Gerardo Vazquez

Bio: Gerardo Vazquez is an academic researcher from Polytechnic University of Catalonia. The author has contributed to research in topics: Photovoltaic system & Maximum power point tracking. The author has an hindex of 15, co-authored 38 publications receiving 1380 citations.

A New High-Efficiency Single-Phase Transformerless PV Inverter Topology

Abstract: There is a strong trend in the photovoltaic inverter technology to use transformerless topologies in order to acquire higher efficiencies combining with very low ground leakage current. In this paper, a new topology, based on the H-bridge with a new ac bypass circuit consisting of a diode rectifier and a switch with clamping to the dc midpoint, is proposed. The topology is simulated and experimentally validated, and a comparison with other existing topologies is performed. High conversion efficiency and low leakage current are demonstrated.

Modeling of a variable speed wind turbine with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator

Abstract: The aim of this work is to analyze a typical configuration of a Wind Turbine Generator System (WTGS) equipped with a Variable Speed Generator. Nowadays, doubly-fed induction generators are being widely used on WTGS, although synchronous generators are being extensively utilized too. There are different types of synchronous generators, but the multi-pole Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) is chosen in order to obtain its model. It offers better performance due to higher efficiency and less maintenance since it does not have rotor current and can be used without a gearbox, which also implies a reduction of the weight of the nacelle and a reduction of costs. Apart from the generator, the analyzed WTGS consists of another three parts: wind speed, wind turbine and drive train. These elements have been modeled and the equations that explain their behavior have been introduced. What is more, the whole WTGS has been implemented in MATLAB/Simulink interface. Moreover, the concept of the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) has been presented in terms of the adjustment of the generator rotor speed according to instantaneous wind speed.

Losses and CMV evaluation in transformerless grid-connected PV topologies

Abstract: Controlling the thermal losses in the semiconductors as well as the Common Mode Voltage (CMV), are important issues in the design of power electronics converters for photovoltaic applications. At present time there are several topologies that offer a good performance regarding losses and CMV. In this paper an evaluation of three of these converters topologies: H5, HERIC and NPC transformerless for single phase PV systems will be carried out by means of simulations performed with PSIM 7.05. This software permits to estimate accurately the switching and conduction losses, thanks to its Thermal Module. This analysis together with the CMV study for each case will permit to establish the pros and cons of each topology.

Photovoltaic inverters with fault ride-through Capability

Abstract: This paper presents a new control strategy that allow the photovoltaic system operate under grid faults without overpass the rated current and assuring sinusoidal currents. In the classic control strategies used in photovoltaic systems the power delivered to the grid remains constant when a fault occurs, hence the current can reach dangerous values. Therefore the converter has a protection system to disconnect it avoiding its damage. Thus it must be connected manually when the electrical grid is re-established. The strategy presented here overcomes these drawbacks. It is compared with the classic strategy through simulations in PSCAD and the experimental results prove its effectiveness.

Adaptive hysteresis band current control for transformerless single-phase PV inverters

Abstract: Current control based on hysteresis algorithms are widely used in different applications, such as motion control, active filtering or active/reactive power delivery control in distributed generation systems The hysteresis current control provides to the system a fast and robust dynamic response, and requires a simple implementation in standard digital signal platforms On the other hand, the main drawback of classical hysteresis current control lies in the fact that the switching frequency is variable, as the hysteresis band is fixed In this paper a variable band hysteresis control algorithm will be presented As it will be shown, this variable band permits overcoming the aforementioned problem giving rise to an almost constant switching frequency The performance of this algorithm, together with classical hysteresis controls and proportional resonant (PR) controllers, has been evaluated in three different single-phase PV inverter topologies, by means of simulations performed with PSIM In addition, the behavior of the thermal losses when using each control structure in such converters has been studied as well

Topology Review and Derivation Methodology of Single-Phase Transformerless Photovoltaic Inverters for Leakage Current Suppression

Abstract: Single-phase voltage source transformerless inverters have been developed for many years and have been successful commercial applications in the distributed photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected systems. Moreover, many advanced industrial topologies and recent innovations have been published in the last few years. The objective of this paper is to classify and review these recent contributions to establish the present state of the art and trends of the transformerless inverters. This can provide a comprehensive and insightful overview of this technology. First, the generation mechanism of leakage current is investigated to divide the transformerless inverters into asymmetrical inductor-based and symmetrical inductor-based groups. Then, the concepts of dc-based and ac-based decoupling networks are proposed to not only cover the published symmetrical inductor-based topologies but also offer an innovative strategy to derive advanced inverters. Furthermore, the transformation principle between the dc-based and ac-based topologies is explored to make a clear picture on the general law and framework for the recent advances and future trend in this area. Finally, a family of clamped highly efficient and reliable inverter concept transformerless inverters is derived and tested to offer some excellent candidates for next-generation high-efficiency and cost-effective PV grid-tie inverters.

