Switching Losses Research Articles

Power quality investigation with multilevel inverter by photovoltaic-fed dynamic voltage restorer

ABSTRACT In this research endeavor, a novel approach has been presented to enhance the power quality through a Photovoltaic (PV)-based Dynamic Voltage Restorer (PV-DVR). The proposed work is designed to address voltage fluctuations, flicker, and harmonics within medium or low voltage micro-grid systems. Unlike existing DVR systems that often neglect injected harmonics and converter losses, in the proposed work there is an integration of a PV-fed multilevel inverter system employing Selected Harmonic Elimination and Moderation-based Pulse Width Modulation (SHEAM-PWM). This innovative configuration, coupled with a DC – DC boost converter and a series injection transformer, not only aims to alleviate voltage stress on devices but also optimizes the number of switches to minimize switching losses. The proposed setup successfully reduces the overall voltage Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to a significant extent, delivering superior dynamic performance. To determine optimal switching angles for the SHEAM-PWM technique, ensuring the elimination or mitigation of the maximum number of harmonics from the output voltage waveform, we employ the Biogeography-Based Optimization (BBO) approach. The computation of these angles is performed offline to eliminate lower-order harmonics, and the results are stored in the microcontroller’s memory using mixed model equations for online applications. The efficacy of our proposed method is demonstrated through both simulation and experimental validation in a real-time laboratory system. The simulation and experimental results obtained underscore the potential utility of our technique for Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) applications, particularly those requiring low harmonic injection. The proposed method introduces a comprehensive and innovative solution for power quality enhancement, combining PV technology, multilevel inverter systems, and advanced optimization techniques. The proposed PV-DVR system exhibits promising results, showcasing its potential for practical implementation in residential micro-grid systems with a focus on minimizing harmonics and ensuring efficient grid compensation.

An Algorithm for a Space-Vector Pulse Width Modulation with a Hybrid Switching Sequence for a Three-Level Neutral Point Clamped Voltage Source Inverter

This paper proposes a new algorithm for a space-vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) with a hybrid switching sequence (SS) designed to control a three-level (3L) neutral point clamped (NPC) voltage source inverter (VSI). Based on the advantages of five-stage and seven-stage SS, we designed a hybrid SS to improve four key parameters in the system: inverter output current quality, neutral point (NP) and common-mode (CM) voltage levels, and switching losses of power switches. The proposed algorithm flexibly regulates meeting the four criteria depending on the system operating conditions by changing the regulation coefficient. The paper obtained an approximate dependence to determine the optimal regulation coefficient for any values of the inverter modulation coefficient when operating jointly with an active-inductive load. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is confirmed by computer simulation in the MatLab+Simulink environment, as well as the results of experimental studies. The paper presents the experimental dependences of static state spaces, including the distortion coefficient of higher current harmonics at the inverter output, the maximum error of the NP voltage, the number of switching pairs of power switches, and the pulse duty factor of CM voltage, depending on the inverter modulation coefficient and the regulation coefficient of the hybrid SS. The results showed that in the algorithm for a SVPWM with a hybrid SS, the number of switchings of power switches is reduced by an average of 13.5 % while maintaining the NP voltage balance and the quality of the curve at the inverter output at an acceptable level, close to a seven-stage SS (the deviations do not exceed 0.5 % and 0.2 %, respectively). The average CM voltage coefficient decreased by no more than 4.5 %. The indicators improve the energy saving, the weight-size parameters, and the operational reliability of the 3L NPC VSI. The application area of the algorithm is much wider and includes the control of power switches of active front ends, grid converters for electricity storage systems, active power filters, and power conditioners. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/pst.237

Novel Space-Vector PWM Schemes for Enhancing Efficiency and Decoupled Control in Quasi-Z-Source Inverters

