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Showing papers in "IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics in 2011"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a new method to determine inverter-grid system stability using only the inverter output impedance and the grid impedance is developed, which can be applied to all current-source systems.
Abstract: Grid-connected inverters are known to become unstable when the grid impedance is high. Existing approaches to analyzing such instability are based on inverter control models that account for the grid impedance and the coupling with other grid-connected inverters. A new method to determine inverter-grid system stability using only the inverter output impedance and the grid impedance is developed in this paper. It will be shown that a grid-connected inverter will remain stable if the ratio between the grid impedance and the inverter output impedance satisfies the Nyquist stability criterion. This new impedance-based stability criterion is a generalization to the existing stability criterion for voltage-source systems, and can be applied to all current-source systems. A single-phase solar inverter is studied to demonstrate the application of the proposed method.

1,766 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the modular multilevel cascade converter (MMCC) family based on cascade connection of multiple bidirectional chopper cells or single-phase full-bridge cells is classified from circuit configuration.
Abstract: This paper discusses the modular multilevel cascade converter (MMCC) family based on cascade connection of multiple bidirectional chopper cells or single-phase full-bridge cells. The MMCC family is classified from circuit configuration as follows: the single-star bridge cells (SSBC); the single-delta bridge cells (SDBC); the double-star chopper cells (DSCC); and the double-star bridge cells (DSBC). The term MMCC corresponds to a family name in a person while, for example, the term SSBC corresponds to a given name. Therefore, the term “MMCC-SSBC” can identify the circuit configuration without any confusion. Among the four MMCC family members, the SSBC and DSCC are more practical in cost, performance, and market than the others although a distinct difference exists in application between the SSBC and DSCC. This paper presents application examples of the SSBC to a battery energy storage system (BESS), the SDBC to a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) for negative-sequence reactive-power control, and the DSCC to a motor drive for fans and blowers, along with their experimental results.

1,018 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, 3-D finite-element analysis modeling is used to optimize circular power pads for electric vehicles to transfer 2-5 kW with a large air gap and have good tolerance to misalignment.
Abstract: A solution that enables safe, efficient, and convenient overnight recharging of electric vehicles is needed. Inductive power transfer (IPT) is capable of meeting these needs, however, the main limiting factor is the performance of the magnetic structures (termed power pads) that help transfer power efficiently. These should transfer 2-5 kW with a large air gap and have good tolerance to misalignment. Durability, low weight, and cost efficiency are also critical. 3-D finite-element analysis modeling is used to optimize circular power pads. This technique is viable, since measured and simulated results differ by 10% at most. A sample of power pads was considered in this work, and key design parameters were investigated to determine their influence on coupled power and operation. A final 2 kW 700-mm-diameter pad was constructed and tested having a horizontal radial tolerance of 130 mm (equivalent to a circular charging zone of diameter 260 mm) with a 200 mm air gap. The leakage magnetic flux of a charging system was investigated via simulation and measurement. The proposed pads meet human exposure regulations with measurement techniques specific by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) which uses the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines as a foundation.

822 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a design example is presented by experimental implementation of the proposed technique and practical results for the implemented setup at different irradiance levels are illustrated to validate the proposed scheme.
Abstract: Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy has witnessed double-digit growth in the past decade. The penetration of PV systems as distributed generators in low-voltage grids has also seen significant attention. In addition, the need for higher overall grid efficiency and reliability has boosted the interest in the microgrid concept. High-efficiency PV-based microgrids require maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers to maximize the harvested energy due to the nonlinearity in PV module characteristics. Perturb and observe (PO second, no steady-state oscillations around the MPP; and lastly, no need for predefined system-dependent constants, hence provides a generic design core. A design example is presented by experimental implementation of the proposed technique. Practical results for the implemented setup at different irradiance levels are illustrated to validate the proposed technique.

774 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a composite energy storage system (CESS) that contains both high energy density storage battery and high power density storage ultracapacitor to meet the requirements of renewable energy sources is proposed.
