Pulse Width Modulation Algorithm Research Articles

Evaluation of the effectiveness of incomplete phase pulse width modulation algorithms in the converter-electric motor system

Aim. This study evaluates the effectiveness of incomplete-phase algorithms for pulse width modulation of three-phase voltages in frequency control of electric drives, using integral current dispersion in the load as the criterion. Materials and methods. This study examines pulse width modulation processes in frequency-controlled electric drives, focusing on the converter-electric motor system. Methods from electric circuit theory are used, with proposed algorithms illustrated through drawings, and these drawing can be implemented in the matrix laboratory software. Results. The process of pulse width modulation in the converter-electric motor system is considered. It is demonstrated that to minimize the number of switching keys in the frequency converter, incomplete-phase pulse width modulation algorithms are beneficial. Expressions for local dispersion of the interphase current in single-phase and two-phase modulation are analyzed. An expression for local current dispersion in a three-phase bridge circuit load is derived, and the concept of integral current dispersion in a three-phase load is derived. Indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of algorithms for incomplete-phase pulse width modulation are proposed. Graphs the efficiency coefficient, characterizing incomplete-phase pulse width modulation with a minimum number of switching of key elements in the function of the amplitude coefficient and in the function of the relative frequency of modulation are constructed. Conclusion. The results aid in developing algorithms for controlling frequency converters in asynchronous electric drive systems.

A Novel Battery Temperature-Locking Method Based on Self-Heating Implemented with an Original Driving Circuit While Electric Vehicle Driving: A Numerical Investigation

In extremely cold environments, when battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are navigating urban roads at low speeds, the limited heating capacity of the on-board heat pump system and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device can lead to an inevitable decline in battery temperature, potentially falling below its permissible operating range. This situation can subsequently result in vehicle malfunctions and, in severe cases, traffic accidents. Henceforth, a novel battery self-heating method during driving is proposed to maintain battery temperature. This approach is ingeniously embedded within the heating mechanism within the motor driving system without any necessity to alter or modify the existing driving circuitry. In the meantime, the battery voltage can be regulated to prevent it from surpassing the limit, thereby ensuring the battery’s safety. This method introduces the dead zone into the space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) algorithm to form the newly proposed dSVPWM algorithm, which successfully changes the direction of the bus current in a PWM period and forms AC, and the amplitude of the battery alternating current (AC) can also be controlled by adjusting the heating intensity defined by the ratio of the dead zone and the compensation vector to the original zero vector. Through the Simulink model of the motor driving system, the temperature hysteresis locking strategy, grounded in the field-oriented control (FOC) method and employing the dSVPWM algorithm, has been confirmed to provide controllable and sufficiently stable motor speed regulation. During the low-speed phase of the China Light Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), the battery temperature fluctuation is meticulously maintained within a range of ±0.2 °C. The battery’s minimum temperature has been successfully locked at around −10 °C. In contrast, the battery temperature would decrease by a significant 1.44 °C per minute without the implementation of the temperature-locking strategy. The voltage of the battery pack is always regulated within the range of 255~378 V. It remains within the specified upper and lower thresholds. The battery voltage overrun can be effectively avoided.

An improved modulation algorithm for the dual‐output six‐switch inverter with reduced switching frequency

AbstractThe six‐switch inverter has gained significant attention due to its ability to achieve dual AC voltage outputs with fewer semiconductor power devices. However, with existing pulse width modulation (PWM) algorithms, the switching frequency of the two middle‐position power devices is twice that of the other four power devices at the upper and lower ends. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved PWM algorithm for the six‐switch converter based on the unipolar modulation principle. The proposed algorithm can significantly reduce the switching frequency of the two middle‐position power devices. Research results indicate that, under optimal conditions, the switching frequency of the two middle‐position power devices is as low as the frequency of the AC output voltages, and in the worst‐case scenario, it is only half the carrier frequency. Consequently, the efficiency of the inverter is effectively improved. Additionally, analysis results suggest that, given the same switching frequencies of power devices, the modulation algorithm proposed in this paper for controlling the converter also results in lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for the output voltages compared to traditional modulation algorithms.

