Single-stage ZVS PWM full-bridge converter

A new soft-switched ac-dc single-stage pulse width modulation (PWM) full-bridge converter is proposed. The converter operates with zero-voltage switching (ZVS), fixed switching frequency, and with a continuous input current that is sinusoidal and in phase with the input voltage. This is in contrast with other ac-dc single-stage PWM full-bridge converters that are either resonant converters operating with variable switching frequency control and high conduction losses, converters whose switches cannot operate with ZVS, or converters that cannot perform power factor correction (PFC) unless the input current is discontinuous. All converter switches operate with soft-switching due to a simple auxiliary circuit that is used for only a small fraction of the switching cycle. The operation of the converter is explained and analyzed, guidelines for the design of the converter are given, and its feasibility is shown with results obtained from an experimental prototype.     

Flux emergence,flux imbalance,magnetic free energy and solar flares

Emergence of complex magnetic flux in the solar active regions lead to several observational effects such as a change in sunspot area and flux embalance in photospheric magnetograms. The flux emergence also results in twisted magnetic field lines that add to free energy content. The magnetic field configuration of these active regions relax to near potential-field configuration after energy release through solar flares and coronal mass ejections. In this paper, we study the relation of flare productivity of active regions with their evolution of magnetic flux emergence, flux imbalance and free energy content. We use the sunspot area and number for flux emergence study as they contain most of the concentrated magnetic flux in the active region. The magnetic flux imbalance and the free energy are estimated using the HMI/SDO magnetograms and Virial theorem method. We find that the active regions that undergo large changes in sunspot area are most flare productive. The active regions become flary when the free energy content exceeds 50% of the total energy. Although, the flary active regions show magnetic flux imbalance, it is hard to predict flare activity based on this parameter alone.     

Solar energetic particle events during the rise phases of solar cycles 23 and 24

We present a comparative study of the properties of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and flares associated with the solar energetic particle (SEP) events in the rising phases of solar cycles (SC) 23 (1996–1998) (22 events) and 24 (2009–2011) (20 events), which are associated with type II radio bursts. Based on the SEP intensity, we divided the events into three categories, i.e. weak (intensity < 1 pfu), minor (1 pfu < intensity < 10 pfu) and major (intensity ? 10 pfu) events. We used the GOES data for the minor and major SEP events and SOHO/ERNE data for the weak SEP event. We examine the correlation of SEP intensity with flare size and CME properties. We find that most of the major SEP events are associated with halo or partial halo CMEs originating close to the sun center and western-hemisphere. The fraction of halo CMEs in SC 24 is larger than the SC 23. For the minor SEP events one event in SC23 and one event in SC24 have widths < 120° and all other events are associated with halo or partial halo CMEs as in the case of major SEP events. In case of weak SEP events, majority (more than 60%) of events are associated with CME width < 120°. For both the SC the average CMEs speeds are similar. For major SEP events, average CME speeds are higher in comparison to minor and weak events. The SEP event intensity and GOES X-ray flare size are poorly correlated. During the rise phase of solar cycle 23 and 24, we find north–south asymmetry in the SEP event source locations: in cycle 23 most sources are located in the south, whereas during cycle 24 most sources are located in the north. This result is consistent with the asymmetry found with sunspot area and intense flares.     

Improved Mapham's inverter for HF space power conversion

An improved Mapham's inverter for high-frequency space power conversion is presented. The proposed inverter system uses a starting commutator to facilitate the starting of the conventional inverter under full-load conditions. The load conditions which cause the starting commutation failure of a conventional Mapham inverter are established. An improved inverter system to overcome the starting failure is presented and analyzed. The behavior of the improved inverter has been simulated to verify the predicted performance at start-up. A steady-state analysis of the inverter is presented, and the performance characteristics are derived     

A 20 kHz hybrid resonant power source for the space station

A hybrid resonant inverter system is presented that satisfies the steady-state operating requirements of a power source for the proposed International Space Station mobile servicing system. The steady-state behavior of the inverter was analyzed and a method is described for optimizing the design of the resonant network. The performance characteristics such as the total harmonic distortion of the output voltage, RMS output voltage, and the inverter efficiency are presented. The hybrid resonant inverter system maintains an excellent efficiency over varying output-load demand     

Improved DC/AC interface inverter for high-frequency spaceapplications

A DC/AC interface inverter for a high-frequency space power distribution system that uses dual asymmetrical resonant bridges is examined. Compared to the conventional approach in which two symmetrical bridges are used, the asymmetrical bridges arrangement offers better use of the installed kVA rating and efficiency of the inverter system. A simplified approach for modeling the inverter system in steady-state is presented, and a criteria to select the resonant components is given. A detailed simulation is performed for the following: a symmetrical inverter system with a resistive load, an asymmetrical inverter system with a resistive load, and an asymmetrical inverter system with the type-1A AC/DC converter load     

The realism of FAA reliability-safety requirements and alternatives

As avionic systems become more complex, realistic qualification requirements for the flight-critical systems becomes more important, but more difficult to define. Requirements developed to establish acceptable levels of performance must be verifiable if they are to have any meaning. This article shows that both the current FAA requirements of flight-critical systems and the FAA recommended methods for probabilistic assessment are flawed, and result in “required” safety assessments which are misleading. Alternatives are then explored     

Hybrid connectionist systems in research and teaching

There is a tremendous world-wide interest in the development of the theory and application of artificial intelligence (AI) and related techniques both in tertiary institutions and in industry. This paper presents a brief survey of overseas AI teaching programs together with a review of the teaching program in the University of South Australia. In addition, post-graduate projects undertaken by the Knowledge-Engineering Systems Group (KES), and sponsored by the Defence, Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), are discussed. These involve expert systems, neural networks, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms. It is shown by using a classical exclusive-OR problem that it is useful to use hybrid techniques which offer fast convergence in optimization problems. Although much of this work is still at an early stage, sufficient progress has been made to demonstrate the merit of using AI and related techniques to help create solutions to these problems