This paper investigates the development of pulse width modulation (PWM) schemes for three-phase quasi-Z-source inverters (qZSIs). These inverters are notable for their voltage boost capability, built-in short-circuit protection, and continuous input current, making them suitable for low-voltage-fed applications like photovoltaic or fuel cell-based systems. Despite their advantages, qZSIs confront challenges such as increased control complexity and a larger number of passive components compared to traditional voltage source inverters (VSIs). In addition, most existing PWM schemes for qZSIs lack the capability for independent control of the amplitude modulation index and duty cycle, which is essential in closed-loop applications. This study introduces innovative space-vector PWM (SVPWM) schemes, addressing issues of independent control, synchronization, and unintentional short-circuiting in qZSIs. It evaluates several established continuous and discontinuous PWM schemes, and proposes two novel decoupled SVPWM-based schemes that integrate dead time and in which the shoot-through occurrence is synchronized with the beginning of the zero switching state. These novel schemes are designed to reduce switching losses and improve qZSI controllability. Experimental validation is conducted using a custom-developed electronic circuit board that enables the implementation of a range of PWM schemes, including the newly proposed ones. The obtained results indicate that the proposed PWM schemes can offer up to 6.8% greater efficiency and up to 7.5% reduced voltage stress compared to the closest competing PWM scheme from the literature. In addition, they contribute to reducing the electromagnetic interference and thermal stress of the related semiconductor switches.

Design of fuzzy logic controlled zero voltage switching based interleaved high gain converter

The conversion of low level DC voltage to high level DC voltage at lower duty ratios with less ripple current at source side is a challenging task in the distributed generation systems. Active switched inductor (ASL) converter is a high gain converter and has a large amount of input ripple current due to the parallel charging of the inductors during on time of the switches and series discharge of the inductors during off time of the switches. This large input ripple current in the converter when used in distributed generation (DG) affects the life time of low voltage batteries and fuel cells, the efficiency of photovoltaic source, increases the size and losses in the filtering stages and decreases the power density of the converters. In this paper, soft switching of interleaved active switched inductor (IASL) through Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) is designed to overcome the limitations of ASL. The performance is analyzed in terms of its gain, input current ripple, switching loss and efficiency. An M-type resonant switch is used to achieve soft switching through ZVS technique.A proper value of resonant elements (inductor and Capacitor) is designed to achieve ZVS to improve the efficiency. Regulated voltage of proposed converter is required in DG systems and is possible with closed loop control. Fuzzy Logic controller (FLC) is designed to regulate the voltage and its dynamic performance is analyzed for different load values and also for sudden changes in load. Hardware model of the proposed ZVS based IASL converter with FLC is implemented and the results are verified with simulation results obtained from MATLAB Simulink.

Bidirectional Power Control Strategy for On-Board Charger Based on Single-Stage Three-Phase Converter

To solve the problems of large switching losses and the need for large-capacity electrolytic capacitances in three-phase DC/AC on-board chargers for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications, this paper proposes a single-stage bidirectional high-frequency isolated converter that eliminates the need for large-capacity capacitances. Combined with the proposed modulation scheme, it can theoretically reduce the switching loss by about two-thirds with the three-phase converter compared with the conventional modulation scheme, improving the converter’s operating efficiency and power density. Firstly, based on the characteristics of the proposed topology, a hybrid modulation scheme is proposed, which combines a phase-shift modulation scheme based on double modulation waves and a sawtooth carrier with a 1/3 modulation scheme, and the theoretical feasibility of the hybrid modulation scheme is verified using a mathematical modeling equation. Secondly, this paper provides a detailed analysis of the four operating modes of the two full-bridge circuits and the commutation process of the three-phase converter within 1/6 of the fundamental frequency cycle (P1 modulation interval). Then, the control strategy is given for the constant-current and constant-voltage charging and constant-current discharging for electric vehicle batteries. Finally, simulation results verify the correctness of the proposed topology and modulation scheme in vehicle–grid interaction.

Simulation and FPGA based Implementation of PI and Fuzzy Controllers for Cascaded Asymmetric Multilevel Inverter

The main objective of this work is to improve the performance of Multilevel Inverter by using the novel LS-PD- PWM and controlling technique instead of the existing approach. The proposed work focus on closed loop controller such as existing PI and Fuzzy Logic Controller for resistive load with Multilevel Inverter. The proposed Asymmetric fifteen level Inverter offers less THD and high frequency than the Asymmetric nine level inverter. Asymmetric multilevel inverter is used to reduce the switching losses and THD. In this work is the generation and implementation of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) techniques using Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for Multilevel Inverter. PWM can be generated via Microprocessors, Microcontroller, FPGA and DSP Processors. Higher density Programmable Logic Devices (PLD) such as FPGAs can be used to amalgamate large amounts of logic into a single Integrated. Pulse width modulation (PWM) is generally used in power converter control. To generate LS-PD- PWM by using FPGA, this occupies less memory capacity and accurate than conventional one. An efficient PWM generation technique is performed using FPGA for lower frequency applications. Simulation and synthesis is done by ModelSim6.3c and Xilinx10.1. Further, the Implementation is carried out by FPGA Spartan3 Xc3s50. Key Word: PWM, FPGA, PLD (Programmable Logic Devices), LS-PD-PWM