An Algorithm for a Space-Vector Pulse Width Modulation with a Hybrid Switching Sequence for a Three-Level Neutral Point Clamped Voltage Source Inverter

This paper proposes a new algorithm for a space-vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) with a hybrid switching sequence (SS) designed to control a three-level (3L) neutral point clamped (NPC) voltage source inverter (VSI). Based on the advantages of five-stage and seven-stage SS, we designed a hybrid SS to improve four key parameters in the system: inverter output current quality, neutral point (NP) and common-mode (CM) voltage levels, and switching losses of power switches. The proposed algorithm flexibly regulates meeting the four criteria depending on the system operating conditions by changing the regulation coefficient. The paper obtained an approximate dependence to determine the optimal regulation coefficient for any values of the inverter modulation coefficient when operating jointly with an active-inductive load. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is confirmed by computer simulation in the MatLab+Simulink environment, as well as the results of experimental studies. The paper presents the experimental dependences of static state spaces, including the distortion coefficient of higher current harmonics at the inverter output, the maximum error of the NP voltage, the number of switching pairs of power switches, and the pulse duty factor of CM voltage, depending on the inverter modulation coefficient and the regulation coefficient of the hybrid SS. The results showed that in the algorithm for a SVPWM with a hybrid SS, the number of switchings of power switches is reduced by an average of 13.5 % while maintaining the NP voltage balance and the quality of the curve at the inverter output at an acceptable level, close to a seven-stage SS (the deviations do not exceed 0.5 % and 0.2 %, respectively). The average CM voltage coefficient decreased by no more than 4.5 %. The indicators improve the energy saving, the weight-size parameters, and the operational reliability of the 3L NPC VSI. The application area of the algorithm is much wider and includes the control of power switches of active front ends, grid converters for electricity storage systems, active power filters, and power conditioners. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/pst.237

Five-phase space vector carrier-based PWM for third harmonic injection

Five-phase AC drives allow a third harmonic voltage to be fed into the stator winding – in addition to the fundamental voltage – to generate a third harmonic magnetic air gap field. This allows the generation of an additional small constant torque. Furthermore, the undesirable saturation harmonics that occur with saturated iron can be compensated. The desired third harmonic voltage is commonly generated via time-consuming space vector PWM algorithms, which are not well-suited for real-time application, or via look-up tables, which require an increased storage capacity. In our case, the desired third harmonic voltage is generated in the five-phase voltages by adding a non-sinusoidal zero-sequence voltage with five times the fundamental frequency to the fundamental voltage reference signals in carrier-based pulse width modulation (PWM) with a constant switching frequency. This is equivalent to a space vector PWM method (SVPWM) and avoids a significantly high calculation effort. The PWM algorithm programmed in MATLAB in real time allows the fast generation of a third harmonic voltage per phase with freely definable amplitude and phase shift without requiring a lot of storage capacity.

DSP based space vector PWM control for solar electric vehicle

Solar Electric Vehicles (SEV) are considered the future vehicles to solve the issues of air pollution, global warming, and the rapid decreases of the petroleum resources facing the current transportation technology. However, SEV are still facing important technical obstacles to overcome. They include batteries energy storage capacity, charging times, efficiency of the solar panels and electrical propulsion systems. Solving any of those problems and electric vehicles will compete-complement the internal combustion engines vehicles. In the present work, we propose an electrical propulsion system based on three phase induction motor in order to obtain the desired speed and torque with less power loss. Because of the need to lightweight nature, small volume, low cost, less maintenance and high efficiency system, a three phase squirrel cage induction motor (IM) is selected in the electrical propulsion system. The IM is fed from three phase inverter operated by a constant V/F control method and Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) algorithm. The proposed control strategy has been implemented on the texas instruments TM320F2812 Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to generate SVPWM signal needed to trigger the gates of IGBT based inverter. The inverter used in this work is a three phase inverter IRAMY20UP60B type. The experimental results show the ability of the proposed control strategy to generate a three-phase sine wave signal with desired frequency. The proposed control strategy is experimented on a locally manufactured EV prototype. The results show that the EV prototype can be propelled to speed up to 60km/h under different road conditions.

