Controls and Control Theory Commons^™

Highly Efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking Using A Quasi-Double-Boost Dc/Dc Converter For Photovoltaic Systems, Christopher J. Lohmeier

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are a great source of renewable energy generation. The biggest problem with solar systems is relatively low efficiency and high cost. This work hopes to alleviate this problem by using novel power electronic converter and control designs. An electronic DC/DC converter, called “Quasi-Double-Boost DC/DC Converter,” is designed for a Solar PV system. A Maximum Power Point Tracking (MTTP) algorithm is implemented through this converter. This algorithm allows the PV system to work at its highest efficiency. Different current sensing and sensorless technologies used with the converter for the MPPT algorithm are offered and tested. Design aspects …

Sensing And Transmission Strategies In Wireless Cognitive Radio Systems, Babak Abbasi Bastami

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The main challenge in any cognitive radio system is to maximize secondary users throughput while limiting interference imposed on licensed users. In this regard, finding the optimal sensing and transmission timing strategies and accurate sensing techniques are of great importance in a cognitive radio network.

In this thesis, we study a sensing-transmission scheme for secondary user in a cognitive radio system where the secondary user senses every primary channel independently and transmits a signal for a fixed duration if it finds the channel empty and stays idle for another fixed duration if it senses the channel busy. We obtain optimal …

Super-Resolution For Imagery From Integrated Microgrid Polarimeters, Russell C. Hardie, Daniel A. Lemaster, Bradley Michael Ratliff

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Imagery from microgrid polarimeters is obtained by using a mosaic of pixel-wise micropolarizers on a focal plane array (FPA). Each distinct polarization image is obtained by subsampling the full FPA image. Thus, the effective pixel pitch for each polarization channel is increased and the sampling frequency is decreased. As a result, aliasing artifacts from such undersampling can corrupt the true polarization content of the scene. Here we present the first multi-channel multi-frame super-resolution (SR) algorithms designed specifically for the problem of image restoration in microgrid polarization imagers. These SR algorithms can be used to address aliasing and other degradations, without …

Mechatronics Application To Solar Tracking, Danny L. Rodriguez Jr

Purdue Polytechnic Directed Projects

The purpose of this was to design and implement a two-axis solar tracking system utilizing the National Instruments C-Rio real time controller. In order to accomplish this a prototype was modeled in CAD. This prototype used two 12 V DC motors to change a solar panel's rotation and tilt based on feedback data from three cadmium sulfide photoresistors. This configuration was chosen for its ability to create both a left-right rotational and an up/down tilt differential. In Addition this approach uses National Instruments Labview to control a solar tracking system. Using Labview add uniqueness to this project by adding a …

Development Of A Novel Methodology For Indoor Emission Source Identification, Kwanghoon Han

Kwanghoon Han

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a methodology to identify individual sources of emissions based on the measurements of mixed air samples and the emission signatures of individual materials previously determined by Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometry (PTR-MS), an on-line analytical device. The methodology based on signal processing principles was developed by employing the method of multiple regression least squares (MRLS) and a normalization technique. Samples of nine typical building materials were tested individually and in combination, including carpet, ceiling material, gypsum board, linoleum, two paints, polyolefine, PVC and wood. Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from each …

Intelligibility Of Electrolarynx Speech Using A Novel Hands-Free Actuator, Brian Madden, Mark Nolan, Ted Burke, James Condron, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

During voiced speech, the larynx provides quasi-periodic acoustic excitation of the vocal tract. In most electrolarynxes, mechanical vibrations are produced by a linear electromechanical actuator, the armature of which percusses against a metal or plastic plate at a frequency within the range of glottal excitation. In this paper, the intelligibility of speech produced using a novel hands-free actuator is compared to speech produced using a conventional electrolarynx. Two able-bodied speakers (one male, one female) performed a closed response test containing 28 monosyllabic words, once using a conventional electrolarynx and a second time using the novel design. The resulting audio recordings …

Augmented Control Of A Hands-Free Electrolarynx, Brian Madden, James Condron, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

During voiced speech, the larynx acts as the sound source, providing a quasi-periodic excitation of the vocal tract. Following a total laryngectomy, some people speak using an electrolarynx which employs an electromechanical actuator to perform the excitatory function of the absent larynx. Drawbacks of conventional electrolarynx designs include the monotonic sound emitted, the need for a free-hand to operate the device, and the difficulty experienced by many laryngectomees in adapting to its use. One improvement to the electrolarynx, which clinicians and users frequently suggest, is the provision of a convenient hands-free control facility. This would allow more natural use of …