Simscape Library Research Articles

A 15 KW level 3 inductive power transfer charger for fast charging and maximum efficiency

This paper aims to design and simulate a Wireless Power Transfer charger that can achieve fast charging, thereby improving the EV users’ experience and bypassing the disadvantages of Level 1 and 2 chargers. We attend to this objective by presenting a Two-Stage Inductive Power Transfer system controlled by the constant power (CP) control strategy. Key innovations include the integration of an LCC-C compensation network with a Switched-Controlled Capacitor (SCC) and a DC/DC Buck converter. To validate our proposed system, we simulate a prototype using SimScape library. The simulation leads us to design a TSIPT prototype that achieves high-power charging of 15.3 KW and a power efficiency ranging from 92.2 % to 88 %, and an output voltage varying from 523V to 878V. These results are thanks to the DC/DC Buck converter that regulate the output and help to improve the battery life span, and due to the combination between the SCC and the secondary active rectifier (AR) the proposed IPT can maintain with a maximum constant charging output and a maximum power efficiency, that can make the overall system more stable.

Development of a numerical model for floating Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs), which are primarily used in small-scale applications, such as in remote or urban areas, could be particularly promising for floating offshore wind projects, where they offer benefits like increased stability, lower maintenance costs, and the potential for closer spacing due to lesser aerodynamic wake effects. However, to be competitive with floating HAWTs, scaling up VAWTs size is an urgent necessity to facilitate large-scale industrialization. To achieve this goal, the development of tools capable of assessing VAWT performance in challenging offshore environments is crucial. This work aims to introduce a time domain model of a floating VAWT, developed within the Matlab-Simscape environment. The model comprises a floating platform, a wind turbine, and a mooring system. The aerodynamics is simulated using the Double Multiple Stream Tube method, which relies on Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory. Hydrodynamics is modelled using WEC-Sim, a Simscape library developed by NREL and SANDIA. Among the main advantages of the model are the flexibility and low computational time. The article presents a case study involving a semi-sub foundation, the OC4-DeepCwind, supporting a Darrieus H-rotor VAWT. The results obtained are compared with those from QBlade Ocean, an open-source tool developed by TU Berlin, demonstrating a good agreement between the two codes.

Hybrid Electrical Vehicle Design by Using Solar and Battery Sources

This paper of the modelling methods and software used to model EVs with BLDC motors are provided in this research. It examines the value of simulation in enhancing control, energy, and performance techniques for vehicles. This research also examines important variables, scenarios, and difficulties in simulating BLDC motor driven EVs, emphasising their significant contribution to the development of EV technology. The battery is charged using a power converter and a DC/DC converter. In order to charge the battery, it also used regenerative braking. This model enables a thorough examination of battery performance under various operating circumstances, such as temperature changes and charge and discharge cycles. The battery efficiency of this lithium-ion battery is outstanding. An electric vehicle with a solar power source and a totally battery-powered design. We create a comprehensive and adaptable simulation environment that faithfully replicates real-world EV behaviour by integrating the Simulink and Simscape libraries from MATLAB. It not only advances the technology of electric vehicles but also looks into the integration of solar power to increase the sustainability of electric mobility. This research highlights the potential for electric vehicles to be a key contributor to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future by fusing the advantages of lithiumion batteries, BLDC motors, and solar power.

Development and simulation of the Feed Pusher Robot software and hardware system for the maintenance of the feed table at livestock facilities

