Showing papers on "Three-phase published in 2011"

Review of Three-Phase PWM AC–AC Converter Topologies

Abstract: This paper presents first an overview of the well-known voltage and current dc-link converter topologies used to implement a three-phase PWM ac-ac converter system. Starting from the voltage source inverter and the current source rectifier, the basics of space vector modulation are summarized. Based on that, the topology of the indirect matrix converter (IMC) and its modulation are gradually developed from a voltage dc-link back-to-back converter by omitting the dc-link capacitor. In the next step, the topology of the conventional (direct) matrix converter (CMC) is introduced, and the relationship between the IMC and the CMCs is discussed in a figurative manner by investigating the switching states. Subsequently, three-phase ac-ac buck-type chopper circuits are considered as a special case of matrix converters (MCs), and a summary of extended MC topologies is provided, including three-level and hybrid MCs. Therewith, a common knowledge basis of the individual converter topologies is established.

Common-Mode Circulating Current Control of Paralleled Interleaved Three-Phase Two-Level Voltage-Source Converters With Discontinuous Space-Vector Modulation

Abstract: This paper presents a control method to limit the common-mode (CM) circulating current between paralleled three-phase two-level voltage-source converters (VSCs) with discontinuous space-vector pulsewidth modulation (DPWM) and interleaved switching cycles. This CM circulating current can be separated into two separate components based on their frequency; the high-frequency component, close to the switching frequency, can be effectively limited by means of passive components; the low-frequency component, close to the fundamental frequency, embodies the jumping CM circulating current observed in parallel VSCs. This is the main reason why it is usually recommended not to implement discontinuous and interleaving PWM together. The origin of this low-frequency circulating current is analyzed in detail, and based on this, a method to eliminate its presence is proposed by impeding the simultaneous use of different zero vectors between the converters. This control method only requires six additional switching actions per line cycle, presenting a minimum impact on the converter thermal design. The analysis and the feasibility of the control method are verified by simulation and experimental results.

The essence of three-phase PFC rectifier systems

Abstract: In this paper, three-phase PFC rectifier topologies with sinusoidal input currents and controlled output voltage are derived from known single-phase PFC rectifier systems and/or passive three-phase diode rectifiers. The systems are classified into hybrid and fully active PWM boost-type or buck-type rectifiers, and their functionality and basic control concepts are briefly described. This facilitates the understanding of the operating principle of three-phase PFC rectifiers starting from single-phase systems, and organizes and completes the knowledge base with a new hybrid three-phase buck-type PFC rectifier topology denominated as Swiss Rectifier. In addition, analytical formulas for calculating the current stresses on the power semiconductors of selected topologies are provided, and rectifier systems offering a high potential for industrial applications are comparatively evaluated concerning the semiconductor stresses, the loading and volume of the main passive components, and the DM and CM EMI noise level. Finally, core topics of future research on three-phase PFC rectifier systems are discussed, such as the analysis of novel hybrid bucktype PFC rectifier topologies, the direct input current control of bucktype systems, the multi-objective optimization of PFC rectifier systems concerning efficiency and power density, and the investigation of the system performance sensitivity to semiconductor and passive components technology.

Modulation for Three-Phase Transformerless Z-Source Inverter to Reduce Leakage Currents in Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract: In this paper, a modified Z-source inverter (ZSI) with specific modulation techniques is proposed to reduce leakage currents in three-phase transformerless photovoltaic (PV) systems. The new topology only requires an additional fast-recovery diode when compared with the original structure. On the other hand, the pulsewidth modulation technique is entirely modified in order to reduce the leakage currents through the conduction path. Simulation results for the three-phase transformerless PV system operating in two cases, i.e., connected to a grid and connected to a grounded RL load, are presented. Experimental results of leakage currents in three-phase ZSIs connected to a RL load are obtained to validate the theoretical and simulation models.

