Emulation System Research Articles

Development of a 3 kW Wind Energy Conversion System Emulator Using a Grid-Connected Doubly-Fed Induction Generator

Development of a 3 kW Wind Energy Conversion System Emulator Using a Grid-Connected Doubly-Fed Induction Generator

Fuzzing trusted execution environments with Rust

Fuzzing, a software testing technique, aims to uncover bugs by subjecting the target program to random inputs, thus discerning abnormal program behaviors such as crashes. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a fuzzing framework designed to test TEEs (Trusted Execution Environment). Our framework leverages established software tools in a novel way: (1) We employ the Rust programming language in a two-way code generator: to translate fuzzer output to a sequence of system calls and in a “reverse translation” process, where sample code snippets are used to seed the fuzzer – a single API specification suffices for both endeavors; (2) Our fuzzer exhibits the ability to iteratively traverse the API's specification, scrutinize object dependencies, and judiciously reuse objects. These features significantly amplify its bug-finding prowess. (3) A versatile Rust proc macro mechanism is used to process the API specification. The fuzzer's code is built with the Rust compiler sans the necessity for additional specialized tools. (4) To enable the efficient stateful execution of TEEs, we have tailored the QEMU system emulator accordingly. To verify the usability and performance of our fuzzer, and to test various configuration options we conducted a series of tests with a popular open-source OP-TEE trusted operating system.

High-dimensional quantum key distribution using orbital angular momentum of single photons from a colloidal quantum dot at room temperature

High-dimensional quantum key distribution (HDQKD) is a promising avenue to address the inherent limitations of basic quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols. However, experimental realizations of HDQKD to date have relied on indeterministic photon sources that limit the achievable key rate. In this paper, we demonstrate a full emulation of a HDQKD system using a single colloidal giant quantum dot (gQD) as a deterministic, compact, and room-temperature single-photon source (SPS). We demonstrate a practical protocol by encoding information in a high-dimensional space (d = 3) of the orbital angular momentum of the photons. Our experimental configuration incorporates two spatial light modulators for encoding and decoding the spatial information carried by individual photons. Our experimental demonstration establishes the feasibility of utilizing high radiative quantum yield gQDs as practical SPSs for HDQKD. We also experimentally demonstrate surpassing the traditional d = 2 QKD capacity with comparable error rates, indicating a significant improvement in performance while maintaining reliability.

Design, and dynamic evaluation of a novel photovoltaic pumping system emulation with DS1104 hardware setup: Towards innovative in green energy systems.

Diesel engines (DEs) commonly power pumps used in agricultural and grassland irrigation. However, relying on unpredictable and costly fuel sources for DEs pose's challenges related to availability, reliability, maintenance, and lifespan. Addressing these environmental concerns, this study introduces an emulation approach for photovoltaic (PV) water pumping (WP) systems. Emulation offers a promising alternative due to financial constraints, spatial limitations, and climate dependency in full-scale systems. The proposed setup includes three key elements: a PV system emulator employing back converter control to replicate PV panel characteristics, a boost converter with an MPPT algorithm for efficient power tracking across diverse conditions, and a motor pump (MP) emulator integrating an induction motor connected to a DC generator to simulate water pump behaviors. Precise induction motor control is achieved through a controlled inverter. This work innovatively combines PV and WP emulation while optimizing system dynamics, aiming to develop a comprehensive emulator and evaluate an enhanced control algorithm. An optimized scalar control strategy regulates the water MP, demonstrated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations that highlight superior performance and responsiveness to solar irradiation variations compared to conventional MPPT techniques. Experimental validation using the dSPACE control desk DS1104 confirms the emulator's ability to faithfully reproduce genuine solar panel characteristics.

