Showing papers on "Power factor published in 1996"

Direct power control of PWM converter without power source voltage sensors

Abstract: This paper proposes a novel control strategy of a pulsewidth modulation (PWM) converter with no power-source voltage sensors. The strategy has two main features to improve a total power factor and efficiency, taking harmonic components into account without detecting the voltage waveforms. One feature is a direct instantaneous power control technique for the converter, which has been developed to control the instantaneous active and reactive power directly by selecting the optimum switching state of the converter. The other feature is an estimation technique of the power-source voltages, which can be performed by calculating the active and reactive power for each switching state of the converter from the line currents. A digital-signal-processor-based experimental system was developed, and experimental tests were conducted to examine the controllability. As a result, it was confirmed that the total power factor and efficiency were more than 97% and 93% over the load power range from 200 to 1400 W, respectively. These results have proven the excellent performance of the proposed system.

Generalized instantaneous reactive power theory for three-phase power systems

Abstract: A generalized theory of instantaneous reactive power for three-phase power systems is proposed in this paper. This theory gives a generalized definition of instantaneous reactive power, which is valid for sinusoidal or nonsinusoidal, balanced or unbalanced, three-phase power systems with or without zero-sequence currents and/or voltages. The properties and physical meanings of the newly defined instantaneous reactive power are discussed in detail. A three-phase harmonic distorted power system with zero-sequence components is then used as an example to show reactive power measurement and compensation using the proposed theory.

Practical definitions for powers in systems with nonsinusoidal waveforms and unbalanced loads: a discussion

Abstract: Existing definitions for power terms in alternating current systems work well for single-phase and three-phase systems where both voltages and currents are sinusoidal with respect to time. This paper clarifies and proposes definitions for power terms that are practical and effective when voltage and/or currents are distorted and/or unbalanced. It also suggests definitions for measurable values that may be used to indicate the level of distortion and unbalance.

A high-performance single-phase rectifier with input power factor correction

Abstract: In this paper, a high-performance single-phase AC-to-DC rectifier with input power factor correction is proposed. The proposed approach has many advantages, including fewer semiconductor components, simplified control, and high-performance features, and satisfies IEC 555 harmonic current standards. Simulation and experimental results obtained on a laboratory prototype are discussed. A hybrid power module of the proposed approach is also shown.

Method and apparatus for electronic power control

Abstract: The method of the invention in one aspect involves electronic power control by varying the amplitude of an electrical power supply voltage, independent of frequency, whereby the output frequency will always be the same as the input frequency. An electrical circuit apparatus for accomplishing this function in a preferred embodiment is also disclosed herein. The preferred circuitry of this aspect of the invention uses four solid state switches, such as IGBT's, four diodes, an inductor, input and output filters and novel controlling circuitry. The controller apparatus and methods of the invention may be used to implement all otherwise conventional converter types, buck, boost, and inverting (and duals of these) versions to obtain different regulating characteristics, including galvanic isolation of the output from the input. The inventive methods and devices may be used in power factor correction, voltage and/or current harmonic filtering and neutralization, line and load conditioning, control of power transfer between two power grids, and programmable control of surges, sags, dropouts and most other voltage regulation problems.

Analysis and design of a DC voltage-controlled static VAr compensator using quad-series voltage-source inverters

Abstract: This paper presents a DC voltage-controlled static VAr compensator (SVC) using quad-series voltage-source non-PWM inverters. The SVC consists of four three-phase voltage-source inverters having a common DC capacitor and four three-phase transformers, the primary windings of which are connected in series with each other. Although each inverter outputs a square wave voltage, the synthesized AC voltage of the SVC has a 24-step waveshape. This results not only in a great reduction of harmonic currents and DC voltage ripples but also in less switching and snubbing losses. This paper develops the analysis of the transient response and the resonance between the AC reactors and the DC capacitor, with the focus on practical use. Experimental results obtained from a 10-kVA laboratory system are shown to agree well with the analytical results, thus verifying the analysis and leading to the design of DC capacitance value.

