https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12482 2026-04-18T03:01:41Z 2026-04-18T03:01:41Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12929 2018-05-10T10:02:10Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Design of an automatic synchronisation system for an electrical generator to the grid Abstract: Generators may be regarded as the workhorse of the power generating industry, supplying most of the real and reactive AC power. In the practical implementation of this project a small generator set has been used. However the performance should be similar to large scale commercial synchronous generators used in electrical power plants. The aim of this thesis is therefore to design an automatic synchronisation system for an electrical generator to the grid. This thesis introduces a new automatic synchroniser based on Space Vector Control theory. The device consists of a microcontroller and an inverter. The microcontroller is assigned to capture the grid and generator three-phase voltages. The frequency, phase and magnitude are calculated results derived from space vector theory. The microcontroller then provides the pulse width modulated signals for the gate drivers of the inverter. The inverter is used to provide outputs for the control of the mechanical input power to the prime mover, the generator field excitation, and instant of synchronism to the grid. Following synchronisation, the control module is further responsible for the control of real and reactive power supplied to the grid. The developed synchronisation unit is reliable, stable, and precise for monitoring, measuring and parallel operation of the synchronous generator. Description: B.ENG.(HONS)

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12928 2018-05-07T13:05:35Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Control electronics design for XY plotter Abstract: X-Y Plotters offer a creative alternative to traditional printing methods, whereby images are created with the use of connecting lines, as opposed to matrices of very fine dots. This therefore places the plotter in the area of vector graphics printers. Plotters have nowadays become virtually obsolete, as Laser and Inkjet printers became readily available whilst providing better image quality. This being said, plotters still provide an insight into the methodology required to operate Stepper Motors, which are a necessity and thus widely used in various other consumer products. Therefore, although X-Y Plotters themselves might be phased out, they will surely remain as interesting projects for one to design and investigate. This dissertation focuses on the design and testing of an X-Y Plotter, for image creating purposes. In addition to this, it will provide a comparison between the Stepper Motor control methods commonly in use by comparing the resulting image quality produced from the two chosen methods. In addition to the hardware design, the required programming will be done on both a micro-controller and a Host PC used to control the plotter itself. The relevant points include: 1. Design, test and implement a working Stepper Motor Driver 2. Program the necessary functions on a micro-controller to operate this driver 3. Design a Graphical User Interface to draw basic images 4. Integrate all the subsystems into a working X-Y Plotter 5. Compare the design with an off the shelf product The equations necessary to correctly drive the Stepper Motor were simulated in Matlab, and then implemented on the micro-controller. This was then used as a reference to ensure that the micro-controller‟s calculation match the required parameters. The results obtained from the tests performed throughout both the design stage and the final implementation proved to be a satisfactory implementation for basic imaging, with all the subsystems operating as intended. Description: B.ENG.(HONS)

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12926 2016-10-20T09:31:57Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Investigation of the performance of a linear drive in industrial applications Abstract: The main objective of this thesis is to set-up the linear motor, program it through the host controller which in this case is the PLC, analyse its behaviour for different scenarios and finally compare the practical results with the results obtained from the simulation. The mechanical guideway is adjusted so that the linear motor is able to perform the required trajectory path as programmed by the user. The servo pack is programmed and configured so that all the required parameters are set appropriately. The position controller, speed controller and current controller are designed for optimal performance. A set of experimental tests are carried out using the linear motor with different types of controls such as speed control, position control or force control. The linear motor is put under different loads and given different trajectory paths. As the linear motor is executing the trajectory path, the resulting waveforms are obtained using the servo pack software namely the Sigma Win+. Several experimental tests are carried out in order to further tune the Servopack parameters to enhance its operation. This improved the accuracy and reduced the noise distortion to a minimum. Description: B.ENG.(HONS)

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12922 2016-10-17T07:38:14Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Simulation of smart domestic grid/stand-alone energy system Abstract: During the years the energy demand by the loads in residential homes was supplied by the utility grid which resultant in hundred percent (100%) grid dependency and strain in the transmitting lines. Power cut from the utility and environmental issues raised the idea of having a more sustainable and clean energy generation due to the fact that most of the utility grid is generated from fossil fuel powered power station. Moreover, consecutive power cuts due to failure in the system or natural disaster for example earthquakes raised issues about the stability of grid utilization. Therefore, some people opted in having a small diesel generator to produce energy during blackouts, which cause noise, pollution and cost variation (in fossil fuel prices), hence despite the fact that diesel generators can produce energy during utility grid breakdown, they are inconvenient. The introduction of photovoltaic (PV) modules saw a large trend in producing clean energy from renewable resources. Once the price of the PV modules started to decline, PV modules began to be affordable, a convenient way of producing energy without harming the environment. One of the problems associated with PV modules is that the energy production is volatile and depends on physical and environmental factors which in turns result in loss of the energy generated hence feed in tariffs were introduced in order to encourage the people in investing in solar technology. In fact, most countries have seen a huge rise of PV installation in small area which result in system shut down due to an increase in voltage thus the PV feed in tariff was removed with the other option being, not only to generate your own energy but also storing your own energy. This introduced the concept of battery based grid-connected systems which can be backed by the utility grid or be totally self-sufficient from the grid. Description: B.ENG.(HONS)

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z