Power Factor Correction Control Research Articles

Stochastic optimal PV placement and command based power control for voltage and power factor correction using MOPSO algorithm

This paper addresses a multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm to locate the best position at which a single distributed generator (DG) with optimum voltage amplitude and phase can be installed. The objective is to maximize the power factor and voltage in IEEE 9-Bus system and voltage in IEEE 15-Bus system using MATLAB/SIMULINK software. Systematic simulations revealed that a single DG at Bus-5 with voltage amplitude/phase of 230 kV/-13∘ caused highest objective function value of 1.9919 with an improvement in power factor and voltage of 1.39% and 1.15% respectively. In IEEE 15-Bus system, DG at Bus-3 caused the highest objective function (0.8828) with DG voltage amplitude/phase of 10.735 kV/23.12∘ and 11.89% voltage improvement. Finally, a robust control program in dq0 domain is developed to achieve calculated powers from photovoltaic generator at DG bus whose effect is validated to be the same at all buses as given by the MOPSO algorithm.

Improved Methodology for Power Transformer Loss Evaluation: Algorithm Refinement and Resonance Risk Analysis

The decline in power quality within electrical networks is adversely impacting the energy efficiency and safety of transmission elements. The growing prevalence of power electronics has elevated harmonic levels in the grid to an extent where their significance cannot be overlooked. Additionally, the increasing integration of renewable energy sources introduces heightened fluctuations, rendering the prediction and simulation of working modes more challenging. This paper presents an improved algorithm for calculating power transformer losses attributed to harmonics, with a comprehensive validation against simulation results obtained from the Power Factory application and real-world measurements. The advantages of the algorithm are that all evaluations are performed in real-time based on single-point measurements, and the algorithm was easy to implement in a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). This allows us to receive the exchange of information to energy monitoring systems (EMSs) or with Power factor Correction Units (PFCUs) and control it. To facilitate a more intuitive understanding and visualization of potential hazardous scenarios related to resonance, an extra Dijkstra algorithm was implemented. This augmentation enables the identification of conditions, wherein certain branches exhibit lower resistance than the grid connection point, indicating a heightened risk of resonance and the presence of highly distorted currents. Recognizing that monitoring alone does not inherently contribute to increased energy efficiency, the algorithm was further expanded to assess transformer losses across a spectrum of Power Factory Correction Units power levels. Additionally, a command from a PLC to a PFCU can now be initiated to change the capacitance level and near-resonance working mode. These advancements collectively contribute to a more robust and versatile methodology for evaluating power transformer losses, offering enhanced accuracy and the ability to visualize potentially critical resonance scenarios.

Average current mode controller for bridgeless PFC SEPIC converter with second-order model reduction operated in continuous conduction mode.

This paper proposes an average current mode controller (ACMC) for a single-phase bridgeless power factor correction (PFC) circuit using a single ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) via second-order model reduction. The superiority of the proposed controller is PFC accomplished at power up to 350 W with high efficiency via the second-order model reduction. The design and implementation of ACMC on the converter operated with continuous conduction mode (CCM) is explained in detail. ACMC forces input current to follow sinusoidal current reference at different power levels and sustain high power factor (PF). The proposed controller is designed based on the theoretical analysis operation of the circuit. For verification, MATLAB/Simulink simulations are carried out and validation through an experiment test rig for 110-220 Vrms input, 100 Vdc/ 350 W output prototype at 20 kHz switching frequency. It is proven that the proposed controller strategy accomplishes high PF, high efficiency and conformity with the simulation.

Circulating Current Control in Interleaved and Parallel Connected Power Converters

This article analyzes circulating current control in single-phase power electronic converters, focusing on two different topologies: interleaved and parallel configurations. The study involves a bridgeless interleaving topology with two boost converters for increased efficiency. A parallel connection is also examined for monitoring line current, circulating currents, and power factor control. The article widely explains all current loops, including Common Mode Circulating Currents (CMCC) in the bridgeless interleaved topology and Differential Mode Circulating Currents (DMCC) in parallel-connected interleaved power converters. The proposed control scheme employs voltage and current control loops for output voltage and line current control and introduces CMCC and DMCC compensators to eliminate all types of circulating currents. An efficient Power Factor Correction (PFC) and output voltage control method is presented in this article. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes is validated through comparisons with modern control systems. The results are verified using Simulink/MATLAB and experimental setups with TI Instruments Piccolo prototypes and C2000 (TMS320F28035 microcontroller MCU) microcontrollers in parallel configurations.