Bus Voltage Stabilization of a Sustainable Photovoltaic-Fed DC Microgrid with Hybrid Energy Storage Systems

Renewable energy sources play a great role in the sustainability of natural resources and a healthy environment. Among these, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming more economically viable. However, as the utility of solar energy conversion systems is limited by the availability of sunlight, they need to be integrated with electrical energy storage systems to be more sustainable. This paper aims to improve the control performance of a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) with PV power generation as the primary power source. HESSs stabilize DC microgrid systems by compensating for demand generation mismatches. Batteries and supercapacitors are chosen as energy storage elements; batteries have a high energy density and are capable of supplying and absorbing energy over a long duration, while supercapacitors can store and deliver energy very quickly. To enhance the stability of the system, each storage element is connected to the DC bus using a bidirectional Ćuk converter, which offers high efficiency, a continuous current, and minimal switching losses. This study proposes a proportional–integral (PI) controller combined with the fast nonsingular integral terminal sliding mode control (FNITSMC) for HESSs to adjust the power balance in a DC microgrid. FNITSMC has the advantage of enhancing the system states to reach the equilibrium point of a long sliding surface with a fast convergence rate. The reference current for FNITSMC is obtained using a PI controller combined with a low-pass filter (LPF), which eliminates the peaking current spikes on the battery and diverts them towards the supercapacitor. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is validated through the real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations on Typhoon™ HIL-402 with added uncertainties, including load variations at various temperatures and irradiances.

Design and Implementation of Improved Gate Driver Circuit for Sensorless Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Control

Reliable motor control is important for electric vehicle applications. The control process requires accurate measurements of the current and rotor position information to establish correct motor control design, particularly in sensorless permanent magnet synchronous motor control systems. Practical issues regarding the motor control circuit, such as the effects of parasitic element behavior on the switching components in the insulated gate bipolar transistor-driven inverter, were discussed in this study. It analyzed the effects of parasitic elements that can cause the ringing of switching losses and affect the spike of the signal in the motor current, which must be avoided in the implementation of motor control. The gate driver circuit topology was improved to reduce this effect in motor control devices. The proposed gate driver circuit design with the ringing suppression circuit configuration achieved good performance by keeping the signal spike at less than 10% in the motor current. Furthermore, a signal spike or noise was not observed in the estimation results of rotor position when using current information as the parameter control process. Both conditions were verified by experiments on the designed motor control devices. Under these conditions, signal precision can be achieved in motor control.

Enhancing power stability and efficiency with multilevel inverter technology based on renewable energy sources

Power conversion raises harmonics, which can cause increased losses and decreased power stability. The limitations of conventional inverters can be addressed by using the technological innovations of multilevel inverters. In recent years, there has been a growing use of multilevel inverter technologies as affordable alternatives for many industrial applications. In addition to having fewer components and switching losses, this architecture provides superior output voltage/current waveforms. The most crucial need for multilevel inverters is the minimization of total harmonic distortion that can be present at the output side of the DC/AC inverter for both voltage and current waveforms. This study proposes a system that consists of five distinct renewable energy sources with output voltages of 1E, 2E, 3E, 4E, and 21E. A new control technology is utilized to achieve 63 voltage levels at the output. Renewable energy sources include battery systems, wind turbines, PV systems, diesel generators, and hydropower plants. Different scenarios are proposed in this work to ensure proper system design and maintenance of the power supply, such as the loss of one or two of the renewable energy sources mentioned above.

