, Takeshi; Oda, Seitaro; Kiguchi, Masao; Masuda, Takanori; Sakabe, Daisuke; Yamashita, Yasuyuki; Awai, Kazuo

2016-01-01

We used pediatric and adult anthropomorphic phantoms to compare the radiation dose of low- and standard tube voltage chest and abdominal non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans. We also discuss the optimal low tube voltage for non-contrast-enhanced CT. Using a female adult- and three differently-sized pediatric anthropomorphic phantoms we acquired chest and abdominal non-contrast-enhanced scans on a 320-multidetector CT volume scanner. The tube voltage was set at 80-, 100-, and 120 kVp. The tube current was automatically assigned on the CT scanner in response to the set image noise level. On each phantom and at each tube voltage we measured the surface and center dose using high-sensitivity metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor detectors. The mean surface dose of chest and abdominal CT scans in 5-year olds was 4.4 and 5.3 mGy at 80 kVp, 4.5 and 5.4 mGy at 100 kV, and 4.0 and 5.0 mGy at 120 kVp, respectively. These values were similar in our 3-pediatric phantoms (p > 0.05). The mean surface dose in the adult phantom increased from 14.7 to 19.4 mGy for chest- and from 18.7 to 24.8 mGy for abdominal CT as the tube voltage decreased from 120 to 80 kVp (p < 0.01). Compared to adults, the surface and center dose for pediatric patients is almost the same despite a decrease in the tube voltage and the low tube voltage technique can be used for non-contrast-enhanced chest- and abdominal scanning. Copyright © 2015 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SVPWM Technique with Varying DC-Link Voltage for Common Mode Voltage Reduction in a Matrix Converter and Analytical Estimation of its Output Voltage Distortion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padhee, Varsha

Common Mode Voltage (CMV) in any power converter has been the major contributor to premature motor failures, bearing deterioration, shaft voltage build up and electromagnetic interference. Intelligent control methods like Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) techniques provide immense potential and flexibility to reduce CMV, thereby targeting all the afore mentioned problems. Other solutions like passive filters, shielded cables and EMI filters add to the volume and cost metrics of the entire system. Smart SVPWM techniques therefore, come with a very important advantage of being an economical solution. This thesis discusses a modified space vector technique applied to an Indirect Matrix Converter (IMC) which results in the reduction of common mode voltages and other advanced features. The conventional indirect space vector pulse-width modulation (SVPWM) method of controlling matrix converters involves the usage of two adjacent active vectors and one zero vector for both rectifying and inverting stages of the converter. By suitable selection of space vectors, the rectifying stage of the matrix converter can generate different levels of virtual DC-link voltage. This capability can be exploited for operation of the converter in different ranges of modulation indices for varying machine speeds. This results in lower common mode voltage and improves the harmonic spectrum of the output voltage, without increasing the number of switching transitions as compared to conventional modulation. To summarize it can be said that the responsibility of formulating output voltages with a particular magnitude and frequency has been transferred solely to the rectifying stage of the IMC. Estimation of degree of distortion in the three phase output voltage is another facet discussed in this thesis. An understanding of the SVPWM technique and the switching sequence of the space vectors in detail gives the potential to estimate the RMS value of the switched output voltage of any converter. This conceivably aids the sizing and design of output passive filters. An analytical estimation method has been presented to achieve this purpose for am IMC. Knowledge of the fundamental component in output voltage can be utilized to calculate its Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). The effectiveness of the proposed SVPWM algorithms and the analytical estimation technique is substantiated by simulations in MATLAB / Simulink and experiments on a laboratory prototype of the IMC. Proper comparison plots have been provided to contrast the performance of the proposed methods with the conventional SVPWM method. The behavior of output voltage distortion and CMV with variation in operating parameters like modulation index and output frequency has also been analyzed.

78 FR 23335 - Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Distribution Transformers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-18

... Basic Impulse Level 4. Dual/Multiple-Voltage Primary Windings 5. Dual/Multiple-Voltage Secondary Windings 6. Loading B. Technological Feasibility 1. General 2. Maximum Technologically Feasible Levels C...

