Grid-connected Power Converters Research Articles

A grid-connected eleven-level power conversion interface

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a grid-connected eleven-level power conversion interface (GCELPCI) for renewable power systems. The proposed GCELPCI is composed of a four-port DC-DC power converter (FPDDPC) and an eleven-level inverter (ELI). The FPDDPC combines a boost power converter and a transformer with a turn ratio of 2:1 to generate multiple combinations of the output voltages for the DC bus voltage of the ELI. The ELI integrates an asymmetric voltage technique on a T-type inverter to further convert the DC output voltages of FPDDPC into eleven-level AC voltage. A sinusoidal current is generated by the proposed GCELPCI through the filter inductor and injected into the power grid. Only nine power electronic switches are used in the ELI to generate an eleven-level AC voltage, the number of power electronic switches is reduced to simplify the power circuit. In addition, the capacity of the filter inductor is reduced. A digital signal processor (DSP) and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) chip are used as the digital controller to complete a hardware prototype to verify the performance of the proposed GCELI.

Robust Predictive Control of Grid-Connected Converters: Sensor Noise Suppression With Parallel-Cascade Extended State Observer

Model predictive control (MPC) is a constrained optimization control method with superior performance than linear methods for multi-variable and multi-objective control of power converters. Nonetheless, its performance is limited by model uncertainties and measurement noise. This study tackles this challenge by proposing a new hybrid parallel-cascade extended state observer (PC-ESO) with two key advantages, viz.: (i) higher disturbance rejection than the conventional linear ESO and cascade ESO (CESO) at low bandwidth, and (ii) better noise suppression than the conventional ESO. PC-ESO's time-domain structure, and comprehensive frequency-domain analysis are presented. Furthermore, PC-ESO is applied to improve the transient disturbance rejection of CESO through a novel structurally-adaptive ESO (SAESO) algorithm. The proposed SAESO provides both high-frequency noise-suppression and better disturbance rejection than CESO and cascade-parallel ESO. Finally, the proposed methods are experimentally validated by the model-free predictive control of a grid-connected power converter.

Generalized Envelope-Based Modeling of Single-Phase Grid-Connected Power Converters

Generalized Envelope-Based Modeling of Single-Phase Grid-Connected Power Converters

Stabilization of isolated hybrid microgrids with electric vehicle-based energy storage systems using a fractional order proportional-integral-derivative control

ABSTRACT Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered to be the most promising technology upgrades in the coming years to reduce the carbon emission, since the EVs could replace the conventional combustion vehicles as well as mitigate power fluctuations in power grids. This paper focuses on addressing the frequency stability issues in isolated hybrid grids (IHGs) by introducing a fractional order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) control for grid-connected power converters. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique is adopted to optimize the parameters of the controllers. The advantages of the proposed control method over the conventional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, proportional-integral with proportional-derivative (PI-PD) control, and proportional-integral-derivative with filter (PIDF) control schemes are verified by simulation case studies. Besides, a modified virtual rotor concept (MVRC) is proposed in this paper to enhance the inertia of the system. Furthermore, the performance of using EVs to regulate the frequency of IHGs is compared to the superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) units, capacitive energy storage (CES) units, and redox flow batteries (RFB) under fixed and variable load conditions.

Frequency-Variant Electronic Capacitor to Simultaneously Reduce Low-Frequency DC-Link Voltage Ripple and Improve Current THD of Grid-Connected Power Converters

Electronic Capacitor (EC) is a circuit typically aimed to replace (in part or entirely) the bulk DC-link capacitor of a grid-interfacing power converter in plug-and-play manner. EC is realized by a bidirectional DC-DC converter terminated with small auxiliary capacitor. The converter is controlled such that its DC-link side terminals mimic the behavior of a capacitor with much higher constant capacitance. In this paper, a modification of the classical EC control structure is proposed, imposing the DC-link side terminals to emulate a frequency-variant capacitor rather than a constant one. The proposed algorithm allows achieving simultaneous reduction of both DC link voltage ripple and grid-side current total harmonic distortion (THD) compared to ones attained by classical solutions, thus improving the trade-off between DC link voltage dynamics and AC-side current quality inevitably present in any grid-connected power converter. The proposed methodology is well-supported by experiments.

