Photovoltaic (PV) systems have non-linear characteristics that generate maximum power at one particular operating point. Environmental factors such as irradiance and temperature variations greatly affect the maximum power point (MPP). Diverse offline and online techniques have been introduced for tracking the MPP. Here, to track the MPP, an augmented-state feedback linearized (AFL) non-linear controller combined with an artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed. This approach linearizes the non-linear characteristics in PV systems and DC/DC converters, for tracking and optimizing the PV system operation. It also reduces the dependency of the designed controller on linearized models, to provide global stability. A complete model of the PV system is simulated. The existing maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) and DC/DC boost-converter controller techniques are compared with the proposed ANN method. Two case studies, which simulate realistic circumstances, are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method. The AFL with ANN controller can provide good dynamic operation, faster convergence speed, and fewer operating-point oscillations around the MPP. It also tracks the global maxima under different conditions, especially irradiance-mutating situations, more effectively than the conventional methods. Detailed mathematical models and a control approach for a three-phase grid-connected intelligent hybrid system are proposed using MATLAB/Simulink.

Abstract:In this paper, we present our research into the interruption performance of vacuum circuit breakers in aviation intermediate-frequency (360 Hz to 800 Hz) power supply systems. Intermediate-frequency vacuum arc experiments were carried out in interrupters with a diameter of 41 mm and CuCr50 alloy contact material. The results show that, as the frequency and peak value of the current increase, both the peak value and rise rate of the intermediate-frequency vacuum arc voltage also increase, and the interruption ability decreases. However, compared to the power frequency current at the same value, the erosion of the contacts is weaker over a shorter arc period. When the vacuum arc reignites, metal droplets are emitted from the contacts. The drive force is from the center of the contact to the edge. If the density of the plasmas and metal vapors and the number of the metal droplets reaches a certain level, the arc may break down, which will cause the interruption to fail.

This paper analyses the transient characteristics and breaking performance of direct-current (DC) forced-interruption vacuum interrupters in 270 V power-supply systems. Three stages are identified in forced interruption: the DC-arcing stage, current-commutation stage, and voltage-recovery stage. During the current-commutation stage, the reverse peak-current coefficient k, which is a key design factor, is used to calculate the rate of current at zero-crossing (di/dt). MATLAB/Simulink simulation models are established to obtain the transient characteristics influenced by the forced-commutation branch parameters and the coefficient k. To study the breaking performance of spiral-type contacts, experiments are conducted for different contact materials and arcing times for currents less than 3.5 kA. During the DC-arcing stage, a locally intensive burning arc is observed in the CuW80 contact; however, it is not observed in the CuCr50 contact. On examining the re-ignition interruption results of the CuW80 contact, the intensive burning arc is found to be positioned within a possible re-ignition region. When the arcing time is longer than 1 ms, the intensive burning arc occurs and affects the breaking performance of the spiral-type contacts. If the DC-arcing stage is prolonged, the total arcing energy increases, which leads to a lower breaking capacity.

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