Conventional Two-level Converter Research Articles

Plug-In Repetitive Control Strategy for High-Order Wide-Output Range Impedance-Source Converters

High-order wide-output (HOWO) impedance-source converters (ISCs) have been presented for ac inverter applications that require voltage step-up ability. With intrinsic passive impedance networks as energy sources, these converters are able to achieve voltage boosting with either polarity, leading to improved dc-link voltage utilization compared with the conventional two-level converter. However, HOWO-ISCs suffer from transfer functions giving low bandwidth, a penalty of increased passive devices and right-half-plane zeros, which result in lower order distortion of the ac output power. In this paper, a modified plug-in repetitive control scheme is presented for HOWO-ISCs with accurate reference tracking (hence low distortion), fast dynamic response, and enhanced robustness. By using zero-phase-shift finite impulse response filters in both the internal model of the repetitive controller and its compensation network, the proposed method achieves zero steady-state error and an extended closed-loop bandwidth. For HOWO-ISC cases, this method outperforms conventional proportional-integral (PI) control, which has considerable steady-state error. It also eliminates the need of parallel loops for several frequencies when proportional resonant control or orthogonal transformation-based PI schemes are used to remove lower order distortion. The design process and performance analysis of the proposed repetitive control strategy are based on a novel three-phase HOWO-ISC configuration with a reduced number of switches. Simulation and experimental results confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control approach.

A Medium-Voltage Large Wind Turbine Generation System Using an AC/AC Modular Multilevel Cascade Converter

The generator voltage of a cutting-edge wind turbine generation system (WTGS) is expected to increase from the conventional low-voltage level of 690 V to a medium-voltage level of 6.6 kV with a power level up to 10 MW without the application of a parallel connection of multiple power units. On the other hand, it is difficult to use a conventional two-level or three-level converter in a WTGS with a dc-link voltage of 10–13 kV owing to the limitations on the voltage ratings of power devices. This paper presents a 10-MW WTGS consisting of a three-phase open-winding synchronous generator equipped with six lead terminals and a modular multilevel cascade converter (MMCC) formed by three identical subconverters. The MMCC carries out direct ac/ac power conversion from three single-phase voltages with a time-varying frequency (from the generator) to a three-phase voltage with a line frequency of 50 Hz. This paper discusses the operating principles and control methods for the WTGS, followed by simulations using the software package PSCAD/EMTDC. The experimental result obtained from a 200 V 6-kW downscaled system confirms the reliability of simulation results of the complete three-phase system.

An Integrated Inductor for Eliminating Circulating Current of Parallel Three-Level DC–DC Converter-Based EV Fast Charger

The parallel three-level dc–dc converter has some merits over the conventional two-level buck converter when employed for fast chargers in a bipolar-dc-bus charging station. It can be directly connected to the bipolar dc bus, and can operate with the total neutral-point current eliminated under the 180°-interleaved mode, which guarantees balanced power consumption and helps decrease dc-bus voltage fluctuation. However, this incurs circulating currents, leading to increased losses and additional current stress to switching devices. To solve this issue, an integrated inductor is proposed in this paper. The inductor has an integrated magnetic core with both output and circulating windings placed on it, producing inductances to filter output currents and to attenuate circulating currents respectively. The circulating inductance can be flexibly adjusted to be much higher than the output inductance, so that the circulating currents can be well attenuated. The output and circulating inductances, along with the ratio between them, are deduced in detail. The current ripples are analyzed and compared under two operation modes with separate and integrated inductors, respectively. The weight, losses, and volume have also been compared between separate and integrated inductors. Both simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed integrated inductor.

Operating Principle and Performance Optimization of a Three-Level NPC Dual-Active-Bridge DC–DC Converter

Aiming to improve the performance features of conventional two-level dual-active-bridge (DAB) converters, this paper presents a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) DAB dc–dc converter. A general modulation pattern is initially defined, the dc-link capacitor voltage balancing is analyzed in detail, and a proper balancing control is designed. Then, a set of decoupled optimization problems is formulated as a function of the available modulation degrees of freedom to minimize the predominant converter losses. Finally, a simple and practical specific modulation strategy is provided, resembling the optimum solutions. The good performance of the proposed three-level NPC DAB converter operated with the proposed modulation strategy and voltage balancing control is verified through simulation and experiments. The capacitor voltage balancing can be guaranteed for all operating conditions. In addition, it is concluded that the multilevel topology provides benefits compared with the conventional two-level DAB converter.

An Improved Asymmetric Cascaded Multilevel D–STATCOM with Enhanced Hybrid Modulation

Problems related to power quality, which in the last years were responsible only for small losses in low-voltage distribution systems, are now causing damage to power apparatuses and financial losses also in medium-voltage systems. The necessity of a better quality of power supply encourages the development of new specific custom power devices directly connected in medium-voltage distribution systems. It is well know that the multilevel converters are capable of being installed directly in the medium voltage, and presents several advantages when compared with conventional two-level converters. Some topologies, like the asymmetric cascaded multilevel converter, presents difficulties in regulating the voltages of all isolated dc-link capacitors. In this context, this article presents an asymmetric nineteen-level D–STATCOM (Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator) with a reactive power and dc-link regulation control loops for generic cascaded multilevel converters in order to improve the power quality in medium-voltage distribution systems. The performance of the proposed control method for a multilevel D–STATCOM is presented and evaluated in a downscaled prototype.