Development of an emulator of the sustainable energy harvesting pad system on a bike lane for charging lithium batteries

In response to the urgent imperative of combating global warming and advancing sustainable energy solutions, an innovative approach has emerged, capitalizing on bicycles and road bike lane infrastructure. This solution integrates a Smart Lithium Battery Charging System with a Sustainable Energy Harvesting Pad (SEHP) designed for cyclists. The SEHP harnesses piezoelectric energy from mechanical vibrations and kinetic energy from lightweight vehicles. It produces clean, renewable electricity as an alternative to traditional power sources. Comprehensive assessments of the SEHP's energy generation performance at various proficiency levels have revealed impressive capabilities. An electronic emulator system is developed to support academic and research communities, simulating scenarios on bike lanes to efficiently charge 36.36 Wh lithium batteries at various cycling proficiency levels. The study involved specific circuit design, seamless integration with the custom Smart Lithium Battery Charging System, and optimization using Microcontroller hardware and software solutions. Practical prototypes verified the emulator's functionality and real-world applicability, making it an authentic replica of the SEHP's outcomes. This innovative technology enhances our understanding of SEHP and enables comparative analysis against other energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Experimental validation of a real-time fuzzy logic-based MPPT controller for a PEM fuel cell emulator system

Experimental validation of a real-time fuzzy logic-based MPPT controller for a PEM fuel cell emulator system

Retro-Plus Portable Gaming Console

The Indian E-sports gaming industry is burgeoning, with a market value of nearly 2000 crores and rapid expansion. This growth primarily targets the younger generation's preference for high-priced online games that necessitate a sophisticated gaming setup. Introducing the Retro-Plus Portable Gaming Console, a compact pocket-sized device enabling players to enjoy classic 90s video games without the need for internet connectivity or elaborate configurations. Amidst the resurgence of retro gaming, we explore a cost-effective alternative by harnessing the power of Raspberry Pi boards equipped with RetroPie emulator systems. Comparing various retro gaming consoles with RetroPie, we showcase the versatility and affordability of this solution. Utilizing RetroPie software tailored for Raspberry Pi, our project demonstrates seamless emulation of classic games from platforms like Nintendo, Sega, and Atari. By connecting Raspberry Pi to a monitor and controllers, users access a diverse library of nostalgic titles. This initiative involves setting up Raspberry Pi with requisite software, configuring controllers, and adding game ROMs. RetroPie's comprehensive emulator collection ensures smooth gameplay, enhanced by Raspberry Pi's processing capabilities and video output. The Retro-Plus Gaming Console outshines traditional retro systems by consolidating games onto a single device, fostering customization, and facilitating internet connectivity for multiplayer gaming and updates. Keywords: Raspberry Pi, Gaming Console, Retro Gaming,affordability, versatility

CyberGrid: an IEC61850 protocol-based substation automation virtual cyber range for cybersecurity research in the smart grid

ABSTRACT A cyber range provides a controlled environment for simulating mission-critical systems for cybersecurity research following the high risks involved in conducting experiments in real-life systems. Existing cyber ranges do not provide close emulation of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in the Smart Grid Networks (SGNs), with emphasis on industry-based proprietary and IED protocols. This paper presents CyberGrid Testbed – a virtual Cyber-Range developed by the CyberSCADA Research Laboratory at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, which emulates Substation Automation processes with IEC61850 and Modbus/TCP protocols and support for MMS, and IED. This was built on OpenPLC6185, simulating Twelve attack patterns, and four attack types.

A versatilely high fidelity electric machines emulator for rapid testing of motor controller.

Electric machines emulators (EMEs) based on hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), which effectively act as emulators to mimic the actual motor behavior of Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) machines. EME is frequently used to evaluate motor controller and motor control methodologies prior to development. The inverse magnetization motor model, which is used as the basis for real-time simulation in this paper's proposal for an electric machine emulator system based on HIL, uses FEA to create the motor model data. The nonlinear features of the motor may be successfully replicated with this motor model, and the accuracy of the electric machine emulator can be enhanced by using a straightforward and trustworthy motor controller. The real-time simulation tool typhoon HIL is used in the study to develop a hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform for an IPM electric machines emulator.

Development of a variable refrigerant flow system emulator to host the second World Championship in Cybernetic Building Optimization

This paper introduces an emulator developed to assess the operational characteristics of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) for the second World Championship in Cybernetic Building Optimization (WCCBO). The emulator utilizes BACnet communication and provides a realistic simulation for evaluating energy conservation and comfort in buildings with VRF systems. Herein, we discuss the building specifications for calculation, operation of the emulator, calculation method for the vertical temperature distribution, dissatisfactory rate calculation, and consideration of championship rules. Notably, a thermal preference model was developed for predicting the thermal sensation of occupants and adjusting the dissatisfaction rate based on their ability to control the indoor environment. In addition, we developed a method for calculating the total scores during the WCCBO and devised a suitable network structure for score registration. The results of this study highlight the importance of personal control and impact of drafts on thermal comfort. This paper presents a meta-level methodology to determine the best operation for each specific VRF system for a future world championship, whose planning is underway and will be conducted to accumulate information on optimal operations.

