MSc (Power Engineering) – 2009/2010 (Semester 1)
Dissertation Projects
Updated: 3 September 2009
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 1. AIM1
Supervisor A/P Ali lftekhar Maswood
Co-supervisor
Title Reactive Power Compensation in a DFIG in Wind Turbine
The doubly-fed induction generators (DFIF) have found promonance in wind turbine
system to generate electric power. This is because of its ability to compensate reactive
power efficiently and economically. The aim of this project work will be to study the
Summary DFIG, develop a model and also the model of the AC-DC-AC converter necessary to
control the rotor winding reactive power. One also needs to develop a suitable controller
for the converter to draw maximum electrical power from DFIG irrespective of the wind
speed. The DFIG can be considered for isolated loads or for grid connection.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 2. AIM2
Supervisor A/P Ali lftekhar Maswood
Co-supervisor
Title Developing a Hybrid Solar/Fuel Cell Converter
Among Alternative energy sources, solar and Fuel Cell energies are excellent in isolated
low to mid power applications. These two energy sources also complement each other.
Considering the high cost of electrical energy available from these sources, it is
Summary worthwhile to economise in its capital cost. An integrated solar/fuel cell converter can be
very attractive in such a case. The project will concentrate in doing just that, which will
start from literature search, conduct comparative study with isolated systems, Develop
models and finally propose some viable topologies.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 3. AIM3
Supervisor A/P Ali lftekhar Maswood
Co-Supervisor
Title A Hybrid Solar Array/AC Grid Power System with Near Sinusoidal Input Current
This project deals with a specific case of a Solar Array/AC Grid hybrid system for
domestic/industrial utilization. At nominal load condition, most of the power comes from
the solar panels which operate at MPPT mode. The grid is merely utilized to provide
additional power, i.e. under additional loads, motor starting currents and likes. Such an
approach is gentle on the solar panels and does not require batteries or ultra-capacitors.
Summary A prominent feature of the proposed system is the near unity PF and sinusoidal current
which is drawn from the utility GRID, conforming the IEEE 519 standard. This is
accomplished by using bidirectional switches across the front end rectifier and with an
intelligent current control. The proposed system is capable of handling a variety of loads,
including DC and AC motors for pumps and lifts, household lights and other appliances.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 4. AIM4
Supervisor A/P Ali lftekhar Maswood
Co-supervisor
Title Optimal Fuel Cell Power Extraction
Renewable energy sources are now finding importance because of high energy cost and
of environmental concerns. Fuel cells have found special applications in hybrid electric
vehicles. Among different varieties, the proton exchange membrane (PEM) type of fuel
cell is found to be more suitable in such applications. However, in order to extract PEM
cell internal power efficiently, one needs a suitable DC-DC converter. A properly
Summary
designed converter will not only boost the output voltage, but will also maintain its
magnitude.
The aim of this work will be to look into such matters. This includes finding the V/I
characteristic of the PEM cell, designing the converter controller to match this V/I
characteristic for optimal power extraction.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 5. CSS1
Supervisor Prof Choi San Shing
Co-Supervisor
Title Impacts of Hydro-Generators on Low-Frequency Oscillations
Recently, sustained low-frequency oscillations have been reported on transmission
networks associated with large hydro-generation schemes. It is suspected that the cause
of the problem could be due to the design of turbine-governor control systems in the
hydro-generators. Counter measure includes some operational adjustments (such as
increase transmission voltage) to the power systems. These are not satisfactory for the
Summary long-term.
Some preliminary studies using selected cases of the hydro systems have indicated that
the turbine control systems could cause instability. Thus the initial stage of this project is
to confirm the study conclusions are valid. An analysis will also be carried out to support
the study results. Counter measures, such as the addition of stabilizers into the turbinegovernor control systems, are to be explored.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 6. CSS2
Supervisor Prof Choi San Shing
Co-supervisor
Determination of Energy Storage Capacity Requirement for a Hybrid Renewable
Title
Power Generation System
The aim of this project is to determine the optimal storage capacity so as to extract the
maximum economic benefit from a hybrid renewable energy generating station.
It is well-known power outputs from renewable sources such as from wind, photovoltaic, or tidal are unsteady. This is because the energy production from these sources
depends on climatic/weather conditions.
In recent study, several schemes involving the use of battery energy storage systems
(BESS) have been examined for wind generators. The BESS act like energy buffers such
Summary
that the output power from the wind farm-BESS can be regulated to suit the operational
requirements of the network. The purpose is for load leveling purpose.
In this project, it is proposed to use statistical means to quantify the energy/power
contents of a hybrid renewable power generation station where wind, solar, tidal and
other sources are included. The project is to devise a method to determine the capacity of
the energy storage system so as to maximize the economic benefit that can be obtained
from the energy captured from the hybrid sources.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 7. CSS3
Supervisor Prof Choi San Shing
Co-supervisor
Title Hybrid Energy Storage Systems
The project is to examine the application of hybrid energy storage system for renewable
power generating station. The storage system is to act as power buffer to stabilize power
outputs from renewable sources such as wind, solar or tidal.
In recent study, schemes involving the use of battery energy storage systems (BESS)
have been examined for wind generators. The BESS energy buffer is controlled in such a
way that the output power from the wind farm-BESS can be regulated to suit operational
requirements of the network.
Summary
The energy/power contents of the renewable power station output can be characterized
via statistical means. The project is to devise a scheme to segregate the power input from
the renewable source(s) into bands according to the speed of the power variations, such
that the hybrid energy storage medium can be applied to maximize energy harness for
electricity production, as well as to provide adequate energy support to achieve power
quality enhancement. The hybrid storage system could include the use of BESS, flywheel
and/or super-capacitor.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 8. CSS4
Supervisor Prof Choi San Shing
Co-supervisor
Title Super-Capacitor for Power Quality Enhancement
The project investigates the use of super-capacitor as a medium of energy storage system
in renewable power generating plant. Power outputs from renewable sources such as
from wind, solar or tidal are unsteady and hence, their impacts on network supply quality
can be of major concern.
