Minh-Khai Nguyen

Bio: Minh-Khai Nguyen is an academic researcher from Wayne State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Inverter & Pulse-width modulation. The author has an hindex of 25, co-authored 107 publications receiving 2391 citations. Previous affiliations of Minh-Khai Nguyen include Vietnam National University, Hanoi & Queensland University of Technology.

Switched-Inductor Quasi-Z-Source Inverter

Abstract: This paper deals with a new family of high boost voltage inverters called switched-inductor quasi-Z-source inverters (SL-qZSIs). The proposed SL-qZSI is based on the well-known qZSI topology and adds only one inductor and three diodes. In comparison to the SL-ZSI, for the same input and output voltages, the proposed SL-qZSI provides continuous input current, a common ground with the dc source, reduced the passive component count, reduced voltage stress on capacitors, lower shoot-through current, and lower current stress on inductors and diodes. In addition, the proposed SL-qZSI can suppress inrush current at startup, which might destroy the devices. This paper presents the operating principles, analysis, and simulation results, and compares them with those of the SL-ZSI. To verify the performance of the proposed converter, a laboratory prototype was constructed with 48 Vdc input and an ac output line-to-line voltage of 120 Vrms. The simulation and experimental results verified that the converter has high step-up inversion ability.

A Class of Quasi-Switched Boost Inverters

Abstract: A switched boost inverter (SBI) can replace a $Z$ -source inverter (ZSI) in low-power applications because it has one less $LC$ pair than the ZSI. This paper presents a class of quasi-SBIs (qSBIs) that offers several advantages when compared with a conventional SBI, including reducing the voltage stress on the capacitor, increasing the boost voltage factor, and improving input current profiles. Operating principles, steady-state analysis, and comparisons with conventional inverters are presented. A prototype based on a TMS320F28335 digital signal processor is built to verify the operating principle of the proposed qSBIs.

TZ-Source Inverters

Abstract: A new family of single-stage high-step-up boost voltage inverters based on transformers is proposed, called TZ-source inverters. By replacing two inductors in the classical Z-source inverter with two transformers, the proposed inverter produces a very high boost voltage gain when the turn ratio of the transformers is larger than 1. Compared to the trans-Z-source inverters, the proposed TZ-source inverter uses a lower transformer turn ratio, which reduces the transformer's size and weight while producing the same output voltage gain. The extension of the proposed inverter topology to dc-link-type and embedded-type topologies is presented. The operating principles, analysis, and simulation results are shown. To verify the performance of the proposed TZ-source inverter, a laboratory prototype was constructed and operated with 60-V dc input. The simulation and experimental results verified that the converter has high-step-up inversion ability.

Improved Trans-Z-Source Inverter With Continuous Input Current and Boost Inversion Capability

Abstract: This paper deals with a new family of high boost voltage inverters that improve upon the conventional trans-Z-source and trans-quasi-Z-source inverters. The improved trans-Z-source inverter provides continuous input current and a higher boost voltage inversion capability. In addition, the improved inverter can suppress resonant current at startup, which might destroy the device. In comparison to the conventional trans-Z-source/-trans-quasi-Z-source inverters, for the same transformer turn ratio and input and output voltages, the improved inverter has a higher modulation index with reduced voltage stress on the dc link, lower current stress flow on the transformer windings and diode, and lower input current ripple. In order to produce the same input and output voltage with the same modulation index, the improved inverter uses a lower transformer turn ratio compared to the conventional inverters. Thus, the size and weight of the transformer in the improved inverter can be reduced. This paper presents the operating principles, analysis and simulation results, and compares them with those of the conventional trans-Z-source/-quasi-Z-source inverters. To verify the performance of the improved converter, a laboratory prototype was constructed based on a TMS320F2812 digital signal processor with 100 Vdc input and 115 Vrms output voltage.

Two switched-inductor quasi-Z-source inverters

Abstract: In this study, two topologies are presented for switched-inductor quasi-Z-source inverters, namely a ripple input current switched-inductor quasi-Z-source inverter (rSL-qZSI) and a continuous input current switched-inductor quasi-Z-source inverter (cSL-qZSI). The proposed inverters possess high boost voltage inversion ability and a lower voltage stress across the active switching devices. Compared with a conventional switched-inductor ZSI, the proposed SL-qZSIs for the same input and output voltage provide a continuous input current and a reduced voltage stress on the capacitors. Moreover, the proposed inverters can overcome the startup inrush current problem but a conventional SL-qZSI cannot overcome this. This study presents the operating principles and analysis, and compares them with the conventional ZSIs. In order, to verify the performance of the proposed converters, a 60 W scaled-down laboratory prototype was constructed and, to test both the configurations it employed a 36 V dc input and an ac output line-to-line voltage of 83 V rms . The peak-to-peak input current ripple of the rSL-qZSI and cSL-ZSI is 126.3 and 59.8%, respectively. The experiment results verified that the proposed inverters have high step-up inversion ability, lower voltage stress on the capacitors and lower input current ripple.

