Electromechanical Energy Conversion Research Articles

Model and performance analysis of energy conversion in functionally graded flexoelectric semiconductor nanostructures

Energy systems converting efficiently from surrounding environment for powering semiconductor electronic components at nanoscale has attracted intense research interests. Due to the strong size dependency, flexoelectricity has been demonstrated as an excellent candidate implemented as nanoscale piezoelectric semiconductor energy harvesters. In this work, through a judicious exploitation of structural symmetry and nonuniformity, we theoretically study the energy conversion behaviors of a novel asymmetric nanodisk model composed of functionally graded (FG) flexoelectric semiconductor (FS) (FG-FS) materials while being loaded with thickness-extensional mechanical vibration. In numerical analysis, the material parameters have been treated with a general variation method under the Cartesian coordinate systems for simplicity. Taking into accounts of the nonuniform structural form and multi-field coupling features, we derived an octic governing equation with variable coefficients for the current analyzed FG-FS nanodisk structure, which is, however, almost impossible to obtain analytical solutions. To successfully address this issue and also further explore the improved performance and new phenomena induced by the FG type of non-uniform structural profile, we specially proposed an efficient tensor algorithm and reduced the octic governing equation into one quartic equation with variable coefficients and other four common quadratic equations. Later, we explicitly explored the effect of each physical parameter on the energy conversion performance of the FS energy harvester by studying the variations of the output electric power density and the energy conversion efficiency. Results illustrated that the electromechanical energy conversion behaviors of the studied FG-FS nanodisk can be properly tuned by not only the related material parameters but also their gradations. We believe our work have the potential to pave new way for the designs and manufacture of novel nano-electronic semiconductor components for the future practical applications.

Piezoelectric Transducers: Complete Electromechanical Model with Parameter Extraction.

This paper presents a complete electromechanical (EM) model of piezoelectric transducers (PTs) independent of high or low coupling assumptions, vibration conditions, and geometry. The PT's spring stiffness is modeled as part of the domain coupling transformer, and the piezoelectric EM coupling coefficient is modeled explicitly as a split inductor transformer. This separates the coupling coefficient from the coefficient used for conversion between mechanical and electrical domains, providing a more insightful understanding of the energy transfers occurring within a PT and allowing for analysis not previously possible. This also illustrates the role the PT's spring plays in EM energy conversion. The model is analyzed and discussed from a circuits and energy harvesting perspective. Coupling between domains and how loading affects coupled energy are examined. Moreover, simple methods for experimentally extracting model parameters, including the coupling coefficient, are provided to empower engineers to quickly and easily integrate PTs in SPICE simulations for the rapid and improved development of PT interface circuits. The model and parameter extractions are validated by comparing them to the measured response of a physical cantilever-style PT excited by regular and irregular vibrations. In most cases, less than a 5-10% error between measured and simulated responses is observed.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Compatible Electromagnetic Actuator: Design and Tests

This paper presents the detailed design, construction and tests of a protype iron-free MRI-compatible electromagnetic actuator. The originality of this proposal lies in the use of the homogeneous static magnetic field B0, present in the MRI bore, to ensure the electromechanical energy conversion. The armature is composed of three rectangular coils in a three-phase arrangement, which makes the actuator very light-weight and compact. The operating principle is that of an AC synchronous motor with a rotating armature. In order to design the actuator, a 3D analytical electromagnetic model is developed to predict the magnetic field produced by the armature winding. Then, a 3D finite element (FE) computation is performed to validate the analytically calculated magnetic field. The developed analytical model is then inserted into an optimization routine based on Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to obtain the prototype dimensions to be realized. Finally, the prototype is constructed and tested inside an MRI research scanner. The results indicate that the reduction in the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and the geometrical distortion are less than 5% when the actuator is powered with a current of 10 times the rated one and when it is located very close to the subject to be imaged.