In recent study, several schemes involving the use of battery energy storage systems
(BESS) have been examined for wind generators. The BESS act as energy buffers such
Summary that the output power from the wind farm-BESS can be regulated to suit operational
requirements of the network. The purpose is to achieve power dispatchability.
In this project, it is proposed to examine the possible role of super-capacitor in the
renewable power plant. The aim is to investigate how effective the capacitor can be to
improve power quality so that economical design can be obtained. The study will involve
the modeling of the super-capacitor, and the determination of the capacitor capacity to
achieve set performance target.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 8a. CSS5
Supervisor Prof Choi San Shing
Co-supervisor
Title Measurement of Harmonic and Flicker Emission Level for a Wind Turbine
Harmonic and Flicker Emission from the Wind turbine is a known issue. Power
Fluctuations from wind turbines during continuous operation cause corresponding
voltage fluctuations on the grid. Voltage fluctuations may cause annoying changes in the
luminance from lamps. The impression of this is denoted as 'flicker'. It is necessary to
evaluate wind turbines flicker emission level. Harmonic currents are mainly produced by
the frequency converters used in the turbine. According to the standards, the injected
Summary
current in the grid should not have a total harmonic distortion more than a prescribed
limit. For this reason, different standards require the measurement of harmonics for the
wind turbine. Flicker and Harmonics are recognized as a power quality problem for
modern wind turbines. The project includes investigation into the methods and process of
measuring flicker and harmonic level for the wind turbine and propose a suitable
method/ algorithm to measure them.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 9. CFH1
Supervisor A/P Choo Fook Hoong
Co-Supervisor
Title Single-Phase Multi-Lamp Energy Savers
The objective of this project is to design and fabricate an energy saving device for
fluorescent lamp lighting system using switching technique. System is expected to
handle up to 100 lamps with unity power factor using two switching devices (IGBTs)
Summary
switching at a few kilohertz synchronised with the supply frequency. Combined pulsewidth modulation (PWM) and pulse-position modulation (PPM) will be used where the
device drive signals and control generated from a microcontroller.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 10. CFH2
Supervisor A/P Choo Fook Hoong
Co-supervisor
Title Magnetic Levitation for Vertical-Axis Cyclone Wind Turbine (VACWT)
Modern wind turbines have been successfully implemented across the globe to tap onto
one of nature’s natural energy resources. These turbines are of the three-bladed design
driving a gear-box through its horizontal axial and are mounted on top of the windturbine tower several meters high.
Unlike the horizontal axis turbine generator, the vertical axis generator allows the shaft
to be anchored onto a magnetic-levitated system allowing friction free rotation. This
helps to resolve some of the problems and efficiency of the horizontal axis system in
Summary addition to the various advantages of having most of the major components sitting on the
base instead being at the top of the tower.
In this project, magnetic levitation will be studied and applied here to keep the vertical
rotating shaft suspended in a magnetic field. A number of designs will be studied,
modelled and simulated with the view to fabricate one of them to be incorporated with
the Vertical-Axis Cyclone Wind Turbine system (VACWT).
This project has the potential to mitigate carbon emission through the use of alternative
energy in a large scale.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 11. CFH3
Supervisor A/P Choo Fook Hoong
Co-supervisor
Title Effects of Harmonic Compensators and Power Converters on Power System
In an environment where there are many electrical drives using a combination of dc
converters and ac inverters, harmonic compensators are used to ensure harmonics
propagated in the vicinity and up-stream are within the governing standards. Harmonic
compensators can be of the passive and active types. Passive compensators are of the LC
type while dynamic compensators use power electronics that are dynamically controlled
to compensate harmonics generated by the drives. Power for these drives and converters
are fed from one or more transformers. As the load of these drives changes dynamically
with time, it is impossible to have the whole system tuned correctly all the time. It has
Summary
been reported that the power system can experience oscillation under certain conditions.
The aim of this project is to study such a system by creating a model of the system using
Matlab/Simulink. The modelling will involve the power system together with the drives.
Based on the model, various operating scenarios will be carried out to study the effects of
loading, under and over-compensation of harmonics, and input sources on the impedance
characteristic and stability of the system. This project will allow students to experience a
real system and the kind of problems that the industrial world faces today as more and
more high technology power electronic equipment are connected to the power system.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 12. CFH4
Supervisor A/P Choo Fook Hoong
Co-supervisor
Title Vertical-axis Cyclone Wind-Turbine Generator (VACWT)
Modern wind turbines have been successfully implemented across the globe to tap onto
one of nature’s natural energy resources. These turbines are of the three-bladed design
driving a gear-box through its horizontal axial and are mounted on top of the windturbine tower several meters high.
Unlike the horizontal axis turbine generator, the vertical axis generator allows the shaft
to be anchored onto a magnetic-levitated system allowing friction free rotation. This
helps to resolve some of the problems and efficiency of the horizontal axis system.
Moreover a vertical-axis turbine can exploit the roof effects of building making it ideally
Summary
suited to homes in addition to open-space deployment.
The project will study the different designs of VACWT to maximise the energy transfer
from wind to electrical energy. Focus will be on the cyclone blade design and the effect
on its operation and energy transfer. Modelling and simulation may be conducted prior to
prototyping. Wind tunnel testing will be conducted to gather further data on the design to
verify its effectiveness.
This project has the potential to mitigate carbon emission through the use of alternative
energy in a large scale.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 13. CFH5
Supervisor A/P Choo Fook Hoong
Co-Supervisor
Title Generator Design for Vertical-axis Cyclone Wind Turbine System (VACWT)
Modern wind turbines have been successfully implemented across the globe to tap onto
one of nature’s natural energy resources. These turbines are of the three-bladed design
driving a gear-box through its horizontal axial and are mounted on top of the windturbine tower several meters high.