Abstract: Renewable-energy-based microgrids are a better way of utilizing renewable power and reduce the usage of fossil fuels. Usage of energy storage becomes mandatory when such microgrids are used to supply quality power to the loads. Microgrids have two modes of operation, namely, grid-connected and islanding modes. During islanding mode, the main responsibility of the storage is to perform energy balance. During grid-connected mode, the goal is to prevent propagation of the renewable source intermittency and load fluctuations to the grid. Energy storage of a single type cannot perform all these jobs efficiently in a renewable powered microgrid. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like photovoltaic (PV) demands usage of storage with high energy density. At the same time, quick fluctuation of load demands storage with high power density. This paper proposes a composite energy storage system (CESS) that contains both high energy density storage battery and high power density storage ultracapacitor to meet the aforementioned requirements. The proposed power converter configuration and the energy management scheme can actively distribute the power demand among the different energy storages. Results are presented to show the feasibility of the proposed scheme.

648 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a distributed control strategy based on improved dc bus signaling is proposed for a modular photovoltaic (PV) generation system with battery energy storage elements, which is composed of three modular dc/dc converters for PV arrays, two grid-connected dc/ac converters, and one DC/dc converter for battery charging/discharging and local loads, which are available of either gridconnected operation or islanding operation.
Abstract: Modular generation system, which consists of modular power conditioning converters, is an effective solution to integrate renewable energy sources with conventional utility grid to improve reliability and efficiency, especially for photovoltaic generation. A distributed control strategy based on improved dc bus signaling is proposed for a modular photovoltaic (PV) generation system with battery energy storage elements. In this paper, the modular PV generation system is composed of three modular dc/dc converters for PV arrays, two grid-connected dc/ac converters, and one dc/dc converter for battery charging/discharging and local loads, which is available of either grid-connected operation or islanding operation. By using the proposed control strategy, the operations of a modular PV generation system are categorized into four modes: islanding with battery discharging, grid-connected rectification, grid-connected inversion, and islanding with constant voltage (CV) generation. The power balance of the system under extreme conditions such as the islanding operation with a full-charged battery is taken into account in this control strategy. The dc bus voltage level is employed as an information carrier to distinguish different modes and determine mode switching. Control methods of modular dc/dc converters, battery converter, and grid-connected converter are addressed. An autonomous control method for modular dc/dc converters is proposed to realize smooth switching between CV operation and maximum power point tracking operation, which enables the dc bus voltage regulation capability of modular dc/dc converters. Seamless switching of a battery converter between charging and discharging and that of a grid-connected converter between rectification and inversion are ensured by the proposed control methods. Experiments verify the practical feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies.

585 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
June Huh1, Seung Wook Lee1, Wooyoung Lee1, Gyu-Hyeong Cho1, Chun T. Rim1 
TL;DR: In this paper, a new inductive power transfer system with a narrow rail width, a small pickup size, and a large air gap for online electric vehicles is proposed, allowing them to drive freely on specially implemented roads by obtaining power from the buried power supply rail.
Abstract: A new inductive power transfer system with a narrow rail width, a small pickup size, and a large air gap for online electric vehicles is proposed in this paper. By introducing a new core structure, the orientation of the magnetic flux alternates along with the road; hence, an inductive power transfer system with a narrow rail width of 10 cm, a large air gap of 20 cm, and a large lateral displacement about 24 cm was implemented. The resonant circuit of the inductive power transfer system, driven by a current source, was fully characterized. The experimental results showed that the maximum output power was 35 kW and that the maximum efficiency was 74% at 27 kW. The proposed system was found to be adequate for electric vehicles, allowing them to drive freely on specially implemented roads by obtaining power from the buried power supply rail.

581 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a fuzzy-logic controller for maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic (PV) systems is proposed, which improves the hill-climbing search method by fuzzifying the rules of such techniques and eliminates their drawbacks.
Abstract: A new fuzzy-logic controller for maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic (PV) systems is proposed. PV modeling is discussed. Conventional hill-climbing maximum power-point tracker structures and features are investigated. The new controller improves the hill-climbing search method by fuzzifying the rules of such techniques and eliminates their drawbacks. Fuzzy-logic-based hill climbing offers fast and accurate converging to the maximum operating point during steady-state and varying weather conditions compared to conventional hill climbing. Simulation and experimentation results are provided to demonstrate the validity of the proposed fuzzy-logic-based controller.