An algorithm and implementation system for measuring impedance in the D-Q domain

Abstract: As power electronics infiltrates the electric power distribution and conversion systems, stability issues become increasingly significant. The risk of instability due to the use of constant power loads stems from the implementation of controlled output power conversion systems. In three phase converters, these issues are difficult to measure. Although there have been developments in the determination of system stability at interfaces due to stability, a framework to perform measurements necessary for such a determination has not been fully developed. This paper presents a method to measure three phase impedances in the D-Q rotating reference frame for three phase AC systems and demonstrates the successful implementation and operation of such a system. Results are shown measuring a three phase passive load with a 2 kW source.

EMI Filter Design for a 1 MHz, 10 kW Three-Phase/Level PWM Rectifier

Abstract: The attenuation characteristics of electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters in practice often differ from theoretical predictions and minor changes can result in a significant improvement in performance. The performance of the differential-mode (DM) filter stage can usually be well predicted, but the common mode (CM) behavior is more difficult to handle. This is especially true for three-phase pulsewidth modulation (PWM) rectifier systems, which inherently show a large high-frequency CM voltage at the rectifier output. Possible CM noise current paths of a three-phase/level PWM rectifier are analyzed in this paper where parasitic capacitances to the heat sink and to earth are considered. In addition, a concept to significantly reduce CM emissions is discussed in detail. Based on the proposed models, an EMI filter design for a system with 1 MHz switching frequency is shown. Experimental verification of the designed EMI filter is presented by impedance and conducted emission (CE) measurements taken from a 10 kW prototype. Several practical aspects of filter implementation such as component arrangement, shielding layers, magnetic coupling, etc., are discussed and verified by measurements.

Switching-State Phase Shift Method for Three-Phase-Current Reconstruction With a Single DC-Link Current Sensor

Abstract: Instead of directly sampling the phase currents, a technique that adopts a single current sensor in the dc link to reconstruct three-phase currents has arisen. Through this approach, the cost of servo systems can be reduced and the reliability can be improved. However, the duration of an effective vector may be so short that the phase current cannot be measured reliably by the conventional space-vector pulsewidth modulation (PWM) algorithm. In this paper, a new phase-current reconstruction method, switching-state phase shift (SSPS), is proposed based on the PWM pattern modification. The modification is performed by applying phase shifts to the switching-state waveforms of the inverter. The algorithm can realize high-quality reconstruction to the phase current with less impacts on the output current ripples and switching losses. Moreover, it can maximize the linear-modulation region by saturation handling. Measurements on the permanent-magnet synchronous motor servo drives show that the SSPS can offer an attractive performance during both steady-state and dynamic operations in the phase-current reconstruction and regulation.

A Comparison of Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Three-Phase H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter for DTC Induction Motor Drives

Abstract: Earlier studies have pointed out the limitations of conventional inverters, especially in high-voltage and high-power applications. In recent years, multilevel inverters are becoming increasingly popular for high-power applications due to their improved harmonic profile and increased power ratings. Several studies have been reported in the literature on multilevel inverters topologies, control techniques, and applications. However, there are few studies that actually discuss or evaluate the performance of induction motor drives associated with three-phase multilevel inverter. This paper presents then a comparison study for a cascaded H-bridge multilevel direct torque control (DTC) induction motor drive. In this case, symmetrical and asymmetrical arrangements of five- and seven-level H-bridge inverters are compared in order to find an optimum arrangement with lower switching losses and optimized output voltage quality. The carried out experiments show that an asymmetrical configuration provides nearly sinusoidal voltages with very low distortion, using less switching devices. Moreover, torque ripples are greatly reduced.

