Core Saturation Research Articles

Evaluation of RMS Current in AC Power Wires Using a High-Speed Infrared System

This paper presents a new method of the effective value (RMS) of alternating current (AC) in power wires based on infrared radiation (IR) measurement using a high-speed medium wavelength infrared (MWIR) camera. The method called “2-ω” involves measurement of the 100 Hz harmonic of temperature (T100) and is supported by signal analysis in the frequency domain. The article discusses the issue of non-sinusoidal alternating current, which causes much more difficult analyzes compared to sinusoidal current with a frequency of 50/60 Hz. The simulation and measurement results for different current shapes obtained in typical power systems like: a phase-controlled switching regulator, half-wave and full-wave rectifiers, and finally the nonlinear distortion of the AC current due to saturation of the magnetic core, are presented and confirm the linear relation of T100 ~ I2RMS. The main advantage of proposed method is the independence of the measurement results from environmental conditions.

Restoration of the current transformer secondary current under core saturation conditions based on ANN

Relay protection and emergency automation is an integral part of electric power systems. The algorithms of the relay protection and emergency automation are based on the use of analysis of the parameters of the electrical mode - current and voltage - obtained from current and voltage instrument transformers. As a rule, these transformers operate on the basis of the laws of electromagnetism. Operational experience shows that the magnetic core of current transformers under fault conditions can be saturated. As a result, the shape of the measured current is distorted which can lead to false operation of the relay protection and emergency automation system. In this paper a comparative analysis of the existing methods is presented. The advantages and disadvantages of them are described. The problem of current transformer core saturation is reduced to a regression problem. To solve the problem an artificial neural networks-based method is proposed. Computational experiments for both proposed and existing methods are performed. The results of experiments show that the efficiency of the proposed method is 1.25 times higher relative to the most effective existing method. The method of re-scaling data at real-time work applied to the restoration of the distorted shape of current is proposed.

Structural evolution mechanism and magnetic properties of soft magnetic composites transformed from FeSiAl/Co3O4 composites

Simultaneous optimization of core loss and saturation magnetization in soft magnetic composites (SMCs) is crucial for the development of high frequency and high power in power electronic devices. In this work, FeSiAl/(Al2O3-Co) and FeSiAlCo/Al2O3 SMCs were prepared by sintering FeSiAl/Co3O4 composite powders at different temperatures. The corresponding structural evolution mechanism and magnetic properties of the prepared SMCs were studied systematically. When the sintering temperature was below 950 ℃, a chemical reaction at the FeSiAl/Co3O4 interface occurred and led to the formation of Al2O3-Co composite coating. The Al2O3 coating, as an isolation band, can effectively hinder the interdiffusion between Co coating and FeSiAl magnetic powder. When the sintering temperature increased to above 1000 ℃, the interdiffusion began to occur and was accelerated by the high temperature and chemical potential educed by concentration gradient, finally resulting in the formation of FeSiAlCo alloy. The prepares SMCs exhibited a low core loss due to the high integrity of Al2O3 coating. Its saturation magnetization and permeability significantly increased with the sintering temperature due to the generation of Co coating with ferromagnetism. This work provides a new strategy for the construction of ceramic oxide coating with high integrity and elemental doping of magnetic powder in SMCs, which is expected to be applied to the preparation of high-performance SMCs.

Experimental Study on Gas Production Capacity of Composite Reservoir Depletion in Deep Carbonate Gas Reservoirs