578 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, stability issues in dc microgrids with instantaneous constant-power loads (CPLs) are explored and mitigation strategies such as load shedding, adding resistive loads, filters, or energy storage directly connected to the main bus, and control methods are investigated.
Abstract: This paper explores stability issues in dc microgrids with instantaneous constant-power loads (CPLs). DC microgrids typically have distributed power architectures in which point-of-load converters behave as instantaneous CPLs to line regulating converters located upstream. Constant-power loads introduce a destabilizing effect in dc microgrids that may cause their main bus voltages to show significant oscillations or to collapse. This paper also discusses stabilization strategies to prevent these undesired behaviors from occurring. Mitigating strategies such as load shedding, addition of resistive loads, filters, or energy storage directly connected to the main bus, and control methods are investigated. Advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed and recommendations are made. The analysis is verified with simulations and hardware-based experiments.

538 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors modeled the inverters of a photovoltaic (PV) plant as a multivariable system and analyzed the effect of the number of paralleled grid-connected inverters and the grid impedance.
Abstract: Designing adequate control laws for grid-connected inverters with LCL filters is complicated. The power quality standards and the system resonances burden the task. In order to deal with resonances, system damping has to be implemented. Active damping is preferred to passive damping so as to improve the efficiency of the conversion. In addition, paralleled grid-connected inverters in photovoltaic (PV) plants are coupled due to grid impedance. Generally, this coupling is not taken into account when designing the control laws. In consequence, depending on the number of paralleled grid-connected inverters and the grid impedance, the inverters installed in PV plants do not behave as expected. In this paper, the inverters of a PV plant are modeled as a multivariable system. The analysis carried out enables to obtain an equivalent inverter that describes the totality of inverters of a PV plant. The study is validated through simulation and field experiments. The coupling effect is described and the control law design of paralleled grid-connected inverters with LCL filters in PV plants is clarified.

531 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive analysis and experimental results with pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) control of the dual-active-bridge (DAB) topology is presented.
Abstract: The dual-active-bridge (DAB) topology is ideally suited for high-power dc-dc conversion, especially when bidirectional power transfer is required. However, it has the drawback of high circulating currents and hard switching at light loads, if wide variation in input and output is expected. To address these issues, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis and experimental results with pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) control of the DAB. The PWM control is in addition to phase-shift modulation between the two H-bridges. The analysis addresses PWM of one bridge at a time and of both bridges simultaneously. In the latter, five distinct modes arise based on the choice of PWM and load condition. The possibilities are analyzed for optimizing power density and efficiency for low-load operation. Finally, a composite scheme combining single and dual PWM is proposed that extends the soft-switching range down to zero-load condition, reduces rms and peak currents, and results in significant size reduction of the transformer. Experimental results are presented with a 10-kW prototype.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a novel MPPT method capable of RMPPT under partially shaded conditions (PSCs) is proposed, which is analyzed according to the RMPP position and verified by simulation and experimental results.
Abstract: Conventional popular maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are effective under uniform solar irradiance. However, under solar irradiance mismatching conditions [partially shaded conditions (PSCs)], these MPPTs can fail for real MPPT (RMPPT), because multiple local maxima can be exhibited on the power-voltage characteristic curve. Although some researchers have worked on RMPPT under partial shading conditions, the methods have some drawbacks in terms of complexity and requirements for additional circuits, etc. In this paper, a novel MPPT method capable of RMPPT under PSCs is proposed. The performance of the proposed MPPT method is analyzed according to the RMPP position and is verified by simulation and experimental results.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a decentralized power control method in a single-phase flexible ac microgrid is proposed in which droop control combined with a derivative controller is used in islanded mode to enhance the power loop dynamics.