GENETIC SYNTHESIS OF HYBRID ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR-SPINDLE UNITS WITH ADAPTIVE SPATIAL STRUCTURE

The results of fundamental research carried out at the Department of Electromechanics of KPI named after Igor Sikorsky, it was established that the structural organization and evolution of arbitrary classes of technical systems that function on the principles of electromechanical energy conversion is determined by the principles and laws of genetically organized systems. Motor-spindles (M-Ш) also belong to the category of such systems. The energy and genetic core of technical systems with electromechanical energy converters is the active zone of the energy converter, which is a physical and information carrier of genetic information and the corresponding genetic code. The trend of creating multi-coordinate motor-spindle units with a spatially adaptive structure, designed to function as part of metalworking centers and machines with digital control systems, is analyzed. In genetically organized systems, the processes of structuring objects of any level of complexity are implemented on the basis of the elemental information base of genetic programs using genetic synthesis operators. From the point of view of the theory of genetic structure formation, spatial adaptation is the result of chromosomal transformations using the principles of hybridization, mutation, replication, and isomerism. The problem of synthesizing a hybrid multifunctional EM structure for motor-spindle units with a spatially adaptive modular structure was formulated and solved. A generalized genetic model of chromosomal synthesis of hybrid electromechanical modules of motor-spindle units according to a given function has been developed. The structural formulas of hybrid electromagnetic chromosomes, which determine the population structure of original technical solutions, have been determined. Based on the simulation results, the structures of spatially adaptive motor-spindle units with two-, three-, and four-coordinate movement of the working body were synthesized. Based on the results of the research, a genetic catalog was created, which serves as a system basis for the development of original technical solutions for motor-spindle units.

High-performance piezoelectric energy harvesting in amorphous perovskite thin films deposited directly on a plastic substrate

Most reported thin-film piezoelectric energy harvesters have been based on cantilever-type crystalline ferroelectric oxide thin films deposited on rigid substrates, which utilize vibrational input sources. Herein, we introduce flexible amorphous thin-film energy harvesters based on perovskite CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) thin films on a plastic substrate for highly competitive electromechanical energy harvesting. The room-temperature sputtering of CCTO thin films enable the use of plastic substrates to secure reliable flexibility, which has not been available thus far. Surprisingly, the resultant amorphous nature of the films results in an output voltage and power density of ~38.7 V and ~2.8 × 106 μW cm−3, respectively, which break the previously reported record for typical polycrystalline ferroelectric oxide thin-film cantilevers. The origin of this excellent electromechanical energy conversion is systematically explored as being related to the localized permanent dipoles of TiO6 octahedra and lowered dielectric constant in the amorphous state, depending on the stoichiometry and defect states. This is the leading example of a high-performance flexible piezoelectric energy harvester based on perovskite oxides not requiring a complex process for transferring films onto a plastic substrate.

Internal capacitive compensation of the reactive power of the screw electromechanical converter

Introduction. A special category among induction machines with a massive rotor is occupied by the class of multifunctional electromechanical energy converters, which are integrated with the links of technological processes Problem. The exchange of reactive energy between the source and the electromechanical converter during periods of operation with a low load leads to a significant decrease in its efficiency and power factor. With the use of non-linear loads and taking into account possible resonance, it has become more difficult to improve the power factor by installing capacitor banks. Goal. Increasing the energy indicators of the electromechanical converter by spatial displacement of the main and additional stator windings and internal capacitive compensation. Methodology. Comparative analysis of connection schemes and spatial arrangement of stator windings when using internal capacitive compensation. Modeling and experimental studies of electromagnetic and electromechanical characteristics of a screw electromechanical converter. Results. The distribution of electromagnetic quantities was established and the choice of the angle of spatial displacement of the main and additional windings of the stator phases of the modified converter, which ensure an increase in the value of the electromagnetic torque and power factor, was justified. The results of experimental studies of the screw electromechanical converter are presented. Originality. For the first time, a method of internal capacitive compensation of reactive power is proposed for multifunctional electromechanical converters of technological purpose. Practical value. The use of the proposed method of spatial displacement of the main and additional stator windings and internal capacitive compensation will ensure an increase in the energy performance of the screw electromechanical converter. References 23, tables 3, figures 15.