MPSO-based PID control design for power factor correction in an AC-DC boost converter

This paper presents the implementation for the first time of a Multi-Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) algorithm in the tuning of a PID controller for Power Factor Correction (PFC), applied to a 100W AC-DC boost converter. MPSO algorithm navigates in a search space where each dimension of the space corresponds to the controller constants (Proportional, Integral, Derivative and the Derivative Filter), prioritizing communication over exploration in the algorithm. The controller parameters are randomly initialized in a reduced sector of the space [,,,], to optimize the search for a PID solution. In the first step, the algorithm is validated using a simulation model in Simulink and Matlab. Subsequently, a final implementation using a real converter is implemented with the PID tuned by MPSO, improving the PFC obtained in previous work. Although previous works have used evolutionary algorithms applied to heuristic optimization to tunning PID controllers, the MPSO algorithm is not usually used for this purpose, particularly to tunning a PID controller in a power electronics system. One advantage of MPSO over the PSO classical algorithm is the search at different points if the vectorial field looks for an optimal solution. PSO presents problems such as getting stuck in a locally optimal solution. The PID controller is trained offline, with the advantage of allowing the risk of damage in the Boost converter for transitory response, increasing the performance of the Power Factor Correction in the converter. This research opens the possibility to use the extended version of the PSO bioinspired algorithm to tune offline controllers to improve the power converter's performance, minimizing the risk presented in the real-time tuning process.

Research on the development and intelligent application of power environmental protection platform based on big data

Abstract In order to improve the practical effect of the power environmental protection platform, this paper combines the big data technology to develop and design the power environmental protection platform. In this paper, a power factor correction (PFC) and resonant half-bridge joint controller is used to combine the traditional two-level topology into one-level topology. Moreover, this paper adopts a fixed frequency half-bridge LLC resonant converter with a simple control circuit to obtain a stable resonant half-bridge controller with a fixed output voltage. The choice of this overall power topology architecture can not only meet the design requirements, save costs and simplify the control of the circuit, but also improve the efficiency of the whole machine and the performance of the power environmental protection platform. The experimental research shows that the power environmental protection platform based on big data proposed in this paper can effectively improve the effectiveness of power environmental protection strategies.

Efficient Power Factor Correction using Chaotic Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm-Based FOPID Controller in DC-DC Zeta Converters

Design and implementation of a Chaotic Artificial Bee Colony (ChABC) algorithm based Fractional Order Proportional Integral Derivative (FOPID) controller for Power Factor Correction (PFC) in Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS) using DC-DC Zeta converter is proposed in this article. The dc-dc zeta converter has the advantages of high efficiency over a wide range of input and output voltages, an enormous power factor, low line current harmonics, and can convert voltages both up and down. Operating the converter in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) achieves power factor correction and simplifies the control circuit. This article describes the design characteristics, operating principles, and controller design of the proposed converter. The design, analysis, modeling and advancement of the ChABC algorithm based FOPID controller in SMPS offers the better power quality and faster convergence of regulated output voltage. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify power factor, % Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), output voltage regulation, stability, and robustness for various load, line, and reference voltages.

An Isolated SRC-Based Single Phase Single Stage Battery Charger for Electric Vehicles

In this article, a single-phase bridgeless electrolytic capacitor-less single-stage battery charger is proposed. The proposed charger consists of a bridgeless power factor corrector (PFC) circuit and an isolated series resonant converter (SRC). The series resonance circuit provides zero current switching (ZCS) for output diodes, thus reducing losses related to their reverse recovery. The resonant capacitors are designed so that the charger can operate in the range of 120–230-V input voltage, while ZCS is still guaranteed for output diodes. In addition, elimination of low-frequency input diodes decreases the circuit losses. The power factor correction and output power control are simultaneously achieved in one stage by using the proposed control method. The results obtained from a 350-W experimental prototype clearly confirm the correct operation of the proposed charger.

Three-Phase Single-Stage Bidirectional CCM Soft-Switching AC–DC Converter With Minimum Switch Count

In this article, a three-phase single-stage bidirectional ac–dc converter with low component count is proposed. The single-stage structure is configured by integrating a three-phase ac–dc converter and a three-phase dual active bridge converter. The power factor correction and bidirectional power control are performed by adjusting the modulation index of sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) and phase-shift angle between the primary and secondary bridges. The low-frequency components generated by SPWM are absorbed by fundamental blocking capacitors connected in series with transformer windings, resulting in true high-frequency isolation. The proposed converter can achieve soft-switching of all switching devices even in continuous conduction mode. A 110 Vac, 3 kW, 100 kHz prototype is implemented to validate the proposed concept and demonstrated 95.34% peak efficiency.