Abstract: A decentralized power control method in a single-phase flexible ac microgrid is proposed in this paper. Droop control is widely considered to be a good choice for managing the power flows between microgrid converters in a decentralized manner. In this work, to enhance the power loop dynamics, droop control combined with a derivative controller is used in islanded mode. In grid-connected mode, to strictly control the power factor in the point of common coupling (PCC), a droop method combined with an integral controller is adopted. Small-signal analysis of the proposed control is shown both in islanded and grid-connected mode. The proposed control scheme does not need any mode switching action. Thus, it is relatively simple in control for full mode of operation. Smooth transitions between the operation modes and the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme are evaluated through simulation and experimental results.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: These new networks exhibit some unique advantages, such as the increased voltage gain and reduced voltage stress in the voltage-fed trans-ZSIs and the expanded motoring operation range in the current- fed trans- ZSIs, when the turns ratio of the transformer windings is over 1.
Abstract: This paper extends the impedance-source (Z-source) inverters concept to the transformer-based Z-source (trans-Z-source) inverters. The original Z-source inverter (ZSI) employs an impedance network of two inductors and two capacitors connected in a special arrangement to interface the dc source and the inverter bridge. It has buck and boost function that cannot be achieved by traditional voltage-source inverters and current-source inverters. In the proposed four trans-Z-source inverters, all the impedance networks consist of a transformer and one capacitor. While maintaining the main features of the previously presented Z-source network, the new networks exhibit some unique advantages, such as the increased voltage gain and reduced voltage stress in the voltage-fed trans-ZSIs and the expanded motoring operation range in the current-fed trans-ZSIs, when the turns ratio of the transformer windings is over 1. Simulation and experimental results of the voltage-fed and the current-fed trans-ZSIs are provided to verify the analysis.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the minimum ripple energy storage requirement is derived independently of a specific topology, and the feasibility of the active capacitor's reduction schemes is verified based on the minimum energy requirement, which can effectively reduce the energy storage capacitance.
Abstract: It is well known that single-phase pulse width modulation rectifiers have second-order harmonic currents and corresponding ripple voltages on the dc bus. The low-frequency harmonic current is normally filtered using a bulk capacitor in the bus, which results in low power density. However, pursuing high power density in converter design is a very important goal in the aerospace applications. This paper studies methods for reducing the energy storage capacitor for single-phase rectifiers. The minimum ripple energy storage requirement is derived independently of a specific topology. Based on the minimum ripple energy requirement, the feasibility of the active capacitor's reduction schemes is verified. Then, we propose a bidirectional buck-boost converter as the ripple energy storage circuit, which can effectively reduce the energy storage capacitance. The analysis and design are validated by simulation and experimental results.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate passive damping as a general method to stabilize power systems with CPLs, using a representative system model consisting of a voltage source, an LC filter, and an ideal CPL, and demonstrate that a CPL system can be stabilized by a simple damping circuit added to one of the filter elements.
Abstract: This paper addresses stability problems in power systems with loads that exhibit constant-power behavior. Instability may occur in such systems due to the negative incremental impedance of constant-power loads (CPLs). Existing approaches to stabilizing such systems require modification of the source and/or the load control characteristics, or isolating the CPL from the rest of the system by additional active devices, which are difficult to implement and often conflict with other system requirements such as control bandwidth, size, weight, and cost. In this paper, we investigate passive damping as a general method to stabilize power systems with CPL. Using a representative system model consisting of a voltage source, an LC filter, and an ideal CPL, we demonstrate that a CPL system can be stabilized by a simple passive damping circuit added to one of the filter elements. Three different damping methods are considered and analytical models are developed for each method to define damping parameters required for stabilizing the system. Time- and frequency-domain measurements from an experimental system are presented to validate the methods.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a new modulation strategy that allows operating the dual active bridge (DAB) dc-dc converter under soft switching in the whole operating range is proposed, which is ruled by imposing a certain modulation index in one of the two bridges and a phase shift between the transformer primary and secondary voltages.