Insulation for Rotating Low-Voltage Electrical Machines: Degradation, Lifetime Modeling, and Accelerated Aging Tests

The low-voltage electric machine (EM) is a core technology for transportation electrification, and features like high power density and compact volume are essential prerequisites. However, these requirements are usually in conflict with the reliability property of EM, especially in the safety-critical industry such as aviation. Therefore, an appropriate balance between high-performance and reliability needs to be found. Often, the over-engineering method is applied to ensure safety, although it might have a detrimental effect on the EM volume. To address this issue, the EM reliability assessment is included at the EM design stage through the physics of failure (PoF) theory. In EMs, the windings play a key role in electromechanical energy conversion, but their insulation system is subject to frequent failure and represents a reliability bottleneck. Therefore, in-depth research on the root causes of insulation breakdown is beneficial for EM reliability improvement purposes. Indeed, increasing awareness and knowledge on the mechanism of the insulation degradation process and the related lifetime modeling enables the growth of appropriate tools for achieving reliability targets since the first EM design steps. In this work, the main aspects of the insulation system, in terms of materials and manufacturing, are first reviewed. Then, the principal stresses experienced by the winding insulation system are deeply discussed with the purpose of building a profound understanding of the PoF. Finally, an overview of the most common insulation lifetime prediction models is presented, and their use for accomplishing the reliability-oriented design (RoD) and the remaining useful life (RUL) estimation are examined.

Torque System Modeling and Electromagnetic Coupling Characteristics Analysis of a Midpoint Injection Type Bearingless Permanent Synchronous Magnet Motor

Taking the Midpoint Injection type Bearingless Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (MPI-BL-PMSM) as an object, to solve its problems of large torque pulsation and insufficient suspension force when adopting Midpoint Suspension Current Unilateral Injection (MPSC-UI), a Midpoint Suspension Current Bilateral Injection (MPSC-BI) solution is proposed. Based on the half-winding structure of MPI-BL-PMSM, and from the electromechanical energy conversion principle, the torque model for MPSC-BI solution is established. On this basis, the torque model for MPSC-UI method was derived. The correctness of the established torque mathematical models based on half-winding structure was verified through the finite element method (FEM), and the “dual-frequency” electromagnetic coupling characteristics of suspension current on electromagnetic torque were compared and analyzed from the perspectives of theoretical model and FEM simulation. The results indicate that the MPSC-BI method can effectively suppress or avoid the torque pulsation coupled by suspension current and can obtain about 1-time increase of controllable suspension force; the advantages of MPSC-BI solution in dynamic torque decoupling characteristics are demonstrated, while the only downside is that the coupling effect of torque current on radial suspension force is slightly greater than that of the MPSC-UI method.

Electromechanical Energy-Based 3D-Controllable Motion of Small Matter toward Tiny Machines

Is it possible to remotely operate a tiny piece of matter or a less-than-one-centimeter machine to perform a medical task in life? Especially given that in the present technology, neither the mechanism nor battery is small enough to be set up inside the structure of such a tiny machine. Yet, if the powered matter is magnetically responsive, then a magnetic field, as one of the potential power sources, can be applied to power it promisingly. Herein, the concept of electromechanical energy conversion is utilized through a specific configuration consisting of eight solenoids arranged together as a nest. The device converts electrical energy into an electromagnetic field, and finally, into mechanical energy, respectively, resulting in magnetic manipulation. Since electric energy is supplied to the configuration, eight solenoids generate the controllable magnetic field in both direction and magnitude by means of the superposition technique. The device can magnetically navigate tiny motorless matter to release mechanical energy through the 3D-controllable motion to arbitrary positions effectively and physical interactions with the surrounding environment as if operating a tiny machine. The experimental results report the feasibility of the device to control the 6-DOF locomotion of small matter precisely. The contribution of the concept based on this work leads to a promising protocol to remotely power small machines, micro-engines, micro-propellers, micro-turbines, etc.