Power Factor Correction and Harmonic Control in Industries

Abstract—Due to rising electricity prices, wastage of electrical energy needs to be reduced through countering the electric pollution in the circuit. Power factor correction and harmonics control is necessary in industries. Power factor correction can be done through placing capacitors in parallel in the circuit. Power factor of nearly 1 is the most efficient. Harmonics can be controlled with the help of linear reactors. In this paper we will discuss about the power factor correctors and linear reactors for harmonic attenuation. Keywords—Power factor, linear reactor, harmonics, power quality.

Input voltage estimation method and suppression of distortion caused by DC voltage ripple for input current control of PFC

AbstractThis paper proposes a new method for input current control of power factor correction (PFC) with continuous conduction mode (CCM), which does not require input voltage detection. As a control method that does not use input voltage detection, pulse width modulation (PWM) with the inductor current as the modulated signal is already in practical use however, this approach has limitations for the range of inductance values used. In CCM‐PFC, the input rectified voltage and low‐frequency component of the voltage of the switching circuit are approximately equal in the stable state as well as proportional to the PWM signal. This study uses the previous modulated signal as the estimated voltage value to generate an instantaneous current command for feedback control. In addition, a method to suppress the influence of the DC voltage ripple by changing the voltage control gain according to the value of the DC voltage was employed. From the evaluation, it was confirmed that the harmonics of the input current were suppressed within the specified range of values.

Parameter design and control of a novel three-phase single-switch power factor correction (PFC) circuit

Three-phase single-switch power factor correction (PFC) circuit has the advantages of simple structure and convenient control, and its current source characteristics is conducive to achieve higher power by parallel interleaving. But theoretical analysis of the circuit was complex and the design theory was not established yet. To solve these problems, a parameters design method based on volt-second balance of the input inductance is proposed. By this method, the key component parameters of a 7.6 kW experimental prototype are designed. At the same time, A constant on-time control method of this circuit based on MATLAB simulation is designed, which can be applied to various converters with constant on-time control. The parameters and control design method of the single-switch PFC circuit are simulated based on the MATLAB. A prototype is built and tested also, the test results verify the correctness of the parameter design theory and constant on-time control simulation method.

Experimental Validation of the Boost Power Factor Corrector Converter Based on Smart Intuitive Control Law

This paper discusses the simulation and experimental validation of a curative solution, called power factor correction (PFC), intended to improve the power quality of the single-phase AC/DC converter. A modern control law combined between two methods which are the fuzzy logic theory and the predictive technique is proposed in this research work. The first is reserved to guarantee an intelligent regulation of the DC output voltage while the second aims to the intuitive power switch governance of the boost chopper constituting the PFC. The adopted solution ensures the delivery of a source current of sinusoidal shape, respecting the imposed international standards and the operation of the treated system under a power factor very close to unity. The effectiveness and practical use of the intelligent intuitive PFC control have been experimentally proven using the dSPACE 1104 card for different operating conditions, resulting from the variation of the load and the reference output voltage. The practical results in terms of power quality identified by a total harmonic distortion of the source current of 2.8% and a power factor of 0.995 respect the international standard IEEE 519-2014. Also, they are very convincing compared to those existing and recently published in the literature.

Bridgeless single stage AC/DC converter with power factor correction

This research paper proposes a novel bridgeless single-stage isolated converter with power factor correction and load voltage control. The proposed converter reduces the input diode bridge requirement with reduced passive components and provides a unidirectional flow of power to the load. The single-stage design reduces the use of an electrolytic capacitor, which improves reliability and reduces the size of the converter. The proposed control method is based on a single proportional integral (PI) controller to achieve both power factor correction and input current control. The proposed bridgeless converter is suitable for electric vehicle (EV) charging. A simulation study is performed on the MATLAB/Simulink to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter. The converter is implemented in the laboratory to obtain the experimental results using typhoon hardware in the loop (HIL) based real time simulator.

Totem-Pole PFC Reliability and Performance Improvement With Advanced Controls

Totem-pole power factor correction (PFC) is a simple and highly efficient topology. It is being widely used in high-density and high-efficiency power supply design. However, engineers still face many design challenges, including PFC current reversing prevention at input voltage drop, lightning surge protection, current harmonic reduction, and ac crossover current spike elimination. These challenges are not closely related to each other and there is no single control that can solve all the design issues. This article reviews the main design challenges and provides comprehensive solutions to these issues. Most of the solutions are novel or are used for the first time in PFC control. These solutions are integrated into the industry’s first continuous conduction mode (CCM) totem-pole PFC analog controller IVCC1102 <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[1]</xref> . A 2.5 kW SiC-based totem-pole PFC prototype <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[1]</xref> is built to demonstrate the robustness and performance improvement with the proposed solutions.

