Showing papers in "Journal of Power Electronics in 2015"

A New Symmetric Multilevel Inverter Topology Using Single and Double Source Sub-Multilevel Inverters

Abstract: In recent years, the multilevel converters have been given more attention due to their modularity, reliability, failure management and multi stepped output waveform with less total harmonic distortion This paper presents a novel symmetric multilevel inverter topology with reduced switching components to generate a high quality stepped sinusoidal voltage waveform The series and parallel combinations of switches in the proposed topology reduce the total number of conducting switches in each level of output voltages In addition, a comparison between the proposed topology with another topology from the literature is presented To verify the proposed topology, the computer based simulation model is developed using MATLAB/Simulink and experimentally with a prototype model results are then compared

Power Quality Improvement in Autonomous Microgrids Using Multi-functional Voltage Source Inverters: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract: Multi-functional voltage source inverters (VSIs) have attracted increasing attention in recent years for their advantageous auxiliary services for power quality enhancement in autonomous microgrids. These types of VSIs can not only achieve a proper control scheme in autonomous mode but also cope with the prescribed power quality and stability requirements. These functionalities are integrated within the same device, thereby significantly improving the cost-effectiveness of microgrids while decreasing the investment and bulk compared with those of multiple devices with independent functionalities. Control strategies for power quality enhancement in autonomous microgrids using multi-functional VSIs are comprehensively reviewed in this paper. In addition, such VSIs are discussed in detail, and comparisons of which are also provided. Lastly, a number of future research directions for multi-functional VSIs are recommended.

Stability and Performance Investigations of Model Predictive Controlled Active-Front-End (AFE) Rectifiers for Energy Storage Systems

Abstract: This paper investigates the stability and performance of model predictive controlled active-front-end (AFE) rectifiers for energy storage systems, which has been increasingly applied in power distribution sectors and in renewable energy sources to ensure an uninterruptable power supply. The model predictive control (MPC) algorithm utilizes the discrete behavior of power converters to determine appropriate switching states by defining a cost function. The stability of the MPC algorithm is analyzed with the discrete z-domain response and the nonlinear simulation model. The results confirms that the control method of the active-front-end (AFE) rectifier is stable, and that is operates with an infinite gain margin and a very fast dynamic response. Moreover, the performance of the MPC controlled AFE rectifier is verified with a 3.0 kW experimental system. This shows that the MPC controlled AFE rectifier operates with a unity power factor, an acceptable THD (4.0 %) level for the input current and a very low DC voltage ripple. Finally, an efficiency comparison is performed between the MPC and the VOC-based PWM controllers for AFE rectifiers. This comparison demonstrates the effectiveness of the MPC controller.

Reducing Common-Mode Voltage of Three-Phase VSIs using the Predictive Current Control Method based on Reference Voltage

Abstract: A model predictive current control (MPCC) method that does not employ a cost function is proposed. The MPCC method can decrease common-mode voltages in loads fed by three-phase voltage-source inverters. Only non-zero-voltage vectors are considered as finite control elements to regulate load currents and decrease common-mode voltages. Furthermore, the three-phase future reference voltage vector is calculated on the basis of an inverse dynamics model, and the location of the one-step future voltage vector is determined at every sampling period. Given this location, a non-zero optimal future voltage vector is directly determined without repeatedly calculating the cost values obtained by each voltage vector through a cost function. Without utilizing the zero-voltage vectors, the proposed MPCC method can restrict the common-mode voltage within ± Vdc/6, whereas the common-mode voltages of the conventional MPCC method vary within ± Vdc/2. The performance of the proposed method with the reduced common-mode voltage and no cost function is evaluated in terms of the total harmonic distortions and current errors of the load currents. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method operated without a cost function, which can reduce the common-mode voltage.

