Xiaobin Zhang

Bio: Xiaobin Zhang is an academic researcher from Northwestern Polytechnical University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Inverter & Decoupling (electronics). The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 38 publications receiving 418 citations.

Design and Analysis of Robust Active Damping for LCL Filters Using Digital Notch Filters

Abstract: Resonant poles of LCL filters may challenge the entire system stability especially in digital-controlled pulse width modulation (PWM) inverters. In order to tackle the resonance issues, many active damping solutions have been reported. For instance, a notch filter can be employed to damp the resonance, where the notch frequency should be aligned exactly to the resonant frequency of the LCL filter. However, parameter variations of the LCL filter as well as the time delay appearing in digital control systems will induce resonance drifting, and thus break this alignment, possibly deteriorating the original damping. In this paper, the effectiveness of the notch filter-based active damping is first explored, considering the drifts of the resonant frequency. It is revealed that when the resonant frequency drifts away from its nominal value, the phase lead or lag introduced by the notch filter may make itself fail to damp the resonance. Specifically, the phase lag can make the current control stable despite of the resonant frequency drifting, when the grid current is fed back. In contrast, in the case of an inverter current feedback control, the influence of the phase lead or lag on the active damping is dependent on the actual resonant frequency. Accordingly, in this paper, the notch frequency is designed away from the nominal resonant frequency to tolerate the resonance drifting, being the proposed robust active damping. Simulations and experiments performed on a 2.2-kW three-phase grid-connected PWM inverter verify the effectiveness of the proposed design for robust active damping using digital notch filters.

A Novel Solid-State Circuit Breaker for On-Board DC Microgrid System

Abstract: The development of the dc microgrid system on-board has promoted the development of the dc circuit breaker, but short circuit fault may cause serious damage to the system. Many problems exist in the traditional dc circuit breaker such as long periods of fault interruption, complex circuit structure, existing arc, low reliability, and low anti-interference. Aiming to solve these problems, a novel solid-state dc circuit breaker is proposed in this paper. First, this paper analyzes the working principle and process of the circuit in detail according to the results of the simulation based on Saber. Second, this paper gives the criteria on how to choose the parameters of the components correctly in the circuit. The concept of the maximum fault resistance according to the minimum fault current is also introduced. Moreover, this paper analyzes the influence of the minimum fault ramp rate on the circuit performance. Finally, experimental results verify that the performance of this novel solid-state circuit breaker agree with the theoretical analysis.

Improved Power Decoupling Scheme for a Single-Phase Grid-Connected Differential Inverter With Realistic Mismatch in Storage Capacitances

Abstract: A single-phase differential inverter consists of two elementary dc–dc converters, sharing a common dc source and a common ac output terminal. The other ac terminals of the two converters are connected to the grid in the case of grid-connected applications. The differential inverter has subsequently been shown to have a differential flow path for power transfer and a common-mode path for shifting the usual second-order power oscillation away from the dc source. This capability is referred to as power decoupling, which when implemented properly, may prolong the lifespan of the dc source. Existing studies related to power decoupling using a differential inverter have however focused on developing control schemes with equal storage capacitances assumed for the two elementary converters. This is unquestionably not realistic since the two capacitances will vary in practice. It is therefore the intention of this paper to quantify ac and dc imperfections experienced by the differential inverter when storage mismatch occurs. A simple improved scheme is then proposed for raising performance of the differential inverter (or the differential rectifier where desired). Simulation and experimental results provided have verified the computation and control scheme developed.

A Robust DC-Split-Capacitor Power Decoupling Scheme for Single-Phase Converter

Abstract: Instead of bulky electrolytic capacitors, active power decoupling circuit can be introduced to a single-phase converter for diverting second harmonic ripple away from its dc source or load. One possible circuit consists of a half-bridge and two capacitors in series for forming a dc-split capacitor, instead of the usual single dc-link capacitor bank. Methods for regulating this power decoupler have earlier been developed, but almost always with equal capacitances assumed for forming the dc-split capacitor, even though it is not realistic in practice. The assumption should, hence, be evaluated more thoroughly, especially when it is shown in the paper that even a slight mismatch can render the power decoupling scheme ineffective and the IEEE 1547 standard to be breached. A more robust compensation scheme is, thus, needed for the dc-split capacitor circuit, as proposed and tested experimentally in the paper.

Generalized Power Decoupling Control for Single-Phase Differential Inverters With Nonlinear Loads

Abstract: Differential inverters provide a cost-effective solution to the second-order ripple power issue in single-phase systems. Most existing differential inverter-based power decoupling methods are for linear loads, which may not work well for nonlinear loads. When supplying nonlinear loads, differential inverters may suffer from harmonics at the ac terminal, which may propagate to the dc side and deteriorate the performance of power decoupling. In this paper, the harmonic mitigation is realized by reshaping capacitor voltages, and it is applied to buck-, boost-, and buck–boost-type differential inverters with detailed harmonics compensation capacity analysis. Then, a feedback linearization-based dc current feedback control scheme is proposed to realize the harmonic mitigation; hence, both the dc-side ripple power and the nonlinearity found in differential inverters can be decoupled simultaneously. The proposed control scheme is developed based on a generalized half-bridge model and can be applied to buck-, boost-, or buck–boost-type differential inverters with minor revisions. Experimental results are presented to validate the performance of the proposed control scheme and theoretical analysis.

