The power converter, specifically designed for Fuel-Cell Systems (FCS) is a conversion module, which converts the output voltage from the FC stack to the voltage of bus, connecting load and the frequently used energy storage device like Lead-acid or Lithium secondary (rechargeable) batteries or storage capacitors. The FCS dictate specific challenging requirements for the power converter. The power converter, developed at the Department of Systems and control is built with innovative concept to address the required parameters. It consists of a step-down (buck) power stage, which is controlled by an embedded microcontroller. The step-down power stage is designed as a self sufficient block, which needs no microcontroller intervention to oscillate and to control output current. In this way the safety of the power control is not affected by possible software errors or strong external transients, which would cause microcontroller to operate temporally in an undefined state. Furthermore the power stage is designed in a way that up to four 2kW base units can be combined to form an up to 8kW power converter. This way the efficiency and component price are kept optimal for various requirements. The unit has been already successfully sold to some important FC companies and taken to testing by several others.
F.07 Improvements to an existing product
COBISS.SI-ID: 27098407The book summarizes the long-standing efforts and knowledge of Department of Systems and Control in the field of research of advanced control methods and their transfer to the industrial practice. It consists of self-contained chapters which represent either an experimental application of a new method or a practical solution of an industrial problem, or a presentation of a new tool which enables more efficient design and implementation of advanced control methods. The book represents a collective effort of 19 researchers from the department and is based on experience gathered during two decades of research and over 150 successful applications for industrial end-users from various backgrounds.
C.01 Editorial board of a foreign/international collection of papers/book
COBISS.SI-ID: 26888999The valves are used for control of temperatures, levels and flows. In control systems, the automatic opening or closing the valves is achieved by the valve drives. Department of systems and control researh group, togehter with the R&D group of the Danfoss Trata, d.o.o. developed electronics and firmware for heavy-duty actuators 65X series (for larger valves). The drives are capable of maintaing the full speed at 5000N counter-force. Besides other solutions, the innovative system for automatic reduction of oscillations and fast filtering of the speed measurements, developed at our department, were embedded within drives.
F.06 Development of a new product
COBISS.SI-ID: 27323687The team of researchers contributed a concept of a system for on-line diagnostics and prognostics of asset condition whose aim is simple implementation, low cost and high level of portability. Key for successful application is the porfolio of building blocks that have been developed over last years. System prototypes have been tested on several industrial beds.
F.09 Development of a new technological process or technology
COBISS.SI-ID: 26660903In cooperation with the company Kolektor Sinabit d.o.o. an advanced feed rate control of the anaerobic digester for organic waste removal and biogas production was developed. Proposed control holds the measured ratio of the volatile fatty acids and acetate in digester at a selected value by manipulating the feed rate of the waste. Control was tested on the anaerobic digester pilot plant under different organic co-wastes. Experiments show that it allows stable biogas production and prevents acidification of the process. Control can be used on the anaerobic digesters of biogas plants, wastewater treatment plants and waste landfills.
F.08 Development and manufacture of a prototype