Deep carbonate gas reservoirs exhibit diverse reservoir types and complex seepage patterns. To study the gas production capabilities of different composite reservoir types, we classified the reservoirs of the fourth member of the Dengying Formation in the Anyue Gas Field into high-quality reservoirs (HRs) and poor-quality reservoirs (PRs) based on high-pressure mercury injection (HPMI) experiment results. By varying the differential pressure of the depletion experiment and the connection method, as well as the permeability and water saturation of the composite core, the effects of well location deployment, permeability ratio of the high-quality reservoir and poor-quality reservoir (PRHPR), gas well production pressure difference (GWPPD), and water saturation on the depletion gas production characteristics of the composite reservoir were studied. The research results show that (1) deploying wells on HR enables high gas production rates and ultimate recovery rates; (2) only when the PRHPR falls within a reasonable range (21.88–43.19) can the “dynamic recharge” capability of PR and the high permeability of HR be coordinated to achieve high gas recovery rates; (3) a GWPPD of 3 MPa is optimal, resulting in fast gas production rates and high ultimate recovery rates for PR; (4) high water saturation (≥50%) leads to premature water breakthrough at the well bottom, decreased gas production rate, and sealing of HR and PR reserves by formation water. Combining experimental results with field production data is our next research focus. Our future research focus will be on integrating experimental results with field production data to provide solid theoretical support for the efficient development of this type of gas reservoir.

Design of quaternary FeSiCoNi soft magnetic alloys towards large-power and high-frequency applications

The growing trend of large power and high frequency in electromagnetic conversion applications urges advancements in the saturation magnetization (Ms), effective permeability (μe) and core loss (Pcv) of soft magnetic composites (SMCs). Such performance depends largely on the Ms and coercivity (Hc) of the magnetic alloys as the main component of the SMCs. It is however, difficult to simultaneously achieve large Ms and low Hc via binary and ternary alloy systems. Here, quaternary Fe81-xSi15Co4Nix (x = 0, 3, 6 at%) soft magnetic alloys have been designed with the effect of Ni addition on the microstructure and magnetic properties of the alloy revealed. On one hand, rational incorporation of Co and Ni maintains the relatively large Ms. On the other hand, the Ni enters into the A2 lattice and promotes its transition into DO3 ordered phase as confirmed by both experimental characterization and first-principles calculations. Such microstructural evolution gives rise to initially decreased magnetocrystalline anisotropy (K1) followed by increasing due to the competitive reduction effect of Ni addition and increment effect of DO3 formation. The magnetostriction constants (λs) increases monotonously from negative to positive values with raised Ni content. This is accompanied with the decrease in 90° domain walls and increase in 180° domain walls as revealed by Lorentz microscopy. Combined lowest K1 and λs as well as optimized domain structure result in the lowest Hc for the Fe78Si15Co4Ni3 alloy. The corresponding SMCs exhibit excellent performance with the μe of 160.6 and the Pcv of 288.4 mW/cm3 (50 mT, 100 kHz) combined with high Ms of 177.3 emu/g, superior to other FeSi-based SMCs.

Application of saturated core transformer as inrush current limiter

An inrush current is a transient current that results from a sudden change in the exciting voltage across a transformer's windings. Reducing the inrush current of transformers is desirable due to mechanical stresses and negligent operation of protective relay systems such as differential relays. This paper investigates the application of a saturated-core transformer as an inrush current limiter (ICL). Analytical methods of inrush current and its electromagnetic forces on transformer windings with and without application of proposed ICL are presented. Also, the core saturation of the ICL and transformer, in addition to the voltage drop on the ICL in transient and steady states, are investigated. A single-phase transformer is modeled in two dimensions (2-D), and the forces due to inrush current are calculated by the finite element method (FEM) in Maxwell software. The radial and axial force distributions of transformer windings with and without the ICL are investigated. The results show the capability of ICL to limit the transformer inrush current and reduction of its electromagnetic forces. Our simulations demonstrate a significant reduction in inrush current (75 %) using the proposed Inrush Current Limiter (ICL). Additionally, the ICL effectively mitigates electromagnetic forces within the transformer. Compared to a scenario without ICL, the ICL reduces radial forces by 80 % and axial forces by a substantial 90 %. These findings suggest that the ICL offers a promising solution for mitigating both inrush current and the associated electromagnetic forces in power transformers.