Unlike the horizontal axis turbine generator, the vertical axis generator allows the shaft
to be anchored onto a magnetic-levitated system allowing friction free rotation. This
helps to resolve some of the problems and efficiency of the horizontal axis system.
Summary
Because of this design, numerous generator designs is now possible to be mounted to the
turbine.
One possibility is the use of its bigger diameter for the stator coil for a multi-phase
generator. In this project, we propose to study and design a permanent magnet
synchronous generator to exploit the advantage of the vertical-axis turbine.
This project has the potential to mitigate carbon emission through the use of alternative
energy in a large scale.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 14. DMV1
Supervisor A/P Don Mahinda Vilathgamuwa
Co-Supervisor A/P Loh Poh Chiang, Andrew
Title Damping of Harmonics in Power Distribution Systems using Hybrid Active Filters
Harmonic propagation along power distribution lines due to resonance characteristics of
line inductances and power capacitors can be a serious power quality problem. There is
a certain degree of understanding of this problem and solutions proposed are in terms
of installation of shunt and series active filters in strategic locations. The student is
Summary
required to model a typical distribution system and propose suitable control algorithms to
dampen harmonic propagation. The student may use Matlab/Simulink for this purpose.
Subsequently, the proposed control algorithms can be tested using a laboratory built
hardware prototype.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 15. DMV2
Supervisor A/P Don Mahinda Vilathgamuwa
Co-Supervisor A/P Loh Poh Chiang, Andrew
Title Virtual-flux Based Control of Distributed Generation System
Virtual-flux based control of power converters has a few good properties in terms of its
simplicity and good dynamic properties.
In this project the student is required to apply such a control system to distributed
generation system.
The student may modify the existing control schemes to suit an environment with zero
Summary
sequence components and may explore possible modulation strategies.
Matlab/Simulink can be used to model a distributed generation system equipped with
such a control technique.
Subsequently, the proposed control system can be tested using a laboratory built
hardware prototype.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 16. DMV3
Supervisor A/P Don Mahinda Vilathgamuwa
Co-Supervisor
Title Modelling and Control of Boost-buck Rectifier
Boost-type PWM voltage source rectifiers have gained popularity because they allow the
output voltage to be controlled over a wider range. However newly proposed boost-buck
Summary converter would allow buck capability with minimal number of switches. This project
aims at modeling such boost-buck rectifiers and developing suitable control strategies.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 17. DMV4
Supervisor A/P Don Mahinda Vilathgamuwa
Co-Supervisor
Title Analysis of Microgrid Operation and Control
A new paradigm called microgrids is a cluster of loads and microsources operating under
an unified controller within a certain local area. The microsources are low cost, low
voltage, highly reliable and have power electronic interfaces and reduced emission.
These micro sources can be micro-turbines, photovoltaic panels or fuel cells.
With correctly designed power electronics and controllers microgrids should be able to
fulfill customers' as well as utilities' requirements. This can be described in terms of
Summary increase in reliability, power quality and efficiency. Therefore special attention must be
paid to the development of controllers for those micro sources that can switch from grid
connection to island operation without causing problems for critical loads. Moreover
special protection schemes must be incorporated as classical relay system may not be
able to protect sensitive electronic converters in the microgrid. The developed power
conditioners and their controllers must be tested in the laboratory by means of a
hardware-prototype.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 18. DMV5
Supervisor A/P Don Mahinda Vilathgamuwa
Co-supervisor
Title STATCOMs for Wind Power Generation Applications
Recently, renewable wind energy is enjoying a rapid growth globally to become an
important green electricity source to replace polluting and exhausting fossil fuel.
However, with wind being an uncontrollable resource and the nature of distributed wind
induction generators, integrating a large-scale wind-farm into a power system poses
challenges, particularly in a weak power system. In the project, the impact of STATCOM
Summary to facilitate the integration of a large wind farm into a weak power system is studied.
First, an actual weak power system with two nearby large wind farms will be examined.
Based on some available data, the power quality issues are investigated and a centralized
STATCOM is proposed to solve them, particularly the short-term (seconds to minutes)
voltage fluctuations. Subsequently, a model of the system, wind farm and STATCOM
for steady-state and dynamic impact study needs to be studied.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 19. GHB1
Supervisor A/P Gooi Hoay Beng
Co-supervisor
Title State Estimators for Microgrids
A traditional State Estimator used at Power System Control Center (PSCC) normally
does not measure voltage phase angles. Rather they are derived from power balance
equations and KVL equations of voltage magnitude measurements, real and reactive
power flow measurements, circuit breaker statuses, tap positions, etc via minimization of
Summary the error square function. Assuming that phase measurement units (PMUs) are available,
this project is to focus on using phase angles supplied by PMUs and solve the entire
voltage values of the microgrid network. Both digital and analog bad data will be
examined and dealt with in the proposed solution algorithm. The results of the proposed
solution algorithm will be compared to those of the traditional SE.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 20. GHB2
Supervisor A/P Gooi Hoay Beng
Co-supervisor
Title Forecasting Loads for Microgrids
Unlike traditional customers, microgrid customers may have their own energy sources
such as co-generators, micro-turbines, solar panels and wind generators. Hence they may
choose to generator their own electricity when the price of electricity from their suppliers
increases. A microgrid as a single entity needs to predict the total system load within the
microgrid. This is important as microgrid needs to schedule the generators under its
Summary
control to maximize its profit or some other optimization criteria. This project is to
examine how the system load can be forecasted based on weather conditions, day types,
operation hours and customer bid prices. The student is to focus on the design of the
forecasting algorithm. Sample test data from typical renewable energy sources should be
used in testing the proposed load forecasting software.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 21. LKG1
Supervisor Prof Lalit Kumar Goel
Co-Supervisor
Title Literature Survey of Power System Reliability Assessment in Deregulated Power
Markets
In a conventional power system, generation, transmission, and distribution facilities are
generally owned by a single company. Customers have little or no choice in regard to
their purchases. In a deregulated power system, generation utilities are physically
connected to different system buses, and the generation and transmission facilities can
belong to different owners. These generation utilities (Gencos) provide customers with
electric energy through the transmission system. A generation utility has to make
consistent planning, operating, bid and investment decisions based on load demand, load
growth, customer reliability expectation, customer price demand, the price that other
Gencos offer, available transmission and the associated tariffs. A distribution system
(Discos) and its customers can therefore select one or more generation companies as
their service providers. A customer potentially has a wide range of choices regarding
power suppliers based on the price and reliability. A Disco should select the best power
generation and corresponding transmission system based on generation adequacy,
Summary transmission reliability and the price offered. The deregulated environment creates more
uncertainty factors, which will affect system operation and reliability. These uncertainty
factors have to be considered in power system planning, operation and trading processes.