Research on the Influence of Different Winding Forms on the Performance of Induction Motor

Background: As a component of the motor’s electromechanical energy conversion, the winding is very important. When the winding design is improper, the harmonic content is increased, which leads to an increase in the motor loss and torque ripple. Therefore, winding design is very important for motor design. Objective: The effect of winding forms on the induction motor is analysed in this paper. The variation in performance parameters of different winding forms is invesitgated. Methods: This paper takes an 11 kW, 1500 r/min induction motor as the research object; the two- dimensional transient field finite element model has been established to calculate the basic parameters, which are then compared with the experimental data to verify the correctness of the model. Finally, the magnetizing reactance, starting performance, stator leakage reactance, various losses, and efficiency under different winding forms are calculated and compared. Results: When the motor adopts double-layer winding, the magnetizing reactance, stator slot leakage reactance, and harmonic leakage reactance are less than those of the motor with single-layer winding by 13.47%, 25.37% and 20.97%, respectively, while the end-leakage reactance, starting torque, and starting current rotor copper loss are higher than those of the motor with single-layer winding by 7.14%, 9.52%, 18.54%, and 15.23%, respectively. The core loss and stator copper loss of motors with different winding forms are almost unchanged. The efficiency of the motor with single-layer winding is higher than that of the motor with double-layer winding by 1.22%. Conclusion: When the winding form is different, the magnetizing reactance, stator slot leakage reactance, harmonic leakage reactance, and end-leakage reactance are different. Leakage reactance is the main factor that causes a difference in starting torque and starting current between the two winding forms. The core loss and stator copper loss of motor with different winding forms are almost unchanged, while the difference in the rotor copper loss is obvious. In addition, the efficiency of the motor with single-layer winding is higher than that of the motor with double-layer winding.

Towards advanced piezoelectric metamaterial design via combined topology and shape optimization

Metamaterials open up a spectrum of artificially engineered properties otherwise unreachable in conventional bulk materials. For electromechanical energy conversion systems, lightweight materials with high hydrostatic piezoelectric coupling coefficients and negative Poisson’s ratio can be obtained. Thus, in this contribution, we explore the possibilities of piezoelectric metamaterials design by employing structural optimization. More specifically, we apply a sequential framework of topology and shape optimization to design piezoelectric metamaterials with negative Poisson’s ratio for electromechanical energy conversion under uniform pressure. Topology optimization is employed to generate the initial layout, whereas shape optimization fine tunes the design and improves durability and manufacturability of the structures with the help of a curvature constraint. An embedding domain discretization (EDD) method with adaptive domain and shape refinement is utilized for an efficient and accurate computation of the state problem in the shape optimization stage. Multiple case studies are conducted to determine the importance of desired stiffness characteristics, symmetry conditions and objective formulations on the design of piezoelectric metamaterials. Results show that the obtained designs are highly dependent on the desired stiffness characteristics. Moreover, the addition of the EDD-based shape optimization step introduces significant changes to the designs, confirming the usability of the sequential framework.

Design and performance of a novel magnetically induced penta-stable piezoelectric energy harvester

The magnetically induced multi-stable piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters have garnered significant attention due to their strong nonlinear characteristics, wide operating bandwidths, and high electromechanical energy conversion efficiency. However, a traditional penta-stable design typically requires four rectangular external magnets. The excessive number of structural parameters amplify complexities in system optimization, dynamic analysis, and prototype installation, impeding harvester manufacturing and application. This study presents a novel penta-stable harvester design that utilizes interaction forces among a rectangular magnet and two annular magnets, resulting in a simplified system requiring only two external magnets. This design approach streamlines system design, dynamic analysis, and prototype installation, providing a fresh perspective on magnetic penta-stable vibration energy harvester design. The magnetizing current method is employed to accurately determine the system’s magnetic field and magnetic force. Stability analysis indicates that the multi-stability of the harvester is influenced by both the vertical magnetic force and equivalent linear elastic force, which can be effectively controlled by adjusting the system’s components. Dynamic simulations conducted under Gaussian white noise excitation confirm the penta-stable behavior of the system, and the dynamic responses verify that a shallower potential well depth contributes to the system’s ability to attain a higher output voltage. Experimental validations closely align with simulation results, providing strong evidence for the accuracy of the study’s findings. Furthermore, a practical application experiment demonstrates the harvester’s capability to power a hygrothermograph, highlighting its potential for real-world energy harvesting applications.

Research Progress in Fluid Energy Collection Based on Friction Nanogenerators.