BACKGROUND: Analysis of trends in the development of industrial technologies in the field of agriculture showed that manufacturers of technological equipment used on farms turn to robotics to exclude human labor when performing labor-intensive cyclical operations that are accompanied by a high degree of tension. To perform operations for the preparation and distribution of feed on a farm, maintenance of the feed table, as well as for manure harvesting, it is necessary to use a wheeled robotic platform with an automatic positioning system.
 AIMS: Development and testing of the software and hardware system of the Feed Pusher robot for the autonomous execution of operations for the maintenance of the feed table at livestock facilities.
 METHODS: Wheeled robot motion simulation, as well as a mathematical description of the kinematic and dynamic properties of the wheeled robot motion was carried out using the MATLAB software and the Simscape library and the Simulink application. The Figma graphic design software was used to develop layouts of mobile software interfaces for the wheeled robot remote control.
 RESULTS: During the wheeled robot motion simulation, direct and inverse kinematics problems were solved, consisting in finding theω1,ω2, vectors with the input parameters x0,y0,φ0,x,y,φ, as well as the final angle of the path (relative to the horizontal). Layouts of the robot remote control software interfaces have been developed, as well as the frontend and backend development of the program adapted to the use at a smartphone has been carried out. The testing of the wheeled robot was carried out at a livestock facility, during the maintenance of the feed table and the simultaneous execution of operations to push the feed to the fence and dosing of feed additives.
 CONCLUSIONS: The practical value of the research lies in the possibility of using the results of the wheeled robot motion simulation to adjust the operation of the automatic positioning system. At the same time, the farmer using the proposed Feed Pusher robot will ensure an increase in the technological efficiency of cattle keeping, in particular dairy cattle, with an increase in milk yields up to 1 liter per day per head, which was determined during the tests on the farm.

FULLY CHARACTERIZING SPINAL LOAD DISPLACEMENT BEHAVIOUR USING VISCOELASTIC MODELS

Lower back pain (LBP) is a global problem. Countless in vitro studies have attempted to understand LBP and inform treatment protocols such as disc replacement devices (DRDs). A common method of reporting results is applying a linear fit to load-displacement behaviour, reporting the gradient as the specimen stiffness in that axis. This is favoured for speed, simplicity and repeatability but neglects key aspects including stiffening and hysteresis. Other fits such as polynomials and double sigmoids better address these characteristics, but solution parameters lack physical representation. The aim of this study was to implement an automated method to fit spinal load-displacement behaviour using viscoelastic models.Six porcine lumbar spinal motion segments were dissected to produce isolated disc specimens. These were potted in Wood's metal, ensuring the disc midplane remained horizontal, sprayed with 0.9% saline and wrapped in saline-soaked tissue and plastic wrap to prevent dehydration. Specimens were tested using the University of Bath spine simulator operating under position control with a 400N axial preload.Specimens were approximated using representative viscoelastic elements. These models were constructed in MATLAB Simulink R2020b using the SimScape library. Solution coefficients were determined by minimizing the sum of squared errors cost function using a non-linear least squares optimization method.The models matched experimental data well with a mean % difference in model and specimen enclosed area below 6% across all axes. This indicates the ability of the model to accurately represent energy dissipated. The final models demonstrated reduced RMSEs factors of 3.6, 1.1 and 9.5 smaller than the linear fits for anterior-posterior shear, mediolateral shear and axial rotation respectively.These nonlinear viscoelastic models exhibit significantly increased qualities of fit to spinal load-displacement behaviour when compared to linear approximations. Furthermore, they have the advantage of solution parameters which are directly linked to physical elements: springs and dampers. The results from this study could be instrumental in improving the design of DRDs as a mechanism for treating LBP.

Comparative study by numerical simulation of two methods for automatic flow control in centrifugal pumps

Flow rate and pressure are variables of great interest in the process control industry, especially in pumping systems. With the help of modeling and simulation, it is possible to understand the operation of these systems prior to their construction, in addition to allowing their behavior to be analyzed in various operational scenarios and testing different control strategies. In this work, the hydraulic, mechanical, electrical and electronic models of the different components of the system are studied. Two study cases for automatic flow control are assembled, using Simscape library from MATLAB/Simulink R2019b. This study cases are: i) with a control valve and ii) with a variable speed drive. The simulations determined that both cases keep the flow constant in the face of pressure disturbances, with a good dynamic response. Case 2 consumes less power than case 1, between 24 and 64% less, especially at low flow rates. It also reduce unwanted mechanical and electrical problems due to sudden starts and stops. Case 2 produced harmonic pollution on both the grid and motor sides, which implies a potential risk for the motor and the electrical grid. Case 2 was experimentally validated, obtaining errors of less than 10%.