TRACK CIRCUITS INTERFERENCE RESISTANCE INCREASE UNDER THE TRACTION CURRENT INFLUENCE

Purpose. The aim of the work is to increase the electromagnetic compatibility of track circuits with the traction power supply system of railways under the influence of reverse traction current disturbances. Conducting research and analysis of the causes of malfunctions of rail circuits on electrified sections of the railway, existing means and methods of increasing the interference resistance of track circuits and ensuring the electromagnetic compatibility of signaling, centralization and blocking devices with the traction power supply system, and the development of effective technical solutions for normalizing the operation and rail circuits in the conditions influence of traction current interference. Conducting a study of the electromagnetic characteristics of the DT-1-150 track choke-transformer in normal mode and under the influence of external factors on the magnetic system. Methods. During the research, methods of comparative analysis, theories of electric and magnetic circuits, methods of spectral analysis of signals, as well as mathematical, schematic and physical modeling were used. Findings. Situations in which the traction current significantly affects the operation of the rail wheel equipment have been analyzed in the work. The effect of the traction current constant component on the normal operation mode of the track circuits is considered. The coefficients value of the choke-transformer DT-1-150 with traction current asymmetry was determined. A comparative analysis of resistance to reverse traction current disturbances of track receivers of station rail wheels used at the docking station was conducted. The principle-structural scheme of the protective unit for blocking the leakage of direct traction current interference on the section of alternating current traction was developed. The scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the work consists in identifying and justifying the causes of some specific failures of track circuit; in confirming the integral effect of choke-transformer steel core saturation, created by the constant component of the traction current in the railway power supply system. Practical significance. Based on the conducted research, the interference resistance of the 25 Hz track circuit with the DSSH-16 track relay and DT-06-500S was confirmed. A protective valve block was developed, which prevents the flow of the first periods of the largest amplitude transient current in the track circuit its protects and ensures, thereby, normal operation of track circuit.

Determining the influence of compaction methods on the physical-mechanical properties of asphalt concrete samples

The object of this study is the compaction methods of asphalt mixtures under laboratory conditions. The experience of determining the physical properties of coarse-grained asphalt concretes taken from the layers of the road pavement structure shows that their values do not correspond to those of the samples obtained by laboratory compaction using the pressing method. In 90 % of cases, the density of cores exceeds the density of laboratory samples while the indicators of void content and water saturation are significantly lower than for laboratory samples. The compressive strength indicators of asphalt concrete are almost independent of compaction methods and are not very informative. All of the above leads to the conclusion that the methods of laboratory compaction by pressing do not meet modern requirements. Low values of water saturation and void content of cores and laboratory samples compacted with a gyrator allow us to argue about outdated approaches to the design of grain compositions of asphalt concrete. Low-informative indicators of compressive strength indicate the need to use other mechanical characteristics that will make it possible to predict the properties of asphalt concrete in the pavement, for example, rutting resistance. As a summary, template solutions in the design of asphalt concrete warehouses and physical and mechanical characteristics are necessary only to establish compliance with the requirements of regulatory documents. The current work shows that it is almost impossible to predict the properties of asphalt concrete based on laboratory samples obtained by pressing. All this leads to the need to change the regulatory framework, which is possible by using regulatory documents of the countries in the European Union and the United States of America

Investigation of carbon-based nanofluid imbibition processes in low-permeability reservoirs using nuclear magnetic resonance

Spontaneous imbibition has been demonstrated to be an important approach to enhance the oil recovery of unconventional reservoirs after hydraulic fracturing. Adding chemical agents to modulate the properties of the oil-water and oil-rock interfaces is a common method to enhance imbibition. Carbon-based nanofluid showed excellent ability to reduce interfacial tension and alter wettability due to their distinct surface properties and ultra-small particle size. However, there are few systemic studies on the imbibition process of carbon-based nanofluid and the unclear mechanism of the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) restricts their oilfield application. In this study, the carbon-based nanofluid was prepared by dispersing carbon nitride quantum dots (CNQDs) of 2.34 ± 0.34 nm synthesized by citric acid and urea in deionized water. The spontaneous imbibition process of nanofluids was monitored by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. The T2 relaxation distribution results suggested that the oil recovery of CNQDS nanofluid by spontaneous imbibition was 24.6%, which was 5% higher than that of nano-SiO2 nanofluid. Moreover, the variations of oil saturation profiles analyzed based on NMR data indicated that the maximum imbibition distance of the carbon-based nanofluid was about 20.34 mm which is also larger than that of the nano-SiO2 nanofluid of 16.02 mm. The oil saturation variations of saturated oil cores imbibed in carbon-based nanofluid was also significantly improved compared with nano-SiO2 nanofluid. This finding was attributed to the fact that compared with nano-SiO2 nanofluid, the CNQDs nanofluid can not only promote the fluid to enter deeper matrix, but also effectively reduce the residual oil saturation in the area that the nanofluid accesses to. The interfacial tension and contact angle measurements were conducted to reveal the underlying EOR mechanisms of CNQDs nanofluid. This study provides vital insights into the prospective application of carbon-based nanofluid in low-permeability reservoirs.

