We are thrilled to announce that Dr Sunil Chinnadurai, Associate Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering has published a significant research paper titled “Ethereum Blockchain Framework Enabling Banks to Know Their Customers” in the esteemed journal IEEE Access. In his paper, Dr Chinnadurai explores the innovative applications of Ethereum blockchain technology in enhancing customer verification processes within the banking sector. His research addresses the growing need for robust and secure methods for banks to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations while ensuring customer privacy and data integrity.
This pioneering work contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital transformation in the banking industry and presents a framework that could potentially revolutionise customer onboarding and identity verification practices.
We extend our congratulations to Dr Chinnadurai for this remarkable achievement and look forward to his continued contributions to the field of electrical and electronics engineering. His research not only enhances the academic reputation of SRM University-AP but also paves the way for innovative solutions in the financial sector.

Abstract of the Research
This paper looks at how blockchain technology can improve the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. It aims to make things more open, secure, and unchangeable. Banks can use the Ethereum blockchain to get and keep customer information, which saves time and money. The solution tries to solve problems with KYC procedures making sure banks follow the rules and stop fraud. The central bank will keep a list of all banks and check if they’re doing KYC right. This spread-out approach gives banks a good long-lasting way to bring in new customers.

Explanation of the Research in Layperson’s Terms
Our study seeks to cause a revolution in the Know Your Customer (KYC) process for banks using Ethereum blockchain technology. Current KYC methods take too long, cost too much, and leave room for cheating. Blockchain offers a clear, safe, and unchangeable platform to store customer data letting banks check and confirm identities. This spread-out approach means customers only need to complete the KYC process one time, which saves a lot of time and money for both banks and customers. Also, blockchain’s safety features make sure that private data stays unchanged and safe from people who shouldn’t see it. Our planned system involves the central bank keeping a full list of all banks and watching to make sure they follow KYC rules. In the future, we plan to put our solution on the real Ethereum network and build a working decentralized app. This system promises to make KYC processes faster, safer, and cheaper, giving a strong answer for banks all over the world.

Practical Implementation or the Social Implications associated
Our research puts blockchain tech to work to improve how banks verify customers. This decentralized system gives everyone access to the same current info through a shared record. This cuts down on middlemen and their costs. Smart contracts that run on their own speed up checks with less human involvement. This lowers the chance of data getting out. It makes transactions faster and keeps data safe from changes it shouldn’t have. This new way of checking customers can save money, make customers happier, and follow rules better. It can make people trust banks more by keeping data safer and being more open. It also means banks don’t have to do the same checks over and over, which is better for them and their customers. In the end, our blockchain answer for customer checks aims to make banking safer, smoother, and cheaper. It should also help build more trust in banks overall.

FIGURE 1. Implementation of a blockchain-based KYC process

FIGURE 2. Sequential flow diagram illustrating the proposed KYC process using blockchain technology

Future Research Plans

We’re planning to test our idea a lot on the Ethereum network to make sure it works well. We want to build a working DApp that shows our KYC system is doable. We’ll check if people might use it and look at how safe and private it is. By doing this, we hope to make a strong and reliable DApp that’s easy to use, open, safe, and quick. In the end, we want to create something that makes KYC better and sets a new bar for money stuff making banking safer and faster for everyone. Our main goal is to make a system that does not improve how KYC works but also changes how money moves around, making sure banks are safer and work better for people.

The link to the article

The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering is glad to announce that the paper titled “A Comparative Analysis of Non-Isolated Bi-directional Converters for Energy Storage Applications”, authored by Dr Tarkeshwar Mahto, Dr Somesh Vinayak Tewari, Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy, Assistant Professors and Ms K Mounika Nagabushanam, PhD Scholar has been published in the IOPs Engineering Research Express having an impact factor of 1.7. The paper explores various non-isolated bi-directional DC-DC converter topologies for renewable energy systems, providing insights into their performance and suitability for different applications.