Modeling, Development and Control of Multilevel Converters for Power System Application =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vahedi, Hani

The main goal of this project is to develop a multilevel converter topology to be useful in power system applications. Although many topologies are introduced rapidly using a bunch of switches and isolated dc sources, having a single-dc-source multilevel inverter is still a matter of controversy. In fact, each isolated dc source means a bulky transformer and a rectifier that have their own losses and costs forcing the industries to avoid entering in this topic conveniently. On the other hand, multilevel inverters topologies with single-dc-source require associated controllers to regulate the dc capacitors voltages in order to have multilevel voltage waveform at the output. Thus, a complex controller would not interest investors properly. Consequently, developing a single-dc-source multilevel inverter topology along with a light and reliable voltage control is still a challenging topic to replace the 2-level inverters in the market effectively. The first effort in this project was devoted to the PUC7 inverter to design a simple and yet efficient controller. A new modelling is performed on the PUC7 inverter and it has been simplified to first order system. Afterwards, a nonlinear cascaded controller is designed and applied to regulate the capacitor voltage at 1/3 of the DC source amplitude and to generate 7 identical voltage levels at the output supplying different type of loads such as RL or rectifier harmonic ones. In next work, the PUC5 topology is proposed as a remedy to the PUC7 that requires a complicated controller to operate properly. The capacitor voltage is regulated at half of dc source amplitude to generate 5 voltage levels at the output. Although the 7-level voltage waveform is replaced by a 5-level one in PUC5 topology, it is shown that the PUC5 needs a very simple and reliable voltage balancing technique due to having some redundant switching states. Moreover, a sensor-less voltage balancing technique is designed and implemented on the PUC5 inverter successfully to work in both stand-alone and gridconnected mode of operation. Eventually, a modified configuration of the PUC5 topology is presented to work as a buck PFC rectifier. The internal performance of the rectifier is like a buck converter to generate stepped down DC voltages at the two output terminals while the grid sees a boost converter externally. As well, a decoupled voltage/current controller is designed and applied to balance the output voltages identically and synchronize the input current with grid voltage to have a PFC operation acceptably. A power balance analysis is done to show the load variation range limit. All the theoretical and simulation studies are validated by experimental results completely.

Stress management on underlying GaN-based epitaxial films: A new vision for achieving high-performance LEDs on Si substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Zhiting; Wang, Haiyan; Lin, Yunhao; Wang, Wenliang; Li, Guoqiang

2017-11-01

High-performance blue GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on Si substrates have been achieved by applying a suitable tensile stress in the underlying n-GaN. It is demonstrated by simulation that tensile stress in the underlying n-GaN alleviates the negative effect from polarization electric fields on multiple quantum wells but an excessively large tensile stress severely bends the band profile of the electron blocking layer, resulting in carrier loss and large electric resistance. A medium level of tensile stress, which ranges from 4 to 5 GPa, can maximally improve the luminous intensity and decrease forward voltage of LEDs on Si substrates. The LED with the optimal tensile stress shows the largest simulated luminous intensity and the smallest simulated voltage at 35 A/cm2. Compared to the LEDs with a compressive stress of -3 GPa and a large tensile stress of 8 GPa, the improvement of luminous intensity can reach 102% and 28.34%, respectively. Subsequent experimental results provide evidence of the superiority of applying tensile stress in n-GaN. The experimental light output power of the LEDs with a tensile stress of 1.03 GPa is 528 mW, achieving a significant improvement of 19.4% at 35 A/cm2 in comparison to the reference LED with a compressive stress of -0.63 GPa. The forward voltage of this LED is 3.08 V, which is smaller than 3.11 V for the reference LED. This methodology of stress management on underlying GaN-based epitaxial films shows a bright feature for achieving high-performance LED devices on Si substrates.

Development of a flat membrane based device for electromembrane extraction: a new approach for exhaustive extraction of basic drugs from human plasma.

