Showing papers on "Converters published in 2006"

Proportional-resonant controllers and filters for grid-connected voltage-source converters

Abstract: The recently introduced proportional-resonant (PR) controllers and filters, and their suitability for current/voltage control of grid-connected converters, are described. Using the PR controllers, the converter reference tracking performance can be enhanced and previously known shortcomings associated with conventional PI controllers can be alleviated. These shortcomings include steady-state errors in single-phase systems and the need for synchronous d-q transformation in three-phase systems. Based on similar control theory, PR filters can also be used for generating the harmonic command reference precisely in an active power filter, especially for single-phase systems, where d-q transformation theory is not directly applicable. Another advantage associated with the PR controllers and filters is the possibility of implementing selective harmonic compensation without requiring excessive computational resources. Given these advantages and the belief that PR control will find wide-ranging applications in grid-interfaced converters, PR control theory is revised in detail with a number of practical cases that have been implemented previously, described clearly to give a comprehensive reference on PR control and filtering.

Constant power loads and negative impedance instability in automotive systems: definition, modeling, stability, and control of power electronic converters and motor drives

Abstract: Power electronic converters and electric motor drives are being put into use at an increasingly rapid rate in advanced automobiles. However, the new advanced automotive electrical systems employ multivoltage level hybrid ac and dc as well as electromechanical systems that have unique characteristics, dynamics, and stability problems that are not well understood due to the nonlinearity and time dependency of converters and because of their constant power characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to present an assessment of the negative impedance instability concept of the constant power loads (CPLs) in automotive power systems. The main focus of this paper is to analyze and propose design criteria of controllers for automotive converters/systems operating with CPLs. The proposed method is to devise a new comprehensive approach to the applications of power electronic converters and motor drives in advanced automotive systems. Sliding-mode and feedback linearization techniques along with large-signal phase plane analysis are presented as methods to analyze, control, and stabilize automotive converters/systems with CPLs

DC-Bus Signaling: A Distributed Control Strategy for a Hybrid Renewable Nanogrid

Abstract: A dc nanogrid is a hybrid renewable system since renewable sources supply the average load demand, while storage and nonrenewable generation maintain the power balance in the presence of the stochastic renewable sources. The system is power electronic based, with converters being used to interface both the sources and loads to the system. The nanogrid is controlled using dc-bus signaling (DBS), a distributed control strategy in which the control nodes, the source/storage interface converters, induce voltage-level changes to communicate with the other control nodes. This paper explains the control structure required for the converters to permit the use of DBS, and explains a procedure for implementing a system-wide control law through independent control of the source/storage interface converters. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the operation of this novel control strategy

Digital control in power electronics

Abstract: This book presents the reader, whether an electrical engineering student in power electronics or a design engineer, a selection of power converter control problems and their basic digital solutions, based on the most widespread digital control techniques. The presentation is primarily focused on different applications of the same power converter topology, the half-bridge voltage source inverter, considered both in its single- and three-phase implementation. This is chosen as the test case because, besides being simple and well known, it allows the discussion of a significant spectrum of the most frequently encountered digital control applications in power electronics, from digital pulse width modulation (DPWM) and space vector modulation (SVM), to inverter output current and voltage control, ending with the relatively more complex VSI applications related to the so called smart-grid scenario. This book aims to serve two purposes: (1) to give a basic, introductory knowledge of the digital control techniques applied to power converters; and (2) to raise the interest for discrete time control theory, stimulating new developments in its application to switching power converters.

Family of multiport bidirectional DC¿DC converters

Abstract: Multiport DC-DC converters are of potential interest in applications such as generation systems utilising multiple sustainable energy sources. A family of multiport bidirectional DC-DC converters derived from a general topology is presented. The topology shows a combination of DC-link and magnetic coupling. This structure makes use of both methods to interconnect multiple sources without the penalty of extra conversion or additional switches. The resulting converters have the advantage of being simple in topology and have a minimum number of power devices. The proposed general topology and basic cells show several possibilities to construct a multiport converter for particular applications and provide a solution to integrate diverse sources owing to their flexibility in structure. The system features a minimal number of conversion steps, low cost and compact packaging. In addition, the control and power management of the converter by a single digital processor is possible. The centralised control eliminates complicated communication structures that would be necessary in the conventional structure based on separate conversion stages. A control strategy based on classical control theory is proposed, showing a multiple PID-loop structure. The general topology and a set of three-port embodiments are detailed.

