Capacitor Voltage Oscillations Research Articles

Improved Branch Energy Balance Control for Three-Phase to Single-Phase Modular Multilevel Converter for Railway Traction Power Supply

Maintaining the branch energy balance poses a huge challenge to controller design of many modular multilevel converter (MMC) topologies. Aiming at railway traction power supply system application of a three-phase to single-phase MMC with equal input and output frequency, this article proposes a branch energy balance control with an improved common-mode voltage selection. As a result, the capacitor voltage oscillations as well as circulating currents are reduced greatly. As the MMC is a complicated periodic time-varying system, an average theory is used to simplify the analysis and controller design. The controllability analysis of the system is carried out and the results show that the proposed branch energy balance control is controllable under most load conditions. In addition, the stability of the branch energy balance system is validated through frequency response. Finally, experimental results verify the effectiveness of the control scheme by an 18-cell model based on the RT-LAB platform.

Continuous Set Model Predictive Control for Energy Management of Modular Multilevel Matrix Converters

The modular multilevel matrix converter (M <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sup> C) is an ac to ac power converter composed of 9 arms and is proposed for high power applications such as motor drive and wind energy conversion systems. Energy Control of the M <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sup> C is achieved using four circulating currents, and is frequently divided into the different frequency mode (DFM) and equal frequency mode (EFM). EFM is more challenging, because of the larger capacitor voltage oscillations that can be produced. The control schemes are typically different for EFM/DFM operation and this further increases the complexity. In this article, a continuous-control-set model predictive control for energy management of the M <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sup> C is proposed. The control scheme is based on solving an equality constrained quadratic programming problem, where the optimal solution is analytically obtained. The result is a single and simple control law to obtain the circulating current references, where good performance is achieved for both EFM and DFM. The proposed strategy is experimentally validated using a scaled-down M <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sup> C prototype composed of 27 power cells.

Capacitor Condition Monitoring for the Low-Capacitance StatCom: An Online Approach

The cascaded H-bridge low-capacitance static com- pensator (LC-StatCom) uses relatively small capacitors subjected to large voltage oscillations. When a capacitor degrades, its capacitance differs from the nominal value, and this deteriorates the StatCom operation and safety. This is an important reason to monitor the capacitors condition in StatComs. This letter presents a detailed analysis of the capacitor voltage oscillations and their dependence on the capacitance values. The analysis allows monitoring the condition of the capacitors using a closed- loop approach that feedbacks the error in voltage oscillations. The proposed method is a hardware-free online solution for ca- pacitor condition monitoring (CCM) in LC-StatComs. The letter presents simulation and experimental results that corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed CCM loop.

Discontinuous Modulation of a Cascaded H-Bridge Low-Capacitance StatCom

This article presents a discontinuous modulation (DM) strategy for static compensators (StatComs) based on a cascaded H-bridge (CHB) converter with a star configuration. The proposed DM strategy considers the capacitor voltage oscillations at twice the fundamental frequency and the effect of zero-sequence voltage injection on the capacitor voltages. Considering these effects is especially important in CHB-StatComs with large capacitor voltage ripples (low-capacitance StatComs), where the assumption of a constant dc-link voltage, which is the basis of conventional DM strategies, does not apply. This article also describes a coherent set of steady-state waveforms for CHB-StatComs under DM. In addition to the well-known benefit of reducing the switching losses, the proposed DM also reduces the dc-link capacitors size and extends the operating range. The viability of the proposed DM strategy is verified experimentally on a small-scale prototype. In addition, simulation results are obtained using a real-scale system to study feasibility of the DM under unbalanced conditions.

A Dynamic-Segment-Alternating SVPWM for a Five-Level NNPP Converter With Neutral-Point Voltage Control

The neutral-point (NP) potential balance has always been an essential issue for multilevel converters. In this article, the primary cause of the NP potential deviation using seven-segment space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) is theoretically revealed. A dynamic-segment-alternating SVPWM (DSA-SVPWM) based on a five-level nested NP piloted converter is proposed, which can effectively balance the NP potential, suppress capacitor voltage oscillations and reduce harmonic distortions. The performance is observed with different power factors and modulation indexes, and the steady state and transient responses are analyzed. The conduction loss and switching loss of the converter are studied. The loss distributions among switching devices are also presented. The proposed DSA-SVPWM is simple to implement with good generalization ability, which allows it to be applied to converters of other topologies and levels. Simulations and experiments are performed to verify the method's effectiveness and practicality.

Capacitor voltage ripple reduction in MMC-HVDC system using flat bottom current method

Modular-multilevel converters (MMCs) are considered a useful technology in high-voltage direct current (hvdc) transmission systems. Since it offers many advantages like modular configuration with scalable output voltage. Voltage ripples on sub-module (SM) capacitors in MMC and circulating currents are two major challenges, which can affect the converter stability and performance. Conventionally, direct modulation method is used to insert or bypass SMs in MMC producing circulating current and SMs capacitor voltage oscillations. The closed loop and open loop control methods are used to overcome drawbacks in direct modulation method. However, these methods rely on the accurate measurements and estimation of SM capacitor voltages. A flat bottom current method is proposed in this paper to minimize the amplitude of ripple voltages on SM capacitors in MMC-based HVDC systems. Limited capacitor energy changes leading to reduce capacitor voltage ripples are observed by the proposed methodology using direct-modulation method without using circulating current suppression controller. The proposed method is tested on a two-terminal MMC-based HVDC system implemented by vector control approach in PSCAD/EMTDC software. Analytical results are verified by simulation results in reducing capacitor voltage ripples based on the direct modulation approach.