Decoupled and compensated space vector pulse width modulation algorithm for dual‐channel PMSM with unbalanced power supplies

SummaryThis paper investigates an improved space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) and channel‐decoupled method for dual‐channel permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) powered by unbalanced battery packs. Recently, individual power supplied voltage source inverter (VSI) is introduced considering insufficient power rating and unsafe driving in electrical vehicles (EVs). However, the issues of strong coupling and unbalanced power supplies exist between channels. Firstly, a modular topology is constructed to improve the reliability and security of the system. Secondly, the channel‐decoupled method is introduced based on multi‐dq rather than the conventional vector space decomposition (VSD) to eliminate coupling among multi‐channel. Thereafter, the variable distribution of voltage vectors (VVs) is corrected by the proposed SVPWM, where the switch can be operated appropriately. Finally, the comparative experiments are carried out focusing on decoupling and unbalanced power supplies, and the results present superior performance in terms of low torque fluctuation and balanced channel currents.

Power Conversion Systems with Synchronous Control and Regulation on the Base of Powerful Diode-Clamped Inverters via Pulse Width Modulation

This article provides a brief overview of the development and dissemination of the method of synchronous multi-zone pulse-width modulation (PWM) in relation to the regulation of diode-clamped inverters which are the main executive elements of the medium-power and high-power adjustable speed electric drives. It is shown that the modified schemes and algorithms of synchronous multi-zone PWM, applied for control of diode-clamped inverters, assure providing minimization of the common-mode voltage in systems, as well as continuous synchronization and symmetry of the base phase and linear voltages in drive systems on the base of diode-clamped inverters over the entire control range. There are no even harmonics and subharmonics in the spectra of the phase and line-to-line voltages of three-phase and six-phase drive systems, which helps to reduce losses in systems and increase the efficiency of their operation. As a result of a comparative analysis of the integral spectral characteristics of the main voltage waveforms of adjustable speed drives based on diode-clamped inverters, recommendations are formulated for the rational choice of schemes and algorithms of synchronous multi-zone PWM for the relevant systems and installations, depending on their operating modes.

Active Neutral Point Clamped Three-level Synchronous Space Vector Width Modulation Research

Active neutral point clamped (ANPC) topology is widely studied because it makes loss equalization possible. To reduce the switching frequency of high power traction systems, the multi-mode modulation strategy is used in many modulation methods. To reduce the fluctuation problem when switching between different carrier ratios in multi-mode synchronous space vector pulse width (SSVPWM) modulation algorithm, this paper studies the stator flux under different modes and proposes a multi-mode SSVPWM switching strategy based on the pulse insertion method. In this strategy, the stator flux deviation of two modes before and after the switching point is calculated online and the switch sequence is inserted at the switching time to compensate, and the smooth transition between different modes is realized with experimental verification of validity.

A unified duty-cycle modulation algorithm for a three-level NPC inverter

In this paper, it is a kind of challenge to simplify the conventional pulse width modulation (PWM) algorithms for a three-level neutral-point-clamped inverter. Thus, the unified duty-cycle modulation (UDM) algorithm is presented. It is more attractive than the carrier-based PWM (CBPWM), space-vector PWM (SVPWM), and unified PWM algorithms with a simpler calculation by utilizing the usefulness of the SVPWM algorithm to synthesize the duty cycles in time-domain and the CBPWM algorithm to synthesize the duty cycles in frequency-domain with the lesser conditions and the blankness of the lookup tables, switching sequence design, and zero-sequence component finding. Besides, it is outstanding with three outcomes: (1) comprehensive mathematical models of the dwell times, (2) permanent mathematical models of the duty cycles in time-domain, and (3) simplified PWM algorithm, which has a better workflow with the reduction of the computation burden. As it is very easy to implement as the sinusoidal PWM technique while its performance is equivalent to the SVPWM algorithm, this makes the proposed UDM algorithm a good candidate to optimize between the performance and the cost. Both the simulation and experimental results can confirm the feasible practicability and performance. The comparison with the conventional algorithms can evidently emphasize the superiority.