Model-Free Predictive Control of Power Converters with Multifrequency Extended State Observers

The performance of model-free predictive control (MFPC), which is based on the ultra-local model, is highly dependent on the effectiveness of the extended-state observer (ESO). The standard linear ESO has a high-gain which enhances disturbance rejection attributes. Nevertheless, this ESO has two main limitations: i) it amplifies high-frequency measurement noises, and ii) it deteriorates disturbance rejection performance when the noise immunity is improved. Therefore, this article introduces a new technique to improve both the disturbance rejection and noise suppression of ESO without increasing the bandwidth: the multi-frequency-based ESO (MF-ESO). Two novel ESO structures that operate on the MF-ESO principle are analyzed: parallel and cascade ESOs. Extensive frequency domain analyses unravel the comparative capabilities of the MF-ESO structures for improved disturbance rejection and/or high-frequency noise suppression. A novel adaptive gain is proposed to improve CESO's dynamic performance. The superior features of the proposed MF-ESO are experimentally validated by the model-free predictive control of a grid-connected power converter.

Design of Dual-Notch-Filter-Based Controllers for Enhancing the Dynamic Response of Universal Single-Phase Grid-Connected Power Converters

Trade-off between transient response and grid-side current quality is a well-known issue of single-phase mains-connected power converters. A dual-loop control structure (usually based on PI or type-II controllers) is typically employed in such systems to regulate the DC link voltage to a constant reference (in order to maintain power balance) while forcing the grid-side current to have a specific shape (in order to comply with power quality requirements). Introducing notch term/s (tuned to certain multiple/s of the mains base frequency) into one of the loops allows either for the improvement of the dynamic performance without worsening the total harmonic distortion of grid-side current or for the enhancement of the current quality without impairing the dynamic response. Since the maximum tolerable value of total harmonic distortion is typically imposed by a certain power quality standard, it is desirable to enhance the transient response of the power converter system as much as possible while keeping the total harmonic distortion at the maximum allowed value. However, universal off-grid operating power conversion systems must support both 50 Hz and 60 Hz mains; consequently, tuning the notch term/s to 50 Hz multiple/s would not be sufficient for a 60 Hz mains operation and vice-versa. Consequently, this work examines the possibility of introducing a dual-notch term into the control loop in order to cover both above-mentioned base frequencies. It is demonstrated that under typical base frequency uncertainty values, the performances of dual-notch terms are nearly decoupled so that the term tuned to a 50 Hz frequency (and optionally to its multiples) has nearly no influence at a 60 Hz mains operation and vice-versa. Consequently, the methodology allows for the improvement of the dynamics of universal grid-connected power converters without total harmonic distortion (THD) deterioration. A stability analysis of the proposed control structure is carried out and quantitative design guidelines, allowing for the attainment of an optimized dynamic response for a given maximum tolerable total harmonic distortion, minimum allowed phase margin and a certain base frequency uncertainty, are established. It is shown that a DC link voltage loop bandwidth of 52 Hz may be attained while keeping the grid-side current THD below 5%. Simulations and experimental results support well the proposed design methodology.

Selective Harmonic Mitigation: Limitations of Classical Control Strategies and Benefits of Model Predictive Control

Selective harmonic mitigation pulsewidth modulation (SHMPWM) combined with model predictive control (MPC) is a promising approach for grid-connected power converters. SHMPWM can guarantee grid code compliance in steady state, e.g. grid harmonic injection, with a reduced output converter filter, while MPC improves dynamic response and allows grid code compliance in the event of grid transients. This paper presents a survey of the MPC strategies already published in the literature developed for their use with SHMPWM. The existing strategies fall into two categories: direct model predictive control with an implicit selective harmonic mitigation modulator, and direct model predictive control based on finite control set (FCS-MPC). One representative control strategy of each group is compared to each other and to the performance of classical proportional- integral (PI) controllers combined with SHMPWM. The goal is to identify the potential benefits of MPC for grid-connected power converters, and determine the main advantages and limitations of the two selected state-of-the-art control strategies. Their performance is assessed through Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) experimental results in terms of real-time implementation, harmonic content grid code compliance, dynamic response and performance under grid transients.