PubMed

Huang, Chuixiu; Eibak, Lars Erik Eng; Gjelstad, Astrid; Shen, Xiantao; Trones, Roger; Jensen, Henrik; Pedersen-Bjergaard, Stig

2014-01-24

In this work, a single-well electromembrane extraction (EME) device was developed based on a thin (100μm) and flat porous membrane of polypropylene supporting a liquid membrane. The new EME device was operated with a relatively large acceptor solution volume to promote a high recovery. Using this EME device, exhaustive extraction of the basic drugs quetiapine, citalopram, amitriptyline, methadone and sertraline was investigated from both acidified water samples and human plasma. The volume of acceptor solution, extraction time, and extraction voltage were found to be important factors for obtaining exhaustive extraction. 2-Nitrophenyl octyl ether was selected as the optimal organic solvent for the supported liquid membrane. From spiked acidified water samples (600μl), EME was carried out with 600μl of 20mM HCOOH as acceptor solution for 15min and with an extraction voltage of 250V. Under these conditions, extraction recoveries were in the range 89-112%. From human plasma samples (600μl), EME was carried out with 600μl of 20mM HCOOH as acceptor solution for 30min and with an extraction voltage of 300V. Under these conditions, extraction recoveries were in the range of 83-105%. When combined with LC-MS, the new EME device provided linearity in the range 10-1000ng/ml for all analytes (R(2)>0.990). The repeatability at low (10ng/ml), medium (100ng/ml), and high (1000ng/ml) concentration level for all five analytes were less than 10% (RSD). The limits of quantification (S/N=10) were found to be in the range 0.7-6.4ng/ml. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Architecture, Voltage, and Components for a Turboelectric Distributed Propulsion Electric Grid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Armstrong, Michael J.; Blackwelder, Mark; Bollman, Andrew; Ross, Christine; Campbell, Angela; Jones, Catherine; Norman, Patrick

2015-01-01

The development of a wholly superconducting turboelectric distributed propulsion system presents unique opportunities for the aerospace industry. However, this transition from normally conducting systems to superconducting systems significantly increases the equipment complexity necessary to manage the electrical power systems. Due to the low technology readiness level (TRL) nature of all components and systems, current Turboelectric Distributed Propulsion (TeDP) technology developments are driven by an ambiguous set of system-level electrical integration standards for an airborne microgrid system (Figure 1). While multiple decades' worth of advancements are still required for concept realization, current system-level studies are necessary to focus the technology development, target specific technological shortcomings, and enable accurate prediction of concept feasibility and viability. An understanding of the performance sensitivity to operating voltages and an early definition of advantageous voltage regulation standards for unconventional airborne microgrids will allow for more accurate targeting of technology development. Propulsive power-rated microgrid systems necessitate the introduction of new aircraft distribution system voltage standards. All protection, distribution, control, power conversion, generation, and cryocooling equipment are affected by voltage regulation standards. Information on the desired operating voltage and voltage regulation is required to determine nominal and maximum currents for sizing distribution and fault isolation equipment, developing machine topologies and machine controls, and the physical attributes of all component shielding and insulation. Voltage impacts many components and system performance.

Growth and survival of cowpea rhizobia in acid, aluminum-rich soils

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hartel, P.G.; Alexander, M.

1983-01-01

A study was undertaken to determine whether Al-sensitive cowpea Rhizobium survives in acid, Al-rich soils. The lower pH limit for growth of 20 strains in a defined liquid medium varied from pH 4.2 to less than pH 3.6. The mean lower limit for growth was pH 3.9. Several of the strains clumped in this medium at pH 4.5. Of 11 strains that were tested for tolerance to high levels of Al in a defined liquid medium at pH 4.5, nine tolerated 75 ..mu..M Al, and the other two were sensitive to levels above 15 ..mu..M. Three strains, one Al-tolerant, onemore » Al-sensitive, and one Al-tolerant or Al-sensitive depending on the presence of vitamins in the medium, were selected for studies in Al-rich sterile and nonsterile soils. These rhizobia did not survive in soils of less than pH 4.7 sterilized by /sup 60/Co irradiation. When inoculated into sterile soil at pH 4.7, the consistently sensitive strain initially failed to proliferate and then grew slowly, but populations of the other two rhizobia increased rapidly. No consistent relationship was found between the Al tolerance of these three rhizobia and their growth and survival in four acid, Al-rich soils. The data suggest that Al is of minor importance to growth and survival of cowpea Rhizobium strains in acid soils. 16 references, 4 figures, 1 table.« less

Voltage Impacts of Utility-Scale Distributed Wind

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Allen, A.