Сравнительный анализ математических описаний и методов широтно-импульсной модуляции

The article considers the mathematical description and comparison of the most common methods of pulse-width modulation (PWM) for a three-phase voltage inverter, namely vector PWM, PWM with third harmonic premodulation and classical PWM. In contrast to the classical mathematical description of PWM, a description is presented that is close to the implementation of modulation using modern microcontroller technology. The classic representation of PWM is based on comparing two signals. In this representation, the modulation pulse occurs at the moment when the modulating function is greater in value than the reference signal. When implementing PWM by a microcontroller, the pulse is placed within the period symmetrically with respect to the middle of the interval, while the pulse width is determined by the average value of the voltage modulating function. With a different mathematical description of PWM, the pulse is located differently within the modulation interval. There are presented the results of modeling and compares the mathematical descriptions of PWM methods according to the criterion of minimum dispersion of the current flowing in the load. As a result of the comparison, it was revealed that the same, differently described PWM algorithm gives different results. A comparison of vector PWM with a modified vector PWM was made. The modification consists in applying a dynamic pulse shift algorithm in such a way as to obtain a minimum of current dispersion in the load. Comparison of PWM methods was carried out at different frequencies of the reference signal; a static RL circuit was used as a load when simulating a three-phase voltage inverter. The results obtained allow us to recommend a pulse shift algorithm for implementing PWM in voltage inverters operating at relatively low PWM frequencies. Minimization of the current dispersion makes it possible to obtain improved energy and vibration-noise characteristics of the electric drive.

EVOLUTION AND DISSEMINATION OF SPECIALIZED STRATEGIES, METHODS, AND TECHNIQUES OF SYNCHRONOUS PULSEWUDTH MODULATION FOR CONTROL OF VOLT-AGE SOURCE INVERTERS AND INVERTER-BASED SYSTEMS

This publication provides a brief historical overview of the development of methods and techniques of pulsewidth modulation (PWM) for voltage source inverters, published mainly in Ukrainian publishing houses and in Ukrainian periodicals. Accent has been done to review of results of investigation of alternative methods and techniques of synchronous space-vector-based multi-zone PWM for inverters with low switching frequency. In particular, in the mentioned publications, the basic strategies, schemes, and algorithms of synchronous multi-zone modulation have been further developed, modernized, modified, and disseminated in relation to new promising topologies of power conversion systems, including: two-inverter-based electric drives with open-end winding of electrical motor; dual three-phase electric drives of symmetrical and asymmetric types; powerful six-phase systems based on four inverters, and two-inverter-based and three-inverter-based photovoltaic installations with multi-winding transformer. It is shown that the developed schemes and algorithms of synchronous space-vector PWM, applied for control of inverter-based systems, provide continuous synchronization and symmetry of basic voltage waveforms of systems during the whole control range including zone of overmodulation of inverters. It provides minimization of even harmonics and undesirable subharmonics (of the fundamental frequency) in spectra of the basic voltages of systems, leading to reducing of losses in systems and to increasing of its efficiency. Based on a comparative analysis of the integral spectral characteristics of the phase and line voltages of systems, recommendations are formulated for the rational choice of schemes and algorithms of synchronous modulation for the relevant installations, depending on the modes of their operation. References 30, tables 2, figures 25.

