J. Uceda

Bio: J. Uceda is an academic researcher from Technical University of Madrid. The author has contributed to research in topics: Power factor & Converters. The author has an hindex of 42, co-authored 224 publications receiving 6509 citations. Previous affiliations of J. Uceda include University of Oviedo & ETSI.

Control of Distributed Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems

Abstract: In the last years, the use of distributed uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems has been growing into the market, becoming an alternative to large conventional UPS systems. In addition, with the increasing interest in renewable energy integration and distributed generation, distributed UPS systems can be a suitable solution for storage energy in micro grids. This paper depicts the most important control schemes for the parallel operation of UPS systems. Active load-sharing techniques and droop control approaches are described. The recent improvements and variants of these control techniques are presented.

Single phase power factor correction: a survey

Abstract: New recommendations and future standards have increased the interest in power factor correction circuits. There are multiple solutions in which line current is sinusoidal. In addition, a great number of circuits have been proposed with nonsinusoidal line current. In this paper, a review of the most interesting solutions for single phase and low power applications is carried out. They are classified attending to the line current waveform, energy processing, number of switches, control loops, etc. The major advantages and disadvantages are highlighted and the field of application is found.

The discontinuous conduction mode Sepic and Cuk power factor preregulators: analysis and design

Abstract: Sepic and Cuk power converters working as power factor preregulators (PFP) in the discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) present the following desirable characteristics for a PFP: (1) the power converter works as a voltage follower (no current loop is needed); (2) the theoretical power factor is unity; and (3) the input current ripple is defined at the design stage. Besides, input-output galvanic isolation is easily obtained. This paper analyzes the operation of both power converters as DCM-PFP. Design equations are derived, as well as a small-signal model to aid the control loop design. Both simulation and experimental results are presented that are in agreement with the theoretical analysis and complement the work.

Uninterruptible power supply systems provide protection

Abstract: Nowadays, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems are in use throughout the world, helping to supply a wide variety of critical loads, in situations of power outage or anomalies of the mains. This article describes the most common line problems and the relationship between these and the different existing kinds of UPS, showing their operation modes as well as the existent energy storage systems. It also addresses an overview of the control schemes applied to different distributed UPS configurations. Finally, it points out the applicability of such systems in distributed generation, microgrids, and renewable energy systems.

Concurrent and simple digital controller of an AC/DC converter with power factor correction based on an FPGA

Abstract: Nowadays, most digital controls for power converters are based on DSPs. This paper presents a field programmable gate array (FPGA) based digital control for a power factor correction (PFC) flyback AC/DC converter. The main difference from DSP-based solutions is that FPGAs allow concurrent operation (simultaneous execution of all control procedures), enabling high performance and novel control methods. The control algorithm has been developed using a hardware description language (VHDL), which provides great flexibility and technology independence. The controller has been designed as simple as possible while maintaining good accuracy and dynamic response. Simulations and experimental results show the feasibility of the method, opening interesting possibilities in power converters control.

Hierarchical control of droop-controlled DC and AC microgrids — a general approach towards standardization

Abstract: DC and AC Microgrids are key elements to integrate renewable and distributed energy resources as well as distributed energy storage systems. In the last years, efforts toward the standardization of these Microgrids have been made. In this sense, this paper present the hierarchical control derived from ISA-95 and electrical dispatching standards to endow smartness and flexibility to microgrids. The hierarchical control proposed consist of three levels: i) the primary control is based on the droop method, including an output impedance virtual loop; ii) the secondary control allows restoring the deviations produced by the primary control; and iii) the tertiary control manage the power flow between the microgrid and the external electrical distribution system. Results from a hierarchical-controlled microgrid are provided to show the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Control of Power Converters in AC Microgrids

Abstract: The enabling of ac microgrids in distribution networks allows delivering distributed power and providing grid support services during regular operation of the grid, as well as powering isolated islands in case of faults and contingencies, thus increasing the performance and reliability of the electrical system. The high penetration of distributed generators, linked to the grid through highly controllable power processors based on power electronics, together with the incorporation of electrical energy storage systems, communication technologies, and controllable loads, opens new horizons to the effective expansion of microgrid applications integrated into electrical power systems. This paper carries out an overview about microgrid structures and control techniques at different hierarchical levels. At the power converter level, a detailed analysis of the main operation modes and control structures for power converters belonging to microgrids is carried out, focusing mainly on grid-forming, grid-feeding, and grid-supporting configurations. This analysis is extended as well toward the hierarchical control scheme of microgrids, which, based on the primary, secondary, and tertiary control layer division, is devoted to minimize the operation cost, coordinating support services, meanwhile maximizing the reliability and the controllability of microgrids. Finally, the main grid services that microgrids can offer to the main network, as well as the future trends in the development of their operation and control for the next future, are presented and discussed.

Trends in Microgrid Control

Abstract: The increasing interest in integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into microgrids presents major challenges from the viewpoints of reliable operation and control. In this paper, the major issues and challenges in microgrid control are discussed, and a review of state-of-the-art control strategies and trends is presented; a general overview of the main control principles (e.g., droop control, model predictive control, multi-agent systems) is also included. The paper classifies microgrid control strategies into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary, where primary and secondary levels are associated with the operation of the microgrid itself, and tertiary level pertains to the coordinated operation of the microgrid and the host grid. Each control level is discussed in detail in view of the relevant existing technical literature.

Review of Battery Charger Topologies, Charging Power Levels, and Infrastructure for Plug-In Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Abstract: This paper reviews the current status and implementation of battery chargers, charging power levels, and infrastructure for plug-in electric vehicles and hybrids. Charger systems are categorized into off-board and on-board types with unidirectional or bidirectional power flow. Unidirectional charging limits hardware requirements and simplifies interconnection issues. Bidirectional charging supports battery energy injection back to the grid. Typical on-board chargers restrict power because of weight, space, and cost constraints. They can be integrated with the electric drive to avoid these problems. The availability of charging infrastructure reduces on-board energy storage requirements and costs. On-board charger systems can be conductive or inductive. An off-board charger can be designed for high charging rates and is less constrained by size and weight. Level 1 (convenience), Level 2 (primary), and Level 3 (fast) power levels are discussed. Future aspects such as roadbed charging are presented. Various power level chargers and infrastructure configurations are presented, compared, and evaluated based on amount of power, charging time and location, cost, equipment, and other factors.

A review of active filters for power quality improvement

Abstract: Active filtering of electric power has now become a mature technology for harmonic and reactive power compensation in two-wire (single phase), three-wire (three phase without neutral), and four-wire (three phase with neutral) AC power networks with nonlinear loads. This paper presents a comprehensive review of active filter (AF) configurations, control strategies, selection of components, other related economic and technical considerations, and their selection for specific applications. It is aimed at providing a broad perspective on the status of AF technology to researchers and application engineers dealing with power quality issues. A list of more than 200 research publications on the subject is also appended for a quick reference.