Abstract

This paper presents our work for the measurement of the complex permittivity of liquids, carried out in the framework of a European Metrology research project entitled “Traceable measurement of field strength and SAR for the Physical Agents Directive”. One of he aims of this project was to establish the traceability of the specific absorption rate measurements to the SI up to 10 GHz. We use a vector network analyser to measure the S21 parameter of coaxial cells containing the liquid under test (a reference liquid or an equivalent tissue liquid). The method does not require the network analyser to be calibrated in terms of impedance. In fact, only the length of the coaxial cell and the working frequency need to be known.

Key words

ELECTRICAL METROLOGY
TRACEABILITY
COMPLEX PERMITTIVITY
REFERENCE LIQUID
SAR

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a new 2.4 mm coaxial twin load microcalorimeter and the development of the thermoelectric power sensors used as radiofrequency power standards. The effective efficiency is measured and results are presented for two types of sensors.

Key words

MICROCALORIMTER
COAXIAL LINE
HF POWER STANDARD
POWER SENSOR
THERMOELECTRIC SENSOR

Abstract

A method for determining the electromagnetic properties of Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) thin films is presented in this paper. At first we introduce a broadband characterization method based on the extraction of the intrinsic properties of substrate supporting a coplanar waveguide and then we perform an accurate on-wafer TRL calibration technique to measure the permittivity of the PZT thin film embedded in a coplanar waveguide.

Key words

S parameters
coplanar waveguide
PZT
permittivity
loss tangent
ferroelectric

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a power standard based on thermocouple sensors. This work has been done in the framework of the fabrication of a microcalorimeter to destination of a foreign National Metrology Institute. The calibration has been performed in order to determine both the effective efficiency and the uncertainty for 21 frequency points up to 50 GHz. LNE expands its capability for manufacturing broadband (DC-50 GHz) primary calibration systems for RF power.

Key words

effective efficiency
uncertainty
thermocouple sensor
rf power standard
voltage standard
microcalorimeter

Abstract

A system to mesure 8/20 μs (front time/time to half value) impulse currents from 5 kA to 50 kA (peak value) has been developed at LNE. The system relies on the use of non-invasif wideband (maximum 4 MHz) current sensors, of a 12 bits digitiser with a maximum sample rate of 100 Mega-samples per second and of a data acquisition and treatement software. The values of the expanded uncertainties (k = 2) are 1.4 mA·A−1 for the peak value and 15 ns·μs−1 for impulse current time parameters.

Key words

impulse current
8/20 μs wave
wideband current sensor
rogowski coil
tracability
uncertainty budget

Abstract

This paper describes the procedure recently introduced at LNE to calibrate low-voltage AC-DC transfer reference standards from 10 Hz to 1 MHz. Especially, a set of micro-potentiometers was developed in order to take into account the voltage level dependence of the standards during the step-down procedure. First measurement results are presented.

Key words

ac-dc difference
calibration
thermal converters
uncertainty
voltage measurement

Abstract

The kilogram is the last unit of the International System of Units (SI) still defined by an artefact, namely the International Prototype of the Kilogram (IPK). Comparisons carried out over 100 years between IPK, its official copies and national prototypes have revealed a mass change (in relative term) of five parts in 108. After a brief history of the unit of mass, this paper underlines the need to redefine the kilogram with reference to a fixed numerical value of a fundamental constant. It explains why the Planck constant h was chosen and gives the last results obtained with watt balance experiments nowadays able to link h to a macroscopic mass to within a few parts in 108. Finally, it proposes a possible route for the national metrology institute for the mise en pratique of the kilogram after its redefinition.

Key words

unit of mass
kilogram
redefinition of the kilogram
planck constant
watt balance

The electrical grid is currently undergoing profound changes throughout the world. Indeed, the current supply networks, which are centralised and incorporate a large share of fossil fuel power plants, must migrate towards an increased integration of renewable energy sources (RES). The energy landscape is therefore evolving towards diversified and decentralised production.

Objectives

The general objective of the European project is the development of a metrological infrastructure, so as to successfully implement a smart electrical grid in Europe

The objective of the associated RNMF project is the realization of a reference PMU that can be used for on-site measurements and laboratory tests

Summary

Find here the detailled description of the project:

Metrology for smart electrical grids

Publications and communications

NDILIMABAKA H., BLANC I., KURRAT S., BRAUN J.-P. and SIEGENTHALER S., “Characterization of a reference PMU according to the IEEE C37.118-2005 Standard”, CPEM 2014.

NDILIMABAKA H. and BLANC I., “Design and testing of the reference Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU)”, Euramet/EMRP Metrology for Smart Grids Workshop, Noordwijk, Pays-Bas, 25-26 juin 2013.

NDILIMABAKA H. and BLANC I., “Development of a reference Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) for the monitoring and control of grid stability and quality”, 16e Congrès International de Métrologie, Paris, France, 7-10 octobre 2013.

NDILIMABAKA H. and BLANC I., “Smart electrical grids”, 15e Congrès international de métrologie, Paris, France, 3-6 octobre 2011.

NDILIMABAKA H. and BLANC I., “Characteristics of PMU calibrator and PMU architecture”, Progress JRP-SmartGrid meeting, Teddington, Royaume-Uni, mai 2011.