A New Smart Grid Hybrid DC–DC Converter with Improved Voltage Gain and Synchronized Multiple Outputs

This paper introduces a new hybrid DC–DC converter with enhanced voltage gain and synchronized multiple output capabilities, specifically tailored for smart grid applications. The proposed converter is based on the integration of non-isolated Zeta and Mahafzah converters, comprising a single controlled switch, two diodes, three inductors, and two coupling capacitors. The primary objective of this novel hybrid converter is to improve voltage gain as compared to conventional Zeta and Mahafzah topologies. By achieving higher voltage gain at lower duty cycles, the converter effectively reduces voltage stress on semiconductor switches and output diodes, thereby enhancing overall performance and reliability. A comprehensive examination of the hybrid converter’s operating principle is presented, along with detailed calculations of duty cycle and switching losses. The paper also explores the converter’s application in smart grids, specifically in the context of renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. Two distinct scenarios are analyzed to evaluate the converter’s efficacy. Firstly, the converter is assessed as a DC–DC converter for renewable energy systems, highlighting its relevance in sustainable energy applications. Secondly, the converter is evaluated as an electric vehicle adapter, showcasing its potential in the transportation sector. To validate the converter’s performance, extensive simulations are carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK with parameters set at 25 kW, 200 V, and 130 A. The simulation results demonstrate the converter’s ability to efficiently supply multiple loads with opposing energy flows, making it a promising technology for optimized grid management and energy distribution. Moreover, the paper investigates the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the grid current, focusing on its impact in smart grid environments. Notably, the new hybrid converter topology achieves a THD of 21.11% for the grid current, indicating its ability to effectively mitigate harmonics and improve power quality. Overall, this research introduces a cutting-edge hybrid DC–DC converter that enhances voltage gain and synchronizes multiple outputs, specifically catering to the requirements of smart grid applications. The findings underscore the converter’s potential to significantly contribute to the advancement of efficient and resilient power conversion technologies for smart grids, enabling seamless integration of renewable energy systems and electric vehicles into the grid.

Comparing performance and complexity of TCHB and CHB multilevel inverters using NLC technique

This paper presents a modulation strategy applied to a 13-level three-phase transistor clamped H-bridge (TCHB) inverter, aimed at a renewable and electric vehicle drives application. A comparison is performed between the TCHB inverter and a traditional cascaded H-bridge (CHB) inverter, considering circuit complexity, switching losses, and total harmonic distortion (THD) attained from each multilevel inverter topologies. The TCHB inverter achieves a 13-level output with only 15 switches, whereas the conventional CHB inverter requires 24 switches. The modulation technique, employing a nearest level control, yields improved output quality for both the TCHB and CHB multilevel inverters. The results demonstrate that this strategy effectively minimizes the overall THD. Notably, previous modulation techniques mainly focused on carrier-based PWM or SVPWM, making this approach distinctive. The FFT analysis reveals a voltage THD of 5.49% for TCHB and 5.15% for CHB, indicating a marginal difference in THD content for each multilevel inverter. Despite the CHB inverter experiencing double the switching stress compared to TCHB, since less switches are required in the TCHB inverter, consequently, the system's total cost and complexity are reduced. The achieved results are verified through the use of simulations carried out in the MATLAB Simulink.

Modified switching control of SRM drives for electric vehicles application with torque ripple reduction

The switched reluctance motor (SRM) offers extensive prospects, particularly within the realm of electric vehicles (EVs). Its robust construction, wide speed range, high torque density, and efficiency provide significant advantages that surpass other motors. Nonetheless, controlling these motors is more intricate when compared to conventional DC brushed or AC motors. This complexity arises due to the non-linear inductance characteristics of SRMs, resulting in undesirable effects like torque ripple, vibrations, and noise. Using the conventional full-bridge inverter, three switching approaches are highlighted for various operating modes of an EV. This aims to reduce costs and the number of switching pulses, leading to a more compact system, elimination of dead time, and switching losses. The MATLAB/Simulink platform was utilized to examine the operational effectiveness of a three-phase 6/4 poles SRM drive. Additionally, this paper focuses on mitigating torque ripple concerns by employing an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) controller that has better efficiency and superior responses compared to conventional controllers such as fuzzy logic control (FLC) and proportional integral (PI) control. The results of the simulation encourage the practical implementation of the system, which is the next step in the author’s research.

