Damping Control Research Articles

Hybrid self-centering braces with NiTi-SMA U-shaped and frequency-dependent viscoelastic dampers for structural and nonstructural damage control

This study proposes a novel hybrid self-centering brace (HSB) with structural and nonstructural damage-control capabilities for the seismic resilience of building structures. NiTi-based shape memory alloy (SMA) U-shaped dampers and frequency-dependent viscoelastic dampers are included in HSBs to provide self-centering capacity for avoiding structural damage and velocity-proportional damping for nonstructural damage control, respectively. This study includes two major parts, i.e. component-level mechanical behaviour and system-level dynamic response evaluation of HSBs. The working principle and desired nonlinear behaviour of the HSB were first presented. Then, the preliminary design procedures were developed. After validating the efficiency of the modelling of SMA U-shaped and viscoelastic dampers using prior test results, comprehensive 3D finite element model simulations were performed to study the hysteretic responses of HSBs under cyclic loadings, where the influences of loading frequency, loading amplitude and viscoelastic damper’s contribution were considered. Analysis results demonstrated that the designed HSB can attain the desired deformation mechanism and nonlinear hysteretic behaviour during dynamic cyclic loadings. Higher loading frequency and amplitude and more contributions of the viscoelastic damper can introduce higher loading and energy-dissipation capacity. Subsequent dynamic analyses of the single-degree-of-freedom systems were conducted to assess the dynamic performance and advantages of HSBs. Results showed that compared with traditional self-centering systems without velocity-proportional damping, the systems with HSBs can achieve zero residual deformations, lower base shear demands and smaller absolute acceleration responses, confirming the promising potential of HSBs in developing seismic resilient building structures by reducing structural and nonstructural damage.

An invertible hysteresis model for magnetorheological damper with improved adaption capability in frequency and amplitude

It is found during the tests that the damping characteristics of the magnetorheological (MR) damper vary with the excitation amplitude and frequency. However, the existing MR damper models are not able to accommodate the change of excitation amplitude and frequency, which will lead to significant modeling errors. To deal with this problem, this paper analyzes the experimental data and obtains the regularity of the damping characteristics varying with the excitation. Subsequently, an excitation-adaptive MR damper model is constructed based on the hyperbolic tangent function. The proposed model is not only able to adapt to the change of excitation amplitude and frequency but also able to inverse, which is essential for MR damper controller construction. The fitting results show that compared with the existing models, the three normalized errors of the proposed model are improved from 22.61%, 13.96%, and 19.42%–6.30%, 3.81%, and 6.97%, respectively, indicating that the model excitation adaptivity is significantly improved. Furthermore, this study also proposed a damper controller based on the new model, and the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the controller. The proposed model brings the acceleration signal into the model to improve the model adaptivity, which introduces a novel approach to enhance the adaptivity of MR damper models.

Experimental study on the double-skyhook controls of semi-active suspension with variable inertance and damping

As a conventional control approach, the skyhook damping control algorithm can respond to changes in road circumstances but not to those in load circumstances. The skyhook inertance control algorithm, a newly developed control approach, may adapt to changes in load circumstances rather than in road circumstances. The recent introduction of double-skyhook control algorithms has allowed vehicle suspension systems to accomplish both load and road adaptation. This paper presents an experimental investigation contrasting the performance of the double-skyhook configuration to that of the traditional skyhook damper configuration and the skyhook inerter configuration. By integrating the double-skyhook control strategy with semi-active devices with variable inertance and damping, the paper proposes two strategies for coordinating skyhook inertance and skyhook damping control. A controller using the double-skyhook control strategy is designed to employ the Development to Production rapid control prototyping platform. The controller mode is adjusted using MotoTune software to implement control methods. Three tests were conducted under various road conditions, load conditions, and impact conditions for semi-active suspension. Test results indicate that the double-skyhook configuration considerably enhances driving comfort compared to the single-skyhook configuration. Moreover, the greater the deterioration of road conditions and the decrease in load, the more pronounced the enhancement.

Control Optimization Method for Ship Direct Current Microgrid Based on Impedance Reshaping

In response to the constant power negative impedance characteristics on the load side of a ship DC microgrid, leading to voltage oscillation issues in the DC bus, this paper proposes a control optimization method based on impedance reshaping using bus voltage feedback. First, a simplified small-signal diagram of a lithium battery energy storage system converter is analyzed. Combining active damping control technology, an impedance regulator is introduced, and its parameters are optimized to effectively reduce the output impedance magnitude on the power source side. Subsequently, a ship DC microgrid simulation model is constructed using MATLAB R2022a/Simulink for validation, and comparative analysis is conducted on the anti-interference ability of the DC bus voltage before and after impedance reshaping. Finally, a model is built on a semi-physical simulation platform to experimentally verify the proposed method. The research results indicate that the proposed control optimization method can effectively increase the system’s stability margin, suppress DC bus oscillations, and enhance the anti-interference ability of the ship DC microgrid’s bus voltage when facing significant power load variations.