Reactive Power and Soft-Switching Capability Analysis of Dual-Active-Bridge DC-DC Converters with Dual-Phase-Shift Control

Abstract: This paper focuses on a systematical and in-depth analysis of the reactive power and soft-switching regions of Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converters with dual-phase-shift (DPS) control to achieve high efficiency in a wide operating range. The key features of the DPS operating modes are characterized and verified by analytical calculation and experimental tests. The mathematical expressions of the reactive power are derived and the reductions of the reactive power are illustrated with respect to a wide range of output power and voltage conversion ratios. The ZVS soft-switching boundary of the DPS is presented and one more leg with ZVS capability is achieved compared with the CPS control. With the selection of the optimal operating mode, the optimal phase-shift pair is determined by performance indices, which include the minimum peak or rms inductor current. All of the theoretical analysis and optimizations are verified by experimental tests. The experimental results with the DPS demonstrate the efficiency improvement for different load conditions and voltage conversion ratios.

Cascaded Multi-Level Inverter Based IPT Systems for High Power Applications

Abstract: A single phase H-bridge inverter is employed in conventional Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) systems as the primary side power supply. These systems may not be suitable for some high power applications, due to the constraints of the power electronic devices and the cost. A high-frequency cascaded multi-level inverter employed in IPT systems, which is suitable for high power applications, is presented in this paper. The Phase Shift Pulse Width Modulation (PS-PWM) method is proposed to realize power regulation and selective harmonic elimination. Explicit solutions against phase shift angle and pulse width are given according to the constraints of the selective harmonic elimination equation and the required voltage to avoid solving non-linear transcendental equations. The validity of the proposed control approach is verified by the experimental results obtained with a 2kW prototype system. This approach is expected to be useful for high power IPT applications, and the output power of each H-bridge unit is identical by the proposed approach.

Voltage Distortion Approach for Output Filter Design for Off-Grid and Grid-Connected PWM Inverters

Abstract: This paper proposes a novel voltage distortion approach for output filter design based on the voltage transfer function for both off-grid and grid-connected Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Inverters. The method explained in detail is compared to conventional methods. A comparative analysis is performed on an example of L and LCL-filter design. Simulation and experimental results for the off-grid and the grid-connected single phase inverter prove our theoretical predictions. It was found that conventional methods define redundant values of the output filter elements. Assumptions and limitations of the proposed approach are also discussed.

Evaluation and Design Tools for the Reliability of Wind Power Converter System

Abstract: As a key part in the wind turbine system, the power electronic converter is proven to have high failure rates. At the same time, the failure of the wind power converter is becoming more unacceptable because of the quick growth in capacity, remote locations to reach, and strong impact to the power grid. As a result, the correct assessment of reliable performance for power electronics is a crucial and emerging need; the assessment is essential for design improvement, as well as for the extension of converter lifetime and reduction of energy cost. Unfortunately, there still exists a lack of suitable physic-of-failure based evaluation tools for a reliability assessment in power electronics. In this paper, an advanced tool structure which can acquire various reliability metrics of wind power converter is proposed. The tool is based on failure mechanisms in critical components of the system and mission profiles in wind turbines. Potential methodologies, challenges, and technology trends involved in this tool structure are also discussed. Finally, a simplified version of the tool is demonstrated on a wind power converter based on Double Fed Induction Generator system. With the proposed tool structure, more detailed information of reliability performances in a wind power converter can be obtained before the converter can actually fail in the field and many potential research topics can also be initiated.

The Development of a 20MW PWM Driver for Advanced Fifteen-Phase Propulsion Induction Motors

Abstract: Since the power capacity needed for the propulsion of large ships is very large, a multiphase AC induction propulsion mode is generally adopted to meet the higher requirements of reliability, redundancy and maintainability. This paper gives a detailed description of the development of a 20MW fifteen-phase PWM driver for advanced fifteen-phase propulsion induction motors with a special third-harmonic injection in terms of the main circuit hardware, control system design, experiments, etc. The adoption of the modular design method for the main circuit hardware design can make the enclosed mechanical structure simple and maintainable. It can also avoid the larger switch stresses caused by the multiple turn on of the IGBTs in conventional large-capacity converter systems. The use of the distributed controller design method based on a high-speed fiber-optic ring net for the control system can overcome such disadvantages as the poor reliability and long maintenance times arising from the conventional centralized controller which is designed according to point-to-point communication. Finally, the performance of the 20MW PWM driver is verified by experimentation on a new fifteen-phase induction propulsion motor.