Part I—Advancements in Power Converter Technologies: A Focus on SiC-MOSFET-Based Voltage Source Converters

Power converter technologies have become vital in various applications due to their efficient management of electrical energy. With the growing prominence of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, the high penetration of power electronic converters has been justified. However, ensuring power quality has emerged as a significant challenge for grid-connected power converters. The divergence from the ideal sinusoidal waveform in terms of magnitude and frequency impacts both grid-side currents and voltages. Several studies have proposed solutions to address power quality issues at the load side. The advancement of power converters has been fueled by the development of high-performance microprocessors and the emergence of high-speed switching devices, such as SiC-MOSFETs. This paper focuses on the design of voltage source converters, particularly those based on SiC-MOSFET semiconductor devices. The article presents the design of H-Bridge cells, discusses two-level voltage source converters based on cascade H-Bridge cells in a parallel configuration with experimental fault analysis, addresses the seven-level voltage source converter topology, and explores the design and experimental results of the matrix converter. The findings underscore the importance of considering the entire converter design for improved performance at high switching frequencies. The article concludes by summarizing the main outcomes and implications of this research.

Fast and robust DC link voltage control of single-phase grid-connected converters supporting 50 Hz and 60 Hz mains with universal magnitudes range

It is well-known that dynamics of single-phase grid-connected power converters employing PI or type-II DC link voltage controllers is limited by the maximum tolerable value of utility-side current total harmonic distortion (THD). Moreover, universal DC link voltage controller must be capable of supporting both 50 Hz and 60 Hz utilities and universal range of magnitudes (85Vrms–265Vrms). As a result, DC link crossover frequency value (and hence corresponding settling time) may vary significantly in case grid voltage magnitude variations are not compensated in the controller. In order to cope with the above-mentioned deficiencies, the paper suggests a design methodology for a novel dual-frequency-tuned utility magnitude insensitive plug-in disturbance observer (DOB), supporting universal utility frequencies and magnitudes so that the transient response of a grid-connected converter is improved without altering the existing PI or type-II DC link voltage controller coefficients. These characteristics are attained by robust modification of DC link voltage loop plant to possess notch-like properties around two frequencies of interest and treating the grid voltage magnitude value as non-measurable uncertainty translated into input disturbance and subsequently cancelled. Analytical design guidelines for obtaining PI + DOB controller coefficients are provided for desired values of utility-side current THD and DC link voltage loop phase margin (PM). Simulations and experimental results are provided to validate the feasibility of proposed design methodology.

Improvement of Power Quality in Grid Connected Wind Energy System

Abstract: This research covers industrial plant-connected wind turbine system control. An algorithm permits a control structure that uses a four-leg inverter linked to the grid to inject energy and operate as an active power filter, reducing load current disturbances and improving power quality. Algorithms enable this control structure. A four-wire system considers linear and nonlinear three-phase and single-phase loads. The utility-side controller supplies active and reactive power and adjusts for reactive, nonlinear, and unbalanced single- and intra-phase demands during wind turbine connection. Besides providing power, this is done. If there is no wind power, the controller uses the DC-link capacitor and grid-connected power converter to improve power quality. The proposed control structure is based on conservative power theory decompositions, which distinguishes it from previous techniques. This option separates the inverter control power and current references, giving a broad variety of adaptable, selective, and powerful functions. Real-time software benchmarking has tested the recommended control technique for comprehensive real-time implementation. The real-time simulator "FACTS" and the DSP microcontroller test and implement the control strategy in hardware-in-the-loop. These results confirmed our power quality improvement control, allowing us to omit passive filters. This created an electronic smart grid-based control system that was more efficient, adaptive, and reliable.

Online auto-tuning of multiresonant current controller with nature-inspired optimization algorithms and disturbance in the loop approach

This paper presents a novel tuning method of a complex multiresonant current controller (MRCC). An online auto-tuning process is proposed to provide optimal coefficients suitable for the real-time operation of a grid-connected power converter. The time-consuming and inaccurate simulation stage based on the model of the plant is omitted. A novel function of constraints has been introduced into the optimization scheme to ensure the desired behavior of the control system. In this solution, the noise level of a control signal and the rise time of controlled currents are directly defined. To the author’s best knowledge, it is the first time when such a solution is proposed. Next, the most commonly used meta-heuristic optimization algorithms were applied to solve this particular optimization problem. Another original concept presented in the paper is the application of the disturbance-in-the-loop (DiL) approach. In this method, the distorted phase voltages are emulated during the tuning stage, and optimal coefficients of MRCC are selected in the off-grid operation of the power converter. The proposed solution ensures safe and efficient online tuning of the MRCC for an extremely simple performance index. As a result, the high-performance operation of the grid-connected inverter is achieved. A brief stability analysis based on Lyapunov’s stability theory is included. Experimental results obtained for grid-connected inverter indicate superior disturbance attenuation and current tracking. Advantages of the proposed approach are exhibited when compared to two analytical reference solutions.