Control Design Techniques in Power Electronics Devices

Abstract: Modelling.- Modelling of DC-to-DC Power Converters.- Controller Design Methods.- Sliding Mode Control.- Approximate Linearization in the Control of Power Electronics Devices.- Nonlinear Methods in the Control of Power Electronics Devices.- Applications.- DC-to-AC Power Conversion.- AC Rectifiers.

Power Electronics and Motor Drives: Advances and Trends

Abstract: Introduction Power Semiconductor Devices Phase-Controlled Converters and Cycloconverters Voltage-Fed Converters and PWM Techniques Current-Fed Converters AC Machined for Drives Induction Motor Drives-Control and Estimation Synchronus Motor Drives-Control and Estimation Microprocessor/DSP Priciples and Applications Fuzzy Logic Pronciples and Applications Neural Network Principles and Applications

A Comparison of Diode-Clamped and Cascaded Multilevel Converters for a STATCOM With Energy Storage

Abstract: The progression of distributed generation within a bulk power system will lead to the need for greater control of transmission-line power flows. Static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs) provide a power-electronics-based means of embedded control of transmission-line voltage and power flows. The integration of energy storage with a STATCOM can extend traditional STATCOM capabilities to four-quadrant power flow control and transient stability improvement. This paper discusses energy storage systems (ESSs) integrated with conventional and multilevel bidirectional power converters for a hybrid STATCOM/ESS. Conventional, diode-clamped, and cascaded multilevel converter-based STATCOM/ESSs are developed, and their performances for a variety of power system applications are compared using battery energy storage. The advantages and disadvantages of each topology are presented. Both simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the conclusions

A Digital Current-Mode Control Technique for DC–DC Converters

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to propose a simple digital current mode control technique for dc-dc converters. In the proposed current-mode control method, the inductor current is sampled only once in a switching period. A compensating ramp is used in the modulator to determine the switching instant. The slope of the compensating ramp is determined analytically from the steady-state stability condition. The proposed digital current-mode control is not predictive, therefore the trajectory of the inductor current during the switching period is not estimated in this method, and as a result the computational burden on the digital controller is significantly reduced. It therefore effectively increases the maximum switching frequency of the converter when a particular digital signal processor is used to implement the control algorithm. It is shown that the proposed digital method is versatile enough to implement any one of the average, peak, and valley current mode controls by adjustment of the sampling instant of the inductor current with respect to the turn-on instant of the switch. The proposed digital current-mode control algorithm is tested on a 12-V input and 1.5-V, 7-A output buck converter switched at 100kHz and experimental results are presented

Common-duty-ratio control of input-series connected modular DC-DC converters with active input voltage and load-current sharing

Abstract: This paper proposes a simple control method to achieve active sharing of input voltage and load current among modular converters that are connected in series at the input and in parallel at the output. The input-series connection enables a fully modular power-system architecture, where low voltage and low power modules can be connected in any combination at the input and/or at the output, to realize any given specifications. Further, the input-series connection enables the use of low-voltage MOSFETs that are optimized for very low RDSON , thus, resulting in lower conduction losses. In the proposed scheme, the duty ratio to all the converter modules connected in input-series and output-parallel (ISOP) configuration is made common. This scheme does not require a dedicated input-voltage or load-current-share controller. It relies on the inherent self-correcting characteristic of the ISOP connection when the duty ratio of all the converters is the same. The proposed scheme is analyzed using the average model of a forward converter. The stability and performance of the scheme are verified through numerical simulation, both in frequency domain and in time domain. The proposed control method is also validated on an experimental prototype ISOP system comprising of two forward converters

A unified approach to the design of PWM-based sliding-mode voltage controllers for basic DC-DC converters in continuous conduction mode

Abstract: This paper presents a simple unified approach to the design of fixed-frequency pulsewidth-modulation-based sliding-mode controllers for dc-dc converters operating in the continuous conduction mode. The design methodology is illustrated on the three primary dc-dc converters: buck, boost, and buck-boost converters. To illustrate the feasibility of the scheme, an experimental prototype of the derived boost controller/converter system is developed. Several tests are performed to validate the functionalities of the system