Damping Methods for Resonances Caused by LCL-Filter-Based Current-Controlled Grid-Tied Power Inverters: An Overview

Abstract: Grid-tied voltage source inverters using LCL filter have been widely adopted in distributed power generation systems (DPGSs). As high-order LCL filters contain multiple resonant frequencies, switching harmonics generated by the inverter and current harmonics generated by the active/passive loads would cause the system resonance, and thus the output current distortion and oscillation. Such phenomenon is particularly critical when the power grid is weak with the unknown grid impedance. In order to stabilize the operation of the DPGS and improve the waveform of the injected currents, many innovative damping methods have been proposed. A comprehensive overview on those contributions and their classification on the inverter- and grid-side damping measures are presented. Based on the concept of the impedance-based stability analysis, all damping methods can ensure the system stability by modifying the effective output impedance of the inverter or the effective grid impedance. Classical damping methods for industrial applications will be analyzed and compared. Finally, the future trends of the impedance-based stability analysis, as well as some promising damping methods, will be discussed.

Design and Analysis of Robust Active Damping for LCL Filters Using Digital Notch Filters

Abstract: Resonant poles of LCL filters may challenge the entire system stability especially in digital-controlled pulse width modulation (PWM) inverters. In order to tackle the resonance issues, many active damping solutions have been reported. For instance, a notch filter can be employed to damp the resonance, where the notch frequency should be aligned exactly to the resonant frequency of the LCL filter. However, parameter variations of the LCL filter as well as the time delay appearing in digital control systems will induce resonance drifting, and thus break this alignment, possibly deteriorating the original damping. In this paper, the effectiveness of the notch filter-based active damping is first explored, considering the drifts of the resonant frequency. It is revealed that when the resonant frequency drifts away from its nominal value, the phase lead or lag introduced by the notch filter may make itself fail to damp the resonance. Specifically, the phase lag can make the current control stable despite of the resonant frequency drifting, when the grid current is fed back. In contrast, in the case of an inverter current feedback control, the influence of the phase lead or lag on the active damping is dependent on the actual resonant frequency. Accordingly, in this paper, the notch frequency is designed away from the nominal resonant frequency to tolerate the resonance drifting, being the proposed robust active damping. Simulations and experiments performed on a 2.2-kW three-phase grid-connected PWM inverter verify the effectiveness of the proposed design for robust active damping using digital notch filters.

A Review of Solid-State Circuit Breakers

Abstract: Although conventional electromechanical circuit breakers have a proven record as effective and reliable devices for circuit protection, emerging power distribution technologies and architectures, such as dc microgrids, require improved interruption performance characteristics (eg, faster switching speed) The need for faster switching operation, in combination with the latest developments of advanced power semiconductor technologies, has spurred an increase in the research and development in the area of solid-state circuit breakers This article provides a comprehensive review of various solid-state circuit breaker technologies that have been reported in the literature during recent years First, we categorize solid-state circuit breakers based on key features and subsystems, including power semiconductor devices, main circuit topologies, voltage clamping methods, gate drivers, fault detection methods, and commutation methods for power semiconductor devices Second, we discuss the various challenges associated with the design of solid-state circuit breakers from the perspective of generic applications and provide a comparison of several solid-state breaker technologies based on key metrics Finally, we provide a useful framework and point of reference for future development of solid-state circuit breakers for many emerging power distribution applications

Low-Frequency Power Decoupling in Single-Phase Applications: A Comprehensive Overview

Abstract: This paper presents a literature overview of all techniques proposed until the submission of this paper in terms of mitigating power oscillation in single-phase applications. This pulsating energy is the major factor for increasing the size of passive components and power losses in the converter and can be responsible for losses or malfunctioning of the dc sources. Reduction of power ripple at twice the fundamental frequency is one of the key elements to increase power converter density without lack of dc stiffness. Pulsation reduction is achieved by incorporating control techniques or auxiliary circuitries with energy storage capability in reactive elements to avoid this oscillating power to propagate through the converter, creating what is called as single-phase power decoupling. The topologies are divided as: rectifiers, inverters, and bidirectional. Among them, it is possible to classify as isolated and nonisolated converters. The energy storage method may be classify as: capacitive and inductive. For the power decoupling technique, it is convenient to divide as control and topology. The power decoupling technique may be implemented as series or parallel with respect to the ac, dc or link side. This paper represents the best reference on this topic.