Analysis of voltage source converter‐based high‐voltage direct current under DC line‐to‐earth fault

DC line faults on high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems utilising voltage source converters (VSCs) are a major issue for multi-terminal HVDC systems in which complete isolation of the faulted system is not a viable option. Of these faults, single line-to-earth faults are the most common fault scenario. To better understand the system under such faults, this study analyses the behaviour of HVDC systems based on both conventional two-level converter and multilevel modular converter technology, experiencing a permanent line-to-earth fault. Operation of the proposed system under two different earthing configurations of converter side AC transformer earthed with converter unearthed, and both converter and AC transformer unearthed, was analysed and simulated, with particular attention paid to the converter operation. It was observed that the development of potential earth loops within the system as a result of DC line-to-earth faults leads to substantial overcurrent and results in oscillations depending on the earthing configuration.

Development of a 500-kW Modular Multilevel Cascade Converter for Battery Energy Storage Systems

Renewable energy sources such as wind turbine and photovoltaic power generators may make the power grid unstable due to their output fluctuations. Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are being considered as a countermeasure for this issue. A modular multilevel cascade converter (MMCC) is expected as a power conversion circuit for BESSs because each bridge cell can control the state of charge of a battery unit, independent of that of another one, and the harmonic current generated is low enough to eliminate the ac filter, normally installed on conventional two-level converters, from the MMCC. This paper describes the development of a real-scale (500 kW) single-star-bridge-cell-based MMCC for BESSs and reports successful test results obtained from a downscaled grid model and a 6.6-kV real-scale distribution line.

Design of an Optimized Modulation for AC-DC Harmonic Immunity in VSC HVDC Transmission

Control methods based on selective harmonic elimination pulse-width modulation (SHE-PWM) techniques offer the lowest possible number of switching transitions. This feature also results in the lowest possible level of converter switching losses. For this reason, they are very attractive techniques for the voltage- source-converter-(VSC) based high-voltage dc (HVDC) power transmission systems. The paper discusses optimized modulation patterns which offer controlled harmonic immunity between the ac and dc side. The application focuses on the conventional two-level converter when its dc-link voltage contains a mix of low- frequency harmonic components. Simulation and experimental results are presented to confirm the validity of the proposed switching patterns.

A Bidirectional Multilevel Boost–Buck DC–DC Converter

A novel noninverting boost-buck dc-dc converter topology is presented, applicable when both sides of the converter need to have the same grounding. It is based on the back-to-back connection of two n-level active-clamped or diode-clamped converter legs, and allows bidirectional power flow. A simplified topology is proposed for unidirectional power flow applications. Two new pulse width modulation strategies with different advantages are proposed to operate the converter guaranteeing dc-link capacitor voltage balance in every switching cycle for all possible operating conditions and using small capacitance values. The semiconductor device losses are compared through analysis, simulation, and experiments to the losses in a conventional two-level boost-buck converter. The analysis yields a higher efficiency for the multilevel converter, especially as the number of levels increases. Experimental results are presented to validate the good converter performance in four- and five-level converter prototypes.

Optimized Modulation for AC–DC Harmonic Immunity in VSC HVDC Transmission

Control methods based on selective harmonic elimination pulse-width modulation (SHE-PWM) techniques offer the lowest possible number of switching transitions. This feature also results in the lowest possible level of converter switching losses. For this reason, they are very attractive techniques for the voltage-source-converter-(VSC) based high-voltage dc (HVDC) power transmission systems. The paper discusses optimized modulation patterns which offer controlled harmonic immunity between the ac and dc side. The application focuses on the conventional two-level converter when its dc-link voltage contains a mix of low-frequency harmonic components. Simulation and experimental results are presented to confirm the validity of the proposed switching patterns.

Four-switch three-phase space-vector PWM AC-DC converter

A three-phase four-switch AC-DC converter with space vector pulsewidth modulation scheme is presented and investigated. The adopted two-level converter has fewer power switches than the conventional two-level six-switch converter. A novel space vector pulsewidth modulation scheme is adopted to reduce content of the current distortion. Based on the adopted control scheme, proper voltage vectors are generated on the AC terminal for drawing current with a high a power factor, also in the case of unbalanced AC-input voltage. The experimental results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.

Neuro-Computing Vector Classification SVM Schemes to Integrate the Overmodulation Region in Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) Converters

Three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) voltage source converters have recently emerged as important alternatives to conventional two-level converter topologies in high-power medium-voltage energy conversion applications, particularly in high performance ac motor drive systems. An all-inclusive modulation strategy for NPC converters should have the capability of extending the operating range of the converter into the overmodulation region with a smooth and linear transition characteristic. An overmodulation switching strategy based on the space vector classification technique for three-level NPC converters is introduced in this paper. The proposed overmodulation modes, make possible continuous control of the output voltage up to the maximum possible with a smooth linear transition characteristic, and minimum distortions. A theoretical basis for the vector classification space vector modulation technique in the overmodulation region is presented, and the proposed overmodulation schemes are validated by analysis, simulation and experimentation on a 2-KVA three-level NPC converter laboratory prototype

A primary-switched line-side converter using zero-voltage switching

A new primary-switched AC/DC power converter and its modulation are presented. It employs a single- or three-phase transformer, with a matrix converter (primary) and a conventional two-level converter (secondary). This allows galvanic isolation at medium-frequency zero-voltage primary commutation and five line-side voltage levels. Two distinct modulation methods are explained in detail, and it is shown how a combination of these allows optimal operation in terms of efficiency and voltage harmonics. Measured waveforms on a 30-kW prototype confirm the expected performance.