bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of corporate social responsibility initiatives on Taiwanese banking customers
Authors: McDonald Lynette M. , Hung Lai Chia
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Scant research has investigated retail banking customers' reactions to different corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This study seeks to investigate whether Taiwanese retail banking customers prefer corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that favour themselves or other stakeholder groups (community, environment), and whether these initiatives impact customer attitude and behavioural intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an experimental survey design and a snowball sampling technique, 130 Taiwanese banking customers answered questionnaires examining attitude and behaviour in response to three different CSR initiatives.

Findings

Customer‐centric initiatives more powerfully impacted banking customers' attitude to the bank and behavioural intentions than environmental or philanthropic initiatives. However, the results were significant only for the difference between customer‐centric and environmental initiatives.

Originality/value

This is the first research examining banking customers' attitude and behaviour in response to different CSR initiatives in a Taiwanese setting. It has implications for banks developing CSR strategies.
SMEs' dependency on banks during international expansion
Authors: Lindstrand Angelika , Lindbergh Jessica
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether banks are needed as partners for internationalising small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and, if so, in what ways they affect SMEs. The purpose can, in a wider sense, shed light on institutions' intermediating functions for transactions in the economy, both locally and internationally.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was distributed to Swedish SMEs involved in international activities. A sample of 318 SMEs was used. The results are presented as descriptive statistics and by using t‐tests.

Findings

The findings show that banks are the least used source of information for internationalising SMEs. The results also show that banks do not participate in SME business networks when SMEs are internationalising. SMEs that have been dependent on banks when developing their international business relationships, however, tend to have previously depended on the bank when conducting business.

Practical implications

It is believed there is much to be gained, both for SMEs and banks, in developing their business exchange and reciprocal understanding. The bank can make SME international operations and financial situations flow more efficiently. This in turn may improve SME growth, thus creating more business opportunities between banks and SMEs.

Originality/value

The study fills a gap in the literature and knowledge concerning banks' effects on SMEs' internationalisation.
Defining a bearing replacement strategy using Monte Carlo methods
Authors: Thomas A.J. , Chard J. , John E. , Davies A. , Francis M.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a bearing replacement strategy which employs the Monte Carlo simulation method. In this contribution the method is used to estimate the economic impact on the selection of a particular bearing change strategy. The simulation demonstrates that it is possible to identify the most cost‐effective approach and thus suggests a suitable bearing replacement policy, which in turn allows engineers to develop the appropriate maintenance schedules for their company.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops the Monte Carlo method through a case study approach. Three case studies are presented. The first study is detailed and chronicles the design, development and implementation of the Monte Carlo method as a means of defining a bearing replacement strategy within a subject company. The second and third cases outline the application of the Monte Carlo method in two different environments. These applications made it possible to obtain proof of concept and also to further prove the effectiveness of the Monte Carlo simulation approach.

Findings

An effective development of the Monte Carlo approach is proposed and the effectiveness of the method is subsequently evaluated, highlighting the benefits to the host organization and how the approach led to significant improvement in machinery reliability through a bearing replacement strategy.

Practical implications

The design, development and implementation of a bearing replacement strategy provide a simple yet effective approach to achieving significant improvements in system reliability and performance through less downtime and greater cost savings. The paper offers practising maintenance managers and engineers a strategic framework for increasing productive efficiency and output.

Originality/value

The proposed bearing replacement strategy contributes to the existing knowledge base on maintenance systems and subsequently disseminates this information in order to provide impetus, guidance and support towards increasing the development companies in an attempt to move the UK manufacturing sector towards world‐class manufacturing performance.
The role of leadership competencies for implementing TQM
Authors: Das Anupam , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This research seeks to identify the specific leadership competencies required for implementing Total Quality Management (TQM); to examine the influence of leadership competencies for implementing individual TQM principles; and to examine the relationship of the TQM implementation principles with TQM outcomes among the Thai manufacturing companies with different levels of leadership competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data have been collected from 265 ISO 9000‐certified companies in the Thai manufacturing industry to examine the validity and reliability of the leadership competencies construct; nine TQM implementation constructs (top management commitment, supplier quality management, continuous improvement, product innovation, benchmarking, employee involvement, reward and recognition, education and training, and customer focus); and one outcome construct (product quality). The findings are cross‐validated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Step‐wise regression methods have been used to identify the influence of leadership competencies for implementing TQM principles.