6.78MHz Capacitive Coupling Wireless Power Transfer System

Abstract: Wireless power transfer technologies typically include inductive coupling, magnetic resonance, and capacitive coupling methods. Among these methods, capacitive coupling wireless power transfer (CCWPT) has been studied to overcome the drawbacks of other approaches. CCWPT has many advantages such as having a simple structure, low standing power loss, reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) and the ability to transfer power through metal barriers. In this paper, the CCWPT system with 6.78MHz class D inverter is proposed and analyzed. The proposed system consists of a 6.78MHz class D inverter with a LC low pass filter, capacitor between a transmitter and a receiver, and impedance transformers. The system is verified with a prototype for charging mobile devices.

Development of an Optimized Algorithm for Bidirectional Equalization in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract: Many equalization circuits have been proposed to improve pack performance and reduce imbalance. Although bidirectional equalization topologies are promising in these methods, pre-equalization global equalization strategy is lacking. This study proposes a novel state-of-charge (SoC) equalization algorithm for bidirectional equalizer based on particle swarm optimization (PSO), which is employed to find optimal equalization time and steps. The working principle of bidirectional equalization topologies is analyzed, and the reason behind the application of SoC as a balancing criterion is explained. To verify the performance of the proposed algorithm, a pack with 12 LiFePO4 batteries is applied in the experiment. Results show that the maximum SoC gap is within 2% after equalization, and the available pack capacity is enhanced by 13.2%. Furthermore, a comparison between previously used methods and the proposed PSO equalization algorithm is presented. Experimental tests are performed, and results show that the proposed PSO equalization algorithm requires fewer steps and is superior to traditional methods in terms of equalization time, energy loss, and balancing performance.

Analysis of Multi-Agent-Based Adaptive Droop-Controlled AC Microgrids with PSCAD: Modeling and Simulation

Abstract: A microgrid (MG) with integrated renewable energy resources can benefit both utility companies and customers. As a result, they are attracting a great deal of attention. The control of a MG is very important for the stable operation of a MG. The droop-control method is popular since it avoids circulating currents among the converters without using any critical communication between them. Traditional droop control methods have the drawback of an inherent trade-off between power sharing and voltage and frequency regulation. An adaptive droop control method is proposed, which can operate in both the island mode and the grid-connected mode. It can also ensure smooth switching between these two modes. Furthermore, the voltage and frequency of a MG can be restored by using the proposed droop controller. Meanwhile, the active power can be dispatched appropriately in both operating modes based on the capacity or running cost of the Distributed Generators (DGs). The global information (such as the average voltage and output active power of the MG and so on) required by the proposed droop control method to restore the voltage and frequency deviations can be acquired distributedly based on the Multi Agent System (MAS). Simulation studies in PSCAD demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.

Classification of Grid Connected Transformerless PV Inverters with a Focus on the Leakage Current Characteristics and Extension of Topology Families

Abstract: Grid-connected transformerless photovoltaic (PV) inverters (TPVIs) are increasingly dominating the market due to their higher efficiency, lower cost, lighter weight, and reduced size when compared to their transformer based counterparts. However, due to the lack of galvanic isolation in the low voltage grid interconnections of these inverters, the PV systems become vulnerable to leakage currents flowing through the grounded star point of the distribution transformer, the earth, and the distributed parasitic capacitance of the PV modules. These leakage currents are prohibitive, since they constitute an issue for safety, reliability, protection coordination, electromagnetic compatibility, and module lifetime. This paper investigates a wide range of multi-kW range power rating TPVI topologies and classifies them in terms of their leakage current attributes. This systematic classification places most topologies under a small number of classes with basic leakage current attributes. Thus, understanding and evaluating these topologies becomes an easy task. In addition, based on these observations, new topologies with reduced leakage current characteristics are proposed in this paper. Furthermore, the important efficiency and cost determining characteristics of converters are studied to allow design engineers to include cost and efficiency as deciding factors in selecting a converter topology for PV applications.