This project will involve a detailed literature survey on power system reliability
evaluation techniques vis-à-vis the deregulation aspects. Monte Carlo simulation
methods, analytical methods, and other developed methods will be covered under the
survey. The objective is to list all technical papers that have been published over the last
15 years (since 1990) to determine the reliability of customer load points in the
deregulated power market structure. The impacts of load forecasting, transmission losses,
generator maintenance scheduling, and price of electricity on the customer supply point
reliability at the generation system level, the combined generation and transmission
system (composite system) level, and the distribution system level will also be included
in the listing. The final list is expected to be an excellent source of reliability-based
literature in deregulated electric power systems.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 22. LFL1
Supervisor A/P Luo Fang Lin
Co-Supervisor
Title Energy Factor and Mathematical Modelling of Power DC/DC Converters
Energy storage in power DC/DC converters has been paid attention long time ago.
Unfortunately, there is no clear concept to describe the phenomena and reveal the
relationship between the stored energy and mathematical modelling of power DC/DC
converters. A new concept - Energy Factor (EF) has been theoretically defined, and the
relations between EF and the characteristics of power DC/DC converters have been well
researched. EF is a new concept in power electronics and conversion technology, which
Summary differs from the traditional concepts such as power factor (PF), power transfer efficiency
(η), total harmonic distortion (THD) and ripple factor (RF). EF and the subsequential
EFV and EFVD can illustrate the system stability, reference response and interference
recovery. This investigation is very helpful for system design and DC/DC converters
characteristics foreseeing. Various DC/DC converters, e.g. Buck converter, SEPIC and
Super-Lift Luo-Converter as the samples are analysed in this project to demonstrate the
applications of the new parameters of EF, EFV (and EFVD), PE, SE, VE (and VED).
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 23. LFL2
Supervisor A/P Luo Fang Lin
Co-Supervisor
Title Sub-Envelope Modulation Method to Reduce THD of AC/AC Matrix Converters
AC/AC matrix converter is an array of power semiconductor switches that connects
directly a three-phase AC source to another three-phase load. It can convert an AC power
source with certain voltage and frequency to another AC load with variable voltage and
variable frequency directly without DC link and bulk energy storage component.
Classical modulation methods such as Venturini method and space vector modulation
(SVM) method using AC-network maximum-envelop modulation, implement matrix
conversion successfully. However, in the mean time they cause very high total harmonic
distortion (THD). Since matrix converters directly link loads to sources, high THD
Summary
heavily pollutes power system, and damages other equipment’s work. It restricts to apply
matrix converters in industrial applications. This paper presents a novel approach: SubEnvelope Modulation (SEM) method to reduce THD of matrix converters effectively.
The approach is extended to an improved version of matrix converters and the THD can
be reduced further. The algorithm of the SEM method is described in detail here. The
method regarding current commutation is also proposed. Simulation and experiment
results are also presented to verify the feasibility of the SEM approach. The results will
be very helpful for industry applications.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 24. LFL3
Supervisor A/P Luo Fang Ling
Co-supervisor
Title Research on DC-Modulated AC/AC Converters
AC/AC converters are popular equipment widely applied in various industrial
applications. Traditional voltage regulated AC/AC converters have disadvantages such as
high total harmonic distortion (THD), low power factor (PF) and poor power transfer
efficiency (η). A new idea of the DC-Modulated AC/AC Converters is advanced by
using DC/DC conversion technique to improve the power factor correction (PFC). Then
achieve the advantages of very low THD, high PF and high efficiency, even more to
reach the unity power factor (UPF). This method not only save the energy, but largely
Summary
reduce the power supply pollution as well. This project combines the best strategies of
both conversion technologies: DC/DC conversion and AC/AC conversion skills. The
new method opens a broad way for AC.AC converters. It will be widely used in
industrial applications. The student to take this dissertation has to do both software and
hardware work. He/she is encouraged to construct hardware circuit, and then carry out
the experimental tests. The software simulation and experimental test results are need to
verify the effectiveness of the new method.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 25. LFL4
Supervisor A/P Luo Fang Lin
Co-supervisor
Title Super-Lift DC/DC Converters
The purpose is to build a new DC/DC converter with high voltage transfer gain.