Development of MOST, a fast simulation model for optimisation of floating offshore wind turbines in Simscape Multibody

Abstract the paper presents the development of an innovative non-linear, time domain numerical model for the simulation of offshore floating wind turbines, named MOST. The model is able to evaluate the movement of the platform in six degrees of freedom, the power production and the load cycles acting on the blades. MOST is implemented in Matlab-Simulink environment using Simscape Multibody. The aerodynamics is modelled with the blade element momentum theory and the hydrodynamics is modelled using WEC-Sim, a Simscape library developed by NREL and SANDIA. The use of Simscape offers great flexibility to quickly introduce complex dynamic systems such as hybrid wave-wind platforms, flexible platforms, or sea water active ballast systems. Additionally, Matlab provides useful toolboxes and extensive libraries for advanced control systems, linearisation analysis, parallelisation and generation of C code. The results of MOST are then compared to FAST, an open-source code widely used in the academic research. The case study is a 15 MW reference wind turbine installed on the Volturn US platform. The comparison shows a good agreement between the two codes with a significant reduction of the simulation time.

Numerical Study of Constant Pressure Systems with Variable Speed Electric Pumps

This work focuses on the modeling and simulation of constant pressure systems based on variable speed pumps, with the aim of studying and evaluating their performance from a multidisciplinary approach. Using the physical models of the Simscape library, from MATLAB/Simulink R2019b, two study cases are assembled consisting of: piping system, a hydropneumatic tank, centrifugal pumps with an induction motor, variable speed drives, and a control system. Case one is comprised of one pump at a fixed speed and another at variable speed, and case two with both pumps at variable speed. For the parameterization of the models, data from manufacturers and process requirements are used. The different stages of the control system are integrated and configured; these are constant V/f control, slip compensation, space vector modulation (SVM,) and pressure controller. The dynamic response of the system, power saving, transient current at startup, and harmonic distortion are evaluated. The results showed that both cases kept the pressure constant in the face of variable flow demand and smoothed out the current during startup. Case two saved more energy (between 28 and 49%) but generated more harmonic distortion. In addition, both cases have better performance compared with traditional fixed-speed technologies.

Modeling thermal processes using electrical equivalent circuits in digital twins of technical devices

One of the promising areas of digitalization of the economy today is associated with the concept of digital twins of technical systems. Digital twins based on simulation models of technical devices, which are calibrated according to the results of experimental studies on a real-time device are of great interest. Such models allow us to conduct preventive analysis of the operation consequences of these devices in various modes. Thus, a problem occurs to develop parametrically coupled models of physical processes of various natures that underlie the principles of operation of these devices. Currently, for these purposes, simulation software packages are used. MatLab Simulink software is the most popular one. However, not all such software packages provide tools to work with chain models of all physical processes that are of the user interest. Thus, the purpose of this article is to develop methods to construct digital twins of technical devices using models of arbitrary physical processes (in particular, thermal) based on electrical equivalent circuits. It unifies the task of modeling processes based on circuit theory. To develop the method to construct digital twins, the authors have applied the phenomenon of isomorphism of equations of physical processes based on the theory of circuits that is based on the theory of ordinary differential equations. The simulation has been carried out in the MatLab Simulink environment using the SimScape library for modeling physical processes. Assumptions typical for circuit theory are made during simulation. A method has been developed to construct simulation models based on the use of electrical equivalent circuits of physical processes of an arbitrary nature. In contrast to existing approaches, where the analogy method is used to simulate one of the processes of the researcher interest, it is proposed to develop a single integrated model of all physical processes underlying the operation of this class of devices. It will reduce the level of requirements for simulation systems by limiting the requested functionality of these systems to electrical circuits only. The proposed method can be used as the basis for the development of digital twins of technical devices that allow simulating their operation in arbitrary modes, considering a variety of related factors of different physical nature.

