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Juan Carlos Balda

Bio: Juan Carlos Balda is an academic researcher from University of Arkansas. The author has contributed to research in topics: Power module & Converters. The author has an hindex of 29, co-authored 180 publications receiving 3468 citations. Previous affiliations of Juan Carlos Balda include Clemson University & University of Arkansas at Little Rock.


Papers
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Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2015
TL;DR: In this paper, a low-cost, scaled-down microgrid laboratory testbed is proposed for pre-validation of new microgrid concepts before full-power implementation, and the differences with the high-power prototype and hardware test results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility and shortage of the proposed ideas.
Abstract: The demand for microgrids is growing rapidly since it is able to integrate distributed generation, reduce peak-load profile and transmission power losses, and increase customers' power reliability. Microgrid infrastructures and testbeds are built or under construction globally. A 13.8-kV 4.75-MVA microgrid laboratory testbed is being built and initially tested at the University of Arkansas. However, applying and debugging new control schemes and algorithms directly in a large-scale high-power testbed poses considerable safety risks and could even damage testbed equipment. Computer-based simulations (e.g., using Matlab/SimulinkTM, PSCADTM) of a microgrid including several power electronic converters are time consuming and sometimes the degree of modeling may not be able to reveal some hardware experimental problems. Therefore, a low-cost, scaled-down microgrid laboratory testbed is proposed in this paper for pre-validation of new microgrid concepts before full-power implementation. Power electronic circuit hardware design, the differences with the high-power prototype and hardware test results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility and shortage of the proposed ideas.

12 citations

Proceedings ArticleDOI
20 Mar 2016
TL;DR: The analysis, modeling and control of an interleaved boost series resonant converter (IBSRC) is presented and experimental results on a 350-W prototype are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed model and the performance of the controller during input and output variations.
Abstract: The analysis, modeling and control of an interleaved boost series resonant converter (IBSRC) is presented in this paper. The converter consists of an interleaved boost stage, a high-frequency transformer (HF-XFMR) and a voltage doubler rectifier. The HF-XFMR's leakage inductance and the voltage doubler bridge rectifier's capacitors form a resonant tank that allows zero-voltage switching (ZVS) of the main semiconductor devices and zero-current switching (ZCS) of the rectifier's diodes. This capability enables the IBSRC to operate at high switching frequencies leading to a compact design while keeping efficiency high. This makes the IBSRC suitable for the dc-dc converter stage of a dual-stage microinverter. The IBSRC dynamics are extensively investigated using the extended describing functions (EDF) methodology, whereas the converter small-signal model is derived to design the closed-loop control strategy. Experimental results on a 350-W prototype are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed model and the performance of the controller during input and output variations.

12 citations

Proceedings ArticleDOI
07 Oct 1990
TL;DR: In this paper, the Nichols chart is used in conjunction with quantitative feedback theory (QFT) for the design of fixed-structure controllers for parameter-sensitive plants, where the parameter variations are included at the outset of the design task.
Abstract: When classical techniques are used for designing fixed-structure speed controllers for AC drives, the design is normally done around a nominal value of the controlled plant. Generally, a sensitivity analysis is subsequently done to ensure that the design specifications are met when the plant parameters change. An alternative is proposed where the parameter variations are included at the outset of the design task. The Nichols chart lends itself rather well to this application since it represents both magnitude and phase information on a single diagram. By using this alternative, it may be possible to reduce the overall time needed to complete the design. The particular technique, quantitative feedback theory (QFT), is used in conjunction with the Nichols chart. The basics of QFT are presented, and it is shown how it can be used for the design of fixed-structure controllers for parameter-sensitive plants. A design is presented and verified experimentally. >

12 citations

Proceedings ArticleDOI
13 Nov 2014
TL;DR: In this paper, a bidirectional dc-ac power electronic interface (PEI) consisting of a dc link, an HVdc terminal based on modular multilevel converters (MMCs), medium-frequency transformers (MF-XFMRs) and ac-ac converters is proposed for interconnecting two ac systems, or dc and ac systems.
Abstract: A new bidirectional dc-ac power electronic interface (PEI) consisting of a dc link, an HVdc terminal based on modular multilevel converters (MMCs), medium-frequency transformers (MF-XFMRs) - higher frequencies are also possible - and ac-ac converters is proposed for interconnecting two ac systems, or dc and ac systems. The advantages of each component make the proposed topology convenient for applications that require compactness, flexibility, and reliability. For example, integration of offshore and onshore wind farms with the power grid, ac and/or dc grids interconnections, and supplying power to conventional and future deep-sea oil and gas facilities. The PEI main overall topology, operating principles and design equations are described. Size and efficiency are evaluated for the proposed topology for different operating frequencies and compared with the conventional approach. A case study of a deep-sea electric power system (DEPS) is illustrated through timedomain simulations for different operating conditions to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed ideas.