Failure Prediction of Submodule Capacitors in Modular Multilevel Converter by Monitoring the Intrinsic Capacitor Voltage Fluctuations

Modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are emerging as a promising topology for medium- and high-power applications. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs) are usually employed in MMCs as floating capacitors due to their high volumetric efficiency and low price. AECs gradually deteriorate over time due to electrolyte vaporization, and for this reason, they have been recognized as one of the most fragile components in the converter. As they continue to age, the AEC's capacitance decreases and its equivalent series resistance increases, which can result in an increase of submodule (SM) capacitor voltage ripple, power loss and could damage the operation of the MMC with prolonged use of aged capacitors. To prevent such damage, monitoring the health of capacitors is an important step to enhance the reliability of the MMC by predictive maintenance. This paper presents a failure prediction scheme for SM capacitors in the MMC by monitoring the SM capacitor voltage oscillations. Detailed simulation studies are carried out for a five-level MMC in the PLECS® platform and verified experimentally. The estimated capacitance through simulations and experiments is in close agreement to that value measured using the LCR meter.

Finite‐control‐set model predictive control for eight‐switch three‐phase NPC converters

In this paper, a simplified finite‐control‐set model predictive control (FCS‐MPC) method with a deadbeat solution is proposed for eight‐switch, three‐phase, neutral‐point‐clamped converters (ESTP‐NPCs). Specifically, in order to improve the computational efficiency, a novel sector distribution scheme is presented by dividing the whole voltage vector space into eight sectors. In the each sector, only three voltage vectors are determined as new candidate finite control sets (FCSs), and then the optimal voltage vector that minimizes the predesigned cost function is selected from the new candidate FCS. Meanwhile, in order to avoid the selection of the weighting factor, a multiobjective optimization strategy based on an average ranking is introduced into the proposed strategy. In addition, the DC‐link capacitor voltage oscillations and deviations are suppressed effectively, and the time delay of control command is compensated. In view of these characteristics, the proposed control strategy (i) has lower computational burden, (ii) has good dynamic performance, (iii) does not need the tuning of weighting factor, and (iv) does not need the modulation method. Finally, compared to the conventional FCS‐MPC, the proposed method is more efficient as demonstrated by simulation results. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley &amp; Sons, Inc.

The Comprehensive Design and Optimization of the Post-Fault Grid-Connected Three-Phase PWM Rectifier

The comprehensive design and optimization, including the optimized modulation approach, detailed modeling, and reliable control algorithm, is presented in this paper to guarantee the stable operation of the postfault three-phase pulsewidth modulation (PWM) rectifier. The effects of the space vector modulation approaches on the capacitor current are investigated. Based on the analytical results, the method introducing the smaller capacitor current is selected as the optimized modulation approach, which is of paramount importance to avoid the permanent failure of the dc-link capacitors. Then, with the optimized modulation approach, a control-oriented model for the post-fault PWM rectifiers is derived based on the α - β stationary frame, where the capacitor voltage oscillation and deviation are taken into account. The proposed model-based controllers do not require the phase-locked loop (PLL), and the elimination of the PLL means that the post-fault rectifiers can never lose synchronization with the grid. Furthermore, an equation of the required dc voltage for linear modulation is proposed, and using the proposed equation, a correct dc voltage is selected to reject the overmodulation. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed comprehensive design and optimization. Finally, a conclusion can be drawn from the experimental results-that the dc-link capacitor current and the linear modulation should be taken into account when selecting the dc voltage in the post-fault operation.

Modeling, Modulation and Control of the Three-Phase Four-Switch PWM Rectifier under Balanced Voltage

The modeling, modulation, and control of the three-phase four-switch (TPFS) PWM rectifier are investigated in this paper. Three space vector pulse width modulation methods using different equivalent zero vectors are developed, where sector identification and the trigonometric function are not required. Then, the high-frequency model for the current ripple analysis is proposed, and the effects of three SVM approaches on the ac current ripple are investigated. According to the analytical results, the method introducing the smallest current ripple is selected. With the optimized SVM approach, a control-oriented model, considering the capacitor voltage oscillation and deviation, is built in the dq synchronous frame to facilitate the controller design. Furthermore, a control strategy implementing the proportional controller is developed to eliminate the capacitor voltage deviation. Meanwhile, the dual-loop control of the TPFS is not affected by the proposed strategy as the capacitor voltage deviation is eliminated. Finally, a novel linear modulation index function is defined to reject the low-frequency harmonic current introduced by the overmodulation. Experimental results demonstrate that excellent current performance is achieved with comprehensive considerations of the modeling, modulation, and control strategy.

An Energy-Based Controller for HVDC Modular Multilevel Converter in Decoupled Double Synchronous Reference Frame for Voltage Oscillation Reduction

This paper consists of the presentation of a regulation strategy capable of controlling the energy stored in the modular multilevel converter (MMC) in an HVDC configuration. This is achieved by regulating the positive, negative, and zero sequences in dqo coordinates of the differential current using two rotating reference frames: at once and at twice the fundamental grid frequency value. The active and reactive negative sequence components of the differential current at twice the fundamental frequency are used to eliminate the oscillations of the three-phased leg energy, reducing significantly the capacitor voltage oscillations, while the zero-sequence component is used to regulate the total energy stored at a given reference. Meanwhile, active and reactive positive sequence components of the circulating current are used for eliminating the average energy difference between the upper and lower arms in a three-phase MMC. In order to decouple efficiently the differential current components, the decoupled-double-synchronous-reference-frame current control strategy is used. Finally, simulation results validate the performance of the MMC in an HVDC configuration with the proposed control. Control equations are demonstrated, and cross-coupled leg-energy terms are introduced.