Findings

This research confirms the necessity for top management to perform as leaders for implementing TQM. Companies with high leadership competencies execute each of the nine TQM principles more effectively and are able to produce higher quality products. This research also finds that the relationships of TQM implementation constructs and the outcome construct (product quality) are not same in the different contexts of leadership competencies. The predictors of product quality in the context of high leadership competencies are: customer focus; continuous improvement; employee involvement; and supplier quality management. The predictors of product quality in companies with low leadership competencies are top management commitment; customer focus; and product innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The present study used only product quality as the outcome of TQM efforts, but the outcome of TQM is not limited only to product quality. TQM is also related to other organizational performance variables, namely – customer satisfaction, employee morale, delivery, productivity, cash flow, and sales growth. Future research should be extended by using other performance variables as the outcome of TQM.

Originality/value

It is believed that this research reveals new insights about the manufacturing sector of Thailand. This research also has managerial and research implications for designing and formulating operations strategy for implementing TQM.
Statistical tolerancing through discretization of variables
Authors: Ghosh Tirthankar , Roy Dilip
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to consider the role of discretization of random variables in analyzing statistical tolerancing, and to propose a new discretizing method along with a study on its usefulness.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach for discretization of a continuous distribution is based on the concept of moment equalization with the original random variable, conditionally given a set of points of realization. For the purpose of demonstration the normal distribution has been discretized into seven points. Application of the discretization method in approximating the distribution/survival function of a complex system has also been studied. Numerical analysis on two important engineering items has been undertaken and the closeness between the values of the distribution/survival functions obtained by simulation and the proposed method has been examined to indicate the advantage of the proposed approach.

Findings

A comparative study with the earlier reported discretizing methods indicates that the proposed method, which is easy to implement, provides better results for most of the cases studied in this work.

Research limitations/implications

Using the proposed approach one can approximate the probability distribution of a complex system with random component values, which cannot be analytically expressed.

Practical implications

This paper is able to provide a new direction in reliability management research, because it can be used for product design of many important engineering items such as solid‐shaft, hollow cylinder, torsion bar, I‐beam etc.

Originality/value

This research gives a new linear method of discretization. It gives better results than the existing discretization methods of Experimental design, Moment equalization, and Discrete Concentration for reliability (survival probability) determination of solid‐shaft and power resistor.
The antecedents of relationship quality in Malaysia and New Zealand
Authors: Oly Ndubisi Nelson , Khoo‐Lattimore Catheryn , Yang Lin , Capel Celine Marie
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the relational dynamics, namely trust, personalisation, communication, conflict handling and empathy, and relationship quality in the banking industry of two culturally dissimilar nations – Malaysia and New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

Bank customers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Dunedin, New Zealand were surveyed using a questionnaire. Bank intercept technique was used in administering the instrument. A total of 358 customers (comprising 150 from Malaysia and 208 from New Zealand) provided the data for the study. Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The results of the study show that the five relational dynamics explain 84 percent and 76 percent of variations in relationship quality in Malaysia and New Zealand respectively. Communication, trust, and empathy are significantly related with relationship quality in both countries, whereas personalisation has a significant impact on relationship quality in New Zealand but not in Malaysia. The results also reveal that conflict handling is significantly and marginally associated with relationship quality in New Zealand and Malaysia respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study was conducted on the banking industry, the outcome may be relevant to other service sectors. Further, understanding relational dynamics in different cultures is important, as the study has shown; thus integrating culture in the relationship marketing/management models would advance the understanding of culture roles in consumers' perceptions of and influences on relationship quality.

Originality/value

The paper assesses and compares the impact of relational dynamics on relationship quality among bank customers from two different cultures. By comparing opposite cultures this study is an advance over past single country studies, and enhances the prospect of generalizing the findings.
Comparing perceptions of marketing communication channels
Authors: Danaher Peter J. , Rossiter John R.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is threefold: To compare many old and new media channels in terms of a range of attributes such as perceived intrusiveness, reliability, trustworthiness, convenience, and entertainment value. To compare the perceived relative effectiveness of alternative communication channels in terms of how a marketing proposition is evaluated by recipients and thus to establish whether some channels are better than others for achieving engagement and persuasion. To additionally survey the senders of marketing communications, to examine potential differences between how senders think recipients perceive each channel and what recipients actually perceive. Moreover, it is proposed that the survey be conducted in both consumer and business markets.

