Rong-Jong Wai

Bio: Rong-Jong Wai is an academic researcher from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Control system & Control theory. The author has an hindex of 60, co-authored 272 publications receiving 10956 citations. Previous affiliations of Rong-Jong Wai include Chung Yuan Christian University & Yuan Ze University.

High step-up converter with coupled-inductor

Abstract: In this study, a high step-up converter with a coupled-inductor is investigated. In the proposed strategy, a coupled inductor with a lower-voltage-rated switch is used for raising the voltage gain (whether the switch is turned on or turned off). Moreover, a passive regenerative snubber is utilized for absorbing the energy of stray inductance so that the switch duty cycle can be operated under a wide range, and the related voltage gain is higher than other coupled-inductor-based converters. In addition, all devices in this scheme also have voltage-clamped properties and their voltage stresses are relatively smaller than the output voltage. Thus, it can select low-voltage low-conduction-loss devices, and there are no reverse-recovery currents within the diodes in this circuit. Furthermore, the closed-loop control methodology is utilized in the proposed scheme to overcome the voltage drift problem of the power source under the load variations. As a result, the proposed converter topology can promote the voltage gain of a conventional boost converter with a single inductor, and deal with the problem of the leakage inductor and demagnetization of transformer for a coupled-inductor-based converter. Some experimental results via examples of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) power source and a traditional battery are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed power conversion strategy.

High-Performance Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Generation System

Abstract: This study develops a high-performance stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) generation system. To make the PV generation system more flexible and expandable, the backstage power circuit is composed of a high step-up converter and a pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) inverter. In the dc-dc power conversion, the high step-up converter is introduced to improve the conversion efficiency in conventional boost converters to allow the parallel operation of low-voltage PV arrays, and to decouple and simplify the control design of the PWM inverter. Moreover, an adaptive total sliding-mode control system is designed for the voltage control of the PWM inverter to maintain a sinusoidal output voltage with lower total harmonic distortion and less variation under various output loads. In addition, an active sun tracking scheme without any light sensors is investigated to make the PV modules face the sun directly for capturing the maximum irradiation and promoting system efficiency. Experimental results are given to verify the validity and reliability of the high step-up converter, the PWM inverter control, and the active sun tracker for the high-performance stand-alone PV generation system.

High-Efficiency DC-DC Converter With High Voltage Gain and Reduced Switch Stress

Abstract: In this paper, a high-efficiency dc-dc converter with high voltage gain and reduced switch stress is proposed. Generally speaking, the utilization of a coupled inductor is useful for raising the step-up ratio of the conventional boost converter. However, the switch surge voltage may be caused by the leakage inductor so that it will result in the requirement of high-voltage-rated devices. In the proposed topology, a three-winding coupled inductor is used for providing a high voltage gain without extreme switch duty-cycle and enhancing the utility rate of magnetic core. Moreover, the energy in the leakage inductor is released directly to the output terminal for avoiding the phenomenon of circulating current and the production of switch surge voltage. In addition, the delay time formed with the cross of primary and secondary currents of the coupled inductor is manipulated to alleviate the reverse-recovery current of the output diode. It can achieve the aim of high-efficiency power conversion. Furthermore, the closed-loop control methodology is utilized in the proposed scheme to overcome the voltage drift problem of the power source under the variation of loads. Some experimental results via an example of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell power source with 250-W nominal rating are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed power conversion strategy

High-efficiency DC-DC converter with high voltage gain and reduced switch stress

Abstract: In this study, a high-efficiency DC-DC converter with high voltage gain and reduced switch stress is proposed. In the proposed topology, a three-winding coupled inductor is used for providing a high voltage gain without extreme switch duty-cycle and enhancing the utility rate of magnetic core. Moreover, the energy in the leakage inductor is released directly to the output terminal for avoiding the phenomenon of circulating current and the production of switch surge voltage. In addition, the delay time formed with the cross of primary and secondary currents of the coupled inductor is manipulated to alleviate the reverse-recovery current of the output diode. It can achieve the aim of high-efficiency power conversion. Furthermore, the closed-loop control methodology is utilized in the proposed scheme to overcome the voltage drift problem of the power source under the variation of loads. Some experimental results via an example of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) power source with 250 watts nominal rating are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed power conversion strategy.

Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Generation System

Abstract: This study addresses a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) generation system. In order to make the PV generation system more flexible and expandable, the backstage power circuit is composed of a high step-up converter and a pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) inverter. In the dc-dc power conversion, the high step-up converter is introduced to improve the conversion efficiency of conventional boost converters and to allow the parallel operation of low-voltage PV modules. Moreover, an adaptive total sliding-mode control system is designed for the current control of the PWM inverter to maintain the output current with a higher power factor and less variation under load changes. In addition, an adaptive step-perturbation method is proposed to achieve the objective of maximum power point tracking, and an active sun tracking scheme without any light sensors is investigated to make PV plates face the sun directly in order to capture maximum irradiation and enhance system efficiency. Experimental results are given to verify the validity of the high step-up converter, the PWM inverter control, the ASP method, and the active sun tracker for a grid-connected PV generation system.

Adaptive Control

Abstract: This book, written by two major figures in adaptive control, provides a wealth of material for researchers, practitioners, and students. While some researchers in adaptive control may note the absence of a particular topic, the book‘s scope represents a high-gain instrument. It can be used by designers of control systems to enhance their work through the information on many new theoretical developments, and can be used by mathematical control theory specialists to adapt their research to practical needs. The book is strongly recommended to anyone interested in adaptive control.

A Survey on Analysis and Design of Model-Based Fuzzy Control Systems

Abstract: Fuzzy logic control was originally introduced and developed as a model free control design approach. However, it unfortunately suffers from criticism of lacking of systematic stability analysis and controller design though it has a great success in industry applications. In the past ten years or so, prevailing research efforts on fuzzy logic control have been devoted to model-based fuzzy control systems that guarantee not only stability but also performance of closed-loop fuzzy control systems. This paper presents a survey on recent developments (or state of the art) of analysis and design of model based fuzzy control systems. Attention will be focused on stability analysis and controller design based on the so-called Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy models or fuzzy dynamic models. Perspectives of model based fuzzy control in future are also discussed

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.

Review of Nonisolated High-Step-Up DC/DC Converters in Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Applications

Abstract: The photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected power system in the residential applications is becoming a fast growing segment in the PV market due to the shortage of the fossil fuel energy and the great environmental pollution. A new research trend in the residential generation system is to employ the PV parallel-connected configuration rather than the series-connected configuration to satisfy the safety requirements and to make full use of the PV generated power. How to achieve high-step-up, low-cost, and high-efficiency dc/dc conversion is the major consideration due to the low PV output voltage with the parallel-connected structure. The limitations of the conventional boost converters in these applications are analyzed. Then, most of the topologies with high-step-up, low-cost, and high-efficiency performance are covered and classified into several categories. The advantages and disadvantages of these converters are discussed. Furthermore, a general conceptual circuit for high-step-up, low-cost, and high-efficiency dc/dc conversion is proposed to derive the next-generation topologies for the PV grid-connected power system. Finally, the major challenges of high-step-up, low-cost, and high-efficiency dc/dc converters are summarized. This paper would like to make a clear picture on the general law and framework for the next-generation nonisolated high-step-up dc/dc converters.

Simulation and Hardware Implementation of Incremental Conductance MPPT With Direct Control Method Using Cuk Converter

Abstract: This paper presents simulation and hardware implementation of incremental conductance (IncCond) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) used in solar array power systems with direct control method. The main difference of the proposed system to existing MPPT systems includes elimination of the proportional-integral control loop and investigation of the effect of simplifying the control circuit. Contributions are made in several aspects of the whole system, including converter design, system simulation, controller programming, and experimental setup. The resultant system is capable of tracking MPPs accurately and rapidly without steady-state oscillation, and also, its dynamic performance is satisfactory. The IncCond algorithm is used to track MPPs because it performs precise control under rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. MATLAB and Simulink were employed for simulation studies, and Code Composer Studio v3.1 was used to program a TMS320F2812 digital signal processor. The proposed system was developed and tested successfully on a photovoltaic solar panel in the laboratory. Experimental results indicate the feasibility and improved functionality of the system.