Abstract

Bi-directional DC-DC converters (BDC) are required for power flow regulation between storage devices and DC buses in renewable energy-based distributed generation systems. The fundamental requirements of the BDC are simple structure, reduced switching components, a wide range of voltage gain, low voltage stress, high efficiency, and reduced size. There are different BDC topologies for various applications based on the requirements in the literature. Various BDCs are categorised according to their impedance networks. Isolated BDC converters are large due to high-frequency transformers and hence used for static energy storage applications whereas non-isolated BDC is lightweight and suitable for dynamic applications like electric vehicles. This paper reviews types of non-isolated BDC topologies. The performance of five non-isolated BDC converters under steady-state conditions is evaluated using theoretical analysis. On this basis, the suitability of BDC for different applications is discussed. Further advantages and limitations of converters are discussed by using comparative analysis. The optimisation of BDC for distributed generation systems from the perspectives of wide voltage gain, low electromagnetic interference, and low cost with higher efficiency is identified. Theoretical analysis of the converters is validated by simulating 200W converters in MATLAB Simulink.

The main challenges with energy storage systems are frequent failures due to frequent charging and discharging and the volume of the power converter. The team plans to:

• To design a converter with fewer components, low switching stresses, high power transfer capability, and higher efficiency to deliver continuous current to the energy storage system.
• To work on various control techniques to keep the DC link voltage of the propulsion system constant.

Link to the article

In a significant stride towards sustainable energy solutions, a team of researchers from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation. Their paper titled “A Novel Multi-Port High-Gain Bidirectional DC–DC Converter for Energy Storage System Integration with DC Microgrids” has been accepted in the prestigious Q1 Journal of Energy Storage, boasting an impressive impact factor of 9.4. The study focuses on addressing the critical challenges associated with energy storage systems (ESS) in direct current (DC) microgrids. Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy, Assistant Professor, Dr Tarkeshwar Mahto, Assistant Professor, and Mrs Maya Vijayan, a dedicated PhD Scholar, collaborated to design a multi-port high-gain bidirectional DC-DC converter. This innovative converter facilitates seamless integration of energy storage systems with DC microgrids, enhancing overall system efficiency and reliability.

Abstract

Bidirectional converters have often been used in numerous applications like DC microgrids, renewable energy, hybrid energy storage systems, electric vehicles, etc. The paper proposes a novel multi-port high-gain (NMPHG) bidirectional DC-DC converter that supports DC microgrid (DC-MG) applications. The main contributions of the proposed converter are high step-up/step-down conversion gain, multiple input ports, lower switch voltage stress, and lower component count owing to the single converter with multiple input ports for DC microgrid applications.

The detailed operational principle, analysis, and design considerations of proposed NMPHG bidirectional DC-DC converters are discussed. Furthermore, the loss analysis, detailed comparison with similar works, and efficiency analysis with non-modalities during forward power flow (LV to HV) and reverse power flow (HV to LV) modes are presented. The efficiency of the proposed converter is found to be 93.8% in forward power flow and 92.9% in reverse power flow modes at rated power. Finally, a hardware prototype of the proposed NMPHG bidirectional DC-DC converter is implemented with 100 W in FPF mode and 200 W in RPF mode with a TMS320F28335 processor and validated with theoretical counterparts.

Explanation of Research in Layperson’s Terms

The proposed converter is a 200W bidirectional topology used in DC microgrid applications such as renewable energy, hybrid energy storage systems, and electric vehicles. The converter can accept two or more sources to supply the load. Thus, it is suitable for various applications of traction vehicles. It exhibits a lower switch stress and reduces the component ratings to lower values.

Title of Research Paper in the Citation Format

A NOVEL MULTI-PORT HIGH-GAIN BIDIRECTIONAL DC-DC CONVERTER FOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM INTEGRATION WITH DC MICROGRIDS

Vijayan, Maya, Ramanjaneya Reddy Udumula, Tarkeshwar Mahto, and Ravi Eswar KM. “A novel multi-port high-gain bidirectional DC-DC converter for energy storage system integration with DC microgrids.” Journal of Energy Storage 87 (2024): 111431.

Practical Implementation or the Social Implications Associated with it

The features include port expandability on the source side, lower switch voltage stress, bidirectional property, and fewer components. It is most suitable for electric vehicles, Unmanned ariel vehicles, and energy storage systems at renewable power plants, etc. It improves the reliability of the grid system whereas hybrid energy storage systems with battery or supercapacitor will improve system stability.

It can be used in various on-grid and off-grid applications like hospitals, offices, and educational institutions, especially where energy backup is very important. These types of converters are more specific for use in fast power transition required such as EVs, drones, aircraft, space vehicles, etc. The major advantage is the reduction in the size of the converter due to multiple source capability and ease of control.