A New Simplified Multilevel Inverter Topology for DC–AC Conversion

Abstract: Multilevel converters offer high power capability, associated with lower output harmonics and lower commutation losses. Their main disadvantage is their complexity, requiring a great number of power devices and passive components, and a rather complex control circuitry. This work reports a new multilevel inverter topology using an H-bridge output stage with a bidirectional auxiliary switch. The new topology produces a significant reduction in the number of power devices and capacitors required to implement a multilevel output. The new topology is used in the design of a five-level inverter; only five controlled switches, eight diodes, and two capacitors are required to implement the five-level inverter using the proposed topology. The new topology achieves a 37.5% reduction in the number of main power switches required (five in the new against eight in any of the other three configurations) and uses no more diodes or capacitors that the second best topology in the literature, the Asymmetric Cascade configuration. Additionally, the dedicated modulator circuit required for multilevel inverter operation is implemented using a FPGA circuit, reducing overall system cost and complexity. Theoretical predictions are validated using simulation in SPICE, and satisfactory circuit operation is proved with experimental tests performed on a laboratory prototype

Natural Balance of Multicell Converters: The Two-Cell Case

Abstract: The multicell converter topology is said to possess a natural voltage balancing property. This paper is the first of a two-part series in which multicell converters are modelled for the general case of p-cells. This paper focuses on the development of the natural balancing theory for the two-cell case. An understanding of the two-cell case is fundamental to understanding the general balancing theory. The switching functions used in switching these converters are mathematically analyzed. Equivalent circuits are derived and presented. The switching and balancing properties of these converters are mathematically analyzed. The main conclusion of the analysis is that the natural balancing of these converters are influenced by three factors namely, the harmonic content of the reference waveform, the switching frequency and the load impedance. Mathematical tools are presented that can help designers to predict if balancing problems would occur for a particular set of operating conditions. As a result of the detailed understanding of the balancing mechanism that is gained through this theory it is shown that by adding a balance booster, the load impedance can be manipulated to improve the natural balancing of the converter. Simulation results are included to verify the presented balance theory and properties

Modeling Strategy for Back-to-Back Three-Level Converters Applied to High-Power Wind Turbines

Abstract: Three-level converters are becoming a realistic alternative to the conventional converters in high-power wind-energy applications. In this paper, a complete analytical strategy to model a back-to-back three-level converter is described. This tool permits us to adapt the control strategy to the specific application. Moreover, the model of different loads can be incorporated to the overall model. Both control strategy and load models are included in the complete system model. The proposed model pays special attention to the unbalance in the capacitors' voltage of three-level converters, including the dynamics of the capacitors' voltage. In order to validate the model and the control strategy proposed in this paper, a 3-MW three-level back-to-back power converter used as a power conditioning system of a variable speed wind turbine has been simulated. Finally, the described strategy has been implemented in a 50-kVA scalable prototype as well, providing a satisfactory performance

Sensorless optimization of dead times in dc–dc converters with synchronous rectifiers

Abstract: This paper introduces an approach to achieve optimum dead times in dc–dc converters with synchronous rectifiers without sensing any of the power-stage signals other than the output voltage. The dead times are adjusted adaptively to minimize the duty-cycle command, which results in maximization of the converter efficiency. The method is particularly well suited for digital controller implementation, requiring no additional analog components or modifications of standard gate-drive circuitry. Experimental results for a digitally controlled 5 V-to-1 V, 5-A synchronous buck converter demonstrate practical implementation of the sensorless dead-time optimization algorithm.

Adaptive feedforward and feedback control schemes for sliding mode controlled power converters

Abstract: A major disadvantage of applying sliding mode control to dc/dc converters is that the steady-state switching frequency is affected by line and load variations This is undesirable as it complicates the design of the input and output filters To reduce switching frequency deviation in the events of line and load variations, an adaptive feedforward control scheme that varies the hysteresis band according to the change of line input voltage and an adaptive feedback control scheme that varies the control parameter (ie, sliding coefficient) according to the change of the output load are proposed This paper presents a thorough investigation into the problem and the effectiveness of the proposed solutions In addition, methods of implementing the proposed adaptive control strategies are discussed Experimental results confirm that the adaptive control schemes are capable of reducing the switching frequency variations caused by both line and load variations

Numerical state-space average-value modeling of PWM DC-DC converters operating in DCM and CCM

Abstract: State-space average-value modeling of pulsewidth modulation converters in continuous and discontinuous modes has received significant attention in the literature, and various models have been developed. This paper presents a new approach for generating the state-space average-value model. In the proposed methodology, the so-called duty-ratio constraint and the correction term are extracted numerically using the detailed simulation and are expressed as nonlinear functions of the duty cycle and average-value of the fast state variable. The parasitic effects of circuit elements are readily included. The resulting average-value model is compared to a hardware prototype, a detailed simulation, and several previously published models. The proposed model is shown to be very accurate in predicting the large-signal time-domain transients as well as the small-signal frequency-domain characteristics.

