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.

Compensation of instantaneous reactive power and active power oscillations without using reference frame transformations

Abstract: This paper proposes a new method to compensate instantaneous reactive power and/or active power oscillations in three-phase three-wire systems by using measurements of only two line voltages and two phase currents, without involving coordinate transformations. It is proved that the proposed method produces the same compensated source currents as the standard pq method.

A Medium-Voltage SiC Flying Capacitor Converter Design for 25-kV Distribution Systems

Abstract: Grid-connected medium-voltage (MV) distribution flexible ac transmission systems (D-FACTS) can be used to perform many functions such as improving the quality of electric power in distribution systems. This paper provides a design methodology for a 2-MVA MV D-FACTS based on a flying-capacitor converter (FCC) topology for three-phase four-wire 25-kV distribution systems. By considering the breakdown and utilization voltages of the available power modules as the main design factor, 10-kV silicon-carbide (SiC) MOSFET half-bridge power modules was chosen with 73% utilization factor. Then, sizing of the flying capacitor cells, dc-bus capacitance, and output LCL filter was performed. Thereafter, the required parts for these components were selected to show the feasibility of fabrication. The power losses of switching modules were investigated for one phase of the converter. Finally, the envisioned MV-FCC functions of compensating for three-phase unbalanced currents and injecting reactive power complementing switched capacitor banks are illustrated through simulations.

Control of a flyback converter with parametric uncertainties operating in BCM Using the natural switching surface

Abstract: The derivation and implementation of the natural switching surfaces (NSS) considering parametric uncertainties for a flyback converter operating at boundary conduction mode (BCM) is the main focus of this paper. The NSS presents many benefits for the control of non-linear systems; for example fast transient response under load-changing conditions. However, the performance considerable worsens when real parameters of the converter are slightly different from the designed ones. Therefore, a novel control strategy that considers the effect of parameter uncertainties is presented. This control law can estimate and adapt the control trajectories in one switching action to obtain excellent performances even under extreme parameter uncertainties. The analytical derivation of the proposed adaptive switching surfaces are presented.

A Survey of Wide Bandgap Power Semiconductor Devices

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.

Overview of Dual-Active-Bridge Isolated Bidirectional DC–DC Converter for High-Frequency-Link Power-Conversion System

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.

Step-Up DC–DC Converters: A Comprehensive Review of Voltage-Boosting Techniques, Topologies, and Applications

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.

Energy Storage Systems for Transport and Grid Applications

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.