An Improved Variable Step Size MPPT Algorithm Based on INC

Abstract: In order to ensure that photovoltaic (PV) systems work at the maximum power point (MPP) and maximize the economic benefits, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are normally applied to these systems. One of the most widely applied MPPT methods is the incremental conductance (INC) method. However, the choice of the step size still remains controversial. This paper presents an improved variable step size INC MPPT algorithm that uses four different step sizes. This method has the advantages of INC but with the ability to validly adjust the step size to adapt to changes of the PV’s power curve. The presented algorithm also simultaneously achieves increased rapidity and accuracy when compared with the conventional fixed step size INC MPPT algorithm. In addition, the theoretical derivation and specific applications of the proposed algorithm are presented here. This method is validated by simulation and experimental results.

An Active Clamp High Step-Up Boost Converter with a Coupled Inductor

Abstract: An active clamp high step-up boost converter with a coupled inductor is proposed in this paper. In the proposed strategy, a coupled inductor is adopted to achieve a high voltage gain. The clamp circuit is included to achieve the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) condition for both the main and clamp switches. A rectifier composed of a capacitor and a diode is added to reduce the voltage stress of the output rectifier diode. As a result, diodes with a low reverse-recovery time and forward voltage-drop can be utilized. Since the voltage stresses of the main and clamp switches are far below the output voltage, low-voltage-rated MOSFETs can be adopted to reduce conduction losses. Moreover, the reverse-recovery losses of the diodes are reduced due to the inherent leakage inductance of the coupled inductor. Therefore, high efficiency can be expected. Firstly, the derivation of the proposed converter is given and the operation analysis is described. Then, a steady-state performance analysis of the proposed converter is analyzed in detail. Finally, a 250 W prototype is built to verify the analysis. The measured maximum efficiency of the prototype is 95%.

Analysis and Design of DC-link Voltage Controller in Shunt Active Power Filter

Abstract: This study investigates the inherent influence of a DC-link voltage controller on both DC-link voltage control and the compensation performance of a three-phase, four-wire shunt active power filter (APF). A nonlinear variable-parameter DC-link voltage controller is proposed to satisfy both the dynamic characteristic of DC-link voltage control and steady-state compensation performance. Unlike in the conventional fixed-parameter controller, the parameters in the proposed controller vary according to the difference between the actual and the reference DC-link voltages. The design procedures for the nonlinear voltage controller with variable parameters are determined and analyzed so that the proposed voltage controller can be designed accordingly. Representative simulation and experimental results for the three-phase, four-wire, center-spilt shunt APF verify the analysis findings, as well as the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed DC-link voltage controller.

A New Symmetric Cascaded Multilevel Inverter Topology Using Single and Double Source Unit

Abstract: In this paper, a new symmetric multilevel inverter is proposed. A simple structure for the cascaded multilevel inverter topology is also proposed, which produces a high number of levels with the application of few power electronic devices. The symmetric multilevel inverter can generate 2n+1 levels with a reduced number of power switches. The basic unit is composed of a single and double source unit (SDS-unit). The application of this SDS-unit is for reducing the number of power electronic components like insulated gate bipolar transistors, freewheeling diodes, gate driver circuits, dc voltage sources, and blocked voltages by switches. Various new algorithms are recommended to determine the magnitude of dc sources in a cascaded structure. Furthermore, the proposed topology is optimized for different goals. The proposed cascaded structure is compared with other similar topologies. For verifying the performance of the proposed basic symmetric and cascaded structure, results from a computer-based MATLAB/Simulink simulation and from experimental hardware are also discussed.