2014-09-01

Although most utility-scale wind turbines in the United States are added at the transmission level in large wind power plants, distributed wind power offers an alternative that could increase the overall wind power penetration without the need for additional transmission. This report examines the distribution feeder-level voltage issues that can arise when adding utility-scale wind turbines to the distribution system. Four of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory taxonomy feeders were examined in detail to study the voltage issues associated with adding wind turbines at different distances from the sub-station. General rules relating feeder resistance up to the point of turbinemore » interconnection to the expected maximum voltage change levels were developed. Additional analysis examined line and transformer overvoltage conditions.« less

Assuring Software Reliability

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

technologies and processes to achieve a required level of confidence that software systems and services function in the intended manner. 1.3 Security Example...that took three high-voltage lines out of service and a software fail- ure (a race condition3) that disabled the computing service that notified the... service had failed. Instead of analyzing the details of the alarm server failure, the reviewers asked why the following software assurance claim had

Lightweight concentrator module with 30 percent AM0 efficient GaAs/GaSb tandem cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avery, J. E.; Fraas, L. M.; Sundaram, V. S.; Mansoori, N.; Yerkes, J. W.; Brinker, D. J.; Curtis, H. B.; O'Neill, M. J.

1990-01-01

A concept is presented for an aerospace concentrator module with lightweight domed lenses and 30 percent AM0 efficient GaAs/GaSb tandem solar cell circuits. The performance of transparent GaAs cells is reviewed. NASA's high-altitude jet flight calibration data for recent GaSb cells assembled with bulk GaAs filters are reported, along with subsequent Boeing and NASA measurements of GaSb I-V performance at various light levels and temperatures. The expected performance of a basic two-terminal tandem concentrator circuit with three-to-one voltage matching is discussed. All of the necessary components being developed to assemble complete flight test coupons are shown. Straightforward interconnect and assembly techniques yield voltage matched circuits with near-optimum performance over a wide temperature range.

APPARATUS FOR REGULATING HIGH VOLTAGE

DOEpatents

Morrison, K.G.

1951-03-20

This patent describes a high-voltage regulator of the r-f type wherein the modulation of the r-f voltage is accomplished at a high level, resulting in good stabilization over a large range of load conditions.

Overvoltage effect on electrical discharge type in medium-conductivity water in inhomogeneous pulsed electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panov, V. A.; Vasilyak, L. M.; Pecherkin, V. Ya; Vetchinin, S. P.; Son, E. E.

2018-01-01

The transition between thermal and streamer discharges has been observed experimentally in water solution with conductivity 100 μS/cm applying positive voltage pulses to pin-to-rod electrodes. The transition happens at five-fold pulse amplitude. Considering streamer propagation as an ionization wave helped to establish relation between the parameters governing transition from one to another discharge mechanism.

Surface breakdown igniter for mercury arc devices

DOEpatents

Bayless, John R.

1977-01-01

Surface breakdown igniter comprises a semiconductor of medium resistivity which has the arc device cathode as one electrode and has an igniter anode electrode so that when voltage is applied between the electrodes a spark is generated when electrical breakdown occurs over the surface of the semiconductor. The geometry of the igniter anode and cathode electrodes causes the igniter discharge to be forced away from the semiconductor surface.

30 CFR Appendix A to Subpart J of... - Appendix A to Subpart J of Part 75

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Appendix A to Subpart J of Part 75 A Appendix A to Subpart J of Part 75 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits Pt. 75, Subpt. J, App. A Appendix A to Subpart J of Part 75...