Partners

JRP-ENG04 partners:

  • VSL (Netherlands),
  • INM (Romania),
  • CEM (Spain),
  • CMI (Czech Republic), METAS (Switzerland),
  • FFII (Spain), INRIM (Italy), LNE (France),
  • MIKES (Finland),
  • NPL (United-Kingdom),
  • PTB (Germany),
  • SIQ (Slovenia),
  • SMD (Belgium),
  • SMU (Slovakia),
  • SP (Sweden),
  • Trescal (Denmark),
  • TUBITAK (Turkey),
  • EFZN, 
  • UBS (Germany),
  • EIM (Greece)

LNE Partners :

  • Elspec (PMU manufacturer),
  • EDF (Renardières research center)

This European project addresses one of the major challenges that is tomorrow's energy by aiming at the development of new technologies, new equipment and appropriate metrological measurement means to exploit new energy sources. It specifically addresses metrology for energy recovery technologies.

Objectives

To provide a metrological framework for the development of existing energy recovery technologies in the form of heat, motion or vibration by measuring the electrical energy conversion efficiency of microgenerators

Provide a metrological framework for the development of existing energy recovery technologies in the form of heat, motion or vibration by measuring the thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of the materials used and their electrical energy transduction characteristics

Provide a metrological framework for the development of existing energy recovery technologies in the form of heat, motion or vibration by linking material properties at nanoscale and macroscopic scales

To provide a metrological framework for the development of existing energy recovery technologies in the form of heat, motion or vibration through the development of metrology associated with measurements on multifunctional and nanostructured devices

Summary

Find here the detailled description of the project:

http://projects.npl.co.uk/energy_harvesting/

Publications and communications

BOUNOUH A. and BÉLIÈRES D., “New method based on electrical harmonic distortion analysis for electromechanical characterizations of MEMS devices”, Microtech 2013, Washington DC – Etats-Unis, 2013.

BOUNOUH A., CAMON H. and BELIÈRES D., “Wideband high stability MEMS based AC voltage references”, IEEE Trans. Inst. Meas., 99, 2013.

BOUNOUH A. and BÉLIÈRES D., “Electromechanical characterizations of MEMS based energy harvesters by harmonic sampling analysis method”, IMEKO-TC4, Barcelone, Espagne, 2013.

BOUNOUH A. and BÉLIÈRES D., “Resonant frequency characterization of MEMS based energy harvesters by harmonic sampling analysis method”, Measurement, 2013, 52, 71-76.

BOUNOUH A., “MEMS based electrostatic vibration energy harvesters”, EMRP Industry meeting and worhshops, Braunschweig, Allemagne, 28-29 août 2013.

BOUNOUH A., “Metrology for energy harvesting”, Journées nationales sur la récupération et le stockage d’énergie pour l’alimentation des microsystèmes autonomes, Grenoble, France, 26-27 mars 2012.

BOUNOUH A., “Fabrication of specific electrostatic energy harvesting for conversion efficiency measurements”, JRP-Energy Harvesting mid-term meeting, Londres, Royaume-Uni, 22-23 mai 2012.

BOUNOUH A. and BÉLIÈRES D., “Harmonic analysis method for electromechanical characterisations of MEMS based energy harvesters”, CPEM 2012, Washington, Etats-Unis, 2-6 juillet 2012.

BOUNOUH A., “Development of AlN based piezo energy harvesters”, JRP Energy Harvesting Technical meeting, Turin, Italie, 20-22 nov. 2012.

BOUNOUH A. et al., “Metrology for energy harvesting”, Journées nationales sur la récupération et le stockage d’énergie pour l’alimentation des microsystèmes autonomes, Paris, France, 18-19 nov. 2010.

Les travaux du LNE ont été cités dans les revues de presse suivantes :

“MEMS mechanics measured electronically”, Electronics Weekly,
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/research/mems-mechanics-measured-electrically-2013-05/

 “New technique for MEMS power measurement”, Engineering & Technology,
http://eandt.theiet.org/news/2013/may/mems-lne.cfm

“New Method to Precisely Measure MEMS Output”, Azonano, http://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=27357

“Unveiling the First Precise MEMS Output Measurement Technique”, Red Orbit,
http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1112846304/first-precise-mems-output-measurement-technique-051413/

 “First precise MEMS output measurement technique unveiled”,
R&D Magazine, http://www.rdmag.com/news/2013/05/first-precise-mems-output-measurement-technique-unveiled
Nanowerk, http://www.nanowerk.com/news2/newsid=30486.php
Science newsline, http://www.sciencenewsline.com/articles/2013051417570011.html
Science Daily, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130514122749.htm
PhysNews, http://www.physnews.com/nano-physics-news/cluster575627274/
Science Codex, http://www.sciencecodex.com/first_precise_mems_output_measurement_technique_unveiled-112144.

Partners

JRP-ENG02 partners :

  • PTB (Germany),
  • CMI (Czech Republic),
  • INRIM (Italy),
  • LNE (France),
  • MIKES (Finland),
  • NPL (United-Kingdom),
  • SIQ (Slovenia)

LNE partners :

  • ESIEE,
  • TIMA,
  • LAAS,
  • Thales,
  • Coventor