Abstract: A new modulation strategy that allows operating the dual active bridge (DAB) dc-dc converter under soft switching in the whole operating range is proposed. This strategy is ruled by imposing a certain modulation index in one of the two bridges and a phase shift between the transformer primary and secondary voltages. Moreover, the proposed algorithm reduces the reactive power and thus reducing the converter conduction losses. An experimental prototype was implemented and some experimental results are presented to validate the theoretical analysis. The experimental results reveal that the overall efficiency of the DAB topology can be improved up to 20% by implementing the proposed modulation strategy instead of the conventional one.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a modular multilevel cascade converter based on double-star chopper-cells is proposed for grid connection to medium-voltage power systems without using line-frequency transformers.
Abstract: This paper presents the modular multilevel cascade converter based on double-star chopper-cells, which is intended for grid connection to medium-voltage power systems without using line-frequency transformers. The converter is characterized by a modular arm structure consisting of cascade connection of multiple bidirectional pulsewidth modulation chopper-cells with floating dc capacitors. This arm structure requires voltage-balancing control of all the dc capacitors. However, the voltage control combining an averaging control with an individual-balancing control imposes certain limitations on operating conditions. This paper proposes an arm-balancing control to achieve voltage balancing under all the operating conditions. The validity of the arm-balancing control as well as the theory developed in this paper is confirmed by computer simulation and experiment.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a new high step-up dc-dc converter designed especially for regulating the dc interface between various microsources and a dc-ac inverter to electricity grid.
Abstract: This paper proposes a new high step-up dc-dc converter designed especially for regulating the dc interface between various microsources and a dc-ac inverter to electricity grid. The figuration of the proposed converter is a quadratic boost converter with the coupled inductor in the second boost converter. The converter achieves high step-up voltage gain with appropriate duty ratio and low voltage stress on the power switch. Additionally, the energy stored in the leakage inductor of the coupled inductor can be recycled to the output capacitor. The operating principles and steady-state analyses of continuous-conduction mode and boundary-conduction mode are discussed in detail. To verify the performance of the proposed converter, a 280-W prototype sample is implemented with an input voltage range of 20-40 V and an output voltage of up to 400 V. The upmost efficiency of 93.3% is reached with high-line input; on the other hand, the full-load efficiency remains at 89.3% during low-line input.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a new transformerless four-leg topology is proposed for shunt compensation, the modular multilevel converters (MMC) based on the half-bridge converters, to achieve higher performance as a STATCOM in a distorted and unbalanced medium-voltage large-current (MV-LC) system.
Abstract: A new transformerless four-leg topology is suggested for shunt compensation, the modular multilevel converters (MMC) based on the half-bridge converters, to achieve higher performance as a STATCOM in a distorted and unbalanced medium-voltage large-current (MV-LC) system. Further, an extended MMC (EMMC) is proposed in order to manage more accurate compensation for high-power applications. Both proposals can be controlled for various purposes such as reactive power and unbalance compensation, voltage regulation, and harmonic cancellation. Moreover, related control strategies are also suggested for both the MMC and the EMMC to ensure that the source-end three-phase currents are sinusoidal and balanced. Also, the dc-link capacitors of the half-bridge converters are regulated. One interesting application for the EMMC-based STATCOM could be the improvement in power quality and performance of the electrified railway traction power supply system. Both the MMC- and the EMMC-based STATCOM along with their proposed control strategies were simulated; further, to verify the suggestions, these proposals were also implemented on a 30-kVA modular laboratory prototype. Experiments and simulations confirm the predefined objectives.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A very simple but effective method to obtain the duty ratio of the active vector by appropriately arranging the sequence of the vectors is proposed, and the commutation frequency is reduced effectively without performance degradation.
Abstract: In conventional direct torque controlled (DTC) permanent magnet synchronous motor drive, there is usually undesired torque and flux ripple. The existing literature have proposed some methods to reduce torque and flux ripple by optimizing the duty ratio of the active vector. However, these methods are usually complicated and parameter dependent. This paper first compares the performances of three duty determination methods in detail and then proposes a very simple but effective method to obtain the duty ratio. The novel method is superior to the existing methods in terms of simplicity and robustness. By appropriately arranging the sequence of the vectors, the commutation frequency is reduced effectively without performance degradation. To further improve the performance of system, a low-pass filter-based voltage model with compensations of amplitude and phase is employed to acquire accurate stator flux estimation. The proposed scheme is able to reduce the torque and flux ripple significantly while maintaining the simplicity and robustness of conventional DTC at the most. Simulations and presented experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes in this paper.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a high-efficiency inverter using MOSFETs for all active switches is presented for photovoltaic, non-isolated, ac-module applications.
