Voltage regulator

About: Voltage regulator is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 33536 publications have been published within this topic receiving 350859 citations.

An SVM Algorithm to Balance the Capacitor Voltages of the Three-Level NPC Active Power Filter

Abstract: A requirement of the three-level neutral-point-clamped voltage source inverter, with or without a separately supporting dc link, is to maintain the balance of the two dc-link capacitor voltages. In this paper, balancing of the capacitor voltages for these two dc-link voltage source possibilities is analyzed and an algorithm is proposed to independently balance the capacitor voltages. The algorithm considers the average energy effect of each vector on capacitor voltage and the necessary optimal vector state sequence in each modulation cycle. The algorithm minimizes the voltage rating overheads of the hardware, reduces the voltage ripple, and attenuates the negative effects associated with dc-link voltage oscillations.

Positive and Negative Sequence Control Strategies to Maximize the Voltage Support in Resistive–Inductive Grids During Grid Faults

Abstract: Grid faults are one of the most severe perturbations in power systems. During these extreme disturbances, the reliability of the grid is compromised and the risk of a power outage is increased. To prevent this issue, distributed generation inverters can help the grid by supporting the grid voltages. Voltage support mainly depends on two constraints: the amount of injected current and the grid impedance. This paper proposes a voltage support control scheme that joins these two features. Hence, the control strategy injects the maximum rated current of the inverter. Thus, the inverter takes advantage of the distributed capacities and operates safely during voltage sags. Also, the controller selects the appropriate power references depending on the resistive–inductive grid impedance. Therefore, the grid can be better supported since the voltage at the point of common coupling is improved. Several voltage objectives, which cannot be achieved together, are developed and discussed in detail. These objectives are threefold: to maximize the positive sequence voltage; to minimize the negative sequence voltage; and to maximize the difference between positive and negative sequence voltages. A mathematical optimal solution is obtained for each objective function. This solution is characterized by a safe peak current injection, and by the optimization of the voltage profile in any type of grid connection. Therefore, the proposed control scheme includes advanced features for voltage support during voltage sags, which are applicable to different power facilities in different types of networks. Due to system limitations, a suboptimal solution is also considered, analyzed, and discussed for each of the optimization problems. Experimental results are presented to validate the theoretical solutions.

Method of measuring threshold voltage for a NAND flash memory device

Abstract: Provided is a method of measuring threshold voltages in a NAND flash memory device. In the method, a test voltage is applied to a wordline of selected memory cells to measure a distribution profile of threshold voltages of memory cells. A voltage summing up a pass voltage and an operation voltage is applied to wordlines of deselected cells. The operation voltage is applied to a well and a common source line. A voltage summing up a precharge voltage and the operation voltage is applied to a bitline. After then, a voltage variation on the bitline can be detected to measure a threshold voltage of a memory cell. A negative threshold voltage can be measured by applying a positive voltage with reference to a voltage, as the threshold voltage of the memory cell, set by subtracting the operation voltage from the test voltage in accordance with the bitline voltage variation.

Neural Networks for Combined Control of Capacitor Banks and Voltage Regulators in Distribution Systems

Abstract: A neural network for controlling shunt capacitor banks and feeder voltage regulators in electric distribution systems is presented. The objective of the neural controller is to minimize total I/sup 2/R losses and maintain all bus voltages within standard limits. The performance of the neural network for different input selections and training data is discussed and compared. Two different input selections are tried, one using the previous control states of the capacitors and regulator along with measured line flows and voltage which is equivalent to having feedback and the other with measured line flows and voltage without previous control settings. The results indicate that the neural net controller with feedback can outperform the one without. Also, proper selection of a training data set that adequately covers the operating space of the distribution system is important for achieving satisfactory performance with the neural controller. The neural controller is tested on a radially configured distribution system with 30 buses, 5 switchable capacitor banks and a nine tap line regulators to demonstrate the performance characteristics associated with these principles. Monte Carlo simulations show that a carefully designed and relatively compact neural network with a small but carefully developed training set can perform quite well under slight and extreme variation of loading conditions.

Output capacitor current as feedback to control a hysteretic voltage regulator

Abstract: A hysteretic voltage regulator is disclosed comprising an inductor having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is connected to an output capacitor in shunt with a load. A switch connects the first end of the inductor to a supply voltage when an output voltage across the load falls below a reference voltage, and disconnects the first end of the inductor from the supply voltage when a current flowing through the output capacitor rises above a reference current.