Correction: Vibration analysis and control of semi-active suspension system based on continuous damping control shock absorber

Correction: Vibration analysis and control of semi-active suspension system based on continuous damping control shock absorber

Vibration control of giant electrorheological damper combining nonlinear fractional-order controller and extended state observer

As a typical smart material, giant electrorheological fluid (GERF) has a greater yield stress than electrorheological fluid for vibration isolation. However, as rheological material, the modeling precision is severely degraded by its innate rate-dependent hysteretic nonlinearity and uncertainty. In this paper, a novel control method is proposed, which requires little information about the damper based on GERF. The proposed method combines nonlinear fractional-order control (FC) and extended state observer (ESO) by constructing damper as a second-order disturbance-based structure to handle hysteretic nonlinearities, dynamic uncertainties and unknown disturbances. In contrast to the prevalent model-free control (MFC) that neglects hysteresis nonlinearity, the proposed control algorithm considers it as a general disturbance and eliminates it. In addition, compared with linear FC with complex fractional-order ESO, where the order needs to be known in advance, nonlinear FC has improved robustness for uncertain fractional-order systems only via pure ESO. Simulations and experimental results demonstrate that the nonlinear controller outperforms the linear counterpart and the proposed method exhibits superior control performance compared to the existing MFC, with an improvement of 26.9%.

An novel oscillation suppression strategy for permanent magnetic synchronous generator based on grid-forming control

With the increase of permeability of renewable energy and power electronic equipment, the inertia and damping parameters of the direct-drive wind turbine based on grid-forming control have a large impact on the system stability, and the system oscillation will be triggered when the parameters are not set properly. In this paper, the problem is addressed by establishing the small-signal model of two permanent magnetic synchronous generators connected to the grid in detail, analyzing the influence of the active control parameters on the system stability through the root locus of the dominant characteristic root, and proposing the adaptive control of damping and inertia to suppress the system oscillations. Finally, a real-time simulation platform for grid-connected wind turbine systems was built, and the experimental results verify the correctness of the small-signal modelling for stability analysis of grid-forming wind turbines established in this paper.

Simultaneous Damping and Frequency Control in AC Microgrid Using Coordinated Control Considering Time Delay and Noise

The incorporation of converter-based generating sources in utility-scale microgrids causes frequency instability and low-frequency oscillations (LFOs), which is also a reason for degeneration in system stability. Damping frequency control is an essential part of alternating current (AC) microgrid system operation and control. Sudden changes in load, variations in renewable power outputs due to changes in solar insolation or wind speed, and so on factors cause the system frequency to deviate from the nominal value. Therefore, the role of a frequency controller is to maintain the dynamic stability in an AC microgrid by retaining the system frequency at the nominal value. Again, AC microgrids with high renewable power penetration face even more difficulty in maintaining frequency stability because of their poor inertial response. The research presented here proposes a novel approach for grid-connected AC microgrid oscillation damping and frequency control that simultaneously takes into consideration time delay and noise. To improve the frequency response and dampen LFOs by providing the voltage and frequency within the specified range, a coordinated technique-based control approach is adopted. In the developed hybrid control, the frequency controller relies on active power modulation, while the power oscillation damping controller is dependent on reactive power modulation. To improve stability and reduce communication consequences such as noise and signal latency (time delay), the developed power oscillation damping controller and frequency controller are coordinated along with the robust linear quadratic Gaussian controller. The comparative investigation of the effectiveness of the coordinated control technique is employed in the software of MATLAB/Simulink for grid-connected AC microgrid. The outcome of the simulation illustrates the superior effectiveness of the suggested controller over the traditional droop controller for huge power flows under disturbance with various operating conditions, under/overfrequency events, time delay, and noise. This grid encouragement capability for AC microgrids is anticipated to lead to novel possibilities for generating revenue.

Design and Experimental Study of a Hybrid Micro-Vibration Isolation System Based on a Strain Sensor for High-Precision Space Payloads.

Micro-vibrations significantly influence the imaging quality and pointing accuracy of high-precision space-borne payloads. To mitigate this issue, vibration isolation technology must be employed to reduce the transmission of micro-vibrations to payloads. In this paper, a novel active-passive hybrid isolation (APHI) system based on a strain sensor is proposed for high-precision space payloads, and corresponding theoretical and experimental studies are implemented. First, a theoretical analysis model of the APHI system is established using a two-degrees-of-freedom system, and an integral control method based on strain sensing is presented. Then, an electromagnetic damper, active piezoelectric actuator, and strain sensor are designed and manufactured. Finally, an APHI experimental system is implemented to validate the effectiveness of electromagnetic damping and strain-sensing active control. Additionally, the control effects of acceleration, displacement, and strain sensors are compared. The results demonstrate that strain sensors can achieve effective active damping control, and the control method based on strain sensors can effectively suppress the payload response while maintaining stability. Both displacement and strain sensors exhibit superior suppression effects compared with the acceleration sensor, with the strain sensor showing greater potential for practical engineering applications than the displacement sensor.