Improved Transformerless Inverter With Common-Mode Leakage Current Elimination for a Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Power System

Abstract: To eliminate the common-mode leakage current in the transformerless photovoltaic grid-connected system, an improved single-phase inverter topology is presented. The improved transformerless inverter can sustain the same low input voltage as the full-bridge inverter and guarantee to completely meet the condition of eliminating common-mode leakage current. Both the unipolar sinusoidal pulsewidth modulation (SPWM) as well as the double-frequency SPWM control strategy can be applied to implement the three-level output in the presented inverter. The high efficiency and convenient thermal design are achieved thanks to the decoupling of two additional switches connected to the dc side. Moreover, the higher frequency and lower current ripples are obtained by adopting the double-frequency SPWM, and thus the total harmonic distortion of the grid-connected current are reduced greatly. Furthermore, the influence of the phase shift between the output voltage and current, and the influence of the junction capacitances of the power switches are analyzed in detail. Finally, a 1-kW prototype has been simulated and tested to verify the theoretical analysis of this paper.

Review and Comparison of Step-Up Transformerless Topologies for Photovoltaic AC-Module Application

Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive review of step-up single-phase non-isolated inverters suitable for ac-module applications. In order to compare the most feasible solutions of the reviewed topologies, a benchmark is set. This benchmark is based on a typical ac-module application considering the requirements for the solar panels and the grid. The selected solutions are designed and simulated complying with the benchmark obtaining passive and semiconductor components ratings in order to perform a comparison in terms of size and cost. A discussion of the analyzed topologies regarding the obtained ratings as well as ground currents is presented. Recommendations for topological solutions complying with the application benchmark are provided.

Control and Circuit Techniques to Mitigate Partial Shading Effects in Photovoltaic Arrays

Abstract: Partial shading in photovoltaic (PV) arrays renders conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques ineffective. The reduced efficiency of shaded PV arrays is a significant obstacle in the rapid growth of the solar power systems. Thus, addressing the output power mismatch and partial shading effects is of paramount value. Extracting the maximum power of partially shaded PV arrays has been widely investigated in the literature. The proposed solutions can be categorized into four main groups. The first group includes modified MPPT techniques that properly detect the global MPP. They include power curve slope, load-line MPPT, dividing rectangles techniques, the power increment technique, instantaneous operating power optimization, Fibonacci search, neural networks, and particle swarm optimization. The second category includes different array configurations for interconnecting PV modules, namely series-parallel, total-cross-tie, and bridge-link configurations. The third category includes different PV system architectures, namely centralized architecture, series-connected microconverters, parallel-connected microconverters, and microinverters. The fourth category includes different converter topologies, namely multilevel converters, voltage injection circuits, generation control circuits, module-integrated converters, and multiple-input converters. This paper surveys the proposed approaches in each category and provides a brief discussion of their characteristics.

A New Technique for Tracking the Global Maximum Power Point of PV Arrays Operating Under Partial-Shading Conditions

Abstract: The power-voltage characteristic of photovoltaic (PV) arrays operating under partial-shading conditions exhibits multiple local maximum power points (MPPs). In this paper, a new method to track the global MPP is presented, which is based on controlling a dc/dc converter connected at the PV array output, such that it behaves as a constant input-power load. The proposed method has the advantage that it can be applied in either stand-alone or grid-connected PV systems comprising PV arrays with unknown electrical characteristics and does not require knowledge about the PV modules configuration within the PV array. The experimental results verify that the proposed global MPP method guarantees convergence to the global MPP under any partial-shading conditions. Compared with past-proposed methods, the global MPP tracking process is accomplished after far fewer PV array power perturbation steps.