Active Damping of LLCL Filters Using PR Control for Grid-Connected Three-Level T-Type Converters

Abstract: In this paper, an active damping control scheme for LLCL filters based on the PR (proportional-resonant) regulator is proposed for grid-connected three-level T-type PWM converter systems. The PR controller gives an infinite gain at the resonance frequency. As a result, the oscillation can be suppressed at that frequency. In order to improve the stability of the system in the case of grid impedance variations, online grid impedance estimation is applied. Simulation and experimental results have verified the effectiveness of the proposed scheme for three-phase T-type AC/DC PWM converters.

Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Control Design for Cascaded Control System of PMSG Wind Turbine

Abstract: This study focuses on an advanced second-order sliding mode control strategy for a variable speed wind turbine based on a permanent magnet synchronous generator to maximize wind power extraction while simultaneously reducing the mechanical stress effect. The control design based on a modified version of the super-twisting algorithm with variable gains can be applied to the cascaded system scheme comprising the current control loop and speed control loop. The proposed control inheriting the well-known robustness of the sliding technique successfully deals with the problems of essential nonlinearity of wind turbine systems, the effects of disturbance regarding variation on the parameters, and the random nature of wind speed. In addition, the advantages of the adaptive gains and the smoothness of the control action strongly reduce the chatter signals of wind turbine systems. Finally, with comparison with the traditional super-twisting algorithm, the performance of the system is verified through simulation results under wind speed turbulence and parameter variations.

A Novel Phase Locked Loop for Grid-Connected Converters under Non-Ideal Grid Conditions

Abstract: Grid synchronization is one of the key techniques for the grid-connected power converters used in distributed power generation systems. In order to achieve fast and accurate grid synchronization, a new phase locked loop (PLL) is proposed on the basis of the complex filter matrixes (CFM) orthogonal signal generator (OSG) crossing-decoupling method. By combining first-order complex filters with relation matrixes of positive and negative sequence voltage components, the OSG is designed to extract specific frequency orthogonal signals. Then, the OSG mathematical model is built in the frequency-domain and time-domain to analyze the spectral characteristics. Moreover, a crossing-decoupling method is suggested to decouple the fundamental voltage. From the eigenvalue analysis point of view, the stability and dynamic performance of the new PLL method is evaluated. Meanwhile, the digital implementation method is also provided. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by experiments under unbalanced and distorted grid voltage conditions.

Modeling and Direct Power Control Method of Vienna Rectifiers Using the Sliding Mode Control Approach

Abstract: This paper uses the switching function approach to present a simple state model of the Vienna-type rectifier. The approach introduces the relationship between the DC-link neutral point voltage and the AC side phase currents. A novel direct power control (DPC) strategy, which is based on the sliding mode control (SMC) for Vienna I rectifiers, is developed using the proposed power model in the stationary α-β reference frames. The SMC-based DPC methodology directly regulates instantaneous active and reactive powers without transforming to a synchronous rotating coordinate reference frame or a tracking phase angle of grid voltage. Moreover, the required rectifier control voltages are directly calculated by utilizing the non-linear SMC scheme. Theoretically, active and reactive power flows are controlled without ripple or cross coupling. Furthermore, the fixed-switching frequency is obtained by employing the simplified space vector modulation (SVM). SVM solves the complicated designing problem of the AC harmonic filter. The simplified SVM is based on the simplification of the space vector diagram of a three-level converter into that of a two-level converter. The dwelling time calculation and switching sequence selection are easily implemented like those in the conventional two-level rectifier. Replacing the current control loops with power control loops simplifies the system design and enhances the transient performance. The simulation models in MATLAB/Simulink and the digital signal processor-controlled 1.5 kW Vienna-type rectifier are used to verify the fast responses and robustness of the proposed control scheme.