Future Research Plans

We plan to work on a bidirectional converter with better efficiency and ultra-high gain. That should be able to reduce the size of the converter and the source ratings too. Design and implement bidirectional multi-port converters for various applications of DC microgrids, such as renewable and hybrid storage integration.

Link to the Article

It is with great pleasure that we announce the publication of a research paper titled “Self-Learning Controller Design for DC-DC Power Converters with Enhanced Dynamic Performance,” jointly authored by Dr Tousif Khan N, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy & Dr Arghya Chakravarty, Assistant Professors, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The research paper introduces a novel self-learning control for precise output voltage tracking in DC-DC buck power converters.

Abstract:

This article introduces a self-learning robust control approach for accurate output voltage tracking in DC-DC buck power converters, focusing on scenarios with high precision requirements and significant load uncertainties. The method employs a simple online neural network to swiftly estimate unexpected load changes and disturbances across a wide range. Operating within a backstepping framework, the controller utilises neural network-learned uncertainties to enhance stability and improve dynamic and steady-state performance of both output voltage and inductor current. Extensive numerical simulations and practical experiments on a laboratory prototype demonstrate substantial enhancements in dynamic performance with a 94% reduction in settling time and precise steady-state tracking. The reliability of the proposed controller is further supported by the consistency between computational and experimental outcomes, showcasing its potential for real-world applications.

Practical implementations:

The proposed controller can be implemented/used for robotics applications, industrial processes, and medical equipment where precise control is needed.

Future research plans:

The following are the potential future directions of the proposed work;

(i) Design and development of the proposed self-learning neural network-based control for DC-DC buck converter systems with real-time DC sources, such as solar PV and fuel cells, experiencing highly intermittent input voltage changes.

(ii) Incorporating inductor current constraints and output voltage limitations into the proposed controller would also be an avenue worth exploring.

We congratulate the professors for their valuable contribution and look forward to future breakthroughs in this area.

In a significant academic accomplishment, Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, along with UG students Ms Mehataj Syed and Mr Busam Gopichand, have recently published a groundbreaking paper titled “A Three Leg Asymmetrical Voltage Resonant Converter with Independent Dimming Control for Multiple Load LED Lighting Applications” in the esteemed Q1 journal IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications. The journal boasts an impressive impact factor of 4.4, further underscoring the importance of this research contribution.

The paper delves into the development of a novel Three Leg Asymmetrical Voltage Resonant Converter that offers independent dimming control for multiple load LED lighting applications. This innovation holds great promise for enhancing the efficiency and versatility of LED lighting systems, paving the way for more sustainable and adaptable lighting solutions in various industrial applications.

Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of Ms Mehataj Syed and Mr Busam Gopichand have culminated in this significant publication, which not only adds to the body of knowledge in the field but also showcases the talent and dedication of the researchers at the department.

This achievement highlights the commitment to excellence and innovation within the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, positioning it as a hub for cutting-edge research and academic prowess. The impact of this research is expected to reverberate across the industry, contributing to advancements in LED lighting technology and its applications.

The publication of this paper underscores the quality and rigour of the research solidifying their reputation as leaders in the field. This accomplishment is a testament to the department’s commitment to pushing boundaries and making meaningful contributions to the field of electrical engineering.

Congratulations to Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy, Ms Mehataj Syed, and Mr Busam Gopichand on this remarkable achievement, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of their research in the field.

Abstract

This work proposes a three-leg asymmetrical voltage resonant converter for multiple load Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting applications. The proposed converter is developed with a common leg-1 for both load-1 and load-2. The load-1 is powered from asymmetrical voltage between leg-1 and leg-2. Similarly, load-2 is powered from asymmetrical voltage between leg-1 and leg-3. The proposed circuit provides the following major contributions: (1) Independent dimming control of LED loads; (2) Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) of all power switches; (3) High efficiency; and (4) Asymmetrical voltage regulation. To achieve independent dimming control, the voltages between legs are made zero by dimming leg-2 and leg-3 independently. Two resonant circuits are connected in the proposed circuit. Owing to this all the power switches operate with ZVS, which reduces the switching losses. Further, two LED lamps are connected in series with battery sources to supply the threshold voltage to lamps which in turn results in a lower power processing of the converter.