Impedance-Source Networks for Electric Power Conversion Part I: A Topological Review

Abstract: Impedance networks cover the entire of electric power conversion from dc (converter, rectifier), ac (inverter), to phase and frequency conversion (ac-ac) in a wide range of applications. Various converter topologies have been reported in the literature to overcome the limitations and problems of the traditional voltage source, current source as well as various classical buck-boost, unidirectional, and bidirectional converter topologies. Proper implementation of the impedance-source network with appropriate switching configurations and topologies reduces the number of power conversion stages in the system power chain, which may improve the reliability and performance of the power system. The first part of this paper provides a comprehensive review of the various impedance-source-networks-based power converters and discusses the main topologies from an application point of view. This review paper is the first of its kind with the aim of providing a “one-stop” information source and a selection guide on impedance-source networks for power conversion for researchers, designers, and application engineers. A comprehensive review of various modeling, control, and modulation techniques for the impedance-source converters/inverters will be presented in Part II.

Switched-Inductor Quasi-Z-Source Inverter

Abstract: This paper deals with a new family of high boost voltage inverters called switched-inductor quasi-Z-source inverters (SL-qZSIs). The proposed SL-qZSI is based on the well-known qZSI topology and adds only one inductor and three diodes. In comparison to the SL-ZSI, for the same input and output voltages, the proposed SL-qZSI provides continuous input current, a common ground with the dc source, reduced the passive component count, reduced voltage stress on capacitors, lower shoot-through current, and lower current stress on inductors and diodes. In addition, the proposed SL-qZSI can suppress inrush current at startup, which might destroy the devices. This paper presents the operating principles, analysis, and simulation results, and compares them with those of the SL-ZSI. To verify the performance of the proposed converter, a laboratory prototype was constructed with 48 Vdc input and an ac output line-to-line voltage of 120 Vrms. The simulation and experimental results verified that the converter has high step-up inversion ability.

Impedance-Source Networks for Electric Power Conversion Part II: Review of Control and Modulation Techniques

Abstract: Impedance-source networks cover the entire spectrum of electric power conversion applications (dc-dc, dc-ac, ac-dc, ac-ac) controlled and modulated by different modulation strategies to generate the desired dc or ac voltage and current at the output. A comprehensive review of various impedance-source-network-based power converters has been covered in a previous paper and main topologies were discussed from an application point of view. Now Part II provides a comprehensive review of the most popular control and modulation strategies for impedance-source network-based power converters/inverters. These methods are compared in terms of theoretical complexity and performance, when applied to the respective switching topologies. Further, this paper provides as a guide and quick reference for researchers and practicing engineers in deciding which control and modulation method to consider for an application in a given topology at a certain power level, switching frequency and demanded dynamic response.

Autonomous Control of Interlinking Converters with Energy Storages in Hybrid AC-DC Microgrids

Abstract: The coexistence of ac and dc subgrids in a hybrid microgrid is likely given that modern distributed sources can either be ac or dc. Linking these subgrids is a power converter, whose topology should preferably be not too unconventional. This is to avoid unnecessary compromises to reliability, simplicity, and industry relevance of the converter. The desired operating features of the hybrid microgrid can then be added through this interlinking converter. To demonstrate, an appropriate control scheme is now developed for controlling the interlinking converter. The objective is to keep the hybrid microgrid in autonomous operation with active power proportionally shared among its distributed sources. Power sharing here should depend only on the source ratings and not their placements within the hybrid microgrid. The proposed scheme can also be extended to include energy storage within the interlinking converter, as already proven in simulation and experiment. These findings have not been previously discussed in the literature, where existing schemes are mostly for an ac or a dc microgrid, but not both in coexistence.

Solid-State Transformer Architecture Using AC–AC Dual-Active-Bridge Converter

Abstract: Modern development of semiconductor power-switching devices has promoted the use of power electronic converters as power transformers at the distribution level. This paper presents an ac–ac dual-active-bridge (DAB) converter for a solid-state transformer. The proposed converter topology consists of two active H-bridges and one high-frequency transformer. Four-quadrant switch cells are used to allow bidirectional power flow. Because power is controlled by the phase shift between two bridges, output voltage can be regulated when input voltage changes. This paper analyzes the steady-state operation and the range of zero-voltage switching. It develops a switch commutation scheme for the ac–ac DAB converters. Experimental results from a scaled-down prototype are provided to verify the theoretical analysis.