Dynamic maximum power point tracker for photovoltaic applications

Abstract: A dynamic process for reaching the maximum power point of a variable power source such as a solar cell is introduced. The process tracks maximum power nearly cycle-by-cycle during transients. Information from the natural switching ripple instead of external perturbation is used to support the maximizing process. The method is globally stable for DC-DC power converters, provided that a switching action is present. A prototype boost power converter that uses this method for control can follow power transients on time scales of a few milliseconds. This performance can be achieved with a simple analog control structure, which supports power processing with minimum loss.

Application of interior point methods to power flow unsolvability

Abstract: This paper describes an application of an optimal power flow, solved by a direct interior point (IP) method, to restore system solvability. Using the P-Q load representation, power flow unsolvability occurs when, for a given set of active and reactive bus injections, the power flow equations have no real solution. The set of control actions in the IP algorithm includes rescheduling of active power of generators, adjustments on terminal voltage of generators, tap changes on LTC transformers, and as a last resort, minimum load shedding. The IP formulation allows observation of the impact of each control optimization in system solvability. Also described is a framework to calculate probabilistic indicators of solvability problems taking into account the probability of contingencies. The role of control optimization is illustrated in a real 11-bus power system and the probabilistic approach is applied to a 1600-bus power system derived from the Brazilian South/Southeast/Central West system.

Nonlinear-carrier control for high-power-factor boost rectifiers

Abstract: Novel nonlinear-carrier (NLC) controllers are proposed for high-power-factor boost rectifiers. In the NLC controllers, the switch duty ratio is determined by comparing a signal derived from the main switch current with a periodic, nonlinear carrier waveform. As a result, the average input current follows the input line voltage. The technique is suitable for boost converters operating in the continuous conduction mode. Input voltage sensing, the error amplifier in the current-shaping loop, and the multiplier/divider circuitry in the voltage feedback loop are eliminated. The current-shaping is based on switch (as opposed to inductor) current sensing. The NLC controllers offer comparable or improved performance over existing schemes, and are well suited for simple integrated-circuit implementation. Experimental verification on a 240 W rectifier is described.

A soft-switched, full-bridge boost converter employing an active-clamp circuit

Abstract: A new full-bridge, active-clamp boost converter is proposed for single-phase high power PFC applications and applications requiring transformer isolation. The active-clamp network serves to limit bridge switch turn-off voltage overshoot and enable the energy stored in the transformer leakage inductance to be used for zero-voltage switching. PWM phase-shift control of the bridge switches is utilized to obtain zero-current switching for two of the four bridge switches. Simulation results are presented which verify the principle of operation.

A new definition of instantaneous active-reactive current and power based on instantaneous space vectors on polar coordinates in three-phase circuits

Abstract: This paper proposes a new definition of the instantaneous active-reactive current and power based directly on instantaneous space vectors on polar coordinates, and presents its application. The definition is applicable in three-phase three-wire systems. The instantaneous active-reactive power and current on /spl alpha/-/spl beta/ orthogonal coordinates have been defined by the so-called p-q theory. In comparison with the p-q theory, our new definition offers a lucid physical concept for the active-reactive current and power in three-phase circuits. The new method, thus, can decompose current into the instantaneous active and reactive currents without calculating the instantaneous active and reactive powers. An application example is presented to confirm the validity and practicability of the new definition using digital simulation.