Abstract: A novel, high-efficiency inverter using MOSFETs for all active switches is presented for photovoltaic, nonisolated, ac-module applications. The proposed H6-type configuration features high efficiency over a wide load range, low ground leakage current, no need for split capacitors, and low-output ac-current distortion. The detailed power stage operating principles, pulsewidth modulation scheme, associated multilevel bootstrap power supply, and integrated gate drivers for the proposed inverter are described. Experimental results of a 300 W hardware prototype show that not only are MOSFET body diode reverse-recovery and ground leakage current issues alleviated in the proposed inverter, but also that 98.3% maximum efficiency and 98.1% European Union efficiency of the dc-ac power train and the associated driver circuit are achieved.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a single-phase d-q vector-based common duty-ratio control method for the multilevel rectifier, and a voltage feedforward and feedback based controller for the modular DAB converter are presented.
Abstract: The solid-state transformer (SST) is one of the key elements in power electronic-based microgrid systems. The single-phase SST consists of a modular multilevel ac-dc rectifier, a modular dual active bridge (DAB) dc-dc converter with high-frequency transformers, and a dc-ac inverter stage. However, due to dc bus voltage and power unbalancing in each module, the modular SST often presents instability problems making its design difficult and causing unpredictable behavior. Moreover, the unbalanced dc-link voltages increase the stress of the semiconductor devices, and also cause high harmonic distortions of grid current, therefore, necessitating the use of a bigger ac filter. This paper presents a novel single-phase d-q vector-based common-duty-ratio control method for the multilevel rectifier, and a voltage feedforward and feedback based controller for the modular DAB converter. With the proposed control methods, the dc-link voltage and power in each module can be balanced. In addition, the low-distortion grid current, unity power factor, and bidirectional power flow can be achieved. Simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the proposed control methods.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a high-frequency transformer isolated bidirectional dc-dc converter modules connected in input-series-output-parallel (ISOP) for 20kVA-solid-state transformer is presented.
Abstract: This paper presents the design of new high-frequency transformer isolated bidirectional dc-dc converter modules connected in input-series-output-parallel (ISOP) for 20-kVA-solid-state transformer. The ISOP modular structure enables the use of low-voltage MOSFETs, featuring low on-state resistance and resulted conduction losses, to address medium-voltage input. A phase-shift dual-half-bridge (DHB) converter is employed to achieve high-frequency galvanic isolation, bidirectional power flow, and zero voltage switching (ZVS) of all switching devices, which leads to low switching losses even with high-frequency operation. Furthermore, an adaptive inductor is proposed as the main energy transfer element of a phase-shift DHB converter so that the circulating energy can be optimized to maintain ZVS at light load and minimize the conduction losses at heavy load as well. As a result, high efficiency over wide load range and high power density can be achieved. In addition, current stress of switching devices can be reduced. A planar transformer adopting printed-circuit-board windings arranged in an interleaved structure is designed to obtain low core and winding loss, solid isolation, and identical parameters in multiple modules. Moreover, the modular structure along with a distributed control provides plug-and-play capability and possible high-level fault tolerance. The experimental results on 1 kW DHB converter modules switching at 50 kHz are presented to validate the theoretical analysis.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a methodology for the optimal allocation and economic analysis of energy storage system (ESS) in microgrids (MGs) on the basis of net present value (NPV) is presented.