These converters can convert a positive source voltage, e. g. 10 ~ 20 V into hundreds
and thousands volts or even higher. Traditional DC/DC converters such as Boost
Converter can only increase the output voltage by a few times. Cascaded converters
Summary
can only increase that to tens times. The new type converters – Super-Lift converters
have the voltage transfer gains in stage by stage with geometrical series, i.e. can
easily increase the output voltage by tens to hundreds times. This technique is very
useful for the industrial applications which require high output voltage.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 26. LFL5
Supervisor A/P Luo Fang Lin
Co-supervisor
Title Four-Quadrant Operation ZCS DC/DC Converters
Soft-switching technique is effective method to reduce the power losses in power
DC/DC converters. Zero-current-switching (ZCS) is one of the most popular Softswitching techniques. Single quadrant operation (Quadrant I operation) has been well
discussed in the literature. However, some industrial applications request multiple
Summary quadrant performance, which is not well investigated. Based on the ZCS Quadrant I
operation, other quadrants such as ZCS Quadrants II, III and IV operations will be
investigated in this project. The student gas to study the theoretical knowledge and
calculation formulae. The simulation and experimental results will offer evidences to
verify all theory and calculations derived.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 27. LFL6
Supervisor A/P Luo Fang Lin
Co-supervisor
Title Four-Quadrant Operation ZVS DC/DC Converters
Soft-switching technique is effective method to reduce the power losses in power DC/DC
converters. Zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) is one of the most popular Soft-switching
techniques. Single quadrant operation (Quadrant I operation) has been well discussed in
the literature. However, some industrial applications request multiple quadrant
Summary performance, which is not well investigated. Based on the ZVS Quadrant I operation,
other quadrants such as ZVS Quadrants II, III and IV operations will be investigated in
this project. The student gas to study the theoretical knowledge and calculation formulae.
The simulation and experimental results will offer evidences to verify all theory and
calculations derived.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 28. LPC1
Supervisor A/P Loh Poh Chiang, Andrew
Co-supervisor
Title DSP / FPGA Controller Development
The project plans to explore the implementation of time delay (repetitive), resonant and
predictive controllers for converter control. The preferred hardware platform should
ideally be a combination of digital signal processor (DSP) and field programmable gate
Summary
array (FPGA) or erasable programmable logic device (EPLD). The project is expected to
involve C programming for controlling the DSP and logic code structuring for
controlling the FPGA or EPLD.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 29. LPC2
Supervisor A/P Loh Poh Chiang, Andrew
Co-Supervisor
Title Optimally Controlled Current Source Converter for Grid-Interfacing
Current source converter (CSC) is well-recognized as the topology suitable for mediumvoltage energy conversion including grid-interfacing. To exploit the full functionalities
of a CSC, this project proposes the development of an appropriate control algorithm for
controlling CSC with fast dynamic response and minimal harmonic distortion.
Particularly, students selecting this project will be required to:
(a) Design and model an appropriately controlled CSC in Matlab/Simulink simulation
Summary
platform.
(b) Implement a hardware prototype in the laboratory for experimental verification of the
designed control algorithm.
Students choosing this project will be guided on the development of software algorithms
for controlling a physical hardware system, which would be helpful for the students’
future engineering careers.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 30. LPC3
Supervisor A/P Loh Poh Chiang, Andrew
Co-Supervisor Dr Shen Weixiang
Title Hybrid Battery Charging Methodologies
Different types of batteries can be used for supporting critical loads from power
interruption. Charging of these different batteries efficiently in an optimized
Summary configuration can be challenging. This project is therefore proposed to address this
concern with hopefully an efficient overall system eventually designed to support the
critical operation of a water purification plant to be built at a test site in Changi.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 31. MHH1
Supervisor A/P Mohammed Hamidul Haque
Co-supervisor
Estimation of Energy Efficient Induction Motor Parameters from Manufacturer
Title
Data
The standard equivalent circuit (single-cage rotor model) of an induction motor cannot
predict the starting characteristics of modern energy efficient motors. Such a motor needs
to be modelled with a double-cage rotor. Unfortunately, the manufacturers do not
provide the equivalent circuit parameters but supply some catalogue data. Translation of
these data into equivalent circuit parameters is a nontrivial task.
The objective of this project is estimate the parameters of a double-cage induction motor
model from manufacturer catalogue data, such as rated output power, speed, current,
Summary
power factor and efficiency at rated power, breakdown torque, starting torque, and
starting current. First a set of non-linear equations in terms of motor parameters is to be
established using the manufacturer data. The motor parameters are to be determined from
the above equations through an optimization technique or an iterative process. Finally,
the correctness of the estimated parameters will be checked by evaluating some external
characteristics of the motors and comparing them with the corresponding actual values
supplied by the manufacturer.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 32. MHH2
Supervisor A/P Mohammed Hamidul Haque
Co-supervisor
Title Analysis of an Induction Generator Connected to an Infinite Bus
The increasing concern for the environment, especially the greenhouse effect, has
motivated the world towards rationalizing the use of fossil fuels and exploring the use of
non-conventional energy sources to meet the energy demand. Wind, bio-gas, hydro,
solar, etc. are considered as non-conventional energy sources. Generation of electricity
from above sources has received much attention in recent years. Induction generators are
very commonly used to generate electricity from some non-conventional energy sources,
such as wind and hydro. There are two modes of operation of an induction generator:
Summary stand-alone (self-excited) and grid connected.
The objective of this project is to study, investigate and analyze the operation of an
induction generator connected to a large grid system (which can be considered as an
infinite bus) through a long transmission line. The operating conditions of the generator
are to be modelled mathematically. The student is expected to simulate the developed
model using MATLAB software to obtain various characteristics of the generator. The
effects of excitation capacitor and line reactance on the terminal voltage and active
power transfer capability of the generator are also to be investigated.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 33. GS1
Supervisor A/P Govinda Bol Shrestha
Co-Supervisor
Title Analysis of Bidding Regulations and Practices by Gencos in Competitive Markets
The market clearing regulations have evolved in differently in different power markets.
These regulations influence and shape the bidding practices adopted by the Gencos,
which may include strategies to maximize profits within the regulations.
Summary Under this project, the student may undertake a theoretical or empirical analysis of
bidding regulations and/or practices of Gencos in general or in a specific power market
such as Singapore power market. The historical data available for different power
markets can be utilized in this project.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 34. GS2
Supervisor A/P Govinda Bol Shrestha
Co-Supervisor
Title Feasibility of Distributed PV Generation
Summary
Although PV generation is very environment friendly and desirable from many respects,
it is still expensive compared to traditional sources of energy. It has been investigated
and used as ‘Distributed Energy’ source in niche markets.