46 CFR 111.60-1 - Construction and testing of cable.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... identification of either IEEE 1580, UL 1309, IEC 92-353, or NPFC MIL-C-24640A or NPFC MIL-C-24643A (all five... 110.10-1). (c) Medium-voltage electric cable must meet the requirements of IEEE 1580 and UL 1072... 1309, IEEE 1580, or section 8 of IEEE 45-2002 (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 110.10-1). (e...

Enhancing Centrifugal Separation With Electrophoresis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herrmann, F. T.

1986-01-01

Separation of biological cells by coil-planet centrifuge enhanced by electrophoresis. By itself, coil-planet centrifuge offers relatively gentle method of separating cells under low centrifugal force in physiological medium that keeps cells alive. With addition of voltage gradient to separation column of centrifuge, separation still gentle but faster and more complete. Since separation apparatus contains no rotary seal, probability of leakage, contamination, corrosion, and short circuits reduced.

Numerical investigation of the effect of driving voltage pulse shapes on the characteristics of low-pressure argon dielectric barrier discharge

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eslami, E., E-mail: eeslami@iust.ac.ir; Barjasteh, A.; Morshedian, N.

2015-06-15

In this work, we numerically compare the effect of a sinusoidal, triangular, and rectangular pulsed voltage profile on the calculated particle production, electric current, and gas voltage in a dielectric barrier discharge. The total argon gas pressure of 400 Pa, the distance between dielectrics of 5 mm, the dielectric thickness of 0.7 mm, and the temperature of T = 300 K were considered as input parameters. The different driving voltage pulse shapes (triangular, rectangular, and sinusoidal) are considered as applied voltage with a frequency of 7 kHz and an amplitude of 700 V peak to peak. It is shown thatmore » applying a rectangular voltage, as compared with a sinusoidal or triangle voltage, increases the current peak, while the peak width is decreased. Higher current density is related to high production of charged particles, which leads to the generation of some highly active species, such as Ar* (4s level), and Ar** (4p level) in the gap.« less

A quick response four decade logarithmic high-voltage stepping supply

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doong, H.

1978-01-01

An improved high-voltage stepping supply, for space instrumentation is described where low power consumption and fast settling time between steps are required. The high-voltage stepping supply, utilizing an average power of 750 milliwatts, delivers a pair of mirror images with 64 level logarithmic outputs. It covers a four decade range of + or - 2500 to + or - 0.29 volts having an output stability of + or - 0.5 percent or + or - 20 millivolts for all line load and temperature variations. The supply provides a typical step setting time of 1 millisecond with 100 microseconds for the lower two decades. The versatile design features of the high-voltage stepping supply provides a quick response staircase generator as described or a fixed voltage with the option to change levels as required over large dynamic ranges without circuit modifications. The concept can be implemented up to + or - 5000 volts. With these design features, the high-voltage stepping supply should find numerous applications where charged particle detection, electro-optical systems, and high voltage scientific instruments are used.

High-voltage measurements on the 5 ppm relative uncertainty level with collinear laser spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krämer, J.; König, K.; Geppert, Ch; Imgram, P.; Maaß, B.; Meisner, J.; Otten, E. W.; Passon, S.; Ratajczyk, T.; Ullmann, J.; Nörtershäuser, W.

2018-04-01

We present the results of high-voltage collinear laser spectroscopy measurements on the 5 ppm relative uncertainty level using a pump and probe scheme at the 4s ^2S1/2 → 4p ^2P3/2 transition of {\\hspace{0pt}}40Ca+ involving the 3d ^2D5/2 metastable state. With two-stage laser interaction and a reference measurement we can eliminate systematic effects such as differences in the contact potentials due to different electrode materials and thermoelectric voltages, and the unknown starting potential of the ions in the ion source. Voltage measurements were performed between  -5 kV and  -19 kV and parallel measurements with stable high-voltage dividers calibrated to 5 ppm relative uncertainty were used as a reference. Our measurements are compatible with the uncertainty limits of the high-voltage dividers and demonstrate an unprecedented (factor of 20) increase in the precision of direct laser-based high-voltage measurements.