A simplified model of a current transformer for studying relay protection operation in transient conditions

We develop a simplified model of a current transformer based on its current-voltage characteristic. This model is applicable for studying relay protection operation in transient conditions when no high accuracy or consideration of current transformer magnet core hysteresis is required. The model was developed in MATLAB Simulink using elements of the SimPowerSystems and Simscape libraries. The model uses the transformation ratio and current-voltage characteristic obtained during operational tests of a current transformer. Calculation experiments with non-linear resistance found that a currentvoltage characteristic of voltage and current values can be used to model a current transformer, rather than instantaneous values. The following conditions were simulated: for nominal currents in current transformer windings to check the transformation ratio; for opened secondary winding; with current transformer saturation by increasing secondary loading; increasing the primary current ratio and presence of aperiodic current at the start of the transition process. It was found that the developed current transformer model allows for a correct imitation of all the above conditions. To verify the model, secondary current oscillograms were obtained using real current transformers 10 kV at known primary current, which were compared with nominal oscillograms in the model. The discrepancy between the results of calculational and real experiments was no more than 10% in amplitude values, with high-quality matching obtained for current charts in the model and real current transformers. A significant advantage of the developed model is that its setting requires no information on magnet core cross-section, power line length, steel grade, and the number of current transformer winding turns.

SIMSCAPE Electrical Modelling of the IGBT with Parameter Optimization Using Genetic Algorithm

The concept introduced by MathWorks in the Simscape product is the link representation between the SIMSCAPE library components that correspond to physical connections transmitting power. In this paper, a power insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) model using MATLAB graphical software is reproduced. An electrical IGBT behavior model using the Simscape Electronics library components is developed and analyzed. This model is parameterized using the constructor datasheet to ensure a good representation of the dynamic and static IGBT behaviors. An extraction and optimization studies of the IGBT model parameters using a stochastic algorithm implemented in Matlab are presented. The proposed method is based on the Genetic Algorithm (GA) to perfectly extract and optimize the model parameters using the mathematical model circuit equations and the provided datasheet characteristics. A simulation in the Matlab/Simulink environment and a comparison with the experimental results for an IGBT device example are carried out to demonstrate the proposed model accuracy.

Control of Brushless DC motors using sensorless Back-EMF integration method

This paper presents the Back Electromotive Force (Back-EMF) integration method, one of indirect Back-EMF commutation methods, used to control the sensorless Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motor. As its name indicates this technique is based on integration of the electrical Back-EMF signal to get instantaneous information about the mechanical rotor position, correspondingly the objective of this work is to control BLDC motor without using velocity and/or position sensors, just by integration of the Back-EMF signal of the non-fed phase’s to determine the position of the commutation point in order to drive the inverter. Therefore, the proposed control technique is developed using MATLAB / Simulink with Simscape library. The effectiveness of the proposed technique has been validated by simulation results

Имитационная модель виброзащитного механизма кресла с участком квазинулевой жесткости оператора строительно-дорожной машины

Vibrations of construction and road machinery components that occur during their operation are a harmful production factor for machine operators, therefore, their reduction can be considered a very urgent task. The main route of vibration transmission is through vibration isolation systems for the operator’s seat and cab. The easiest and most cost-effective way to isolate the operator from vibration is through his seat by reducing vibration. The simplest and most reliable vibration protection systems with one degree of freedom limited by vertical movements of the chair can be used for the chairs. Vibration protection mechanisms and systems with quasi-zero rigidity are considered promising. They provide constant static force over a certain range of movement of the object. The task of developing mathematical models describing vibration protection systems with quasi-zero rigidity is urgent. In the Matlab software package using the Simscape library for modeling physical elements, a simulation mathematical model of the vibration protection system of a chair with one degree of freedom has been developed. The base of the chair in the developed model performs harmonic sinusoidal movements. The output parameters of the developed mathematical model are the time dependences of the chair coordinates and accelerations. The blocks used in the model are described, the static force characteristics are given, given using the Hermite spline. The model includes a block of hard movement restrictions. An example of using the developed simulation mathematical model of the chair is given. The developed model makes it possible to specify both the dimensions of the quasi-zero stiffness section and the shape of the curves of the force static characteristics of the vibration protection system. It can be integrated into higher level models.