Railway Static Power Conditioners for High-speed Train Traction Power Supply Systems Using Three-phase V/V Transformers

Abstract: In order to eliminate the negative-sequence and harmonic currents in the high-speed train traction systems with three-phase V/V transformers, a compensation strategy based on the railway static power conditioners (RPC) is proposed in this paper. An RPC contains two converters that are connected back to back by sharing the same dc link. In this paper, the structure and principle to compensate negative-sequence currents for the RPC with a three-phase V/V transformer are explained, and a strategy to provide the compensation references for negative-sequence and harmonic currents is proposed. Also, a method to separate active current, reactive current, and harmonic current references from the total negative-sequence and harmonic current references is given. Moreover, a controller is proposed to maintain the dc-link voltage and to compensate the negative-sequence and harmonic currents. Simulation and experimental results are provided to demonstrate that the proposed strategy is very effective.

An Integrated Driving/Charging Switched Reluctance Motor Drive Using Three-Phase Power Module

Abstract: This paper develops an integrated driving/charging switched reluctance motor (SRM) drive for electric vehicles using off-the-shelf three-phase intelligent power modules (IPMs). Five legs of two IPMs are employed to construct the four-phase SRM modified Miller converter. Moreover, its front-end dc/dc boost converter is formed by the remaining one leg to boost the dc-link voltage from a battery. Proper current and speed control schemes are designed to yield satisfactory driving performance. In particular, the performance under higher speed is enhanced by the boosted dc-link voltage and the advanced shift of commutation instant. In idle case, some imbedded IPM power devices and SRM windings are arranged to form a buck-boost type or a buck-type switch-mode rectifier (SMR) for charging the battery from a utility with good charging control characteristics and a line drawn power quality. The rating derivations, performance analyses, and controller designs for these two SMRs are performed in detail. All constituted circuit components of the charger are naturally placed onboard; only the insertion of a power cable to the ac source socket is needed. A common digital signal processor is used to realize all control schemes fully digitally, and their control performances are demonstrated experimentally.

Parallel Three-Phase Inverters: Optimal PWM Method for Flux Reduction in Intercell Transformers

Abstract: Parallel multilevel converters are now widely used in the industry, particularly in high-current applications such as voltage regulator modules. The reduction of the output current ripple and the increase of its frequency are possible due to the use of interleaving techniques and, as a consequence, the filters associated with the converter may be reduced. The current ripple reduction in each commutation cell of a parallel converter is possible by the use of intercell transformers (ICT). The design of such a special magnetic component depends very strongly on the magnetic flux flowing through their cores. In three-phase systems coupled by ICTs, the injection of zero-sequence signals in the output voltage reference changes this flux. The aim of this paper is to explain the influence of the most popular pulse width modulation (PWM) methods regarding the ICT flux for applications to three-phase loads. An optimal PWM method that minimizes the size of the ICT design is developed. Experimental results verify the analysis presented in this paper and validate the flux reduction provided by the developed optimal zero-sequence signals.

Digital signal processor implementation and performance evaluation of split capacitor, four-leg and three H-bridge-based three-phase four-wire shunt active filters

Abstract: In this paper a comprehensive study on the three-phase four-wire (3P4W) shunt active power filter (APF) is carried out on the basis of three system configurations. These three two-level voltage source inverter topologies are compared for 3P4W shunt APF, namely, split capacitor (2C), four-leg (4L) and three single-phase H-bridges (3HB). The performance of all three topologies, under an unbalanced non-linear load condition, is evaluated with a detailed digital signal processor (DSP)-based experimental investigation. The steady-state as well as dynamic performance of APF is studied to compensate for current harmonics, reactive power, current unbalance and neutral current. The advantages and limitations offered by each of the topologies are also discussed in brief.

An SVPWM-Based Switching Pattern for Stand-Alone and Grid-Connected Three-Phase Single-Stage Boost Inverters

Abstract: In many modern energy conversion systems, a dc voltage, which is provided from a sustainable energy source or energy storage device, must be boosted and converted to an ac voltage with a fixed amplitude and frequency. In this paper, a switching pattern based on the concept of the conventional space-vector pulsewidth-modulated (SVPWM) technique is developed for single-stage, three-phase boost-inverters using the topology of current-source inverters. The six main switching states, and two zeros, with three switches conducting at any given instant in conventional SVPWM techniques are modified herein into three-charging states and six discharging states with only two switches conducting at any given instant. The charging states are necessary in order to boost the dc input voltage. The developed switching pattern was experimentally verified through a laboratory-scaled three-phase 500-W boost inverter and the results are presented in this paper.