Design and experimental investigation of a three-phase high power density high efficiency unity power factor PWM (VIENNA) rectifier employing a novel integrated power semiconductor module

Abstract: The development of guidelines for the practical application of a new power module (IXYS VUM25-E) realizing a bridge leg of a three-phase/switch/level PWM (VIENNA) rectifier system with low effects on the mains is discussed. The inner circuit structure of the power module is formed by a bidirectional bipolar switch and of two free-wheeling diodes. In a first step the switching losses of the power MOSFET and of the free-wheeling diodes are determined by measurement in dependency on the switched current for characteristic values of the junction temperature. The isolated driving stage of the MOSFET is designed for minimum switching losses considering the occurring switching overvoltages and the ringing between the parasitic circuit elements. The conduction losses of the semiconductor elements are calculated directly via simple analytical approximations of the mean and rms values of the device currents. Based on the knowledge of the dependency of the main loss contributions of the semiconductors of the power module on the operating parameters (mains voltage, output voltage, heat sink temperature and switching frequency) the thermally maximum allowable mains current amplitude is calculated. Furthermore, for different switching frequencies an overview over the power loss contributions of the semiconductor elements is given. Also, the reduction of the efficiency caused by the total semiconductor losses is determined. Finally, the overall efficiency of a PWM (VIENNA) rectifier system realised by using the IXYS VUM25-E module is estimated and further possible developments of this module are discussed.

A novel control to actively damp resonance in input LC filter of a three phase voltage source converter

Abstract: The voltage source power converter (VSC) provides constant/controllable DC bus voltage, regenerating capability, controllable power factor and nearly sinusoidal input current. If an input LC filter is added, it prevents pollution of the utility with current ripple due to the PWM switching. A novel control strategy for actively damping high frequency resonances (above 1.5 kHz) in the input LC filter is presented. No additional sensors to the standard VSC are required. Theoretical results of the analysis and simulation are experimentally verified.

Novel reduced-order small-signal model of a three-phase PWM rectifier and its application in control design and system analysis

Abstract: A reduced-order (RO) small-signal model of three-phase pulse-width-modulation (PWM) rectifiers is proposed. By combining the PWM switch model and equivalent multimodule model techniques in DC-DC converters, a three-phase rectifier can be modeled as a DC-DC converter with equivalent power capability and small-signal characteristics. This model reduces the system order to two and greatly simplifies the control design and system analysis of three-phase converters. In this paper, the proposed model is also used for control design and for system interaction analysis on the three-phase interface of a boost rectifier. The RO model is verified with the d-q model, switching-model simulation, and experimental results.

Device and method for supplying power to a vehicle, semi-conductor circuit device for use in the same and collective wiring device for a vehicle or an automobile

Abstract: A power supply line is wired in a loop from a battery power supply, and a power supply relay circuit is installed intermediately of the power supply line such that power is supplied from the power supply relay circuit to an electric load connected to a terminal unit of an intensive wiring line. By this arrangement, not only wires for control signals but also wires for power supply can be reduced. The terminal unit may serve also as the power supply relay circuit.

Circuit for dimming compact fluorescent lamps

Abstract: A dimming control circuit provides power from an ac source to a compact fluorescent lamp. The circuit generally includes a resonant half-bridge inverter driven by a pulse-duration-modulated voltage, for providing a high-frequency ac voltage between the lamp electrodes. A combination inductive and capacitive snubber circuit reduces switching losses in the inverter and increases the efficiency of the dimming circuit. A low-voltage transformer connected across the resonant portion of the inverter provides voltage to heat the lamp filaments. The filament voltage is substantially constant over a range of pulse-durations providing a dimming range from about 100% to 1% of full light output. A power supply circuit having a power factor of about 0.95 provides both high-voltage and low-voltage dc power to the dimming circuit with minimal losses. A shutdown circuit is provided to shut off power to the lamp if the dimming circuit is miswired or a ground fault occurs.

A simple frequency-independent method for calculating the reactive and harmonic current in a nonlinear load

Abstract: A basic criterion that determines the behavior of an active power filter is the method of calculating the reference current. There are many ways of generating this reference, but the methods are generally complex and hard to tune. This paper describes a simple and effective method for calculating the reference current necessary to feed a shunt active power filter to compensate the power factor and harmonic currents generated by a nonlinear load. Simulations and experimental results are presented, showing that the proposed circuit may operate at frequencies ranging from 40 to 65 Hz without adjustment.