In recent decades, the development of electronic technology has provided opportunities for the Internet of Things, biomedicine, and energy harvesting. One of the challenges of the Internet of Things in the electrification era is energy supply. Centralized energy supply has been tested over hundreds of years of history, and its advantages such as ideal output power and stable performance are obvious, but it cannot meet the specific needs of the Internet of Things, and distributed energy supply also has a large demand. Since the invention of nanogenerators, another promising solution for fluid energy harvesting has been opened up. The triboelectric nanogenerator is an emerging platform technology for electromechanical energy conversion, which can realize the collection of fluid energy such as wind energy and wave energy. In this paper, we first introduce the fundamentals of triboelectric nanogenerators and their applications in wind and wave energy harvesting devices. We then discuss the methods of device optimization in the next development of TENG and conclude by considering the future prospects and challenges for triboelectric nanogenerator harvesting devices.

Asynchronous generator replacement scheme with internal capacitive reactive power compensation

The relevance of using compensated induction machines in the generator mode of autonomous power supply systems is determined by their ability to provide a stable and reliable power supply even in the absence of an external grid. The research aims to develop a procedure for determining the characteristics of an equivalent circuit of compensated induction generators that considers the mutual influence between the main and additional phase windings of the armature. The theory of an idealised induction machine with the representation of electromechanical energy conversion processes and basic physical parameters in the form of equations of electrical equilibrium and drive motion was used to obtain the calculated characteristics of the generator’s operating modes of this class. The generalised system of differential equations made it possible to calculate dynamic and static processes for symmetrical and asymmetrical modes at given machine parameters under different methods of excitation and voltage stabilisation under variable load. For the practical implementation of modelling the parameters of an induction generator, the equations of electrical equilibrium of the stator and rotor circuits for the symmetrical steady-state mode are used, which is a special case of the generalised mathematical model of the machine for both transient and steady-state processes with constant parameters of the substitution scheme. Consideration of the structural and functional features of compensated induction generators was made possible by using a mathematical model with the armature winding divided into two coaxial or spatially offset half-windings. In this case, the number of calculation equations doubles. The use of an autotransformer scheme for switching on the stator phase half-windings to capacitors required the introduction of an additional differential equation for the electrical equilibrium of the stator phases. This made it possible to substantiate the values of active and inductive resistances used in the replacement circuit of an induction generator with internal capacitive reactive power compensation. The mutual inductive coupling of the main and additional half-windings of the generator stator phase windings due to both the operating magnetic flux and the magnetic fluxes of dissipation was considered. The practical significance of the obtained results is to increase the efficiency and stability of the power supply, which helps to reduce losses and improve the operation of electric power systems

A superconducting wireless energiser based on electromechanical energy conversion

A superconducting wireless energiser based on electromechanical energy conversion

Research of high-frequency remagnetization model in laminated magnetic cores of electromechanical and electromagnetic energy converters

The object of research in the work is charged magnetic conductors of electric machines and transformers. Laminated magnetic wire together with windings are important active parts of electric machines that participate in electromechanical energy conversion. The reliability of the entire machine is mainly determined by the actual condition of the inter-sheet insulation. Violation of the insulation causes parasitic eddy current circuits, which increases the specific losses, and also significantly affects the additional heating of the magnet wire and winding. The normative method for determining the quality of the charged core is the assessment of specific losses at a frequency of 50 Hz and an induction of 1 T, which should not exceed 2.5–4 W/kg. To determine local damage to the core, methods of local heating and fixation of overheating sites are used, which should not exceed 45 °C compared to the main part of the magnetic core. In the work, a two-dimensional field mathematical model of a charged magnetic circuit is developed. This makes it possible to carry out electromagnetic calculations in a near-real magnetic conductor, taking into account the variability of magnetic permeability, hysteresis, and the interaction of currents in adjacent plates of the magnetic conductor with each other, the so-called "proximity effect". On the basis of the developed models, graphs of current distribution and distribution of magnetic induction in one, two and three sheets were obtained. The resulting graphs show how the effect of current displacement increases with increasing frequency, where at a frequency of 100 kHz the magnetic induction density in the middle of the sheet goes to zero. The results of the research confirm the correctness of the model development in comparison with the classical calculation models also given, which allows them to be used for further research of high-frequency processes in charged magnetic circuits of electric machines

Mathematical Modeling of Mechanical Forces and Power Balance in Electromechanical Energy Converter