Continuous model of Modular Multilevel Converter with experimental verification

Abstract: The Modular Multilevel Converter is an emerging and highly attractive multilevel converter topology for medium and high voltage applications. This paper describes a continuous model of a three phase Modular Multilevel Converter. The model is derived from a system of ordinary differential equations. It can be used for a model based converter and/or control design. A comparison of simulations and experimental results using a (4.16 kV, 1MVA) induction motor drive shows the high accuracy of the proposed model.

Towards a 99% efficient three-phase buck-type PFC rectifier for 400 V DC distribution systems

Abstract: In telecom applications, the vision for a total power conversion efficiency from the mains to the output of PoL converters of 95% demands for an optimization of every conversion step, i.e. the PFC rectifier front-end should show an outstanding efficiency in the range of 99%. For recently discussed 400 V DC distribution bus voltages a buck-type PFC rectifier is a logical solution. In this paper, an efficiency-optimized, nearly 99% efficient, 5 kW three-phase buck-type PFC rectifier with 400 V output is presented. Methods for calculating losses of all components are described, and are used to optimize the converter design for efficiency at full load. Special attention is paid to semiconductor losses, which are shown to be dominant, with the parasitic device capacitance losses being a significant component. A prototype of the proposed rectifier is constructed which verifies the accuracy of the models used for loss calculation and optimization.

DC-Link Ripple Current Reduction for Paralleled Three-Phase Voltage-Source Converters With Interleaving

Abstract: This paper presents a complete analysis of studying the impact of interleaving on the ripple current in the dc-side passive components of paralleled three-phase voltage-source converters (VSCs). The analysis considers the effects of different pulsewidth modulation scheme, the modulation index, the interleaving angle, and the power factor or displacement angle. In the analysis, the rms value of the total ripple current in the dc-side is used as figure of merit and calculated in the frequency domain. The results obtained show that all of the factors considered can strongly affect the rms value one way or another. Based on the analysis, the interleaving angle-optimization method is shown to minimize the rms in different cases. The effect of circulating currents on the ripple currents in the dc-side passive components is also taken into consideration to perform a more accurate analysis. All the analysis is based on an example system containing two VSCs, but the proposed analysis method in the frequency domain can be easily expandable for multiple paralleled VSCs. Experimental results are used to verify the analysis conducted.

Model for a Three-Phase Contactless Power Transfer System

Abstract: This paper studies the model for the three-phase contactless power transfer system. A phase winding in the three-phase contactless power transformer has the magnetic couplings with all of the other phase windings. Moreover, the magnetic couplings depend on the displacement of the secondary armature with respect to the primary armature. The equivalent model of the three-phase system with the complicated mutual inductances due to such magnetic couplings is presented. The model is transformed into the single-phase model that is similar to the model for the conventional system. The simplified model allows the easy consideration of the operation of the three-phase system. By using the model, the resonant capacitances for the three-phase system are available. The model is confirmed to successfully simulate the performance of the actual system. In addition, the experimental and theoretical results confirm that the three-phase system has the stable performance of the power transfer independently of the displacement of the secondary.

Detection of stator winding faults in induction motors using three-phase current monitoring.