On hysteresis modeling of a piezoelectric precise positioning system under variable temperature

We propose the modeling of hysteresis nonlinearities in a piezoelectric material-based tube actuator classically employed in precise positioning applications under different surrounding temperatures. Beyond the voltage-to-displacement hysteresis nonlinearities they exhibit, these actuators are sensitive to the surrounding temperature. Therefore, contrary to the existing works in the literature where the two phenomena were treated individually, this paper suggests to model the hysteresis nonlinearities and the temperature effects simultaneously. First an experimental study was performed to investigate the effects of the surrounding temperature on the voltage-to-displacement hysteresis loops of the piezoelectric tube actuators. The experimental results show that increasing the input surrounding temperature contributes an increase in the voltage-to-displacement sensitivity of the piezoelectric tube actuator under the input voltage range considered in the experimental tests. Then, two different nonlinear temperature-dependent hysteresis models a temperature-dependent (TD) electromechanical model and a temperature-dependent Prandtl-Ishlinskii model (TD-PI) were proposed to account the temperature effects on the hysteresis nonlinearity. In First, the mathematical formulation of TD-electromechanical model was presented to describe the electrical and mechanical properties of piezoelectric tube actuator. This model integrates the temperature dependent electromechanical coupling factor to model the temperature effects, the Simscape library in MATLAB-Simulink software was used to develop a physical simulation for the TD-electromechanical model. In a second time, a TD-PI model was proposed to describe the voltage-to-displacement characteristic of piezoelectric tube actuator using a proposed temperature shape function. The parameters of the two proposed models were estimated using proposed optimization algorithms based on Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO). The modeling results demonstrate that the two proposed models can account for the hysteresis nonlinearities of the piezoelectric tube actuators under different levels of the surrounding temperatures. Finally, the analytical inverse of TD-PI model was derived and applied in feed forward manner to compensate the hysteresis nonlinearities under different levels of the surrounding temperatures.

Design and Research of a Model of a Pair Active Aircraft Control Sidesticks Operation in MATLAB

Development of an aircraft active sidestick control is an actual direction in modern flight control systems which allows to increase safety, to improve cabin ergonomics and to reduce the mass and weight of control levers. The article devoted to simulation modeling of a pair active sidesticks based on electromechanical actuators coupled by a frameless kinematic scheme, providing identical dynamic characteristics for the pitch and roll channels. MATLAB, Simulink, Simscape, with SimMechanics and SimPowerSystems libraries was used to create the mathematical model. Parameters such as moments of inertia was count based on the 3D model of the active sidestick. The complex model includes two active sidesticks units, three blocks as the input source ("Autopilot", blocks of the 1st and 2nd pilots), a block that compute a loading characteristic for the manual control mode and a block with logic for switching from automatic to manual mode. The model of each active sidestick unit consists of three main blocks: a regulator, an electric motor with a control system, and a block of mechanics. The regulator block includes a PID regulator and a PWM modulator. The electric motor unit includes a power source, a three-phase bridge inverter, a model of a brushless three-phase electric motor from the SimPowerSystems library and a power switch control unit. The mechanics block includes a planetary gearbox, hinge mechanism, handle, moments of inertia, a position sensor, a torsion rod equal to tension springs which are used in device, a nonlinear speed damper and a torque source unit, depending on the force applied by the pilot. Developed model makes it possible to get static and dynamic characteristics of the actuators, to check control algorithms to simulate operating modes in automatic and manual control, including piloting by both pilots at the same time and the interruption in automatic control mode. Including in model a " hold position block" allowed to simulate situation when in manual control mode the 1st pilot tries to hold the handle in a position that he considers correct, despite the intervention of the 2nd pilot. The simulation results showed that developed device meets specified requirements for the aircraft active sidesticks.