Hybrid DC-AC microgrid energy management system using grey wolf optimized neural network

Grey wolf-optimized artificial neural networks used in DC–AC hybrid distribution networks, to regulate the energy consumption, is presented in this study. Energy management system that takes into consideration, the distributed generation, load demand, and battery state of charge are being considered. The artificial neural network have been trained, utilising the profile data, based on the energy storage system’s charging and discharging characteristics, under various distribution network power conditions. Moreover, the error rate was kept, well under 10%. The suggested energy management system, that employs an artificial neural network, has been trained to function in the optimal mode, utilising grey wolf optimization for each grid-connected power converter. Small-scale hybrid DC/AC microgrids have been developed and tested, in order to simulate and verify the proposed energy management system. The grey wolf optimized neural network energy management system has been proven to provide 99.48 % efficiency, which is superior when compared to other methods existing in the literatures.

Deadbeat Voltage Control for a Grid-Forming Power Converter With LCL Filter

Grid-forming power converters are controlled as voltage sources to regulate the grid voltage and frequency. These converters can increase power system strength if they impose a voltage waveform resilient to grid transients. For this reason, in this paper, we propose a deadbeat control strategy of the capacitor voltage for high power converters with <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">LCL</i> filter. To damp the <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">LCL</i> resonant poles, an active damping strategy is developed, based on a modification of the deadbeat control law. With this purpose, a notch filter is applied to the electrical variables allowing to emulate different damping resistances for the fundamental component and the harmonics. As a result, the active damping does not introduce tracking errors of the fundamental frequency component, while it provides damping to the filter resonance. The proposed strategy does not require knowledge of the grid impedance, an interesting feature in grid-connected power converters because the grid impedance is generally unknown. Experimental results validate the proposed strategy.

Performance-Based Tuning for a Model Predictive Direct Power Control in a Grid-Tied Converter With L-Filter

Model predictive control (MPC) is a powerful and widely used technique to address the control challenges in power converters as the grid interface for renewable energy systems. This technique combines closed-loop control with error and control effort minimization; however, its design is challenging, and we know little about how the controller parameters affect the closed-loop performance of grid-connected voltage source converters. In this study, we applied an MPC direct power control with modulation for a grid-connected power converter with an inductive filter. For the controller design, we proposed an initial set based on the power converter’s nominal setup. Then, we define the range of settings to guarantee stability by analyzing the closed-loop poles of the system. The fine-tuning to improve the performance can be identified visually using the performance maps built from simulations of the control system, simultaneously sweeping the time horizons of the predictive model and the weight factors of the cost function. Experimental results on a low-power bench demonstrate the excellent performance of the designed controller, following and even outperforming the classical proportional-integral (PI) controller and other advanced control techniques.

Fault Diagosis of CHB Inverter Using Machine Learning

Renewable energy has gained popularity due to depleting natural resources and escalating fossil fuel and nuclear pollution. Power electronic engineers design grid-connected power conversion systems. MLIs provide more power and solutions. Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) MLIs start with two or more 3L single-phase H-bridge inverters. Each H-bridge may produce three separate voltage levels. Combining the separated dc voltage sources produces a stepped output voltage with a step size equal to the magnitude of the connected sources. The present work develops a method for detecting and resolving switch failures in a three-phase CHB inverter, ensuring system dependability and allowing for system redundancy. The recommended approach uses Wavelet transform to extract features, then Decision Tree classifier to detect and characterise defects. Increased classification accuracy shows the DT-based fault diagnosis system's efficiency in identifying inverter switch faults.