Design/methodology/approach

First, in a survey, the channels are compared from the perspective of both receivers and senders of marketing communications and additionally from that of consumer and business markets. Second, by means of experimentally generated scenarios, the paper assesses the relative effectiveness of the 11 channels in eliciting responses to two typical B‐to‐C and two B‐to‐B promotion offers.

Findings

The paper finds that, although e‐mail is well established and widely used, the traditional channels of television, radio, newspapers and direct mail retain their historically favored attributes of trust and reliability of information that make them still preferred by consumer recipients of marketing communications, even by “tech savvy” younger consumers who use e‐mail and SMS extensively. Business receivers are more accepting of e‐mail marketing communications than are consumers but, like consumers, they are more likely to act on a marketing offer if it comes through traditional mass media or mail channels.

Originality/value

The paper enables marketing managers to assess the relative benefits of a number of marketing communication channels.
The role of mixed emotions in consumer behaviour
Authors: Penz Elfriede , Hogg Margaret K.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Mixed emotions (i.e. consumer ambivalence) play a central role in approach‐avoidance conflicts in retailing. In order to assess how consumer ambivalence impacts shopping behaviour, this paper seeks to conceptualize and investigate the multi‐dimensional antecedents of approach‐avoidance conflicts, experienced by shoppers in changing retail environments, and the importance of approach‐avoidance conflicts for consumers' decision to stay and complete their purchase in that particular shopping channel.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross‐country study, which compared online and offline consumers, the paper tested the influence of the situation, product, and reference group on shoppers' intentions; and identified how consumers' mixed emotions influenced approach‐avoidance conflicts in different retail settings.

Findings

Whereas some distinctions could be drawn between online and offline contexts when examining the impact of market‐related, product‐related and social factors on consumers' decision to shop (H1, H2, H3 and H4), no clear distinction could be drawn between online and offline channels in terms of mediating effects of mixed emotions (H5,H6andH7). Mixed emotions (ambivalence) did mediate the impact of certain product‐related, market‐related and personal factors on consumers' intention to purchase.

Practical implications

Retailers need to reduce the impact of consumers' emotional responses to the retail setting where mixed emotions are likely to lead to consumers leaving the stores. For online shops, those retailers are successful who are able to induce behavioural reactions that make consumers return and explore the web site and not use it for search only.

Originality/value

Responding to calls for further research on mixed emotions and their consequences, the paper captures the complex impact of consumers' mixed emotions on approach‐avoidance conflicts, and thereby extends earlier work on consumer ambivalence.
Market systems, stakeholders and value propositions
Authors: Vargo Stephen L.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the European Journal of Marketing's special section on the Forum of Markets and Marketing, “Extending Service‐Dominant Logic”.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes the form of a conceptual integration of core concepts in S‐D logic, markets, and marketing.

Findings

This special section provides insight into the complexity of markets by investigating markets as configurations and systems and how value propositions drive value co‐creation.

Research limitations/implications

This introduction to the special section integrates individual contributions toward advancing S‐D logic and suggests that additional research in this area will help to develop a general theory of markets and marketing.

Practical implications

The overview of this special section provides insight into how the development of a positive theory of the market(s) will help to further advance normative marketing theories and practice.

Originality/value

This overview of the special section integrates multiple perspectives on complex, dynamic systems and discusses their contributions to the development of an S‐D logic‐based theory of the market.
A stakeholder perspective of the value proposition concept
Authors: Frow Pennie , Payne Adrian
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The value proposition concept and the stakeholder perspective have received relatively little attention within Service‐Dominant (S‐D) logic. This paper sets out to explore value propositions in the context of S‐D logic, within the multiple stakeholder domains that form part of a marketing system. Its purpose is to identify how use of the value proposition concept, in this broader context, provides new insight into value creation within a value network.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the development of value propositions in key stakeholder market domains. A five‐step process is developed for identifying key stakeholders and co‐creating value propositions for them within a marketing system.

Findings

Value propositions have a key role in co‐creation of value between stakeholders. The development of value propositions in multiple stakeholder domains can provide an important mechanism for aligning value within a marketing system.

Practical implications

Stakeholder value propositions provide enhanced opportunities for value co‐creation and can assist managers in aligning value and stabilizing relationships within an organization's value network.