PWM CONTROL OF THE ELECTRIC DRIVE IN MECHATRONIC MODULES ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLE OF SPACE-VECTOR MODULATION

In mechatronic modules, the use of a vector control system for asynchronous motors includes the need to use an additional computing unit. This block is responsible for estimating the current angular position of the rotor flux coupling vector. This process is based on solving a system of differential equations that correspond to the mathematical model of the engine. To implement an effective vector control system for AC drives, high-performance microcontrollers with a rich range of integrated peripherals are required. These devices must require minimal computing resources from the central processor for their normal operation. Modern advances in the development of processors for signal processing, such as DSP processors from companies such as INTEL, TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, ANALOG DEVICES and others, allow to ensure high performance and a wide functional range. A special role is played by universal generators of periodic signals, which ensure the use of modern inverter control algorithms, in particular algorithms of vector pulse width modulation. One of the main advantages of vector control of asynchronous motors is the absence of disadvantages of voltage amplitude regulation, as well as high speed and good output voltage or current shape (which approaches sinusoidal with pulse width modulation). It is also worth noting the significant simplification of the rectifier, which can be uncontrolled, which helps to increase the power factor of the converter in the entire range of voltage regulation. However, it is important to note some disadvantages of this approach, including the complexity of the inverter circuit and control system, as well as increased losses in the power elements of the inverter due to the high switching frequency of the switches. Despite these shortcomings, vector control is widely used in high-speed positional electric drives of production mechanisms and machines, as well as in drives of complex technical systems with deep speed regulation in the area of "small" movements.

Development Status of Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) Control Method for Multi-Level Inverter

Inverter has played an important role in power electronics technology since its invention. The traditional 2-level inverter is most widely used due to its simple structure, but it cannot meet the needs of high-voltage and high-power fields anymore. Thus, three-level and multi-level inverters are invented. Although complicated in structure, these two kinds of inverters can output larger voltage, and the voltage distortion rate and the ripple current are smaller. The emergence of different modulation methods also makes up for the defects of multi-level inverters. The improvement and simplification of the control algorithm of space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) make multi-level control less complicated. This paper introduces the current status and trends of SVPWM.

Field-programmable gate array-based field-oriented control for permanent magnet synchronous motor drive

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is a special type of synchronous electric motor that has many applications such as in the manufacturing industry of robots, self-propelled mechanisms, in the medical fiel. In this paper, the permanent magnet synchronous motor motor control structure according to the field-oriented control (FOC) algorithm will be implemented on the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) card. Function blocks in FOC algorithm for example PI controller, space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) algorithm will be integrated into individual itegrated circuit (Ics) then will be connected to form an IC with the function of implementing FOC algorithm. Furthermore, this algorithm will be used for powertrains using gallium nitride (GaN). GaN technology provides switching frequencies up to 100 kHz instead of the upper 2 to 20 kHz like insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) transistors. With GaN technology, it is possible to reduce switching losses as well as increase the efficiency of the power converter. The performance results will be verified through the typhoon hardware in the loop (HIL) device.

Keeping a Constant Level of Losses in the Low-Voltage Cells of a High-Voltage Multilevel Frequency Converter in Emergency Modes of Its Operation

High-voltage adjustable-frequency drives require special inverters for their operation. A cascaded multilevel frequency converter constructed on the basis of a multi-winding transformer and a set of low-voltage cells has received a widespread use. The main advantage of this converter topology are a low harmonic distortion level of the output voltage and current waveforms, as well as high reliability owing to the possibility to exclude a failed cell from operation without the need to shut down the drive. For equalizing the losses among the converter’s power cells, a pulse-width modulation (PWM) algorithm with a “walking” cell has been developed. Owing to a series connection of the cells, the effective PWM frequency is increased in proportion to the number of cells. However, if one cell fails, the switching frequency of the cells remained in operation increases in comparison with the switching frequency of phase cells when all of them are in the healthy state. This results in a growth of switching losses in the phase with one of its cells taken out from operation. The article discusses a control algorithm with which the nominal level of losses is kept in the cells of all phases under emergency operation conditions. The proposed algorithm has been verified on a model, in which a uniform distribution of losses and high quality of the output voltage have been obtained.