Research on mine ventilation network solution and collaborative control technology

With the development of intelligent ventilation system in domestic coal mines, the demand for ventilation network solving software is becoming more and more intense. Aiming at the problem that the traditional ventilation network solution algorithm is difficult to meet the increasingly complex ventilation system solution needs of domestic mines, and the lack of functions of the collaborative control of ventilation equipment and facilities, this paper uses theoretical analysis combined with mine reality to study the relevant theories and algorithms in the field of ventilation network solution and collaborative control at home and abroad, and optimizes the network solution and collaborative control related algorithms such as iterative calculation of ventilation network, identification and stability analysis of angle-linked wind network, natural wind pressure calculation, local fan collaborative control, and collaborative control of damper and wind window. Provide theoretical guidance for future network solution software development.

Centralised Multimode Power Oscillation Damping Controller for Photovoltaic Plants With Communication Delay Compensation

Centralised Multimode Power Oscillation Damping Controller for Photovoltaic Plants With Communication Delay Compensation

Examination of a Magnetorheological Damper Control System with Vibration Energy Harvesting

Abstract The study deals with the experimental examination of a magnetorheological (MR) damper control system with vibration energy harvesting using a specially engineered electronic unit (EU). Unlike a typical MR damper control system, which requires an external energy source, the developed system is powered exclusively by energy extracted from a vibrating structure (mechanical system with one-degree-of freedom) and processed through the EU. The work describes the structure and functions of the EU, presents the test rig and the control algorithm implementation, and discusses the test results of the control system under harmonic kinematic excitations of low frequency range.

Analysis and control of large-signal stability with storage in small scale islanded AC microgrids

The analysis of small-signal stability in AC microgrids has yielded numerous findings. However, investigating large-signal stability remains a major difficulty and has received limited attention in research. The article presents the establishment of a non-linear reduced-order model for small-scale AC microgrids with storage. The model considers the changes in converter structure that occur during large disturbances. Next, we will analyse the system’s stability under large-signal conditions and identify the underlying unstable mechanism. The impact of limitation links on system stability is significant, as they result in structural changes. The proposal of “virtual synchronous damping control” (VSD) aims to improve the stability of AC microgrids by addressing the issues caused by an unstable mechanism. The validation of the proposed analysis and control methods are demonstrated by examining relevant case studies in MATLAB/Simulink.

A Novel Enhanced Torsional Eddy Current Damper for Fixed-Axis Rotation Control of Rigid Bodies

The control of angular velocities in the fixed-axis rotation of rigid bodies is crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of civil structures and mechanical systems. In this research, a novel enhanced torsional eddy current damper (ETECD) is proposed to effectively control the angular velocities of rigid bodies within confined installation spaces. At first, an estimation approach is developed to determine the damping coefficient of the eddy current damper (ECD) within limited installation space. Furthermore, we utilize a gearbox to enhance the damping performance of the ECD in confined spaces. To establish the framework for the design of the proposed ETECD, the motion equation and solution of the rotating body are derived. By analytically presenting the approximate solution for the responses of a rotating body with a torsional viscous damper, the required range of the torsional damping coefficient is derived. This range ensures compliance to velocity restrictions under linearly angle-related torques, guiding the design of the ETECD. The ETECD, comprising two cylindrical torsional eddy current dampers (ECDs) and a motion-amplified gearbox, is designed and tested for a rotating body. Numerical examples and experimental tests are carried out to validate the performance of the proposed ETECD. The calculated damping coefficients and predicted control performance in the numerical examples agree well with the experimental results. Notably, under the minimum and maximum torques, the terminal angular velocity (TAV) of the rotating body can be significantly reduced by 70.76% and 58.99%, respectively. The proposed work emphasizes the potential of the ETECD as an effective and economic method in reducing angular velocities for rotating bodies.

Active Edgewise Blade Damping Control of Large Wind Turbines by Using the Pitch Controller and an Interval Observer

Large wind turbines have typically poorly damped structures. Hence, the absence of damping leads to aeroelastic oscillations, and the operational rotor speed can approach the critical rotor speed. By using damping injection, the control system can actively introduce some additional damping. In the present work, a control approach to reduce oscillations of the rotor blades in the edgewise direction is proposed. The concept is based on the damping injection mechanism, and an additional level of safety is obtained by introducing the Dynamic Safety Margin (DSM) in the control law. The feedback control scheme requires some unmeasurable variables. This aspect is covered by using an interval observer. The control approach is tested by using simulations on a high-definition model implemented in an aeroservoelastic code. Simulation results are very satisfactory and promising for future experiments using hardware-in-the-loop equipment.