Originality/value

This paper considers a broader view of value through creation of value propositions for key stakeholders. An iterative framework is proposed that couples the stakeholder concept and value co‐creation.
Markets as configurations
Authors: Storbacka Kaj , Nenonen Suvi
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of a general theory of the market, by defining markets as configurations and exploring: how market configurations emerge and evolve in a business‐to‐business context; how a market actor can influence market configurations; and what kinds of market configuration capabilities actors need to develop.

Design/methodology/approach

The topic is approached by theoretical analysis and conceptual development.

Findings

Markets can be viewed as configurations of market actors engaging in market practices. Market configurations are perpetually dynamic as new actors enter the context, and as actors introduce ideas and business model elements to the network. As a result the configuration's marketness evolves towards higher levels of configurational fit, resulting in increased value co‐creation opportunities. An actor wanting to influence the market configuration can do so by working on its mental models and business models. The power of the actor's mental and business models is mediated by the actor's network position, its clout, and the fact that a change in any element evokes reactions from other actors. Actors need to develop new sets of market capabilities, such as value sensing, the ability to measure markets, price formation and pricing logics, and market scripting.

Originality/value

For a scholarly audience the paper contributes to the discussion on how markets are redefined from being places where demand and supply meet and reach equilibrium, to being spaces where actors integrate resources to co‐create value. For a practitioner audience it offers ideas on how firms can shape their markets in their favour.
Towards a theory of marketing systems
Authors: Layton Roger A.
Published: January 2011

Purpose

As specialisation takes root in human communities, the economics of scale and of diversity come into play. Scale leads to product markets, specialised firms, channels, and to industries. Diversity generates peasant markets, shopping malls, and business eco‐systems. These outcomes are all examples of marketing systems, and are typical of the patterns that emerge, grow, adapt and evolve in complex transaction flows. Marketing systems are multi‐level, path dependent, dynamic systems, embedded within a social matrix, and interacting with institutional and knowledge environments. The purpose of this paper is to outline a number of propositions that might serve as a basis for a theory of marketing systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on historical research into the evolution of exchange and on examples of markets and exchange practices from marketing, anthropology, sociology, and economics. It utilises results from complex adaptive systems theory, from the networks and markets literatures, and from ecology, to formulate a series of propositions that identify properties believed to be common to all marketing systems.

Findings

Marketing systems are identified and categorized as emergent patterns in flows of transactions. In total, 12 foundational propositions are suggested. The propositions are complementary to those suggested by S‐D logic.

Originality/value

This paper offers a fresh approach to the study of marketing systems, developing relevant theory. Marketing systems link micro choices with macro outcomes, with implications ranging from disaster recovery to distributive justice and QOL outcomes.
Dynamics of value propositions: insights from service‐dominant logic
Authors: Kowalkowski Christian
Published: January 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the notion of value propositions (promises of reciprocal value between service providers and their customers), value‐in‐exchange and value‐in‐use, all within the conceptual context of service‐dominant (S‐D) logic.

Design/methodology/approach

Responding to calls in the recent literature for an academic critique of S‐D logic, its key constructs, and its application in marketing situations of varying complexity, the paper presents a conceptual analysis of the determinants of value emphasis in value propositions from the S‐D perspective.

Findings

Four guiding principles are derived from a rigorous analysis of the relevant literatures. Ways are discussed in which firms might achieve greater flexibility in designing their market offerings, and thus manage different customer segments using different value propositions. The general conclusion is that the ability to communicate a firm's value propositions strategically and effectively is a new area for the development of competence at the core of competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

The findings pave the way for empirical research into the dynamics of value propositions. Since the main focus of the conceptual framework is on the customer‐provider dyad, future studies should broaden coverage to multilateral settings and networked environments.

Practical implications

Factors that determine the relative emphasis in value propositions between value‐in‐exchange and value‐in‐use are discussed, and the management implications derived from each of the four principles identified.

