The aims of this paper are the simple comparison of the axial flux (AF) structures versus the radial flux (RF) structures for brushless permanent-magnet (PM) synchronous motors and proposing a cost effective position sensorless control strategy for AFPM Brushless DC Motor. The comparison is developed for different motor dimensions. Moreover, a cost effective and position sensorless control strategy proposed for AFPM brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive using single current sensor. It is based on the generation of quasi-square current waveforms, using only one current controller for the three phases. Unlike the conventional methods, the proposed method presents advantages such as very simple control scheme, without needing to triangular carrier modulation, and balanced phase currents. The proposed position sensorless technique is based on the detection of zero crossing points of three voltage functions that are derived from the difference between the lines' voltage measured at the terminals of the motor. This control algorithm is particularly suitable for cost sensitive product such as air purifiers, air blowers, cooling fan, and related home applications. The effectiveness of the proposed control system have been validated by simulation results.

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We have produced a new-type of plug-in hybrid boat (named PHEB-2). This boat has excellent environment characteristics of running by electricity, while having the ability of long-distance cruising and long distance reliability because of the capability of a diesel engine. The excellent performance of this new plug-in hybrid boat system are described and compared with our previously made plug-in hybrid boat (PHEB-1).

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Battery, power electronics and electric motor are the main components of electric vehicles (EVs). Their failure in EVs may result in severe system breakdown, or even life threat. This paper gives a brief review of fault diagnoses with respect to battery, power electronics and electric motor in EVs. Current and voltage are the most commonly used detection parameters for EVs. Apart from these, temperature, vibration, power, noises, and torque are also utilized on the basis of different detecting techniques. It shows that the battery has already had a relatively well-developed diagnostic system in EVs, namely battery management system. Although many literatures have illustrated various fault diagnostic systems for electric motor and power electronics individually, a few studies have been done specifically for EVs.

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Charging station batteries which are widely used in stand-alone solar system for charging electric vehicles (EVs) are easily damaged by overcharging or by deep discharging. The design of a control system however requires a good understanding of the dynamic behaviour of such batteries and mainly the voltage issue. In this paper, we mainly focused on lead-acid battery as one of the powerful charging batteries. A mathematical model of this type of batteries is investigated. The expression of voltage discharging is given according to discharging time of the battery, discharging current, and other electrical parameters. The parameters of the model are extracted from battery datasheets and using some fitting techniques. The same model of the battery terminal voltage is also used to describe charging processes battery. For this case only the parameters of the battery model are changed. The proposed model is simulated with Matlab/Simulink and the obtained results are compared with experimental results recorded from charging and discharging process using a SW280-YUASA battery. The obtained results and performed comparison show the effectiveness of the proposed model.

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