Characterization of an active clamp flyback topology for power factor correction applications

Abstract: Flyback derived power convertor topologies have long been attractive because of their relative simplicity when compared with other topologies used in low-power applications. Incorporation of active clamp circuitry provides the additional benefit of recycling transformer leakage energy while minimizing switch voltage stress. This paper presents the analysis, design, and experimental results of 500 W single stage and 600 W interleaved active clamp flybacks used for power factor correction. Several practical issues, including the application of charge control, the use of mixed power devices, and a solution to the hold-up time problem are discussed and experimentally verified.

Linear peak current mode control: a simple active power factor correction control technique for continuous conduction mode

Abstract: A simplified power factor correction (PFC) technique for continuous conduction mode (CCM) operated power converters is presented which has the following advantages over conventional peak and average current mode PFC techniques: elimination of the controller multiplier and input voltage sensing circuits; unconditional stability of the current loop; and ease of implementation using low cost standard PWM control ICs (e.g. UC2843). Simulation and experimental results verify the viability of the new controller.

A 50-150 kHz half-bridge inverter for induction heating applications

Abstract: A half-bridge resonant-type IGBT inverter suitable for heating magnetic and nonmagnetic materials at high-frequency is described A series-parallel arrangement of capacitors is adopted and an optimum mode of operation is proposed In this mode, the inverter is operated at unity power factor by PLL control irrespective of load variations, with maximum current gain, maximum overall system efficiency, and practically no voltage spikes in the devices at turn-off The actual performance was tested on a 50-150 kHz prototype rated at 6 kW The low-cost developed hybrid inverter is characterized by its simplicity of design and operation, yet is versatile in performance A simplified analysis and detailed experimental results are presented

Input current ripple cancellation in synchronized, parallel connected critically continuous boost converters

Abstract: In high power factor AC-to-DC applications, boost power converters operating on the boundary of continuous mode and discontinuous mode switch with variable frequency and draw high peak input currents. A method is presented to parallel two or more of these power converters to reduce the high peak input currents. Each power converter continues to operate on the boundary of continuous mode and discontinuous mode and maintains the benefits of zero-voltage switching.

A comparison between two current-fed push-pull DC-DC converters-analysis, design and experimentation

Abstract: This paper compares two current-fed push-pull DC-DC power converters: the current-fed push-pull power converter or isolated boost and an alternative topology named here as the dual inductor push-pull power converter (DIC). Since this latter converter has just one primary winding, the voltage across the main switches is reduced to the half of that in the isolated boost topology; the average current in the input inductors is also halved and the RMS current in the output capacitor is smaller. The overall efficiency is increased and the power converter's volume is reduced in the DIC converter. These and other improved design characteristics make this alternative topology more attractive than the isolated boost for equivalent applications. Analytical equations, output characteristic curves and computer simulations of both power converters are compared. An experimental breadboard of 480 W power has been assembled in order to verify the performance of the DIC power converter. The main results are provided.

Capacitively loaded PIFA

Abstract: A planar inverted-F antenna is described that is provided with a capacitive load that allows the dimensions of the antenna to be reduced from a conventional λ/4 to λ/8. To maintain good bandwidth and impedance matching in spite of the presence of the capacitive load, a capacitive feed is also provided.

A low power switching power supply for self-clocked systems

Abstract: This paper presents a digital power supply controller for variable frequency and voltage circuits. By using a ring oscillator as a method of predicting circuit performance, the regulated voltage is set to the minimum required to operate at a reference frequency which maximizes energy efficiency. Our initial test silicon, implemented with a fixed frequency controller is analyzed and reveals that the controller's power consumption is a major limitation for such a design. To make the controller power dissipation scale with the CV/sup 2/f power of the load, we introduce a new architecture with variable frequency control, which allows the controller's supply and frequency to scale along with the load device.