Hardware-in-the-loop dynamic load emulation of robotic systems actuated by fluidic artificial muscles

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing is a popular control system testing method because it bridges the gap between modeling/simulation and experiments. Instead of designing a full hardware-based experiment to validate the results of a simulation, the plant hardware can be replaced with an emulator device that responds to exogenous inputs and effectively emulates the dynamic behavior of a system. This approach can be more cost-effective and modular, since the emulated plant system can be modeled in a simulation environment, implemented on a simplified piece of hardware and changed quickly without having to fabricate new parts. This paper develops the hardware and control scheme for a certain type of HIL device called a dynamic load emulator that consists of a 1-DOF linear hydraulic dynamometer equipped with in-line sensing to measure both its own position and the force exerted on it by a device-under-test. This measured force is passed to a real-time model of the emulated dynamic system. The model outputs the emulated system position, and a closed-loop controller is used to emulate this position. The emulator controller incorporates both model-based feedforward and standard feedback PI control. This paper characterizes the dynamometer-based dynamic load emulator and its controller, determining its hardware limitations and validating its capabilities when experiencing a force input from a linear spring with known parameters. Additionally, this paper demonstrates the ability of the emulator to represent the dynamics of a 1-DOF robotic joint when actuated by a pair of fluidic artificial muscles (FAMs). The primary contribution of this work is to allow for more comprehensive testing of FAM configurations, topologies, and controllers for a wide range of parameters, because the same hardware can be used to emulate multiple systems. As a result, this work will lead to more cost-effective, time-efficient, and energy-efficient designs of robotic systems and the FAMs used to actuate them.

Fast Emulation of Fermionic Circuits with Matrix Product States.

We describe a matrix product state (MPS) extension for the Fermionic Quantum Emulator (FQE) software library. We discuss the theory behind symmetry-adapted MPSs for approximating many-body wave functions of spin-1/2 Fermions, and we present an open-source, MPS-enabled implementation of the FQE interface (MPS-FQE). The software uses the open-source pyblock3 and block2 libraries for most elementary tensor operations, and it can largely be used as a drop-in replacement for FQE that allows for more efficient but approximate emulation of larger Fermionic circuits. Finally, we show several applications relevant to both near-term and fault-tolerant quantum algorithms where approximate emulation of larger systems is expected to be useful: characterization of state preparation strategies for quantum phase estimation, the testing of different variational quantum eigensolver ansätze, the numerical evaluation of Trotter errors, and the simulation of general quantum dynamics problems. In all these examples, approximate emulation with MPS-FQE allows us to treat systems that are significantly larger than those accessible with a full statevector emulator.

Multidomain Device-Level Fuel-Cell Modeling and Real-Time Hardware Emulation for Marine Research Vessel Power System

Marine research vessels (MRVs) are redesigned and refurbished to meet higher energy conversion efficiency and modular integration schemes while conforming to stronger environmental regulations. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is currently regarded as a potential power source for marine transportation applications due to its advantages of stability, sustainability, and zero emissions. This paper proposes a hierarchical scheme for the real-time hardware emulation of the MRV’s power system and a comprehensive multi-domain model for PEMFCs. The PEMFC model is presented in the electrochemical, hydration, and thermal domains by ordinary differential equations considering the interactions and dynamics of each domain. Meanwhile, the multi-domain PEMFC model considers the implications of the fluctuating supply of the onboard hydrogen circulation system. Moreover, the dynamics of the lithium-ion battery stacks are represented by an equivalent circuit model which considers heat flux phenomena. In the case study, the DC-AC grid of the MRV’s power system and electric propulsion system is configured using extensive electrification technology with an average model. The real-time hardware emulation is conducted on the Xilinx® UltraScale+™ VCU118 FPGA platform to execute the device-level and system-level behavior transients of the MRV. The results of the real-time hardware emulation have been validated against the full-scale hybrid MRV power system emulation over a wide operating range.