Abstract: This paper presents a methodology for the optimal allocation and economic analysis of energy storage system (ESS) in microgrids (MGs) on the basis of net present value (NPV). As the performance of an MG strongly depends on the allocation and arrangement of its ESS, optimal allocation methods and economic operation strategies of the ESS devices are required for the MG. To optimize the operation strategies and capacities of ESS in MGs, the financial benefit and dynamic models of ESS are discussed. And then, a matrix real-coded genetic algorithm is applied to find maximal NPV, in which each GA chromosome consists of a 2-D real number matrix representing the generation schedule of ESS and distributed generation sources. This paper is to suggest, among those available ESS, the optimal sizes and types of them and their optimal arrangement, such that the total NPV achieved during the system operational lifetime period is maximized. Finally, some computational simulation results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a high-efficiency grid-tie lithium-ion-battery-based energy storage system was proposed, which consists of a LiFePO4-based battery energy storage and a high efficiency bidirectional ac-dc converter.
Abstract: Lithium-ion-based battery energy storage system has started to become the most popular form of energy storage system for its high charge and discharge efficiency and high energy density. This paper proposes a high-efficiency grid-tie lithium-ion-battery-based energy storage system, which consists of a LiFePO4-battery-based energy storage and a high-efficiency bidirectional ac-dc converter. The battery management system estimates the state of charge and state of health of each battery cell and applies active charge equalization to balance the charge of all the cells in the pack. The bidirectional ac-dc converter works as the interface between the battery pack and the ac grid. A highly efficient opposed-current half-bridge-type inverter along with an admittance-compensated quasi-proportional resonant controller is adopted to ensure high power quality and precision power flow control. A 1-kW prototype has been designed and implemented to validate the proposed architecture and system performance.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a new family of high boost voltage inverters called switched-inductor quasi-Z-source inverters (SL-qZSIs), which is based on the well-known qZSI topology and adds only one inductor and three diodes.
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.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the application of a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) connected to a wind-turbine-driven doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is investigated.
Abstract: The application of a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) connected to a wind-turbine-driven doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is investigated. The setup allows the wind turbine system an uninterruptible fault ride-through of voltage dips. The DVR can compensate the faulty line voltage, while the DFIG wind turbine can continue its nominal operation as demanded in actual grid codes. Simulation results for a 2 MW wind turbine and measurement results on a 22 kW laboratory setup are presented, especially for asymmetrical grid faults. They show the effectiveness of the DVR in comparison to the low-voltage ride-through of the DFIG using a crowbar that does not allow continuous reactive power production.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A stand-alone hybrid power system consists of solar power, wind power, diesel engine, and an intelligent power controller that consists of a radial basis function network and an improved Elman neural network for maximum power point tracking.
Abstract: A stand-alone hybrid power system is proposed in this paper. The system consists of solar power, wind power, diesel engine, and an intelligent power controller. MATLAB/Simulink was used to build the dynamic model and simulate the system. To achieve a fast and stable response for the real power control, the intelligent controller consists of a radial basis function network (RBFN) and an improved Elman neural network (ENN) for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The pitch angle of wind turbine is controlled by the ENN, and the solar system uses RBFN, where the output signal is used to control the dc/dc boost converters to achieve the MPPT.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, generalized power control strategies based on symmetric-sequence components are proposed to manipulate the delivered instantaneous power under unbalanced voltage dips, and two strategies for simultaneous active and reactive power control are proposed that preserve flexible controllability.
Abstract: During voltage dips continuous power delivery from distributed generation systems to the grid is desirable for the purpose of grid support. In order to facilitate the control of inverter-based distributed power generation adapted to the expected change of grid requirements, generalized power control strategies based on symmetric-sequence components are proposed in this paper, aiming to manipulate the delivered instantaneous power under unbalanced voltage dips. It is shown that active and reactive power can be independently controlled with two individually adaptable parameters. By changing these parameters, the relative amplitudes of oscillating power can be smoothly regulated, as well as the peak values of three-phase grid currents. As a result, the power control of grid-interactive inverters becomes quite flexible and adaptable to various grid requirements or design constraints. Furthermore, two strategies for simultaneous active and reactive power control are proposed that preserve flexible controllability; an application example is given to illustrate the simplicity and adaptability of the proposed strategies for online optimization control. Finally, experimental results are provided that verify the proposed power control.