Measurement of residual flux density in the single-phase transformer by applying DC voltage

The inrush current causes many adverse effects on electrical equipment. One of the reasons for inrush current is residual flux. When a no-load transformer is energized and the closing angle is inappropriate, the residual flux accelerates the core saturation, resulting in high-amplitude inrush current. It is necessary to measure the amplitude and direction of residual flux to reduce its harm. This paper proposes a novel strategy for measuring the residual flux of transformers based on externally applied DC voltages. Firstly, a relationship between residual flux and response current is established based on field-circuit coupling analysis. Then, the core-type transformer and shell-type transformer are modeled by the finite element method, and the fitted model for calculating residual flux is obtained. Finally, experiments are carried out on a square core and a 10 kV, 250 kVA single-phase transformer. The feasibility and accuracy of the proposed strategy are verified by the measurement results.

Determining relative permeability and capillary pressure from mixed-wet core floods

The main goal of this paper is a laboratory method development for determining the capillary pressure and relative permeability from coreflooding test specifically for mixed-wet rocks. Previously, the steady-state transient test (SSTT) was designed to determine both relative permeability (Kr) and capillary pressure (Pc) from a single steady-state coreflood by using the transient data of routine steady-state tests. On the contrary to the previous works, where SSTT was developed for completely hydrophobic or hydrophilic outcrop cores, this paper determines Kr and Pc for mixed-wet cores. Depending on the capillary pressure equation applied, the mathematical model for two-phase flow in mixed-wet rocks contains one or two extra constants, so some extra measurements must be taken during SSTT, to determine Pc and Kr curves. We change the experimental protocol by establishing a uniform initial saturation Swi by evaporation method. We also include bump floods at two high rates for the alternative determination of saturation and relative permeability for residual oil. A new inverse solver determines the set of model constants that employs van Genuchten's Pc formula and a vaporization procedure for initial core saturation. The number of resulting model coefficients is equal to seven and matches the dimension of the measured data array for mixed-wet cores.The developed SSTT for mixed-wet rocks is applied and validated for both high-salinity (HS) and low-salinity (LS) waterfloods. Strong agreement between laboratory steady-state, transient, and bump-flood data and those obtained by mathematical modelling – R2 is above 0.99 for steady-state data and above 0.9 for transient data - validates the proposed SSTT procedure and inverse solver for mixed-wet cores and HS and LS waterfloods. Our findings indicate that low salinity has a greater effect in expanding the range of positive capillary pressure compared to high salinity. This suggests an increase in water-wettability as the salinity decreases.

Field Modeling and Thrust Analysis of Linear Induction Motor Considering Edge-End Effect and Core Saturation

Field Modeling and Thrust Analysis of Linear Induction Motor Considering Edge-End Effect and Core Saturation

Influence of DC-Field Current on Short-Circuit Current in Variable Flux Reluctance Machine

DC-field windings of variable flux reluctance machine are wound on the same teeth with armature winding, which increases the short-circuit probability among the armature and field windings. Therefore, in this article, the various short-circuit faults of single phase, phase-to-phase, single field and phase-to-field are illustrated, and the influence of dc-field current on short-circuit current (SCC) and braking torque (BT) with consideration of initial rotor position are investigated. The SCC with dc-field current is analytically established, where the SCC and BT in transient and steady states are analyzed. The maximum SCC and BT are comprehensively compared by finite element method. It is found that the influence of dc-field current on the SCC and BT under transient conditions can be neglected. However, when the machine under un-saturated conditions, the SCC in steady states is associated with the saturation of iron core, i.e., the more saturated of the core excited by dc-field current in prefault, the smaller of the SSC in post fault. Both the SCC and BT are accompanied by the 12/14-pole VFRM prototype experimental verification.