A Novel Dual Self-Centering Friction Damper for Seismic Responses Control of Steel Frame

Due to their weight, the seismic response control of buildings needs a large-scale damper. To reduce the consumption of shape memory alloys (SMAs), this study proposed a dual self-centering pattern accomplished by the coil springs and SMA, which could drive the energy dissipation device to recenter. Combined with the friction energy dissipation device (FD), the dual self-centering friction damper (D-SCFD) was designed, and the motivation and parameters were described. The mechanical properties of D-SCFD, including the simplified D-SCFD mechanical model, theoretical index calculations of recentering, and energy dissipation performance, were then investigated. The seismic response mitigation of the steel frame adopting the D-SCFDs under consecutive strong earthquakes was finally analyzed. The results showed that a decrease in the consumption of SMA by the dual self-centering pattern was feasible, especially in the case of low demand for the recentering performance. Reducing the D-SCFD’s recentering performance hardly affected the steel frame’s residual inter-story drift ratios when the residual deformation rate was less than 50%, which can help strengthen the controls on the steel frame’s peak seismic responses. It is recommended to utilize the D-SCFD with not too high a recentering performance to mitigate the seismic response of the structure.

Real-time quantum control of spin-coupling damping and application in atomic spin gyroscopes

Real-time quantum control of spin-coupling damping and application in atomic spin gyroscopes

Quantifying the performance enhancement facilitated by fractional-order implementation of classical control strategies for nanopositioning

For most nanopositioning systems, maximizing positioning bandwidth to accurately track periodic and aperiodic reference signals is the primary performance goal. Closed-loop control schemes are employed to overcome the inherent performance limitations such as mechanical resonance, hysteresis and creep. Most reported control schemes are integer-order and combine both damping and tracking actions. In this work, fractional-order controllers from the positive position feedback family namely: the Fractional-Order Integral Resonant Control (FOIRC), the Fractional-Order Positive Position Feedback (FOPPF) controller, the Fractional-Order Positive Velocity and Position Feedback (FOPVPF) controller and the Fractional-Order Positive, Acceleration, Velocity and Position Feedback (FOPAVPF) controller are designed and analysed. Compared with their classical integer-order implementation, the fractional-order damping and tracking controllers furnish additional design (tuning) parameters, facilitating superior closed-loop bandwidth and tracking accuracy. Detailed simulated experiments are performed on recorded frequency-response data to validate the efficacy, stability and robustness of the proposed control schemes. The results show that the fractional-order versions deliver the best overall performance.

DC Active Damper Control Strategy Based on Resonance Suppression Effectiveness Evaluation Method

With the complication of the power system, features of the resonance interaction behave diversely and pose a threat to the effectiveness of the resonance suppression strategies. Existing resonance suppression strategies are usually designed for specific scenarios which are in close correlation with the impedance frequency-amplitude distribution, and their adaptability under different scenarios is hard to evaluate. In this paper, the resonance suppression domain of a DC distribution network is derived based on the node impedance variation before/after the resonance is suppressed. The derived criterion takes the admittance change of the resonance suppression strategies as variables, and the conservative/ideal suppression domain criteria are defined. On this basis, a method for evaluating the effectiveness of resonance suppression strategies is proposed, which simplifies the evaluation process and avoids a complicated matrix inverse process to each resonance suppression strategy during the system impedance calculation. Furthermore, a DC active damper control strategy based on the resonance suppression strategy evaluation is proposed, and the proposed strategy could suppress resonances under different scenarios by a targeted design of the reshaping admittance parameters. Time domain simulations with a 5-node distribution network are carried out to verify the proposed method.

Performance monitoring and redesign of power system stabilizers based on system identification techniques

To maintain stable power system operation, damping control systems are used in conventional power plants, known as Power System Stabilizers (PSS). However, to derive suitable controller parameters, the current methods require dynamic models that are difficult to maintain and update, and in some cases, might not be available. This makes it challenging for grid operators to maintain system stability when the system is under stringent operating conditions or undergoes the loss of major transmission corridors, which would require a new stabilizer design to provide adequate damping.Leveraging the availability of real-time measurements and “probing” technologies, this paper provides a complementary approach that does not require power system simulation models, but is based on system identification techniques that allow to derive simple and accurate models based on data collected on the system. The proposed method allows to monitor the performance of damping controllers and even to perform redesign based on the models derived with system identification. The resulting redesign could be used to update PSS parameters and improve damping without the need of removing existing damping control systems from service.