Explanation of Research in Layperson’s Terms

This work proposes a three-leg asymmetrical voltage resonant converter with independent dimming control for multiple load LED lighting applications. The proposed converter drives multiple loads independently with a dimming feature. The converter is developed with leg-1 is common for both LED loads. The major contributions of the proposed LED driver are independent dimming control, asymmetrical voltage regulation, zero voltage switching of all the power switches, and high efficiency. The threshold voltage of LED loads is supplied by batteries connected in series with LED loads, which will help in lower power processing of the proposed converter. Further, due to soft switching technology implemented in this converter, it reduces the losses in the system considerably increasing efficiency.

Title of Research Paper in the Citation Format

A Three Leg Asymmetrical Voltage Resonant Converter with Independent Dimming Control for Multiple Load LED Lighting Applications.

Citation: Ramanjaneya Reddy Udumula, et. al, “A Three Leg Asymmetrical Voltage Resonant Converter with Independent Dimming Control for Multiple Load LED Lighting Applications,” IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Feb 2024. doi: 10.1109/TIA.2024.3363676

Practical and Social Implementation of Research

To achieve effective and efficient use of energy resources under the sustainable development goals, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have emerged as a global lighting industry solution. Over the conventional lighting sources such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, and high intensity discharge lamps, LEDs are i) more efficient, ii) eco-friendly due to absence of toxic gases, iii) have longer life span up to one lakh year, iv) high luminous intensity and v) good colour rendering index. LED’s requires low voltage direct current supply and the V-I characteristics of LEDs which is like Shockley diode represents the exponential growth of current over a small voltage variation which may damage the LED or effects the illumination. Hence, an LED driver is necessary in an LED system to supply LEDs with constant current. DC fed LED drivers are more reliable due to absence of AC-DC conversion stage and power factor correction stage which are crucial in AC fed LED drivers. Therefore, DC fed LED drivers are paid more attention in recent times in the majority of battery-powered/solar-powered applications. Given its features of high power, exceptional efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and flicker-free operation, this innovation is well-suited for streetlight/stadium lighting applications.

Collaborations

Dr. Kasi Ramakrishna Reddy, Assistant Professor
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Vasavi College of Engineering, Hyderabad

Future Research Plans

The future work is on PV/battery fed LED driver topologies suitable for streetlighting/stadium lighting applications with low component count, high efficiency, reduced device stress, and flicker free lighting system

Electric Vehicles are in vogue today, thanks to the heightened environmental concerns, greater availability of models, increased cost competitiveness and improved vehicle ranges. To contribute to the growing field of electric vehicle technology, Assistant Professors, Dr Tarkeshwar Mahto, Dr Somesh Vinayak Tewari and Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at SRM University-AP along with the research scholar, Ms K Mounika Nagabushanam, conducted a study and published a research paper titled “Development of High-Gain Switched-Capacitor Based Bi-Directional Converter for Electric Vehicle Applications.” The team’s research focuses on creating a bi-directional DC-DC converter that enables power flow from the battery to the motor and vice versa while maintaining necessary voltage gains and ensuring improved efficiency and low cost.

Abstract

High efficiency, high voltage transfer ratio (VTR), and low input ripple current are required in any bidirectional DC-DC converter (BDC) that plays a major role in interfacing batteries in applications like DC microgrids and electric vehicles (EVs). To meet these requirements, a switched capacitor-based BDC is proposed to interface the battery with a propulsion system via a DC Link. It has a simple circuit with only a set of switching operations, High VTR, and lesser ripple current on the low voltage (LV) side, which are advantages of the proposed High Gain Switched-Capacitor Bi-directional DC-DC Converter (SC-BDC), making it appropriate for use in EVs. The steady-state analysis, design consideration of passive components, loss and efficiency analysis are presented. Finally, the proposed High Gain SC-BDC is compared with a few of the existing BDCs in the literature. The feasibility of the converter was demonstrated by simulating a 200 W converter and validating results produced in a MATLAB environment.

Practical implementation of your research or the social implications associated with it.

The developed converter can be used in Electric Vehicle for integration of battery to traction motor.

Collaborations.

1. Majed A. Alotaibi, Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, 11421, Saudi Arabia.

2. Hasmat Malik, Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University Technology Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia.

3. Fausto Pedro García Márquez, Ingenium Research Group, Universidad Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.

As part of their future research plans the team plans of working on noise reduction methods that are brought on by regeneration action and to incorporate various control techniques to keep the DC link voltage of the propulsion system constant.

We wish the team all success in their future endevours!