Originality/value

The paper elaborates the application of S‐D logic in marketing by investigating the determinants of relative emphasis of value propositions.
Fractional slot permanent magnet brushless machines and drives for electric and hybrid propulsion systems
Authors: Zhu Zi‐Qiang
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Fractional slot permanent magnet (PM) brushless machines having concentrated non‐overlapping windings have been the subject of research over last few years. They have already been employed in the commercial hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) due to high‐torque density, high efficiency, low‐torque ripple, good flux‐weakening and fault‐tolerance performance. The purpose of this paper is to overview recent development and research challenges in such machines in terms of various structural and design features for electric vehicle (EV)/HEV applications.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper, fractional slot PM brushless machines are overviewed according to the following main and sub‐topics: first, machine topologies: slot and pole number combinations, all and alternate teeth wound (double‐ and single‐layer windings), unequal tooth structure, modular stator, interior magnet rotor; second, machine parameters and control performance: winding inductances, flux‐weakening capability, fault‐tolerant performance; and third, parasitic effects: cogging torque, iron loss, rotor eddy current loss, unbalanced magnetic force, acoustic noise and vibration.

Findings

Many fractional slot PM machine topologies exist. Owing to rich mmf harmonics, fractional slot PM brushless machines exhibit relatively high rotor eddy current loss, potentially high unbalanced magnetic force and acoustic noise and vibration, while the reluctance torque component is relatively low or even negligible when an interior PM rotor is employed.

Originality/value

This is the first overview paper which systematically reviews the recent development and research challenges in fractional‐slot PM machines. It summarizes their various structural and design features for EV/HEV applications.
Design and analysis of a new outer‐rotor permanent‐magnet flux‐switching machine for electric vehicle propulsion
Authors: Fei Wei‐Zhong , Shen Jian‐Xin , Wang Can‐Fei , Chi‐Kwong Luk Patrick
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new outer‐rotor permanent‐magnet flux‐switching machine (ORPMFSM) for electric vehicle (EV) in‐wheel propulsion. The paper documents both the design procedure and performance investigation of this novel machine.

Design/methodology/approach

The topology and preliminary sizing equations of the ORPMFSM are introduced. The rotor poles are optimized, whilst the machine losses are particularly investigated, using 2‐D finite element analysis (FEA).

Findings

An ORPMFSM, with 12 stator poles and 22 rotor poles, is most suitable for the proposed EV application. The analytical sizing equations are quite efficient with a sufficient accuracy for the preliminary design. The optimal rotor pole width from the FEA results is nearly 1.3 times the original value which was proposed in early literatures. The efficiency of the proposed machine under rated load is slightly low, as a result of significant eddy current losses in the permanent magnets. The losses can be effectively suppressed with the technique of magnet segmenting. The predicted outstanding performance implies that by adopting magnet segmentation the proposed machine is a leading contender for EV direct drives.

Originality/value

The outer‐rotor structure of PMFSM was not addressed in early literatures. This paper provides designers with the technical background and an alternative candidate for the EV propulsion.
Electromagnetic performance analysis and vector control of a flux‐controllable stator‐permanent‐magnet brushless motor with skewed rotor
Authors: Cheng Ming , Zhu Xiaoyong
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to model, analyze and control a new flux‐controllable stator‐permanent‐magnet brushless (PMBL) motor with skewed rotor.

Design/methodology/approach

A new flux‐controllable stator‐PMBL motor with skewed rotor is presented. The key of the proposed motor is to incorporate both direct current field windings and permanent magnets in the stator. By using a 2D multi‐slice finite element model, the electromagnetic performances such as flux linkage, self‐inductance and back‐EMF are obtained. To minimize the torque ripple, a vector control strategy is applied to the stator‐PMBL motor drive for the first time.

Findings

Some encouraging experimental results such as lower torque ripple and faster speed transients are achieved. It is shown that the three‐phase flux‐controllable stator‐PMBL motor, when properly designed and controlled, is an interesting candidate for traction drive systems especially for electrical vehicle operation.

Originality/value

The control method can also contribute the other type of stator‐PMBL machines to realize the low torque ripple.
Coil connections and winding factors in flux‐switching PM brushless AC machines
Authors: Chen Jin‐Tao , Zhu Zi‐Qiang
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the phase coil connections and winding factors of flux‐switching permanent magnet (FSPM) brushless AC machines with all poles and alternate poles wound, and different combinations of stator and rotor pole numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The coil‐emf vectors, which are widely used for analyzing the conventional fractional‐slot PM machines with non‐overlapping windings, are employed for FSPM machines.

Findings

Although the coil‐emf vectors have been employed to obtain coil connections in the conventional fractional‐slot PM machines, they are different in FSPM machines. It is mainly due to different polarities in the stator of FSPM machines. In addition, from the coil‐emf vectors it is able to predict whether the back‐emf waveforms are symmetrical or asymmetric.