An SVPWM Algorithm for a Novel Multilevel Rectifier with DC-Side Capacitor Voltage Balance

The recently proposed novel unidirectional multilevel rectifier, a three single-phase star-connected multilevel rectifier, has the characteristic of having a large number of DC-side capacitors and a complex capacitor voltage balancing control structure under conventional carrier-based phase-shift sine wave pulse-width modulation (SPWM). Hence, a space vector pulse-width modulation (SVPWM) algorithm for the novel multilevel rectifier is proposed in this paper, which can quickly balance the capacitor voltage without an additional voltage balancing control structure. Firstly, it divides the space vectors of the rectifier, then it determines the two basis voltage vectors that synthesize the output reference voltage. After that, based on the analysis of the relationship between switching states and the charge–discharge of capacitors, the final action sequences of redundant vectors are determined according to the principle of keeping the capacitor charge–discharge time consistent. Thus, the capacitor voltages can be automatically balanced without an additional voltage balancing control structure. Finally, simulation and experimental results validated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed SVPWM algorithm. The results also show improvements in current quality, capacitor voltage balance and the fluctuation of the neutral point voltage on the DC-link, allowing for further reduction in the overall volume and cost of the rectifier.

Proposal of Hybrid Discontinuous PWM Technique for Five-Phase Inverters under Open-Phase Fault Operation

One of the most common issues in inverters are open-circuit faults (OPF). In this scenario, a proper fault-tolerant technique must be used to improve the motor performance. Although basic fault-tolerant modulation techniques are normally preferred, this paper proposes a discontinuous pulse-width modulation algorithm (HD-PWM) to operate five-phase inverters under a single OPF. In particular, loss equalization between the remaining switches after a fault occurs is the main objective of the HD-PWM algorithm, thus preventing future faults from occurring. The efficiency and harmonic distortion of the proposed technique are compared to the well-known sinusoidal PWM by simulation and experimentation under OPF conditions. The results obtained show a great performance of the proposed modulation technique, obtaining a relevant efficiency improvement.

Investigation on performance evaluation of electric vehicle batteries under different drive cycles

The drive cycles influence the design, sizing, rating, and selection of electric vehicle components. So, it is required to test the Electric Vehicle (EV) on different standard drive cycles in the simulation environment before testing in real-time to evaluate the life cycle and determine the efficient and economical design of the EV. Different standard driving cycles are available to evaluate the performance of the EVs, but these drive cycle patterns vary from country to country due to differences in road conditions, traffic density, and driver disciplines. The range and performance of the EV battery mainly depend on its cell chemistry. In this research paper, the performance of different EV batteries on various standard international and Indian drive cycles has been evaluated. To determine the performance of the EV battery, an EV drive train test system has been developed, Nissan leaf 2018 EV model data has been taken in this paper. FOC control strategy for PMSM traction motor has been developed. To reduce the harmonics and improve quality of the switching losses, Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) algorithm has been adopted for PWM Inverter. Battery energy consumption, and cost per charge based on the distance travelled by the vehicle are calculated for comparing different EV batteries to evaluate their performance.

A Novel Field-Oriented Control Algorithm for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors in 60° Coordinate Systems

In this study, a novel field-oriented control (FOC) algorithm was proposed in a 60° coordinate system for controlling the speed of permanent magnet synchronous motors. The FOC algorithm consists of several parts in which the reference currents and feedback currents are transformed into the representation form in a 60° coordinate system. Current regulators are typically used in a 60° coordinate system to directly obtain the reference voltage vector. The proposed FOC structure was established by incorporating the space vector pulse width modulation algorithm in a 60° coordinate system. The proposed FOC structure simplified the FOC algorithm and reduced its computational burden. The feasibility of the proposed method was verified through simulations and experiments.