This project is to investigate the relevant factors which will make PV Distributed
Generation feasible in the present day power systems.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 35. SPL1
Supervisor A/P So Ping Lam
Co-Supervisor
Design and Development of a Test Bed to Investigate Conducted and Radiated
Emissions from Broadband PLC Networks
Power line communications (PLC) is an economical alternative to communicate over
existing power lines. But before it can be commericialized, emissions from PLC
networks have to be below regulatory limits. Main electromagnetic interference (EMI)
emission issues which have to be resolved are conducted and radiated emissions from
PLC networks. In order to lower EMI emissions from PLC networks it is critical to first
Summary understand the phenomenon of conducted and radiated emissions. And to get insight, a
test bed which will facilitate reliable measurement of both conducted and radiated
emissions is essential. In this project, a test bed to measure conducted and radiated
emissions from PLC networks will be developed. Student who is interested in
Electromagnetic Inferference and Compatibility (EMI/EMC) field is encouraged to
apply.
Title
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 36. SPL2
Supervisor A/P So Ping Lam
Co-Supervisor
Title Design of a Microgrid for Intelligent Energy Distribution
Microgrid is an integrated energy system consisting of a low-voltage distribution
network with distributed energy resources (such as fuel cells, solar photovoltaics and
wind turbines), power electronic converters, storage devices and loads, operated either
connected to the grid or islanded. A technical challenge of microgrid is the operation and
Summary control of distributed energy resources within a microgrid. The aim of this project is to
design a microgrid to integrate the distributed energy resources for intelligent control and
management of energy distribution within the microgrid. Furthermore, control strategies
for a microgrid to operate either in grid-connected mode or in islanded mode will be
explored. The use of Matlab for simulation studies will be required.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 37. SPL3
Supervisor A/P So Ping Lam
Co-Supervisor
Title Modeling and Control of Combined Cycle Plants
The modeling of combined cycle plants and their controllers are crucial to the
understanding of their dynamic characteristics and to evaluate their impacts on power
systems. It is important to assess the control system behaviours and the overall plant
performance subject to system disturbances. The significance and aim of this project is to
model the dynamics of industrial combined cycle plants in parallel and isolating
Summary conditions, so that a unified platform will be provided for the comparison of different
control strategies via both mathematical analysis and computer simulations. Through this
model, rigorous methods for the design of advanced controllers for these combined cycle
plants can also be developed. These controllers will provide improved dynamic
performance and system robustness to industrial and utility applications such as
disturbance rejection and load variation.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 38. WP1
Supervisor A/P Wang Peng
Co-Supervisor Prof Lalit Kumar Goel
Title Nodal Price and Nodal Reliability Analysis of Restructured Power Systems
Power systems in the world are experiencing the restructuring. The restructuring has
resulted in the changes in power system planning and operation. Centralized reliability
management has been replaced by demand side reliability. Uniform electricity price is
Summary being replaced by different price mechanism such as spot price and bilateral contract
price. This project is to evaluate power system real time nodal price and nodal reliability
and nodal market power when considering transmission network limitations.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 39. WP2
Supervisor A/P Wang Peng
Co-Supervisor
Title Intelligent Trading/Metering/Billing System (ITMBS)-I: Metering
The ITMBS consists of bidirectional Digital Energy Meters (DEMs), Digital Water Meters
(DWMs), Digital Ggas Meters (DGMs), Power Line Comunication Network (PLCN),
Computer Database, Billing Software (CDBS) and Computer Network. The system can
automacically meter, read and bill the electricity, water and gas consumption of each
household in a City. The system allows electricity users to select their electircity suppliers
through their meters to take into consideration of power market requirements and to check
Summary
monthly bill from user meters. It can also meter electricity sold to the power grid to
incooperate the new regulation which allows family’s renewable power (such as fuel cell,
solar and wind) to connect to Power Grid, to develop the network structure of the system
using power line, wireless or cable network and reduce the error of data transfer between
meters and computers using suitable new network protocal.
This project focuses on metering part.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 40. WP3
Supervisor A/P Wang Peng
Co-Supervisor
Title Intelligent Trading/Metering/Billing System (ITMBS)-II: Network
The ITMBS consists of bidirectional Digital Energy Meters (DEMs), Digital Water Meters
(DWMs), Digital Gas Meters (DGMs), Power Line Comunication Network (PLCN),
Computer Database, Billing Software (CDBS) and Computer Network. The system can
automacically meter, read and bill the electricity, water and gas consumption of each
household in a City. The system has trading function which allow electricity users to select
their electircity suppliers through their meters to take into consideration of power market
Summary
requirements and to check monthly bill from user meters. It can also meter electricity sold
to the power grid to incooperate the new regulation which allows family’s renewable
power (such as fuel cell, solar and wind) to connect to Power Grid, to develop the network
structure of the system using power line, wireless or cable network and reduce the error of
data transfer between meters and computers using suitable new network protocols.
This project focuses on network and the related ptotocols.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 41. WP4
Supervisor A/P Wang Peng
Co-Supervisor A/P Loh Poh Chiang, Andrew
Title Stand-Alone Home Electricity Supply System (SHESS) using Solar Energy
Solar energy is a very important source to replace the conventional sources such as coal
and gas because it is free of pollution. In the future, electricity produced by renewable
sources will replace that from conventional energy sources.
Summary The objectives of the project is to develop a standard design procedure for determining
capacity of solar panels and batteries and developing the corresponding DC/AC inverter,
DC/DC inverter, and supply circuit layouts (switch, protection, etc.).