Originality/value

This is the first time that coil‐emf vectors are used to determine the coil connections and winding factors in FSPM machines with different topologies and combination of stator and rotor pole numbers.
Interior permanent magnet integrated starter‐alternator
Authors: Alberti Luigi , Barcaro Massimo , Bianchi Nicola , Bolognani Silverio , Bon Diego , Castiello Mosè , Faggion Adriano , Fornasiero Emanuele , Sgarbossa Luca
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present a complete design example of an interior permanent magnet integrated starter‐alternator (ISA).

Design/methodology/approach

After a preliminary design on the basis of an analytical model, finite element simulations are adopted to refine the design of the machine.

Findings

The designed ISA drive is able to satisfy all the requirements of modern cars, where the power of the electrical generators is increasing to deliver the on‐board power demand. The drive exhibits high torque, driving start, and a wide constant power speed range driving generation.

Originality/value

The entire system design is considered in the paper, both the electrical machine and the control strategy.
Electromechanical system with IPM motor used in electric or hybrid vehicle
Authors: Ombach Grzegorz
Published: January 2011

Purpose

In the last few years, the understanding of environmental problems has grown. Car producers – original equipment manufacturers – are aiming to reduce fuel consumption and pollution. In order to fulfil these aims, new technologies have been launched. Many hydraulics systems have been removed and replaced with electric ones, e.g. power steering, water and oil pump, etc. In this paper, an electromechanical subsystem used in an automotive application is analyzed. The subsystem is composed of interior permanent synchronous magnet motor and electronic control unit. The range of mechanical output power for studied system is up to 1 kW. The aim of this paper is to compare electromechanical systems working with different on‐board voltage levels in order to find the optimum balance between motors' and electronics' efficiency. This will help to decrease the total system's weight, the consequence of which will decrease fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

During the analysis, the reduced order modelling (ROM) techniques has been applied. First, with utilization of finite‐elemente‐methode the basic motor's parameter like: synchronous inductance and flux per pole as a function of the direct‐axis current and also the quadrature‐axis current are calculated. In the second step, these parameters are used in the system simulation. During this simulation, the maximum torque per ampere control strategy together with ROM techniques was used.

Findings

As a result, the performance of the system for different voltage levels has been obtained. Additionally, the important factors for an electromechanical system, such as maximum power density, sizing and cost of the total electromechanical system, have been compared.

Practical implications

The performed comparison shows that the cost optimized system should work with the higher voltage, where the electric motor size is reduced ca. 25 per cent. This result is also valid for different electromechanical systems in an automotive area, e.g. automated manual transmission, engine cooling and electric compressor.

Originality/value

It is the first paper, where electric power steering system design for different on‐board voltage levels has been systematically analyzed and compared. Results from this paper can be also applied to different electromechanical systems mounted in hybrid or electric cars.
Adjustable speed hybrid wind‐diesel generation system
Authors: Iwanski Grzegorz
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Wind‐diesel sets offered as a reliable hybrid isolated power systems with reduction of fuel consumption, consists of variable speed wind turbines and fixed speed diesel engines. Load and wind energy variations cause, that the load power of the diesel genset is varied in wide range. Fixed speed generation set operates with the best efficiency only in a narrow range of the load, therefore implementation of a load adaptive, adjustable speed genset may additionally reduce fuel consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of the system components model, simulation and laboratory tests on a small‐scale model.

Findings

Topology and output voltage control method of four‐wire adjustable speed autonomous wind‐diesel system dedicated for isolated power plants with high wind penetration.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents only part of the work which has to be done for the complete system. Load and energy management has to be applied in standalone system, as not in each operating point of proposed wind‐diesel system, can rated load be supplied. To fully prove the proposed system and control concept, tests of megawatt range system are advisable. To evaluate the fuel saving, a real wind and load profile in a selected isolated place is needed.

Practical implications

Every adjustable speed generation systems can save fuel. However, proposed topology in main part consists of known and implemented solutions, therefore costs of the new installation will not be increased significantly.

Originality/value

Proposed costs effective topology of adjustable speed wind‐diesel generation system has not been presented by any other authors. Standalone operation of doubly fed induction generator system is rarely reported in the papers.
An improved model and its applied adaptive control for power turbine generator
Authors: Matsui Nobumasa , Kurokawa Fujio , Shiraishi Keiichi
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an improved model and its applied adaptive controller for a waste heat recovery generation system using a power turbine generator (PTG) with an accurate model on shipboard that is employed by an identification method on the basis of an overall system model.