Analysis and design of a low-stress buck-boost converter in universal-input PFC applications

Abstract: In converters for power-factor-correction (PFC), the universal-input capability, i.e., the ability to operate from any ac line voltage world-wide, comes with a heavy penalty in terms of component stresses and losses, and with restrictions on the dc output voltage. In this paper, we propose a new two-switch topology, boost-interleaved buck-boost (BoIBB) converter, which can offer significant performance improvements over single-switch buck-boost converters (including flyback, SEPIC, or Cuk topologies) or other two-switch buck-boost converters in universal-input PFC applications. The paper presents an analysis of the converter operation and component stresses, as well as design guidelines. High efficiency (over 93%) throughout the universal-input ac line voltage range is demonstrated on an experimental 100-W, 200-V dc output, universal-input BOIBB PFC rectifier.

DC Micro-grid for Super High Quality Distribution — System Configuration and Control of Distributed Generations and Energy Storage Devices —

Abstract: “DC micro-grid” is the novel power system using dc distribution in order to provide super high quality power. The dc distribution system is suitable for dc output type distributed generations such as photovoltaic and fuel cells, and energy storages such as secondary batteries and electric double layer capacitors. Moreover, dc distributed power is converted to required ac or dc voltages by load side converters, and these converters do not require transformers by choosing proper dc voltage. This distributed scheme of load side converters also contributes to provide supplying high quality power. For instance, even if a short circuit occurs at one load side, it does not effect other loads. In this paper, we suppose one system configuration of DC micro-grid, and propose control methods of converters for generations and energy storages. Computer simulation results demonstrated seamless turn-on and turn-off operation of a distributed generation, a transient of connecting and disconnecting operation with a bulk power system, and the stability for sudden large load variation.

Small-Signal $z$ -Domain Analysis of Digitally Controlled Converters

Abstract: As the performance of microcontrollers has increased rapidly during the last decade, there is a growing interest to replace the analog controllers in low power switching converters by more complicated and flexible digital control algorithms. Compared to high power converters, the control loop bandwidths for converters in the lower power range are generally much higher. Because of this, the dynamic properties of the uniformly-sampled pulse-width modulators (PWMs) used in low power applications become an important restriction to the maximum achievable bandwidth of the control loop. Though frequency- and Laplace-domain models for uniformly-sampled PWMs are very valuable as they improve the general perception of the dynamic behavior of these modulators, the direct discrete design of the digital compensator requires a $z$ -domain model for the combination modulator and converter. For this purpose a new exact small-signal $z$ -domain model is derived. In accordance with the zero-order-hold equivalent commonly used for “regular” digital control systems, this $z$ -domain model gives rise to the development of a uniformly-sampled PWM equivalent of the converter. This $z$ -domain model is characterized by its capability to quantify the different dynamics of the converter for different modulators, its ease of use and its ability to predict the values of the control variables at the true sampling instants of the real system.

Design Considerations for Very High Frequency dc-dc Converters

Abstract: This document describes several aspects relating to the design of dc-dc converters operating at frequencies in the VHF range (30–300 MHz). Design considerations are treated in the context of a dc-dc converter operating at a switching frequency of 100 MHz. Gate drive, rectifier and control designs are explored in detail, and experimental measurements of the complete converter are presented that verify the design approach. The gate drive, a self-oscillating multi-resonant circuit, dramatically reduces the gating power while ensuring fast on-off transitions of the semiconductor switch. The rectifier is a resonant topology that absorbs diode parasitic capacitance and is designed to appear resistive at the switching frequency. The small sizes of the energy storage elements (inductors and capacitors) in this circuit permit rapid start-up and shut-down and a correspondingly high control bandwidth. These characteristics are exploited in a high bandwidth hysteretic control scheme that modulates the converter on and off at frequencies as high as 200 kHz.

Operation and control of a dynamic voltage restorer using transformer coupled H-bridge converters

Abstract: The dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) as a means of series compensation for mitigating the effect of voltage sags has become established as a preferred approach for improving power quality at sensitive load locations. Meanwhile, the cascaded multilevel type of power converter topology has also become a workhorse topology in high power applications. This paper presents the detailed design of a closed loop regulator to maintain the load voltage within acceptable levels in a DVR using transformer coupled H-bridge converters. The paper presents system operation and controller design approaches, verified using computer simulations, and a laboratory scale experimental prototype.