This article proposes a calculation method for mechanical (electromagnetic) forces arising in an electromechanical energy converter acting on current circuits in a magnetic field, or on capacitor plates in an electric one. Transformations were performed on the basis of the principle of possible displacements involving the apparatus of partial derivatives. It was found that the power converted into mechanical power is partially spent on changing the energy of the electromagnetic field, and the remaining power, determined by the co-energy, is converted into mechanical power. Expressions for the mechanical (electromagnetic) forces were obtained based on the power balance. The reliability of the obtained results was compared with the known results. Of these, one can observe the well-known 50/50 principle, which states that only part of the power associated with the movement of the circuits is converted into mechanical power, while the rest is intended for changing the energy of the magnetic field.

Control of Halogen Atom in Inorganic Metal-Halide Perovskites Enables Large Piezoelectricity for Electromechanical Energy Generation.

Regulating the strain of inorganic perovskites has emerged as a critical approach to control their electronic and optical properties. Here, an alternative strategy to further control the piezoelectric properties by substituting the halogen atom (I/Br) in the CsPbX3 perovskite (X = Cl, Br) structure is adopted. A series of piezoelectric materials with excellent piezoelectric coefficients (d33 ) are unveiled. Iodine-incorporated CsPbBr2 I demonstrates the record intrinsic piezoelectric response (d33 ≈47 pC N-1 ) among all inorganic metal halide perovskites. This leads to an excellent electrical output power of ≈ 0.375mW (24.8 µW cm-2 N-1 ) in the piezoelectric energy generator (PEG) which is higher than those of the pristine/mixed perovskite references with CsPbX3 (X = I, Br, Cl). With its structural phase remaining unchanged, the strained CsPbBr2 I retains its superior piezoelectricity in both thin film and nanocrystal powder forms, further demonstrating its repeatability and versatility of applications. The origin of high piezoelectricity is found to be due to halogen-induced anisotropic lattice strain in the unit-cell along the c-axis, and octahedral distortion. This study reveals an avenue to design new piezoelectric materials by modifying their halide constituents and paves the way to design efficient PEGs for improved electromechanical energy conversion.

System design, analysis, and experimental investigations of linear switched reluctance machines with double mover configuration

This paper proposes a new double mover configuration of a linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM). The proposed design is established for optimization of the motional forces and to ensure a high-grade electromechanical energy conversion process. The major drawback of the traditional linear machine is that its force densities within and throughout its area is produced in its radial direction of the yoke and does not contribute to its motion or twisting force of the rotor. If these normal forces happen to be in the direction of motion, a larger motional force profile for SRM is yielded. Based on these guidelines, a new LSRM is developed. In order to compare the energy conversion efficiency of LSRM with that of the conventional SRM, a finite element model is constructed. The proposed system is simulated using the FEM software and tested under four conditions. Further, an experimental prototype of the proposed machine is also developed and tested in the laboratory. The results obtained from the prototype indicate that the proposed geometry offers superior performance in terms of high-power density and higher percentage of the national forces.

Neuromodel of an Eddy Current Brake for Load Emulation

The eddy current brake (ECB) is an electromechanical energy conversion device that can be used as a load emulator to load a motor according to the intended load scenario. However, conducting an analysis in the time domain is difficult due to its complex behavior involving mechanical, electrical, and magnetic phenomena. The challenges with the time domain analysis of the ECB require new modeling approaches that provide reliability, robustness, and controllability over a wide speed interval. If the ECB can be modeled with high accuracy, it can be controlled like a load emulator that can simulate nonlinear industrial loads. This paper describes a neuromodeling approach taken to develop an ECB. The nonlinear characteristic of the brake system was modeled with a high performance by using an artificial neural network (ANN), which is a potent nonlinear system identification tool. Several characteristics of a designed and optimized brake system undergoing various excitation currents in whole speed regions are described and verified experimentally. Eventually, an electromechanical brake system is proposed that aims to provide the required linear or nonlinear load model dynamics throughout an emulation process in line with the obtained neuromodel. To identify the most suitable ANN architecture for the problem, various ANN configurations, ranging from 1 neuron to 20 neurons in the hidden layer, as well as a statistical approach that differs from the existing literature, are presented. Additionally, the suggested model’s scalability is discussed.