Design/methodology/approach

The PTG system has been developed as a waste heat recovery type generation system making use of exhaust gas from the main shipboard diesel engines. Conventionally, control of a plant is exercised using the proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID)‐based controller. The PID controller, however, is difficult to keep in place because of fouling conditions and variations across time. Thus, the load bank controller is proposed using a PID‐based controller. The controller should take into account both the fouling conditions and variations across time because the exhaust gas contains considerable amounts of ash and soot. Hence, an accurate model needs to improve the dynamic characteristics of the PTG system. The identification method clarifies the PTG system. The unknown parameters of the PTG speed model can be estimated using the prediction error method after the mathematical model is transferred to the state‐space model.

Findings

Simulation results are verified with measured data of a prototype. In the transient response of the PTG speed, all the errors are within 0.23 percent. The proposed model using the identification method shows the error between the accurate model and the standard to be less than 10 percent. The proposed controller is evaluated by comparing it with the conventional controller. As a result of using the proposed controller, limit speed overshooting is improved by more than 25 percent. Hence, the proposed model is confirmed to have excellent property.

Originality/value

The PTG is an extremely effective system for fuel cost reduction in the face of rising fuel prices, and systems capable of providing several thousand kilowatts are being considered.
Steady‐state operation of the brushless cascaded doubly fed machine: a survey
Authors: Jallali Faïçal , Bouchhima Afef , Masmoudi Ahmed
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the steady‐state stability and features of the brushless cascaded doubly fed machine (BCDFM), which is made up of two wound‐rotor induction machines: the power machine (PM) and the control one, with their rotors mechanically and electrically coupled.

Design/methodology/approach

The machine modelling is first treated considering a Park reference frame linked to the rotating field of the PM. Then, a state representation related to small perturbations is established following the linearisation of the BCDFM model around a steady‐state operating point. This allows the investigation of BCDFM steady‐state stability, power flow and the torque‐speed characteristics.

Findings

It has been found that the electrical variables of the control machine greatly affect the BCDFM steady‐state stability and characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

The work should be extended considering a validation of the established results through experimental tests.

Originality/value

The steady‐state small perturbation of the BCDFM model has been introduced for the first time, which is the key of the machine steady‐stability analysis and features investigation.
Wind power integration in hybrid power system with active energy management
Authors: Tankari Mahamadou Abdou , Camara Mamadou Bailo , Brayima Dakyo , Cristian Nichita
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The wind speed is very fluctuant and contains a significant energy. Taking into account the turbulent component in the energy management would increase the profitability of the wind‐diesel hybrid system. Sometimes, a diesel generator is used to compensate the requested energy but the storage devices are required to prevent disturbances induced by the wind generator current on the DC‐bus. The purpose of this paper is to show how the battery and flywheel (or ultracapacitors (UCs)) are used to mitigate the fluctuations of the wind generator current. The proposed method is based on the filtering of the wind generator current. The high power density sources (flywheel and UCs) are used in aims to improve the batteries' lifetime, which is estimated, in this paper, by using the rainflow cycles counting method. Spectral studies are made and the simulation and experimental results are analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is organized according to the following main and sub‐topics: wind speed characteristics, hybrid system energy management, behavioral simulations results, spectral analysis and batteries' lifetime estimation and experimental setup and results.

Findings

The simulations results highlight the interest in using a second‐order filter. The experimental results show that the fluctuations induced by the wind generator current are effectively mitigated by the storage devices.

Originality/value

The spectral analysis of the current for different filters parameters is realized and the application of the rainflow cycles counting method, in this context, is presented. This paper is interesting for the experimental hybrid system design according to the method proposed to control the DC‐DC converters.
Control of power converters for microgrids
Authors: Vechiu Ionel , Curea Octavian , Llaria Alvaro , Camblong Haritza
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Nowadays, distributed generation and microgrids (MGs) are becoming an important research line because of their peculiar characteristics. MGs are composed of small power sources which can be renewable, placed near customer sites. Moreover, they have the inherent property of islanding: the disconnection of either the MG from the main grid or a part of a MG from the rest of the MG. The purpose of this paper is to study two different control strategies allowing grid connected and islanding operation of the MG.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the behaviour of a particular MG during grid connected and islanding operation is investigated. The studied MG is based on different energy sources: a wind turbine, a photovoltaic array, a backup diesel generator and a storage system. The renewable sources and the storage system are connected on a DC bus which is interconnected with a main grid through a voltage source inverter (VSI). The attention focuses on the control technique of the VSI during grid connected and islanding operation of the MG. The behaviour of the AC signals on the point of common coupling between the MG and the main grid as well as the DC signals on the DC bus on which are connected renewable energy sources of the MG has been investigated by simulation using a MATLAB/Simulink model.