Novel topologies of AC choppers

Abstract: Novel topologies of pulse-width modulated (PWM) AC choppers for single-phase and three-phase systems are proposed for buck, boost and buck-boost types. A PWM AC chopper has important advantages compared with the phase-controlled AC controller using thyristors. The AC chopper has sinusoidal current waveforms, better power factor, faster dynamics, and smaller input/output filter. In an improved topology for AC choppers, an RC bypass snubber is used for minimising high-voltage spikes during the dead time in the gating signals of complementary switches. In the proposed topologies the commutation problem causing high-voltage spikes is resolved by intelligent gate-switching patterns using information from the input/output voltage. These switching patterns provide a current path for all operation modes without any RC bypass snubbers. Since RC bypass snubbers causing power loss are eliminated, the efficiency of the chopper is increased. Thus, advantages of the proposed topologies include increased power factor, low harmonic input current, fast dynamics, high efficiency, high reliability, high power capacity, and small size of the passive filter. The paper describes the operational principle and analysis of the proposed topologies. Experimental results show that the proposed topologies give good performance for AC choppers.

Power factor correction circuit and circuit therefor having sense-FET and boost converter control circuit

Abstract: A power factor correction circuit includes a boost converter, a zero-current detector for detecting a period in which an inductor current is zero, a half-wave rectifier for supplying a power voltage proportional to an output voltage of the boost converter, a control voltage generator for generating a control voltage to control the turn-on time timing of a sense-FET, a turn-on controller for making constant a turn-on duration of the sense-FET, an over current detector for generating a signal when a mirror terminal current of the sense-FET is greater than a predetermined current, an OR gate for performing a logic OR operation of the output signals of the turn-on controller and the over current detector, an output current controller for generating a gate drive signal of the sense-FET, and an under voltage lock out for turning off the power voltage when the power voltage is less than a predetermined voltage. This circuit enables an external pin count to be reduced by having a built-in boost converter controller and a built-in sense-FET in a single package.

Input current modulation for power factor correction

Abstract: A nonlinear carrier controlled power factor correction circuit operates in the continuous and discontinuous conduction modes and provides unity power factor at the input of a power supply by only sensing the output voltage and the current flowing through a diode of a rectifier circuit. The power factor correction circuit monitors a level of current flowing through the diode and generates an integrated voltage signal representative of the level of current flowing through the diode. The integrated voltage signal is compared to a periodic, carrier waveform signal generated using a feedback signal corresponding to a level of an output voltage delivered to a load. A difference between the feedback signal and a reference signal determines the waveshape and characteristics of the carrier waveform. Preferably, leading edge modulation is used to control the duty cycle of a switch within the rectifier circuit. The switch is turned on when the integrated voltage signal reaches a level greater than the value of the carrier waveform. The switch is turned off at the leading edge of the clock reference signal. The duty cycle of the switch will vary as the level of the output voltage varies in reference to the reference signal and as the level of current through the diode varies.

Design and analysis of permanent magnet-type bearingless motors

Abstract: Magnetic bearings have been applied to high speed and high power electric machines for machine tools, turbomolecular pumps, etc. Bearingless motors can be expected to realize high speed and high power ratings because magnetic bearing functions are integrated into high-speed motors, which results in a simplified structure with short shaft length. In this paper, permanent magnet type bearingless motors, having built-in capability to achieve high power factor and high efficiency, are proposed. The shaft is suspended and centered by electromagnetic forces produced by currents in the additional radial force windings of the stator slots. At first the relationships of these radial forces, currents and voltages are derived analytically. Moreover, the relationships between radial forces and permanent magnet thickness are found. The optimal permanent magnet thickness is determined. The ratio of radial force over current as well as the peak air-gap flux density are discussed. These relationships are confirmed by prototype machines.

An adaptive digital controller for a unity power factor converter

Abstract: This paper describes an adaptive digital controller for a unity power factor AC-DC power converter. The controller is based on a linear large-signal model of the boost power converter. A hardware design is presented and analyzed, followed by the software implementation of the control algorithm. Issues in digital control of power converters, such as quantization effects and fixed-point representation of system parameters, are examined in the context of this system. Experimental results are presented and compared with simulations.