Cross-flow electrofilter and method

DOEpatents

Gidaspow, Dimitri; Lee, Chang H.; Wasan, Darsh T.

1980-01-01

A filter for clarifying carbonaceous liquids containing finely divided solid particles of, for instance, unreacted coal, ash and other solids discharged from a coal liquefaction process is presented. The filter includes two passageways separated by a porous filter medium. In one preferred embodiment the filter medium is of tubular shape to form the first passageway and is enclosed within an outer housing to form the second passageway within the annulus. An electrode disposed in the first passageway, for instance along the tube axis, is connected to a source of high voltage for establishing an electric field between the electrode and the filter medium. Slurry feed flows through the first passageway tangentially to the surfaces of the filter medium and the electrode. Particles from the feed slurry are attracted to the electrode within the first passageway to prevent plugging of the porous filter medium while carbonaceous liquid filters into the second passageway for withdrawal. Concentrated slurry is discharged from the first passageway at an end opposite to the feed slurry inlet. Means are also provided for the addition of diluent and a surfactant into the slurry to control relative permittivity and the electrophoretic mobility of the particles.

Cross flow electrofilter and method

DOEpatents

Gidaspow, Dimitri; Lee, Chang H.; Wasan, Darsh T.

1981-01-01

A filter for clarifying carbonaceous liquids containing finely divided solid particles of, for instance, unreacted coal, ash and other solids discharged from a coal liquefaction process is presented. The filter includes two passageways separated by a porous filter medium. In one preferred embodiment the filter medium is of tubular shape to form the first passageway and is enclosed within an outer housing to form the second passageway within the annulus. An electrode disposed in the first passageway, for instance along the tube axis, is connected to a source of high voltage for establishing an electric field between the electrode and the filter medium. Slurry feed flows through the first passageway tangentially to the surfaces of the filter medium and the electrode. Particles from the feed slurry are attracted to the electrode within the first passageway to prevent plugging of the porous filter medium while carbonaceous liquid filters into the second passageway for withdrawal. Concentrated slurry is discharged from the first passageway at an end opposite to the feed slurry inlet. Means are also provided for the addition of diluent and a surfactant into the slurry to control relative permittivity and the electrophoretic mobility of the particles.

Unexpected Voltage Fade in LMR-NMC Oxides Cycled below the "Activation" Plateau

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Y.; Bareno, J.; Bettge, M.

A common feature of lithium-excess layered oxides, nominally of composition xLi(2)MnO(3)center dot(1-x)LiMO2 (M = transition metal) is a high-voltage plateau (similar to 4.5 V vs. Li/Li+) in their capacity-voltage profile during the first delithiation cycle. This plateau is believed to result from activation of the Li2MnO3 component, which makes additional lithium available for electrochemical cycling. However, oxides cycled beyond this activation plateau are known to display voltage fade which is a continuous reduction in their equilibrium potential. In this article we show that these oxides display gradual voltage fade even on electrochemical cycling in voltage ranges well below the activationmore » plateau. The average fade is similar to 0.08 mV-cycle(-1) for Li(1.2)Ni(0.1)5Mn(0.5)5Co(0.1)O(2) vs. Li cells after 20 cycles in the 2-4.1 V range at 55 degrees C; a similar to 54 mV voltage hysteresis, expressed as the difference in average cell voltage between charge and discharge cycles, is also observed. The voltage fade results from a gradual accumulation of local spinel environments in the crystal structure. Some of these spinel sites result from lithium deficiencies during oxide synthesis and are likely to be at the particle surfaces; other sites result from the migration of transition metal atoms in the partially-delithiated LiMO2 component into the lithium planes during electrochemical cycling. The observed rate of voltage fade depends on a combination of factors that includes the phase equilibrium between the layered and spinel components and the kinetics of transition metal migration. (C) The Author(s) 2014. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse of the work in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. All rights reserved.« less