Findings

For the investigated MG, the simulation results show that using a single master VSI and classical control strategies, it is possible to have a good power quality on the MG during grid connection and islanding operation.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the behaviour of a particular MG in order to analyse two different control strategies allowing grid connected and islanding operation.
Control design for multisource systems based on DC/DC converters duty cycle value
Authors: Badara Mboup Alioune , Guerin François , Lefebvre Dimitri , Alioune Ndiaye Pape
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a two‐level hierarchical control strategy for electrical energy transfers in multisource renewable energy systems. The aim of the control design is to perform the energy transfers, according to the sources power variations and the load characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The controller determines the operating mode of the multisource renewable energy system and the power ratio provided by each source to satisfy the load demand. The study is based on an accurate model of the DC/DC converters coupled on the DC bus. The performance of the controller is compared with the usual method based on the measurements of the system variables with sensors (solar radiation, shaft speed, voltages, and currents).

Findings

The proposed method does not need extra sensors to measure the available power for each source.

Research limitations/implications

The method is developed for an hybrid system with two sources (photovoltaic and lead‐acid battery bank) and specific zero voltage switch full‐bridge isolated buck DC/DC power converters but can easily extended to more sources and other classes of DC/DC converters.

Practical implications

The method is assessed through computer simulations using a simple comprehensive model. An experimental device is also developed by the GREAH Research Group of University Le Havre (France). The GREAH also participates to a technologic centre with similar topology on the site of Fecamp (France).

Social implications

The proposed autonomous control schema is suitable to control hybrid systems with several energy sources in remote areas.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this work are first to introduce a two stages controller and second to use the duty cycle value of the power converters as decision criteria to switch off/on the sources.
Brief view on control of grid‐interfacing AC‐DC‐AC converter and active filter under unbalanced and distorted voltage conditions
Authors: Piasecki Szymon , Jasiński Marek , Milicua Aritz
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider both sides of a back‐to‐back AC‐DC‐AC interface.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a mathematical analysis, simulation, laboratory test in scaled model.

Findings

The two main findings comprised concept of control methods for grid AC‐DC‐AC converter applied in renewable energy sources with variable speed operation under distorted grid. Active filtering functionality in case of non‐linear current of a parallel load. Second, a control algorithm dedicated for two‐level AC‐DC converter applied in industrial networks with high‐order harmonics compensation working under hard conditions – balanced and unbalanced voltage dips.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows preliminary results for AC‐DC‐AC converter and active filter (AF) during voltage dips and for harmonics compensation. Control methods and/or topology should be improved and tested in scale and after at high‐power system.

Practical implications

Power quality supplied/received to/from the grid can be increased. In case of low‐cost system only AF can be applied to existing non‐linear receivers. Moreover, in case of full AC‐DC‐AC converter energy saving and production is possible.

Originality/value

Presented control methods give satisfactory results. Paper presents laboratory results for grid and machine side two different power circuits during steady states and transients. Moreover, active filtering operation during voltage dips is presented.
An aid for teaching hybrid propulsion systems with emphasis on their electric drive unit
Authors: Ben Rhouma Asma , Masmoudi Ahmed
Published: January 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach to teach to post‐graduate students the basis of hybrid propulsion systems (HPS) with emphasis on their electric drive unit.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the introduction of the basic topologies of HPS, a case study is focused with an analysis of its current features. Of particular interest, those related to the flux‐weakening range extension and the cost‐effectiveness improvement are rethought in an attempt to stimulate the innovative capabilities of the students.

Findings

The adopted methodology has been integrated in a master course and has been found attractive and informative by the students.

Practical implications

The proposed teaching approach should be complemented by appropriate laboratory courses.

Originality/value

Thanks to the proposed methodology, the basis of HPS is no longer restricted to a selected population of the electrical engineering community.