Sliding-mode control for dc-dc converters with constant switching frequency

Abstract: A new approach implementing the sliding-mode controller is proposed for dc-dc converters. The equivalent control input is used as the system control input, which results in a duty cycle regulation control system. As designed, equivalent control input is maintained at a value between 0 and 1, similar to the desired duty cycle value. Thus, constant switching frequency can be achieved under changes of state conditions. Two sliding-mode controllers based on this method are designed for positive output elementary Luo converter. Traditional small-signal analysis is applied to study the close-loop system performance under proposed approach. Audio-susceptibility, control-to-output transfer functions and output impedance are derived on the basis of the small-signal model. It is shown that the proposed sliding-mode control approach retains the advantages of traditional sliding-mode control, as well as achieve constant switching frequency, which is decided by the input saw-tooth waveform. Results of the experiment are reported for both controllers and they verify the theoretical analysis.

Novel zero-Voltage-transition PWM DC-DC converters

Abstract: A new family of zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) converters that uses a new ZVS-PWM switch cell is presented in this paper. Except for the auxiliary switch, all active and passive semiconductor devices in the ZVS-PWM converters operate at ZVS turn ON and turn OFF. The auxiliary switch operates at zero-current-switching (ZCS) turns ON and OFF. Besides operating at constant frequency, these new converters have no overvoltage across the switches and no additional current stress on the main switch in comparison to the hard-switching converter counterpart. Auxiliary components rated at very small current are used. The principle of operation, theoretical analysis, and experimental results of the new ZVS-PWM boost converter, rated 1 kW, and operating at 80 kHz, are provided in this paper to verify the performance of this new family of converters.

Feedforward current control of boost single-phase PFC converters

Abstract: This paper presents the theory and application of feedforward current control for boost single-phase ac-dc converters with power factor correction. The proposed feedforward signal involves the instantaneous line voltage and the derivative of the reference current. The new control method is compared to existing feedback and feedforward control methods and is shown to significantly reduce input current harmonic distortion, particularly for applications where the current loop crossover frequency is relatively low compared to the line frequency. Implementation of the proposed control using analog devices and the associated issues, such as performance sensitivity to parameter variation and uncertainties, are presented. Analysis results are complemented by numerical simulation and experimental results from a prototype converter. Targeted applications of the proposed method are airborne systems where the line frequency is high, as well as low-cost digital control for terrestrial 50-60-Hz systems where the current loop crossover frequency is limited by the speed of the digital controller.

Three-dimensional space-vector modulation algorithm for four-leg multilevel converters using abc coordinates

Abstract: In this paper, a novel three-dimensional (3-D) space-vector algorithm for four-leg multilevel converters is presented. It can be applied to active power filters or neutral-current compensator applications for mitigating harmonics and zero-sequence components using abc coordinates (referred from now on this paper as natural coordinates). This technique greatly simplifies the selection of the 3-D region where a given voltage vector is supposed to be found. Compared to a three-level modulation algorithm for three-leg multilevel converters, this algorithm does not increase its complexity and the calculations of the active vectors with the corresponding switching time that generate the reference voltage vector. In addition, the low-computational cost of the proposed algorithm is always the same and it is independent of the number of levels of the converter.

Current programmed control of a single-phase two-switch buck-boost power factor correction circuit

Abstract: This paper presents a new current programmed control (CPC) technique for a cascaded two-switch buck-boost converter suitable as a low-cost power factor correction (PFC) rectifier in a variable speed motor drive. This new CPC technique, which is an extension of the conventional CPC method, enables the variable output dc voltage, and is therefore suitable in a pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) motor drive or as a universal input-power supply. The CPC method is very simple and requires only a constant-current reference without any changes in the transition between boost and buck operating mode, and the line current is practically unaffected by the topology-mode shift. Simulations and experimental results verify the presented control technique. Compliance with IEC-61000-3-2 class A is achieved. The experimental setup is based on a commercial CPC integrated circuit (IC) for dc-dc converters. This new control technique enables a simple low-cost control circuit for the two-switch buck-boost converter, which complies with IEC-61000-3-2, and the PFC circuit has inherent in-rush and overcurrent protection.