Control of Low-Inertia Power Systems

Electric power systems are undergoing an unprecedented transition from fossil fuel–based power plants to low-inertia systems that rely predominantly on power electronics and renewable energy resources. This article reviews the resulting control challenges and modeling fallacies, at both the device and system level, and focuses on novel aspects or classical concepts that need to be revised in light of the transition to low-inertia systems. To this end, we survey the literature on modeling of low-inertia systems, review research on the control of grid-connected power converters, and discuss the frequency dynamics of low-inertia systems. Moreover, we discuss system-level services from a control perspective. Overall, we conclude that the system-theoretic mindset is essential to bridge different research communities and understand the complex interactions of power electronics, electric machines, and their controls in large-scale low-inertia power systems.

Core losses analysis of the LCL filter inductor for SiC-based inverter

The ability of SiC devices to switch at high speed allows increasing significantly the power density in both converters and passive components, reducing their required size. To mitigate harmonic injection form inverters into the grid, in order to comply with power quality standards, an accurate filter design is required. Given its excellent performance, an LCL filter is the configuration most suitable in grid-connected power converters. Several parameters must be considered when designing an effective LCL filter, and the inverter-side inductor assumes a special importance because of its relevance to suppress high frequency harmonic content at the inverter side. One of the most relevant issues to be considered in the process of designing the LCL filter is the evaluation of core losses in the inverter-side inductor, which will determine the final temperature of the inductor. This paper analyses the core losses of the inverter-side inductor of an LCL filter. The proposed method is based on the computation of the current harmonics generated by the inverter and on Steinmetz’s empirical equation. As a result, core losses calculated taking into account several carrier and sideband harmonics show good agreement with the experimental values. When current harmonics are estimated by simulation, as it is done in the proposed design procedure, results are less accurate, but precise enough for a design procedure.

Grid-Connected Power Converters: An Overview of Control Strategies for Renewable Energy

The move towards a greener energy mix to fight climate change propels investments in converter-interfaced resources such as wind and photovoltaics, energy storage systems and electric vehicles. The ongoing evolution of the power system is occurring at a very fast pace, challenging transmission and distribution system operators to seek solutions that are not only adequate for this moment but also for future scenarios. Ongoing research in the fields of power electronics, power systems and control aims at developing control strategies that will help the energy transition to occur, while keeping a stable, secure and reliable power system. The objective of this paper is to present a critical review of the control strategies developed for grid-connected power converters found in renewable energy systems, energy storage systems and electric vehicles. The impact of grid-connected converters on the stability of power grids is also reviewed, highlighting the promising control strategies for enhancing system stability.

Special Issue on Modeling and Analysis of Interaction Between Grids and Grid-Connected Power Electronics Converters in Distribution Networks

Increasing penetration of grid-connected renewable energy systems and smart loads based on power electronics converters (such as solar inverters, wind turbines, and variable speed motor drive systems) has been increasing in low- and medium-voltage power networks. High penetration of power electronics converters has the potential to degrade the power quality of grids introducing strong resonances in grids, waveform distortion (e.g., harmonics), transients, or flicker, which pose severe risks to the distribution networks and connected equipment. Especially waveform distortion above and below 2 kHz, as well as fast transients, can cause failures in grid communication, degradation of equipment such as distribution transformers, and losses of energy, and can affect system protection. This further faces the community with challenges in the measurement of voltage and current as well as in maintaining the requirements of the electricity codes and contractual obligations between network operators and users. The automobile industry is going through an incredible transformation from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to all-electric vehicles (EVs). Some European countries have decided to ban all petrol-powered cars in the next 25&#x2013;40 years. The fast-growing penetration of EVs charger will result in new challenges in distribution networks and connected loads. For example, grid impedance and its variation have a significant impact on grid-connected power converter behavior, interaction, stability, and harmonic emission and immunity. Thus, grid impedance modeling and estimation are required for existing and future analysis of distribution networks with a high number of grid-connected inverters. This Special Issue aimed to emphasize and document the latest research that addresses the abovementioned emerging challenges. In response to the call for articles, the total number of manuscripts received was 53, and 15 articles were accepted for publication. The submitted manuscripts came from 19 different countries, covering most of IEEE regions, i.e., Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Bangladesh, Iran, Turkey, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, the U.K., the United States, Canada, South Africa, Mexico, and Chile. From the accepted articles, all 15 articles address issues directly relevant to this Special Topic. Broadly, the articles can be categorized as follows: control and stability, assessment of frequency-dependent impedance, power quality aspects in distribution networks, and grid distortion impacts on power converters.