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to propose a new method for the detection of inter-turn short circuits in the stator windings of induction motors. In the previous reported methods, the supply voltage unbalance was the major difficulty, and this was solved mostly based on the sequence component impedance or current which are difficult to implement. Some other methods essentially are included in the offline methods. The proposed method is based on the motor current signature analysis and utilizes three phase current spectra to overcome the mentioned problem. Simulation results indicate that under healthy conditions, the rotor slot harmonics have the same magnitude in three phase currents, while under even 1 turn (0.3%) short circuit condition they differ from each other. Although the magnitude of these harmonics depends on the level of unbalanced voltage, they have the same magnitude in three phases in these conditions. Experiments performed under various load, fault, and supply voltage conditions validate the simulation results and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique. It is shown that the detection of resistive slight short circuits, without sensitivity to supply voltage unbalance is possible.

Implementation of Neural-Network-Controlled Three-Leg VSC and a Transformer as Three-Phase Four-Wire DSTATCOM

Abstract: In this paper, a neural-network (NN)-controlled distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) using a dSPACE processor is implemented for power quality improvement in a three-phase four-wire distribution system. A three-leg voltage-source-converter (VSC)-based DSTATCOM with a zig-zag transformer is used for the compensation of reactive power for voltage regulation or for power factor correction along with load balancing, elimination of harmonic currents, and neutral current compensation at the point of common coupling. The Adaline (adaptive linear element)-based NN is used to implement the control scheme of the VSC. This technique gives similar performance as that of other control techniques, but it is simple to implement and has a fast response and gives nearly zero phase shift. The zig-zag transformer is used for providing a path to the zero-sequence current in a three-phase four-wire distribution system. This reduces the complexity and also the cost of the DSTATCOM system. The performance of the proposed DSTATCOM system is validated through simulations using MATLAB software with its Simulink and Power System Blockset toolboxes and hardware implementation.

A Three-Phase Current-Fed Push–Pull DC–DC Converter With Active Clamp for Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract: In this paper, a new active-clamped three-phase current-fed push-pull dc-dc converter is proposed for high-power applications where low-voltage high-current input sources such as fuel cells are used. The proposed converter has the following features: active clamping of the transient surge voltage caused by transformer leakage inductances, natural zero-voltage switching turn-on of main switches using energy stored in transformer leakage inductor, small current rating and zero-voltage and zero-current switching of clamp switches, no additional start-up circuitry for soft starting due to the operating duty cycle range between 0 and 1, and zero-current switching turn-off of rectifier diodes leading to negligible voltage surge associated with the diode reverse recovery. A comparative study along with loss analysis is performed. Experimental results from 5-kW laboratory prototypes of the proposed active-clamped converter and the passive-clamped converter are provided.

A Three-Phase Unity Power Factor Single-Stage AC-DC Converter Based on an Interleaved

Abstract: This paper presents the design and implementation of a three-phase unity-power-factor single-stage ac-dc converter based on an interleaved flyback topology. The primary market target of the converter is within the telecommunications industry where it supplies high-quality dc power to the telecom loads and performs high-capacity battery charging while providing zero har- monic emission and unity power factor to the utility grid. The main design objective is to produce the lowest cost within a small-size system. The study includes mathematical analysis and simulation steps where the optimum number of cells to be interleaved and the associated phase shifts among the cells are determined while the emphasis being on the design of a perfectly coupled flyback trans- former. Design of a transformer with the lowest leakage inductance and selection of components providing the lowest parasitic effects are critical for obtaining high efficiency and good performance. After the design is verified through simulation studies that uses Simulink and piecewise linear electrical circuit simulation model (PLECS) of the converter, a full-scale prototype is implemented to evaluate the performance of the design. In conclusion, experi- mental results demonstrate that converter works successfully and meets the commercialization expectations.