Using Metaprogramming Tools of the Common Lisp Language for the Development of Emulator Systems

The purpose of research is to analyze and use metaprogramming in the Common Lisp language when designing and implementing emulators that simulate computer system hardware. The metaprogramming, the macro tools of the Common Lisp language and the use of macros for metaprogramming are considered.Methods. The Lisp language is characterized by its use of uniform S-expressions to represent data and programs. Thus, data can be part of a program and vice versa: a program can be data. Common Lisp macro tools allow you to directly modify the abstract syntax tree of a program, and thus it is possible to create new syntactic constructs to solve a given problem. When implementing emulator functions, macro tools of the Common Lisp language can be used to generate functions, where the common part of the functions is included in the macro, and the differences between the functions are specified in the parameters when calling the macros. Examples of this macros are: bit status register macros, generation of ariphmetic commands, comparation commands, memory commands. Using that you can significantly reduce the size of the program.Results. As a result of computer modeling, a simulator of the NES architecture (MOS 6502 processor) was developed and implemented in the conventional object-orientied C# programming language and in the Common Lisp metaprogramming language. As a result, the simulator written in a language with metaprogramming support turned out to be more than 2 times smaller than the simulator written in C#.Conclusion. The use of metaprogramming (using the example of creating emulators) can significantly reduce the size of a program, simplify and improve the program architecture, reduce the number of errors and improve the quality of programs. The use of domain specific languages lets reduce code size even more.

Wind Power Determination for Maximum Power Point Tracking in Lab-scale Multi-MW Wind Energy Systems

The low voltage ride through (LVRT) grid code requirements are pushing the new era of multi MW wind energy conversion systems (WECS) to full power topologies. Lab scale emulation of such multi MW systems usually substitutes the wind energy conversion by a torque producing emulator (e.g. DC machine). Nevertheless, the complete study of the wind energy system is more insightful and allows a better analysis of the WECS. This work focuses on the design of the blades and the wind power calculation for lab scale emulation of multi MW wind energy systems. Theoretical analysis for the design of the lab scale system is presented and experimental results show the wind power characteristic curves for maximum power point tracking of variable speed generators.

Battery Emulator for Coupled Electro-Thermo Powertrain Testing

Approved, DCN# 543-443-23Battery emulation systems are useful for testing and evaluating powertrain systems; but typically,only consider the electrical characteristics of a battery. Powertrains with shared cooling components/systems between batteries and power electronics would benefit from hardware-in-the-loop testing facilities that consider both the electrical and thermal aspects of energy storage. In this work a battery emulator that physically emulates both the electrical and thermal characteristics with a coupled electro-thermal powertrain testbed is demonstrated. The coupled electro-thermo model links the electrical and thermal outputs together and calculates them in real-time. The electrical model is an equivalent circuit representation of a battery making use of experimental data from tested cells. The electrical model is coupled to the thermal model through temperature-dependent parameters of the cell resistance and open circuit voltages. The thermal model is a lumped isothermal reduced order heat generation model. This model will calculate the net heat generated from the ohmic losses, entropic losses, and losses to cooling (liquid and ambient). The thermal model is coupled to the electrical model by being dependent on the cell’s state of charge and using the cell’s current and voltage outputs for its governing equations. Models are parameterized on experimental data acquired through pulsed hybrid testing. In this work, a 3.5 kWh battery pack with a discharge of 40 amps at 48 volts generating 38.4 Watts of heat is emulated in an electro-thermo powertrain testbed configured to represent an electric naval platform such as a small autonomous boat subjected to both baseline and pulsed loading. The electrical emulation is performed through a bidirectional power supply and thermal emulation through a resistive heater. The electro-thermo powertrain testbed then dissipates the emulated electrical energy through power convertors and electronic loads while the thermal energy is dissipated through a heat exchanger that also cools the power convertors. Numerical and experimental validation demonstrate that the coupled electro-thermo battery emulator is capable of accurately representing the electrical and thermal aspects of a 3.5 kWh battery. Limitations in terms ofemulating batteries at higher temperatures and current draws are discussed. Effects of scaling the coupled electro-thermo battery emulator are also presented.Acknowledgment: This work was supported in part by the Office of Naval Research under contract NO.N00014-22-C-1003DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited

Macroscopic emulation of microscopic magnetic particle systems

In this work we show that macroscopic experiments can be used to investigate microscopic systems. Such macroscopic experiments enable testing the assumptions and results obtained by theoretical considerations or simulations that cannot be obtained under microscope (e.g., the orientation of a spherical particle).To emulate the dynamics of a single hematite cube immersed in water and subjected to a rotating magnetic field, a cubic magnet is firmly positioned in a 3D printed superball shell. The dimensionless parameters of the microscopic and macroscopic systems can be equalized by using a glycerol-water mixture instead of water as well as by the material and infill of the 3D printed shell. The pose of the superball is tracked using ArUco stickers which act as fiducial markers.It was found that there is a qualitative agreement between the macroscopic experiments and theoretical predictions. However, the reduced thermal effects in the macroscopic experiments lead to an increase in friction between the superball and the surface, thus shifting the critical frequency of the system.Since the shell is 3D printed, the given method can be extended to any shape and magnetization orientation.

A Sampling Control Framework and Its Applications to Robust and Adaptive Control

In this paper, we propose a novel sampling control framework based on the emulation technique where the sampling error is regarded as an auxiliary input to the emulated system. Utilizing the supremum norm of sampling error, the design of periodic sampling and event-triggered control law renders the error dynamics bounded-input-bounded-state (BIBS), and when it is coupled with system dynamics, achieves global or semi-global stabilization. The proposed framework is then extended to tackle the stabilization problem for a system where the state of dynamic uncertainty is not available for feedback and the dynamics is subject to parameter uncertainties. The proposed framework is further extended to solve two classes of event-triggered adaptive control problems where the emulated closed-loop system does not admit an input-to-state stability (ISS) Lyapunov function. For the first class of systems with linear parameterized uncertainties, even-triggered global adaptive stabilization is achieved without the global Lipschitz condition on nonlinearities as often required in the literature. For the second class of systems with uncertainties whose bound is unknown, the event-triggered adaptive (dynamic) gain controller is designed for the first time. Finally, theoretical results are verified by three numerical examples.

Laboratory-Scale Airborne Wind Energy Conversion Emulator Using OPAL-RT Real-Time Simulator

Airborne wind energy systems (AWES) are more efficient than traditional wind turbines because they can capture higher wind speeds at higher altitudes using connected kite generators. Securing a real wind turbine or a site with favorable wind conditions is not always an assured opportunity for conducting research. Hence, the Research and Development of the Laboratory Scale Airborne Wind Energy Conversion System (LAWECS) require a better understanding of airborne wind turbine dynamics and emulation. Therefore, an airborne wind turbine emulation system was designed, implemented, simulated, and experimentally tested with ground data for the real time simulation. The speed and torque of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) connected to a kite are regulated to maximize wind energy harvesting. A field-oriented control technique is then used to control the PMSM’s torque, while a three-phase power inverter is utilized to drive the PMSM with PI controllers in a closed loop. The proposed framework was tested, and the emulated airborne wind energy conversion system results were proven experimentally for different wind speeds and generator loads. Further, the LAWECS emulator simulated a 2 kW, 20 kW, and 60 kW designed with a projected kite area of 5, 25, and 70 square meters, respectively. This system was simulated using the Matlab/Simulink software and tested with the experimental data. Furthermore, the evaluation of the proposed framework is validated using a real-time hardware-in-the-loop environment, which uses the FPGA-based OPAL-RT Simulator.

Robot-Assisted Gravity Offloading Testing of Aerospace Structures

Abstract The demand for testing aerospace structures on Earth before they are launched into space has led to the development of equipment that is able to simulate orbit conditions, namely zero gravity. Several passive solutions have been proposed to perform offloading testing on Earth. However, they present limitations and lack the flexibility normally required by the complexity of the pathways. Active zero gravity emulation systems have been developed to mitigate the difficulties of the passive ones. Moreover, the emergence of robotic arms with the ability to perform complex and easily reprogrammable motion and force-controlled trajectories has opened the possibility of creating robot-based gravity compensation systems. This paper proposes and evaluates a solution for the gravity offloading testing of space devices based on currently available industrial robots. This solution takes advantage of the functionalities of collaborative robots, namely built-in force controllers, together with custom auxiliary subsystems. A setup was arranged to allow the communication between the robot controller and a computer running an internet of things (IoT) platform based on Node-RED so as to connect and control all components of the offloading system. Multiple robot control techniques were designed and tested based on several approaches employing impedance control functionalities and sensing data to create a closed-loop system. The results obtained are within the validation criteria, creating conditions to affirm for the application in question that the gravity compensation was achieved with success using the robot.