Voltage-Dependent Gating: Novel Insights from KCNQ1 Channels

PubMed Central

Cui, Jianmin

2016-01-01

Gating of voltage-dependent cation channels involves three general molecular processes: voltage sensor activation, sensor-pore coupling, and pore opening. KCNQ1 is a voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel whose distinctive properties have provided novel insights on fundamental principles of voltage-dependent gating. 1) Similar to other Kv channels, KCNQ1 voltage sensor activation undergoes two resolvable steps; but, unique to KCNQ1, the pore opens at both the intermediate and activated state of voltage sensor activation. The voltage sensor-pore coupling differs in the intermediate-open and the activated-open states, resulting in changes of open pore properties during voltage sensor activation. 2) The voltage sensor-pore coupling and pore opening require the membrane lipid PIP2 and intracellular ATP, respectively, as cofactors, thus voltage-dependent gating is dependent on multiple stimuli, including the binding of intracellular signaling molecules. These mechanisms underlie the extraordinary KCNE1 subunit modification of the KCNQ1 channel and have significant physiological implications. PMID:26745405

Fuel cells, batteries and super-capacitors stand-alone power systems management using optimal/flatness based-control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Benaouadj, M.; Aboubou, A.; Bahri, M.

2016-07-25

In this work, an optimal control (under constraints) based on the Pontryagin’s maximum principle is used to optimally manage energy flows in a basic PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells system associated to lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors through a common DC bus having a voltage to stabilize using the differential flatness approach. The adaptation of voltage levels between different sources and load is ensured by use of three DC-DC converters, one boost connected to the PEM fuel cells, while the two others are buck/boost and connected to the lithiumion batteries and supercapacitors. The aim of this paper is to developmore » an energy management strategy that is able to satisfy the following objectives: Impose the power requested by a habitat (representing the load) according to a proposed daily consumption profile, Keep fuel cells working at optimal power delivery conditions, Maintain constant voltage across the common DC bus, Stabilize the batteries voltage and stored quantity of charge at desired values given by the optimal control. Results obtained under MATLAB/Simulink environment prove that the cited objectives are satisfied, validating then, effectiveness and complementarity between the optimal and flatness concepts proposed for energy management. Note that this study is currently in experimentally validation within MSE Laboratory.« less

Network topology and resilience analysis of South Korean power grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong Hwan; Eisenberg, Daniel A.; Chun, Yeong Han; Park, Jeryang

2017-01-01

In this work, we present topological and resilience analyses of the South Korean power grid (KPG) with a broad voltage level. While topological analysis of KPG only with high-voltage infrastructure shows an exponential degree distribution, providing another empirical evidence of power grid topology, the inclusion of low voltage components generates a distribution with a larger variance and a smaller average degree. This result suggests that the topology of a power grid may converge to a highly skewed degree distribution if more low-voltage data is considered. Moreover, when compared to ER random and BA scale-free networks, the KPG has a lower efficiency and a higher clustering coefficient, implying that highly clustered structure does not necessarily guarantee a functional efficiency of a network. Error and attack tolerance analysis, evaluated with efficiency, indicate that the KPG is more vulnerable to random or degree-based attacks than betweenness-based intentional attack. Cascading failure analysis with recovery mechanism demonstrates that resilience of the network depends on both tolerance capacity and recovery initiation time. Also, when the two factors are fixed, the KPG is most vulnerable among the three networks. Based on our analysis, we propose that the topology of power grids should be designed so the loads are homogeneously distributed, or functional hubs and their neighbors have high tolerance capacity to enhance resilience.

Voltage Stress on Y Capacitors from Indirect Lightning Pulses According to ED-14/DO-160

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meier, F.

2012-05-01

Transients due to lightning strikes on an aircraft's fuselage impose stress on the input filters of elec- tronic equipment. Permanent damage can occur when exceeding the voltage handling capacity of filter components causing a short circuit to ground. In ED-14/DO-160, section 22, a number of waveforms and levels are defined which are used to check the airworthiness of avionics equipment. Depending on pro- cedure and level, Y-capacitors are stressed by transient voltages which exceed their dielectric strength. The design engineer's task is a properly select the type and voltage rating of capacitors. With moderate simplifications, a LCR-series network is justified to calculate the peak voltage dependent on the capacitance.