Power Loss and Junction Temperature Analysis in the Modular Multilevel Converters for HVDC Transmission Systems

Abstract: The power loss of the controllable switches in modular multilevel converter (MMC) HVDC transmission systems is an important factor, which can determine the design of the operating junction temperatures. Due to the dc current component, the approximate calculation tool provided by the manufacturer of the switches cannot be used for the losses of the switches in the MMC. Based on the enabled probabilities of each SM in an arm, the current analytical models of the switches can be determined. The average and RMS currents can be obtained from the corresponding current analytical model. Then, the conduction losses can be calculated, and the switching losses of the switches can be estimated according to the upper limit of the switching frequency. Finally, the thermal resistance model of the switches can be utilized, and the junction temperatures can be estimated. A comparison between the calculation and PSCAD simulation results shows that the proposed method is effective for estimating the junction temperatures of the switches in the MMC.

Optimum Design of Integer and Fractional-Order PID Controllers for Boost Converter Using SPEA Look-up Tables

Abstract: This paper presents a method of designing optimal integer- and fractional-order proportional–integral-derivative (FOPID) controllers for a boost converter to gain a set of favorable characteristics at various operating points. A Pareto-based multi-objective optimization approach called strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA) is used to obtain fast and low overshoot start-up and dynamic responses and switching stability. The optimization approach generates a set of optimal gains called Pareto set, which corresponds to a Pareto front. The Pareto front is a set of optimal results for objective functions. These results provide designers with a trade-off look-up table, in which they can easily choose any of the optimal gains based on design requirements. The SPEA also overcomes the difficulties of tuning the FOPID controller, which is an extension to the classic integer-order PID controllers and potentially promises better results. The proposed optimized FOPID controller provides an excellent start-up response and the desired dynamic response. This paper presents a detailed comparison of the optimum integer- and the fractional-order PID controllers. Extensive simulation and experimental results prove the superiority of the proposed design methodology to achieve a wide set of desired technical goals.

Loss Analysis and Comparison of High Power Semiconductor Devices in 5MW PMSG MV Wind Turbine Systems

Abstract: This paper provides a loss analysis and comparison of high power semiconductor devices in 5MW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) Medium Voltage (MV) Wind Turbine Systems (WTSs). High power semiconductor devices of the press-pack type IGCT, module type IGBT, press-pack type IGBT, and press-pack type IEGT of both 4.5kV and 6.5kV are considered in this paper. Benchmarking is performed based on the back-to-back type 3-level Neutral Point Clamped Voltage Source Converters (3L-NPC VSCs) supplied from a grid voltage of 4160V. The feasible number of semiconductor devices in parallel is designed through a loss analysis considering both the conduction and switching losses under the operating conditions of 5MW PMSG wind turbines, particularly for application in offshore wind farms. This paper investigates the loss analysis and thermal performance of 5MW 3L-NPC wind power inverters under the operating conditions of various power factors. The loss analysis and thermal analysis are confirmed through PLECS Blockset simulations with Matlab Simulink. The comparison results show that the press-pack type IGCT has the highest efficiency including the snubber loss factor.

Analysis and Compensation Control of Dead-Time Effect on Space Vector PWM

Abstract: Dead-time element must be set into space vector pulsed width modulation signals to avoid short circuits of the inverter. However, the dead-time element distorts the output voltage vector, which deteriorates the performance of electrical machine drive system. In this paper, dead-time effect and its compensation control strategy are analyzed. Based on the analysis, the voltage distortion caused by dead-time is regarded as two disturbances imposed on dq axes in the rotor reference frame, which degenerates the current tracking performance. To inhibit the adverse effect caused by the dead-time, a control scheme using two linear extended state observers is proposed. This method provides a strong ability to suppress dead-time effects. Simulations and experiments are conducted on a permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Wide-Range Sensorless Control for SPMSM Using an Improved Full-Order Flux Observer

Abstract: A sensorless control method was recently investigated in the robot and automation industry. This method can solve problems related to the rise of manufacturing costs and system volume. In a vector control method, the rotor position estimated in the sensorless control method is generally used. This study is based on a conventional full-order flux observer. The proposed full-order flux observer estimates both currents and fluxes. Estimated d- and q-axis currents and fluxes are used to estimate the rotor position. In selecting the gains, the proposed full-order flux observer substitutes gain k for the speed information in the denominator of the gain for fast convergence. Therefore, accurate speed control in a low-speed region can be obtained because gains do not influence the estimation of the rotor position. The stability of the proposed full-order flux observer is confirmed through a root-locus method, and the validity of the proposed observer is experimentally verified using a surface permanent-magnet synchronous motor.