Dynamic characteristics of a coaxial magnetic switch modulating pulse forming networks.

Pulsed power generators utilizing magnetic switch technology within the 100ns scale have become widespread for surface treatment, high power microwave generation, and food processing, in which the dynamic characteristics of the magnetic switch perform an important function. The saturation process, electric field between layers, and energy loss are closely associated with the applied time scale of the magnetic core, which affects the dynamic characteristics of the switch. However, compared with the study within the microsecond scale, the dynamic characteristics of magnetic switches within the 100ns scale have not been studied in depth. In this paper, the dynamic characteristics of a coaxial magnetic switch modulating pulse forming networks (PFNs) are studied via both field-loop co-simulation and scaled experimental test. It is found that increasing PFN section number (Ns) leads to an acceleration in the saturation process of the core, which helps understand the switch performance of the magnetic core more clearly. With respect to a specific magnetic switch based on a ferromagnetic core, it is quantitatively analyzed that increasing Ns from 1 to 10 leads to a 16.1% reduction in core saturation time (tsat), a 13.4% increase in eddy loss (EET), and a 5.7% rise in maximum interlamination field strength (Emax) under the 100ns scale; however, tsat is reduced by 19.3%, EET increases by 5.2%, and Emax rises by 2.3% under the microsecond scale. The results could provide a design reference for magnetic switches in pulsed power generators.

An Energy Management Method for Magnetic Field Energy Harvesters Under Wide-Range Current in Railway Electrification Systems

The wide-range traction current brings great challenges to the stable operation of the magnetic field energy harvester (MFEH). Specifically, when the traction current is large, the core saturation increases, resulting in violent vibrating of the magnetic core. When the traction current is low, the energy harvested by the MFEH is insufficient to power the load. To address these vital problems, an energy management method for MFEH is proposed to track the critical saturation point, i.e., the maximum power point in the unsaturated region. In this method, by regulating the equivalent load, the core voltage is controlled at the critical saturation voltage under different current levels. Moreover, the supercapacitor is employed to store excess energy at large currents, and the stored energy is released at low currents. Furthermore, a design procedure for the core and winding is proposed in this work, which can be used to adjust the critical saturation voltage of the MFEH. A laboratory prototype is built to verify the effectiveness of the proposal. The results show that the MFEH can operate at the critical saturation point and provide stable energy for the load under different current levels. This means that saturation suppression, maximum power point tracking, and energy management can be realized by applying the proposed method.

Transformerless high voltage gain Y-source converter with reduced switch stress

This paper introduces a novel Y-source converter, which utilises a three winding coupled inductor and a switched inductor boost module. In contrast to the conventional layout, the Y source converter has a repositioning of the switch from the load side to the source side. The proposed design offers several notable benefits, including a substantial increase in voltage gain, reduced voltage strain on the switch, and the capability to sustain continuous input current from the power source. Additionally, it has an extensive range of adjustable duty cycle. To mitigate the core saturation of the coupled inductor, a current-obstructing capacitor is used. A detailed analysis of the suggested topology is carried out, focusing on its steady-state characteristics. The theoretical and experimental results are verified using an experimental prototype of 100 W. By evaluating and comparing its performance against state-of-the-art converters, this paper seeks to emphasise the superiority of the new modified version of the Y-source converter

Data-Driven Modeling and Compensation Strategy of PMSM Considering Core Loss and Saturation

Data-Driven Modeling and Compensation Strategy of PMSM Considering Core Loss and Saturation

