Digital control systems

Today, the information (signal timings, detector extension, phase sequence, etc.)
to install traffic lights on the street are obtained from traffic software simulations
platforms, meaning that information from simulation is not tested on the field
(intersection where it will be installed) before the installation. Many installed controllers
on the street use time of day (TOD) patterns due to cheaper cost than adaptive traffic
control systems, but that is not the best solution for traffic volume changes that can occur
during the day or even a month. To improve traffic signal operation most of the traffic
signal controllers in the same corridor or zone operate in coordination mode.
Furthermore, phases need to be in coordination to achieve “green wave”. Green wave is
term used when in corridor traffic lights allow continues flow of traffic through
intersections that are coordinated.

This thesis outlines the design philosophy and implementation aspects of a new interactive CAD tool implemented in BASIC language on an IBM PC/AT computer for single input single output (SISO) digital control systems. The direct Digital Control design method presented is classical in nature. The program main features are: (1) The use of Modified z-transform to model the effects of transport delay due to control computation time. (2) The use of windows on a split screen to allow the designer observation of the closed-loop step response while systematically shaping a root locus or synthesizing closed-loop pole/zero patterns. (3) Display of system response in between sampling instants.

It has become a case of great desire and, in some instances, a requirement to have systems in engineering be energy efficient, in addition to being effectively powerful. It is rare that there is a single technique that has the range to make this possible in a wide collection of areas in the field. The work done in this thesis exhibits how Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) bridges LEDs, plug in vehicles, fuel cells and batteries, all seemingly different sub categories of electrical engineering. It stems from an undergraduate directed independent study supervised by Dr. Zilouchian that encircled LEDs and electric vehicles and how they contribute to a smart electric grid. This thesis covers the design and development of a prototype board that test how PWM saves energy, prolongs lifespan and provides a host of customizable features in manufactured LED lights that are used in the marine industry. Additionally, the concept of charging batteries that provide power to electric vehicles was explored. It is stressed that consumers who are interested in electric vehicles are concerned about refueling and recharge times. It is natural that a competing product, such as the electric vehicle in a world dominated by internal combustion engines, will perform on par if not better than existing choices. Tests are conducted to investigate the methods of fast battery charging and the challenges this technique creates. Attention is also given to the development of a pulsed Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, specifically to prove whether pulse modulation is more efficient in a hydrogen producing fuel cell as opposed to direct-driven voltage and current alternatives.