PWM-Based Sliding Mode Controller for Three-Level Full-Bridge DC-DC Converter that Eliminates Static Output Voltage Error

Abstract: This paper proposes a pulse width modulation (PWM)-based sliding mode controller (SMC) for a full-bridge DC-DC converter that can eliminate static output voltage error. Hysteretic SMC in DC-DC converter does not have a fixed switching frequency, and applying hysteretic SMC to full-bridge converters is difficult. Fixed-frequency SMC, which is also called PWM-based SMC, based on equivalent control overcomes these shortcomings. However, the controller order reduction in equivalent control in PWM-based SMC causes static output voltage error. To resolve this issue, an integral item is added to the PWM-based SMC. Sliding mode coefficients are designed by applying a standard second-order system to the sliding mode surface. The effect of adding an integral item on the controller is analyzed, and an integral coefficient design method is proposed. Experiment results on a three-level full-bridge DC-DC converter verify the control scheme and design method proposed in this paper.

Implementation of a Sliding Mode Controller for Single Ended Primary Inductor Converter

Abstract: This paper presents the regulation of the output voltage and inductor currents in a Single Ended Primary Inductor Converter (SEPIC), operating in the continuous conduction mode (CCM) using a sliding mode controller. Owing to the time varying nature of the SEPIC converter, designing a feedback controller is a challenging task. In order to improve the dynamic performance of the SEPIC, a Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) is developed. The developed SMC is designed by using a state space average model. The performance of the developed controller with the SEPIC converter is validated at different working conditions through Matlab simulations. It is also compared with the performance while using a PI controller. The results show that the designed controller gives very good output voltage regulation under different operating conditions such as a varying input voltage, changes in the load and component variations. A 48V, 46W experimental setup for has been developed in an analog platform to validate the performance of the proposed SMC.

Reactive Current Assignment and Control for DFIG Based Wind Turbines during Grid Voltage Sag and Swell Conditions

Abstract: This paper proposes a reactive current assignment and control strategy for a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind-turbine generation system under generic grid voltage sag or swell conditions. The system’s active and reactive power constrains during grid faults are investigated with both the grid- and rotor-side convertors (GSC and RSC) maximum ampere limits considered. To meet the latest grid codes, especially the low- and high-voltage ride-through (LVRT and HVRT) requirements, an adaptive reactive current control scheme is investigated. In addition, a torque-oscillation suppression technique is designed to reduce the mechanism stress on turbine systems caused by intensive voltage variations. Simulation and experiment studies demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme to enhance the fault ride-through (FRT) capability of DFIG-based wind turbines during violent changes in grid voltage.

Stability Enhancement of Four-in-Wheel Motor-Driven Electric Vehicles Using an Electric Differential System

Abstract: This paper presents a new multi-machine robust control based on an electric differential system for electric vehicle (EV) applications which is composed of four in-wheel permanent magnet synchronous motors. It is based on a new master?slave direct torque control (DTC) algorithm, which is used for the control of bi-machine traction systems based on a speed model reference adaptive system observer. The use of an electric differential in the design of a new EV constitutes a technological breakthrough. A classical system with a multi-inverter and a multi-machine comprises a three-phase inverter for each machine to be controlled. Another approach consists of only one three-phase inverter for several permanent magnet synchronous machines. The control of multi-machine single-inverter systems is the subject of this study. Several methods have been proposed for the control of multi-machine single-inverter systems. In this study, a new master?slave based DTC strategy is developed to generate an electric differential system. The entire system is simulated by Matlab/Simulink. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the new multi-machine robust control based on an electric differential system for use in EV applications.