Hybrid Virtual Coordinate-Driven CBPWM Strategy of Three-Level T-Type NPC Converters for Electric Aircraft Propulsion Applications

Green airborne transportation driven by the state-of-the-art turboelectric propulsion technology has received considerable attention from the aviation industry. To generate electrified thrust, three-level neutral-point-clamped (3L-NPC) converter-fed motor drives are one of the most promising candidates for the powertrain of future aircraft. However, the neutral-point (NP) potential ripple and deviation lead to harmonics and imperil the lifespan of semiconductors and capacitors. Besides, excessive power losses on the converter can limit propulsive power and shorten flight distance. To solve these issues, a new hybrid modulation strategy is proposed in this paper. With respect to the takeoff and climb featuring NP voltage drift-prone regions, carrier-based (CB) coordinate-driven modulation waves are exploited to enable virtual-space-vectors (VSVs). For operating points with high power factor, such as cruise, by reconstructing modulated signals, not only can the NP voltage balance be realized, but also the switching loss is reduced using active discontinuous pulse trains. The less computational burden is attributed to implementations in the sextant-coordinate system. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by simulation results from a Simulink/PLECS model and experimental results obtained from a 200 kVA silicon-carbide (SiC) based T-type 3L-NPC prototype with a variable output fundamental frequency.

Comparative Study of Different High Voltage Switches Used in Pulsed High Voltage Application

High-voltage switches play a crucial role in pulsed power applications, where the efficient and reliable control of highvoltage pulses is required. This study aims to compare different types of high-voltage switches commonly used in pulsed power systems including electromechanical switches, vacuum switches, gas-filled switches, triggered spark gaps and solidstate switches. The comparison study focuses on key performance parameters such as voltage handling capability, current carrying capacity, turn-on time, and repetition rates are considered to provide a comprehensive study and analysis of the switch’s suitability for different pulsed power applications. Gas-filled switches such as spark gaps, thyratrons and ignitrons have been used in pulsed power systems due to their high voltage handling capability and low switching losses. However, they suffer from a limited lifetime and require maintenance and periodic replacement. Solid-state switches, i.e. Silicon-Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs), Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) and Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) offer advantages in terms of longevity, reliability, and reduced maintenance. However, they have limitations in high-voltage applications and exhibit higher switching losses. The findings of this comparison study will assist researchers, engineers, and system designers in selecting the most appropriate high-voltage switch for pulsed power applications, considering the specific requirements and constraints of the system. This will ultimately contribute to the advancement and optimization of pulsed power technologies across a wide range of scientific, industrial, and strategic applications.

A simple and efficient resonant DC link inverter with low current stress on main switch

This paper proposes a simple and efficient resonant DC link inverter topology with low current stress on main switches. The inverter has a straightforward structure and is readily controllable, avoids the auxiliary resonant current passing through the main switches of the inverter, and the current passing through the main switches remains consistently equivalent to the load current, thus reducing the current stress and the switching loss of the main switches, thereby the inverter’s efficiency is increased. The proposed inverter’s operating principle is examined and contrasted with the inverter described in the literature. Ultimately, the validity of the resonant DC link inverter is demonstrated through simulation.

The use of a front-end ZVZCS DC-DC converter for an IoT VFD inverter system in the paddle wheel machine drive applications

This research paper proposes the integration of power electronics and internet of things (IoT) technologies to apply in shrimp farms. By focusing on the design of a front-end converter, a three-level half-bridge (3L-HB) DC-DC converter with the zero voltage and zero current switching (ZVZCS) technique is chosen to be the front-end power converter to supply the DC bus voltage for the variable frequency drive (VFD) inverter for the paddle wheel machine in the shrimp pond. To confirm the effectiveness and possibility of the proposed concept, the circuit was theoretically designed and tested at 540 V DC of the input voltage, 700 V DC of the DC bus voltage and 3 kW of rated power. It is found that, the front-end converter can step up the DC bus to be 700 V DC which is enough for operating the VFD inverter. All switches can achieve the soft switching condition ZVZCS resulting in decreasing the switching loss and increasing the reliability of the circuit. The maximum experimental efficiency of the front-end converter is 94.9% at 75% of a full load. In addition, the introductory concept of using the IoT system also presents to improve the shrimp farming method.