Railway Signaling System Interference by Unbalanced Traction Harmonic Current: Mechanism, Modeling, and Solutions Based on Engineering Practice

The rapid development of railway electrification has led to signaling relay malfunctions and locomotive urgent braking accidents caused by unbalanced traction harmonic current (UTHC), which seriously threaten transit safety. This paper presents a comprehensive study with a mechanism-modeling-solution approach that addresses the practical issue of UTHC interference in signaling systems and provides theoretical support for further research, relying on an actual case. Based on the mechanism analysis of UTHC interfering with the on-board and ground signaling terminals, UTHC and its induced harmonic electromotive force on both terminals are accurately modeled. The proposal and evaluation of solutions are supported by mathematical analysis of the relationship between traction-side current and signaling-side induced electromotive force. A low active loss passive filter with high filtering effect was designed and connected to the traction network for the actual case, effectively addressing the high-frequency harmonic resonance risk in traction power supply systems and the harmonic interference issue in signaling systems. Field tests validate the feasibility and effectiveness of this solution. Accounting for cost constraints, guidelines for reducing current unbalance between two rails or avoiding choke transformer core saturation are developed based on a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of traction current unbalance coefficient and signaling equipment parameters.

Enhanced Volts-per-Hertz Sensorless Starting of Permanent Magnet Motor with Heavy Loads in Long-Cable Subsea Applications

Permanent magnet (PM) motors are gaining prominence in subsea applications such as drilling, pumping, and boosting for oil and natural gas extraction. These motors are gradually replacing traditional induction motors. However, starting and operating PM motors at low speeds under heavy loads poses significant challenges. This is because of unknown initial rotor positions and resistive voltage drops due to the presence of a sinewave filter, transformer, and long cable. An unknown rotor position may result in temporary reverse speed, which may cause a loss of synchronism; therefore, initial rotor position estimation is preferable. Additionally, addressing the voltage drop issue requires careful voltage compensation to avoid transformer core saturation. In this paper, an enhanced V/Hz starting of a PM motor is proposed with initial position detection (IPD) and voltage compensation to start the motor reliably with a heavy load. The proposed control method is verified with controller hardware in the loop (C-HIL) real-time simulation using a Typhoon HIL-604 emulator and a Texas Instruments TMS320F28335 digital signal processor (DSP) control card.

Analysis and circuit design of isolated forward SEPIC converter with minimum-phase stability

PurposeConventional isolated dc–dc converters offer an efficient solution for performing voltage conversion with a large improved voltage gain. However, the small-signal analysis of these converters shows that a right-half-plane (RHP) zero appears in their control-to-output transfer function, exhibiting a nonminimum-phase stability. This RHP zero can limit the frequency response and dynamic specifications of the converters; therefore, the output voltage response is sluggish. To overcome these problems, the purpose of this study is to analyze, model and design a new isolated forward single-ended primary-inductor converter (IFSEPIC) through RHP zero alleviation.Design/methodology/approachAt first, the normal operation of the suggested IFSEPIC is studied. Then, its average model and control-to-output transfer function are derived. Based on the obtained model and Routh–Hurwitz criterion, the components are suitably designed for the proposed IFSEPIC, such that the derived dynamic model can eliminate the RHP zero.FindingsThe advantages of the proposed IFSEPIC can be summarized as: This converter can provide conditions to achieve fast dynamic behavior and minimum-phase stability, owing to the RHP zero cancellation; with respect to conventional isolated converters, a larger gain can be realized using the proposed topology; thus, it is possible to attain a smaller operating duty cycle; for conventional isolated converters, transformer core saturation is a major concern, owing to a large magnetizing current. However, the average value of the magnetizing current becomes zero for the proposed IFSEPIC, thereby avoiding core saturation, particularly at high frequencies; and the input current of the proposed converter is continuous, reducing input current ripple.Originality/valueThe key benefits of the proposed IFSEPIC are shown via comparisons. To validate the design method and theoretical findings, a practical implementation is presented.