Stability Analysis of PFC Converters Under Different Source Impedances and Its Consequences on Zero-Crossing Distortion

In the presence of multiple power converters in a power system the total current may exhibit zero-crossing distortion in the form of recurrent damped oscillations with high magnitude. These oscillations are synchronized with the power system frequency. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the input current of single-phase ac-dc converters fitted with power factor correction (PFC) controllers. Emphasis is given on the impacts of the source impedance, and on how the number of converters connected to a common coupling point (PCC) impacts the PFC controller’s performance. A system model is developed followed by simulation and measurements in a real installation with electronic ballasts used to drive fluorescent lighting tubes. Results show that the recurrent damped oscillations originating from PFC controllers are close to the harmonic range and with a very low level of cancellation between devices. The magnitude therefore increases proportionally with the number of devices. As the source impedance increases, instability may occur. Possible explanations for these observations are discussed.

Implementation of an Electronically Based Active Power Filter Associated with a Digital Controller for Harmonics Elimination and Power Factor Correction

This paper introduces simulation study and hardware implementation of a shunt active power filter (SAPF). The SAPF is considered an effective method for improving power quality by enhancing the power factor and reducing the total harmonic distortion (THD) for power sources due to nonlinear loads. A digital notch filter is used for extracting the reference current signal. The hysteresis band current controller is used to generate gating switching signals that control the switches of SAPF. The proposed model is constructed using Simulink/MATLAB environment and Proteus VMS, and the performance of the model is tested through a simulation study. The model of SAPF with a digital notch-filter is implemented using the Arduino microcontroller and a printed circuit board (PCB) layout. The model emulating a single-phase SAPF prototype is built and tested in the University of Kafrelshiekh, Faculty of Engineering laboratory. Significant improvements in power quality issues confirm the ability and effectiveness of SAPF, as well as reducing THD to a level less than 5%, which is in proportion to IEEE Std. 519-1992 and IEEE Std. 519-2014. The results emphasize the importance of SAPF to mitigate harmonics problems and enhance power factors.

Efficiency optimization of variable-frequency controlled power factor correction converters

Efficiency optimization of variable-frequency controlled power factor correction converters

Single-Phase PFC Rectifier With Integrated Flying Capacitor Power Pulsation Buffer

Single-phase Power Factor Correction (PFC) rectifiers with sinusoidal grid currents are inherently subject to an input power fluctuating at twice the mains frequency. In order to potentially mitigate bulky, heavy and failure-prone electrolytic dc-link capacitors, active Power Pulsation Buffer (PPB) concepts are proposed in the literature. For converter systems employing Flying Capacitor (FC) multilevel bridge-legs, the FCs can be utilized as a twice-mains frequency energy storage, i.e., as an integrated active PPB without the need for additional power components. Such ac-dc-stage-integrated FC PPBs capable of buffering the complete input power variation are known in literature which, however, require sophisticated control strategies with varying switching frequency and discontinuous conduction mode. This paper presents a novel ac-dc-stage-integrated FC-PPB approach which is compatible with standard PFC control concepts and enables a significant reduction in dc-link voltage variation. First, a control concept cycling the FC voltage in a wide range without interfering with the grid current controller is derived step by step and verified by means of circuit simulations. Design guidelines for the calculation of suitable FC capacitance values are presented and the limits in buffering capability are discussed. The concept is then experimentally verified with a 2.2kW three-level FC single-phase PFC rectifier employing 600V GaN power semiconductors where the dc-link voltage variation is reduced by 28% compared to conventional operation. Last, the applicability of the ac-dc-stage-integrated FC-PPB concept to other FC converter topologies is discussed.

An isolated‐boost‐converter‐based unidirectional three‐phase off‐board fast charger for electric vehicles

In this work, a novel three-phase unidirectional off-board Electric Vehicles (EVs) fast charger is proposed. Each phase of the proposed converter consists of a two-stage converter. The first stage is an AC–DC front-end converter with power factor correction (PFC) control. The front-end AC–DC converter is based on an isolated boost converter, which has a boosting capability and provides galvanic isolation. In this stage, parallel-in parallel-out isolated boost converter modules are employed in each phase. This enables sharing the current among modules to avoid implementing one module with a high current rating to meet the fast-charging requirements. The multimodule option provides fault-ride through capability for the proposed charger. The DC outputs of involved phases, that is, three isolated DC voltages, are fed to three cascaded DC–DC unidirectional buck converters. The charging terminals are used to charge the EV battery through a filter inductor with a charging current controller's aid. A detailed illustration of the suggested closed-loop controllers is presented to ensure a successful operation for the proposed architecture. A simulation case study for a 25-kW charger is presented. Finally, a 1-kW prototype is implemented for experimental validation.