11 citations

Proceedings ArticleDOI
20 Mar 2016
TL;DR: In this article, a novel passive integrated unit is proposed by combining three inductors, two capacitors and one transformer, which can further increase the power density of the integrated boost resonant (IBR) converter.
Abstract: In order to further increase the power density of the integrated boost resonant (IBR) converter, a novel passive integrated unit is proposed by combining three inductors, two capacitors and one transformer. For saving the these passive components, the Flexible Multi-Layer Foil (FMLF) integration technique is used. To avoid the coupling of two boost inductors and the transformer, the symmetry structure is used in the proposed unit. The electromagnetic analysis of the proposed unit is given, and the calculations of the circuit parameters are provided. Finally, a prototype for a 350-W IBR converter has been built to validate the feasibility of the proposed integrated unit.

11 citations


Cited by
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01 Sep 2010

2,148 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a review of recent progresses in the development of SiC- and GaN-based power semiconductor devices together with an overall view of the state of the art of this new device generation is presented.
Abstract: Wide bandgap semiconductors show superior material properties enabling potential power device operation at higher temperatures, voltages, and switching speeds than current Si technology. As a result, a new generation of power devices is being developed for power converter applications in which traditional Si power devices show limited operation. The use of these new power semiconductor devices will allow both an important improvement in the performance of existing power converters and the development of new power converters, accounting for an increase in the efficiency of the electric energy transformations and a more rational use of the electric energy. At present, SiC and GaN are the more promising semiconductor materials for these new power devices as a consequence of their outstanding properties, commercial availability of starting material, and maturity of their technological processes. This paper presents a review of recent progresses in the development of SiC- and GaN-based power semiconductor devices together with an overall view of the state of the art of this new device generation.

1,648 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the dual-active-bridge (DAB) isolated bidirectional dc-dc converter (IBDC) serves as the core circuit of high frequency-link (HFL) power conversion systems.
Abstract: High-frequency-link (HFL) power conversion systems (PCSs) are attracting more and more attentions in academia and industry for high power density, reduced weight, and low noise without compromising efficiency, cost, and reliability. In HFL PCSs, dual-active-bridge (DAB) isolated bidirectional dc-dc converter (IBDC) serves as the core circuit. This paper gives an overview of DAB-IBDC for HFL PCSs. First, the research necessity and development history are introduced. Second, the research subjects about basic characterization, control strategy, soft-switching solution and variant, as well as hardware design and optimization are reviewed and analyzed. On this basis, several typical application schemes of DAB-IBDC for HPL PCSs are presented in a worldwide scope. Finally, design recommendations and future trends are presented. As the core circuit of HFL PCSs, DAB-IBDC has wide prospects. The large-scale practical application of DAB-IBDC for HFL PCSs is expected with the recent advances in solid-state semiconductors, magnetic and capacitive materials, and microelectronic technologies.

1,306 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors comprehensively review and classify various step-up dc-dc converters based on their characteristics and voltage-boosting techniques, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these voltage boosting techniques and associated converters.
Abstract: DC–DC converters with voltage boost capability are widely used in a large number of power conversion applications, from fraction-of-volt to tens of thousands of volts at power levels from milliwatts to megawatts. The literature has reported on various voltage-boosting techniques, in which fundamental energy storing elements (inductors and capacitors) and/or transformers in conjunction with switch(es) and diode(s) are utilized in the circuit. These techniques include switched capacitor (charge pump), voltage multiplier, switched inductor/voltage lift, magnetic coupling, and multistage/-level, and each has its own merits and demerits depending on application, in terms of cost, complexity, power density, reliability, and efficiency. To meet the growing demand for such applications, new power converter topologies that use the above voltage-boosting techniques, as well as some active and passive components, are continuously being proposed. The permutations and combinations of the various voltage-boosting techniques with additional components in a circuit allow for numerous new topologies and configurations, which are often confusing and difficult to follow. Therefore, to present a clear picture on the general law and framework of the development of next-generation step-up dc–dc converters, this paper aims to comprehensively review and classify various step-up dc–dc converters based on their characteristics and voltage-boosting techniques. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of these voltage-boosting techniques and associated converters are discussed in detail. Finally, broad applications of dc–dc converters are presented and summarized with comparative study of different voltage-boosting techniques.

1,230 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper presents a review of ESSs for transport and grid applications, covering several aspects as the storage technology, the main applications, and the power converters used to operate some of the energy storage technologies.
Abstract: Energy storage systems (ESSs) are enabling technologies for well-established and new applications such as power peak shaving, electric vehicles, integration of renewable energies, etc. This paper presents a review of ESSs for transport and grid applications, covering several aspects as the storage technology, the main applications, and the power converters used to operate some of the energy storage technologies. Special attention is given to the different applications, providing a deep description of the system and addressing the most suitable storage technology. The main objective of this paper is to introduce the subject and to give an updated reference to nonspecialist, academic, and engineers in the field of power electronics.

1,115 citations