Numerical Investigation of Pipelines Modeling in Small-Scale Concentrated Solar Combined Heat and Power Plants

In this paper four different detailed models of pipelines are proposed and compared to assess the thermal losses in small-scale concentrated solar combined heat and power plants. Indeed, previous numerical analyses carried out by some of the authors have revealed the high impact of pipelines on the performance of these plants because of their thermal inertia. Hence, in this work the proposed models are firstly compared to each other for varying temperature increase and mass flow rate. Such comparison shows that the one-dimensional (1D) longitudinal model is in good agreement with the results of the more detailed two-dimensional (2D) model at any temperature gradient for heat transfer fluid velocities higher than 0.1 m/s whilst the lumped model agrees only at velocities higher than 1 m/s. Then, the 1D longitudinal model is implemented in a quasi-steady-state Simulink model of an innovative microscale concentrated solar combined heat and power plant and its performances evaluated. Compared to the results obtained using the Simscape library model of the tube, the performances of the plant show appreciable discrepancies during the winter season. Indeed, whenever the longitudinal thermal gradient of the fluid inside the pipeline is high (as at part-load conditions in winter season), the lumped model becomes inaccurate with more than 20% of deviation of the thermal losses and 30% of the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) electric energy output with respect to the 1D longitudinal model. Therefore, the analysis proves that an hybrid model able to switch from a 1D longitudinal model to a zero-dimensional (0D) model with delay based on the fluid flow rate is recommended to obtain results accurate enough whilst limiting the computational efforts.

Моделирование нелинейных цепей переменного тока в системе MatLab

Information technology optimizes the process of studying the theoretical foundations of electrical engineering. Analytical solutions are often accompanied by complex mathematical transformations. In this case, the simulation (numerical modeling) reduces the calculation time and enables to take into consideration of changing the task conditions, evaluating the distinction of results, etc. The simulation of electrical circuits with a nonlinear inductance and a transformer is carried out in the MatLab system using the Simscape library. The comparative results analysis of analytical modeling and simulation of these circuits is represented.

Design and development of a virtual model of an electric vehicle of category L7

This study is aimed at creating an accurate mathematical model, developed in Matlab-Simulink through the Simscape library, concerning an electric vehicle of class L7. To this end, a mechanical model with three degrees of freedom is used. The degrees of freedom are advancement, vertical displacement, and pitch. Two degrees of freedom are also added to this dynamical model in order to model the stiffness and the damping of the tires, whose behavior is described by the “Magic Formula”. The propulsion unit is modeled in a standard design configuration. The vehicle can be controlled by supplying the driver’s inputs, by controlling the cruising speed, or by ensuring that the vehicle has a driving cycle. The proposed model allows for identifying the critical aspects of the selected design solution, thereby reducing the time required in the design phases.

Development of photovoltaic cell models using fundamental modeling approaches

In this paper, three advanced modelling approaches will be performed to well describe the actual behavior of photovoltaic (PV) cells, in which some total solar irradiance changes are considered. The first one uses a specific solar cell provided by the Sim-Electronics tool of the Matlab software. It is used to simulate the actual behavior of PV cells instead of the conventional electrical circuit based on either single or double diodes. The second approach adopts some physical components provided by the Simscape library to reach the same above mentioned goal. The third approach uses the Simulink blocks to build the mathematical equations describing the PV cell behavior, in which some mathematical operators and functions are used. The three proposed models have the ability to predict the actual behavior of PV cells under different weather conditions. This can improve the extraction of the maximum power and contribute even to the synthesis of the appropriate controller. The performances assessment of each proposed model is established in term of the provided output power as well as the generated current and voltage.

Parameters extraction of photovoltaic sources based on experimental data

This article presents an accurate computational technique for estimating the photovoltaic (PV) cell parameters from experimental measurements of the current-voltage ( I - V ) characteristics. The technique is based on using various evolutionary algorithms (EAs) and the double-diode eight-parameter cell model to precisely estimate unknown parameters. The proposed technique is implemented to extract the PV cell parameters of different manufacturer's modules by minimising the summation of absolute square errors between theoretical and measured I - V output characteristics obtained under different irradiation levels. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed technique are demonstrated via a comparative assessment of the measured output I - V characteristics and those obtained by computer simulation, using Matlab SIMSCAPE library components. The good agreement obtained between theoretical and experimental results endorses the proposed approach to determine precisely the PV parameters required for power system studies. The proposed technique is useful power system studies with penetration of photovoltaic sources.