Link to the article

Remarkable research of Dr. Tousif Khan N is honoured with APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial International Travel Award

SRM University AP, Andhra Pradesh faculty, Dr. Tousif Khan N, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, is to present a paper “Laguerre Neural Network Driven Adaptive Control of DC-DC Step Down Converter” in the renowned International Federation for Automatic Control (IFAC) World Congress to be held in Germany during July 12-17, 2020. Further this research article is also selected for the prestigious APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial International Travel Award by the Automatic Control and Dynamic Optimization Society (ACDOS) chaired by Professor Ravi Gudi of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.

The research work of Dr. Tousif proposes a novel Laguerre neural network estimation technique for the approximation of unknown and uncertain load function, followed by its subsequent compensation in the adaptive backstepping controller. A detailed design of the proposed estimator and adaptive backstepping controller along with closed loop asymptotic stability have been presented. Further, the proposed control mechanism is evaluated through extensive numerical simulations while subjecting the converter to input voltage, reference voltage, and load resistance perturbations. Furthermore, the results are verified by testing the proposed controller on a laboratory prototype with DSP based TM320F240 controller board. The analysis of results reveals that the proposed control methodology for DC-DC step down converter offers a faster transient output voltage tracking with smooth and satisfactory inductor current response over a wide operating range. Dr. Tousif informs, “Under the class of DC-DC converters, the dynamics of DC-DC step down converter are nonlinear in nature and are largely influenced by both parametric and unanticipated external perturbations. In its closed loop operation, obtaining a precise output voltage tracking besides satisfactorily inductor current response is a challenging control objective. Hence, in this regard, this article proposes a solution.”

Electric power supply is the principal entity behind any electrical circuits and systems. Irrespective of their function in the digital domain, these circuits necessarily require a reliable and efficient energy source for their operations. Among the two existing forms of electrical energy, namely, the direct current (DC) and the alternating current (AC), the DC power finds wide use in numerous applications in the field of telecommunication, instrumentation, medical electronics, aerospace, defence and power transmission.

Ever since the fundamental innovations in DC systems by Thomas Alva Edison in 1880, DC rectification, and modulation method have remained central to various utilities. During the initial years, DC power conversion primarily resorted to the use of vacuum tube technology in delivering a desirable level of voltage from an AC source. The rectification stage was subsequently followed by filtering of the voltage at the output end. Nonetheless, the vacuum tube technology supported very low current density and featured a high ripple content in the DC voltage. Additionally, the output voltage was inconsistent or rather unregulated, making it inappropriate for DC power operated electrical and electronic systems. Much later in 1967, integrated series regulators were developed which eventually became popular as linear power supplies (LPS). Such a classical DC power generation method involved an AC transformer, AC-DC rectifier, and a voltage regulator in its assembly. The transistors in LPS operate under active region and dissipate large amounts of heat due to the voltage drop while high current flows through the collector-emitter junction, thereby causing substantial power loss and a very low energy efficiency. Even though they characterize the low level of noise and find better suitability in audio applications, yet their critical limitations of huge size, heavy weight and high cost make them infeasible for use in portable electronic devices.

In tandem to these aforementioned developments, the advancements in power semiconductor technology led to the invention of low cost reliable power switches exhibiting fast switching response. This proved to be instrumental in building an energy efficient switched mode power supply which gradually gained popularity. “Its impact on electrical technology was phenomenal, replacing conventional linear voltage supplies with switched mode power supplies giving rise to enhanced efficiency, light weight, compactness, and comparably lower cost. Such a modern DC conversion system primarily includes DC-DC converters, wherein the rectified input voltage is fed to the DC-DC converter circuits for obtaining specific voltage levels. The primary objective in DC-DC converters is to transfer the energy among different DC circuits functioning at a specific voltage and current levels. This process of energy transfer is performed by temporarily storing the energy from the input source in an operating mode, followed by releasing it in the other operational mode of the converter. Thus, one level of DC input voltage is converted to another level of average DC output voltage at the load end. Meanwhile, the converter being ideal is expected to consume no energy. Any consumption of energy in the converter interface amounts to direct power loss in the overall supply system. Typically, converters render high input-output conversion.”, enlightens Dr. Tousif Khan N. His notable research work offers to mitigate these issues, leading to the venerated APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial International Travel Award. Advancing his work in the future, Dr. Tousif will be closely working on the society’s activities with ACDOS as a member for mutual benefit.