Design of Complex Vector Controller for High-Power Induction Machine Drive

In high-power drives of large commercial vehicles, the switching frequency of the inverter is always strictly limited to avoid high switching losses. In this paper, a high-performance complex vector controller in discrete domain is proposed to reduce the cross-coupling effect and improve control performance under low switching frequency. The discretization error of the induction motor model under different coordinate systems is explored, and a high-precision discrete induction motor model is proposed for the design of the complex vector controller and flux observer. In order to improve the dynamic response of the rotor flux linkage, the designed controller takes the current as the inner loop and the rotor flux linkage as the outer loop. Besides, the signal reconstruction strategy is proposed to solve the contradiction between the variable-step characteristics caused by synchronous modulation and the discretization process based on constant step size. Finally, the designed control strategy and analysis of the system are validly verified by simulation and experimental results.

Minimum current stress control strategy for three degree of freedom three-phase dual active bridge DC-DC converter

Compared to single-phase dual active bridge (1p-DAB) DC-DC converters, three-phase dual active bridge (3p-DAB) DC-DC converters have advantages such as high single machine power, high power density, small filtering capacitance, and are more suitable for high-voltage situations. Therefore, they have good application prospects in DC transmission and industrial high-power DC-DC converters. However, under traditional single-phase shift (SPS) control, especially in the low power range, there is a large reactive current and severe soft switch loss. This article adopts an asymmetric modulation strategy for its larger reactive power, which reduces its reactive power in the low power range with more degrees of freedom and improves the efficiency of power transmission. Taking current stress as the optimization objective, the KKT algorithm is used to solve, and the corresponding analytical solution is ultimately obtained. Finally, a simulation is built by using MATLAB software to verify the feasibility of the proposed solution.

Full power range DAB unified ZVS control strategy based on low current RMS

Inductive current RMS and soft switching are important performance indexes of dual active bridge DC-DC converter (DAB). This paper proposes a new optimal control strategy for the soft switching range based on the optimization of the effective value of the inductor current. This control strategy restricts the inductor current during switch action, ensuring a significant extension of the soft switching range across the entire power range, reducing switch losses, and achieving the accurate effective value of current, thereby further enhancing the efficiency of the DAB converter. Meanwhile, a new modulation method is proposed to achieve thermal balance between bridge arms. Finally, a simulation model is built and verified using Matlab.

Switching in quantum networks: an optimization investigation

Quantum key distribution (QKD) promises information theoretic security. However, the distances over which complete security can be achieved are fundamentally limited in the absence of quantum repeaters. Thus, a key question is how to build a quantum network (QN) given this restriction. One paradigm that has been considered is trusted node (TN) quantum networks where intermediate trusted nodes are used as relays of quantum keys. Another paradigm is to route key channels through intermediate nodes optically, either through wavelength or fiber switching, thus avoiding the use of TNs. In both of these paradigms, a QKD receiver or transmitter at a specific node can be shared between multiple QKD transmitters or receivers at different nodes in order to reduce the overall costs; this sharing can be enabled via an optical switch. In this paper, we investigate the two paradigms for designing QNs. In the TN model we assume the Decoy BB84 protocol, whereas in the non-TN model, we employ twin-field QKD (TF-QKD) due to the increased single hop distances. We present mixed integer linear program models to optimize network design in both of these paradigms and use these to investigate the viability of switching in the network models as a method of sharing devices. We show that sharing of devices can provide cost reduction in QNs up to a certain transmission requirement rate between users in the TN model, while also providing benefits even at significantly higher transmission requirements in the TF-QKD model. The specific value of this rate is dependent on the network graph; however, for mesh topology TN networks this is expected to occur at average key transmission requirements of ∼1000−5000bits/s. We further use the models to investigate the effects of different network parameters, such as cooling costs, switch frequency, and device costs. We show that cooled detectors are useful in large TF-QKD networks, despite higher costs, but are only useful in TN networks when transmission requirements are very high or cooling is cheap. We also investigate how network costs vary with switching frequency and switch loss, showing that compromising for slightly faster switching times and higher loss switches does not significantly increase network costs; thus a significant effort in improving switch loss may not be necessary. Finally, we look at how the benefits of sharing devices change as the cost of devices changes, showing that for any non-negligible device cost, device sharing is always beneficial at low transmission requirements.