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 42. WP5
Supervisor A/P Wang Peng
Co-Supervisor A/P Loh Poh Chiang, Andrew
Development of Grid-Tie Home Electricity Supply System (GHESS) using Solar
Title
Energy
Solar energy is a very important source to replace the conventional sources such as coal
and gas because it is free of pollution. In the future, renewable sources will replace
conventional energy sources to produce electricity. More and more families will install
their own electricity supply system. However, the electricity produced by solar panels
depends on weather condition. During the cloudy days home electricity may be supplied by
conventional power grid. During the sunny days, the extra electricity from the family
Summary owned solar panels may sell its power to grid.
The objective of this project is to develop a generalized procedure to design and build a
solar/electricity conversion system for a family to supply its own electricity and to sell it to
the power grid based on a particular capacity requirement, which include
• A DC/AC inverter to convert DC supply from photovoltaic cells (solar panels) into
AC (50Hz, 220 V) for a home supply
• A control circuit to connect the solar/electricity system to local distribution system
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 43. WP6
Supervisor A/P Wang Peng
Co-Supervisor A/P Loh Poh Chiang, Andrew
Development of Battery Charger for PV Systems (The part of S$10m project awarded
Title
to Water and Energy Lab by Singapore National Research Foundation)
In standalone PV systems, the output of solar array is used to charge batteries. Due to the
variation of weather conditions, the uncertain voltage of a solar PV charger must be
conditioned to safely charge batteries and protect the batteries from overcharging. It also has
the capability of temperature compensation of the battery charging algorithm with a
thermistor that can be put on the battery. Since the solar PV is expensive, the power
consumption of the solar PV charger should be very low and can work in the sleeping mode
Summary during night time.
The objective of this project is to develop battery charger for PV systems based on
microcontroller with low power consumptions and battery protection functions. The pulse
width modulation (PWM) method will be adopted to implement three-stage charging:
constant current charge, variable current charge, and float charge. In this project, student will
review existing charging algorithms for PV chargers, identify their problems and develop the
PV charger suitable for the particular application.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 44. WP7
Supervisor A/P Wang Peng
Co-Supervisor A/P Loh Poh Chiang, Andrew
Development of the Photovoltaic System for DC Motor (The part of S$10m project
Title
awarded to Water and Energy Lab by Singapore National Research Foundation)
Singapore government has identified water and environment related technologies as the
prioritized technologies to be developed. The research in the use of solar energy to purify the
water is to take these two technologies into account. In this research, solar photovoltaic (PV)
has been used to drive a DC motor to pump water in a water purification plant.
Summary The objective of this project is to develop solar water pump systems. The student can start to
survey the efficiencies of different kinds of DC motor pump with the power rating around
100W and flow rate about 50 liter/hour and identify the most efficient one. The control of
this DC motor pump driven by solar array will be investigated and its corresponding
hardware will be implemented.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 45. WP8
Supervisor A/P Wang Peng
Co-Supervisor
Wind Speed and Solar Irradiation Simulator for Microgrid Operation (The part of
S$10m project awarded to Water and Energy Lab by Singapore National Research
Foundation)
Electricity produced by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar has experienced a
tremendous growth in recent years. A microgrid is a mini power network with fossil fuel and
renewable source-driven small generators to supply a group of users. The accurate wind
speed and solar irradiation modelling is a key issue for the reliable operation of a microgrid.
However wind and solar irradiation is under the great uncertainty due to the random nature of
weather. Therefore it is necessary to develop the models to simulate wind speed and solar
Summary
irradiation. There are many methods which can be used to forecast the fluctuations of wind
and solar energy production for microgrid operation for example regression and time-series
methods.
The objective of this project is to apply the above techniques to model and analyze the
fluctuation of wind and solar energy production. Matlab is utilized as a tool to develop a
software simulator for wind speed and solar irradiation modelling.
Title
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 46. WP9
Supervisor A/P Wang Peng
Co-Supervisor
Maintenance Management for Distributed Wind Systems considering Power Quality
and Reliability Aspects
In the past 30 years, the size of wind turbines and the size of wind power plants have
experienced large growth, which is caused by enhanced public awareness of the environment
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional energy generation.
However the development of large wind turbines and offshore farms has surpassed the
infrastructure for which it was designed. The lack of standards, regulations and maintenance
has proven to be an increasing threat to the reliability and power quality of the system. The
issue is even more serious for offshore farms, where service is difficult and expensive. The
industry has incentive to make maintenance management more efficient, which requires
more accurate power quality and reliability assessment techniques for distributed wind
systems. In this project, we focus on maintenance management for distributed wind systems
considering power quality and reliability aspects.
Summary Condition monitoring system (CMS) has been used for better wind turbine maintenance
management and increased reliability. CMS continuously monitors the performance of wind
turbine parts, e.g., generator, the gearbox and main shaft, which can help to determine the
optimal time for specific maintenance. The combination of CMS and reliability and power
quality analysis can be the major part of reliability cantered maintenance (RCM) of wind
turbines. The aim of RCM is to relate preventive maintenance to total maintenance cost,
system reliability and power quality in our studies. Further a life cycle cost (LCC) analysis,
which calculate the total cost for the wind turbine during its lifetime will be carried out. The
LCC is used to compare different alternative maintenance strategies. In this project, we are
interested in analyzing the possibilities and benefits of RCM and CMS in a wind farm with
the same and different types of wind turbines to increase system reliability and power
quality.
Title
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 47. WP10
Supervisor A/P Wang Peng
Co-Supervisor
Title Control and Management of Microgrids considering Renewable Energy Resources
The environmental and economic benefits of the microgrid are primarily determined by the
envisioned controller capabilities and the management strategies. Because of the type and
depth of penetration of renewable energy resource (RER) units, load characteristics and
power quality constraints, the required control and management strategies can be
significantly and even conceptually different from those of the conventional power systems:
steady-state and dynamic characteristics of RER units coupled with electronics devices are
Summary different with those of the conventional turbine generator units; a large portion of electricity
supply within the microgrid can be from “non-controllable” RER units like wind-turbine and
PV panel; energy storage plays a key role in control and operation of a microgrid.