A Three-Phase Step-Up DC–DC Converter With a Three-Phase High-Frequency Transformer for DC Renewable Power Source Applications

Abstract: This paper presents a new three-phase step-up dc-dc converter with a three-phase high-frequency (HF) isolation transformer in an average current-mode controlled closed loop. This converter was developed for industrial applications where the dc input voltage is lower than the output voltage, for instance, in installations fed by battery units, photovoltaic arrays, or fuel cell systems. The converter's main characteristics are reduced input ripple current, step-up voltage, HF transformer, reduced output-voltage ripple due to three-pulse output current, and the presence of only three active switches connected to the same reference, this being a main advantage of this converter. By means of a specific switch modulation, the converter allows two operational regions, each one depending upon the number of switches in overlapping conditions-if there are two switches, it is called R2 region, and if there are three switches, it is called R3 region. An average current-mode control strategy is applied to input-current and output-voltage regulation. Theoretical expressions and experimental results are presented for a 6.8-kW prototype, operating in the R2 region, and for a 3.4-kW prototype, operating in the R3 region, both in continuous conduction mode.

Influence and Compensation of Inverter Voltage Drop in Direct Torque-Controlled Four-Switch Three-Phase PM Brushless AC Drives

Abstract: This paper presents direct torque control (DTC) methodology for a four-switch three-phase (FSTP) inverter-fed permanent magnet brushless ac (PM BLAC) machine, with reference to a conventional six-switch three-phase (SSTP) inverter. It has been found that when derived from conventional voltage model flux estimation scheme, the predicted stator flux imbalance may be caused by unbalanced inverter voltage drop in the FSTP inverter, in which one phase winding is directly connected to dc-link midpoint. While this imbalanced problem does not adversely affect the performance of current-model-based DTC, it causes significantly nonsinusoidal current waveforms and considerably unbalanced current magnitudes in voltage-model-based DTC. A new compensation scheme taking into account the different forward voltage-drop values in the switching device and the freewheeling diode is proposed for the voltage-model-based DTC to correct for stator flux imbalance via the addition of corrective voltages to flux equations. The proposed scheme has significantly improved the shape of current waveforms with satisfactory balanced magnitudes, total harmonic distortion, and torque ripple factor, as verified by both simulation and experimental results. It has been shown that it is possible for an FSTP inverter to provide similar performance to an SSTP inverter when driving a PM BLAC machine.

A Single-Stage Three-Phase Photovoltaic System With Enhanced Maximum Power Point Tracking Capability and Increased Power Rating

Abstract: This paper proposes a single-stage three-phase photovoltaic (PV) system that features enhanced maximum power point tracking capability, and an improved energy yield under partial shading conditions. Further, the proposed PV system can effectively double the maximum permissible dc voltage of a grounded conventional single-stage PV system, with no need for insulators, fuses, disconnects, and switchgear of a higher voltage class, with respect to safety/insulation standards or common system integration practices exercised for conventional grounded single-stage PV systems. The proposed PV system is realized through the parallel connection of an auxiliary half-bridge converter to the dc link of a conventional single-stage PV system and, therefore, is also an option for retrofit applications. This paper presents the mathematical model, principles of operation, and the control loops of the proposed single-stage PV system. The performance of the proposed single-stage PV system is demonstrated by time-domain simulation studies conducted on a detailed switched model in the PSCAD/EMTDC software environment.

A Novel Three-Phase Diode Boost Rectifier Using Hybrid Half-DC-Bus-Voltage Rated Boost Converter

Abstract: A novel three-phase diode boost rectifier is proposed in this paper. The core of the proposed topology is a power conversion device [the loss-free transformer (LFT)] with two terminals; one input and one output. The input is parallel-connected with the dc bus capacitor, while the output is connected between the rectifier plus rail and the dc bus plus rail. The LFT is controlled in such a way to control the rectifier current and boost the dc bus voltage. In contrast to the ordinary boost rectifiers, the switches of the new boost rectifier are rated on a fraction of the dc bus voltage and a fraction of the input current. It makes this topology very compact and efficient. Power rating, size, and losses depend strongly on the ratio of the dc bus voltage to rectifier voltage (boosting factor). For example, if the boosting factor is low, below 1.5, the power converter efficiency could be 98-99%. The proposed boost rectifier has been analyzed and experimentally verified on a 5.5-kW prototype. The results are presented and discussed.