In this project, the control and management strategies of microgrids are studied, which are
focused on the following two topics:
1. Voltage and frequency control and/or active/reactive power control for the RER units.
2. Power dispatch management of RER units for optimizing electricity output.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 48. WYY1
Supervisor Prof Wang Youyi
Co-supervisor
Title Control of PEM Fuel Cells
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells convert the chemical energy of hydrogen and
oxygen directly into electricity. A PEM fuel cell has many advantages such as fast starting
at room temperature, no electrolyte leaking, long running time, high power rate and high
energy rate. This project is aimed at development of controller design approaches for a
PEM fuel cell. In this project the students will be required to do:
Summary 1. Study the functions of a PEM fuel cell;
2. Set up models of PEM fuel cells;
3. Design control schemes to improve the performance;
4. Simulation.
The project requires the students who have interests in control design and fuel cells.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 49. WYY2
Supervisor Prof Wang Youyi
Co-supervisor
Title Power System Transient Stability Enhancement
Power systems are complex nonlinear dynamic systems. Improving the stability of a power
system under small and large disturbances is one of the most important problems in power
system control. This project will concentrate on design of advanced controllers for power
Summary system stability enhancement. Different operating conditions in a multi-machine power
system will be considered. The system performance will be evaluated by computer
simulation.
The students require knowledge on power system and computer simulation.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 50. WYY3
Supervisor Prof Wang Youyi
Co-supervisor A/P Cai Wenjian
Title Design of Advanced Control System for a Solar Ejector Refrigeration System
Solar ejector refrigeration system is a system combined an ejector refrigeration cycle and a
solar collector. The ejector refrigeration system utilizing the solar energy offer several
advantages: 1) by using the renewable free heat energies can improve the efficiency of
performances and alleviate the environment problems, particularly by reduction of CO2
emission from combustion of fossil fuels; 2) natural substances such as water can be
utilized as working fluids, which do not cause ozone depletion; and 3) it is more reliable
Summary since there is no moving parts. This major objective of this project is aimed at control
design approaches for solar ejector refrigeration system. In this project, the students will be
required to do:
1. Study and understand the functions of solar ejector refrigeration systems;
2. Set up models of solar ejector refrigeration systems;
3. Design advanced control scheme to improve system performance;
4. Evaluate the system performance by computer simulations and experimental tests.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 51. WYY4
Supervisor Prof Wang Youyi
Co-supervisor A/P Cai Wenjian
Title Advanced Controller Design for Wind Turbine Systems
This project is aimed at application of advanced controller design approaches to wind
turbine control systems. In this project, the students will be required to do:
1. Study and understand the functions of wind turbine systems;
Summary
2. Set up models of wind turbine systems;
3. Design advanced control schemes to improve system performance;
4. Evaluate the system performance by computer simulations and experimental tests
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 52. WYY5
Supervisor Prof Wang Youyi
Co-supervisor Prof Xie Lihua
Title Controller Design of Linear Servo Motor Systems
This project is aimed at development of controller design approaches for linear servo motor
systems. In this project the students will be required to do:
1. Study the functions of linear servo motors
2. Set up models of linear servo motors
Summary
3. Design control scheme to provide the motion control.
4. Evaluate the performance of the proposed controller by simulation.
The project requires knowledge on fundamental understanding of a motor, motion control
and control system. The project is a part of the research project.
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Project No: 09/10-S1-D 53. ZDM1
Supervisor Asst/P Zhang Daming
Co-Supervisor
Title Design of High Frequency Transformers for Power Electronic Circuits
Miniaturization of power electronic devices is an ultimate pursuit of circuit designers. To
make these devices as compact as possible, increasing operating frequency is a plausible
choice. With the increased operating frequency, the put-through power handled by
magnetic cores becomes larger with even smaller sizes. The highest operating frequency
Summary for magnetic cores used in power electronic circuit can be up to 2MHz. With so high an
operating frequency, many factors need to be considered in the design of a transformer or
inductor. In this research, the undertaker will be able to know what these influential
factors are in the design and how to incorporate all these factors in the procedure of
designing an inductor and a transformer.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 54. ZDM2
Supervisor Asst/P Zhang Daming
Co-Supervisor
Title EMI/EMC Issues in Power Electronic circuits
The operating frequency of switched-mode power electronic circuits can be as high as
1MHz. With such a high operating frequency, the electromagnetic interference posed by it
to its ambient devices may need to be concerned. Furthermore the radiation by the high
Summary frequency pulse can make the device fail in the test according to EMC/EMI standards,
such as IEC standards. In this project, the researcher will calculate the radiation by a
designed power electronic circuit operating at high-frequency and in switched mode and
measure its near-field and far-field radiative pollution to its ambient.
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 55. ZDM3
Supervisor Asst/P Zhang Daming
Co-Supervisor
Application of Parabolic Reflector to Collect Solar Energy and Convert it to
Electricity
In this project, the procedure to design parabolic reflector will be developed. Application
of using Stirling engine and solar panel to convert concentrated solar energy to electricity
Summary will be studied. Efficiency between the design system and normal solar panel system will
be compared.
Title
Project No: 09/10-S1-D 56. ZDM4
Supervisor Asst/P Zhang Daming
Co-Supervisor
Issues on the Integration of Renewable Energy with existing Power Distribution
Networks
With the public awareness that current power consumption based on fossil and coal is not
sustainable, more and more efforts have been in place to gain as much energy as possible
from renewable energy sources. Integration of renewable energy with existing power
Summary distribution systems is a worthy research topic. This proposed research studies the issues
on the integration of renewable energy with existing power distribution network. Issues
such as harmonic reduction, fault current limitation, protection system design and
synchronization incurred by the integration will be studied.
Title
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