Pulse Width Modulation Technique Research Articles

The Impact of Modulation Techniques on Brushless DC Motor Drive

ABSTRACTThree‐phase brushless DC (BLDC) motors are cost‐effective and are increasingly used in various speed control applications. The phase voltage, DC‐bus utilization, current ripple, and torque ripple are major performance parameters for a BLDC motor drive. Different pulse width modulation (PWM) methods will diversely influence these parameters. This paper presents the phase voltage, current ripple, and DC‐bus utilization analysis of BLDC motor drive for four PWM techniques and provides a comparative analysis. The current ripple of the BLDC drive is evaluated with low and high switching frequency operations. Phase voltage and DC‐bus utilization of a BLDC motor are evaluated using analytical methods and validated experimentally. The investigation provided in this work are significant for PWM selection and implementation for low and high switching frequency operations. Both low‐ and high‐frequency operations are performed by supplying the BLDC drive from a silicon carbide (SiC) based inverter. These PWM techniques are also compared, considering high and low‐speed applications. Experimental results of SiC inverter‐fed BLDC motor drive are provided to substantiate the proposed work.

SVPWM‐Based Algorithm for Reduced THD and Switching Losses Under Varying Fundamental Frequency and Load in a VSI

ABSTRACTThe present study explores the influence exerted by various pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques upon harmonic distortion and switching losses of a voltage source inverter. In the context of this inquiry, a generalized algorithm for variable frequency operations, inspired by continuous and discontinuous PWM is outlined in this article. The algorithm is explicitly formulated as a function of fundamental frequency and the load power factor angle with the objective of minimizing total harmonic distortion (THD) and switching losses within a specified frequency range. The algorithm is segmented into various regions of frequency, guided by the theory that each region corresponds to a distinct PWM technique that yields reduced harmonic distortion. In this article, a minimum switching loss algorithm is introduced and implemented using both BCPWM and ABCPWM techniques. The algorithm is specifically designed to minimize switching losses across the entire range of load power factor angles. The integration of switching loss algorithm with the selection of the optimal PWM technique across different frequency ranges results in reduced switching losses and harmonic distortion. This leads to a comprehensive PWM algorithm that efficiently reduces both THD and switching losses during dynamic frequency and load changes. Experimental and theoretical evidences demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm in attaining minimum harmonic distortion and reduced switching loss operation during variations in fundamental frequency and load.

Energy Maximisation and Power Management for a Wave-to-Wire Model of a Vibro-Impact Wave Energy Converter Array

This paper develops a wave-to-wire model of a vibro-impact wave energy converter array for stand-alone offshore applications. Nonlinear model predictive control is proposed for maximising the wave power capture of the array, and implemented by AC/DC converters and the space vector pulse width modulation technique. A hybrid energy storage system, consisting of batteries and supercapacitors, is placed parallel to the DC bus via buck-boost DC/DC converters to smooth the array power output, and a Lyapunov-based power management strategy is utilised to control the DC/DC converters for stabilising the DC bus voltage. Intensive numerical simulations are conducted; the results show that the proposed wave-to-wire model is capable to evaluate the performance of the vibro-impact wave energy converter array in various scenarios, and the proposed energy maximisation control and power management strategy can enhance wave power capture and stabilise the power output simultaneously.

Simulation of pulse width modulation strategies: validation based on sound quality evaluations

Though the noise emitted by an electrical machine is less loud than the one from a combustion engine, the existing literature shows it is not always more pleasant. This is because of its strong tonal content, due to deterministic excitations (e.g. electromagnetic slotting and switching effects, mechanical gear mesh effects). The main source of magnetic noise is the radiation of the stator submitted to electromagnetic forces, which are harmonic by nature. Their highest frequency components are generated by the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique designed to vary the supply frequency and operating speed of the electric machine. Several PWM strategies exist, leading to specific harmonic spectra. A temporal simulation model has been developed to auralize the corresponding electromagnetic noise emitted by the machine, considering its mechanical and electrical parameters. A testbench has been adapted to test the relevance of the model, both from an electrical and acoustic point of view. The simulation model and the testbench can be used to generate virtual and real sound stimuli to be assessed in a jury testing. The subjective evaluations allow to assess the relevance of the auralization model, but also to identify the least annoying strategies.

Analysis of Cascaded H Bridge Multilevel Inverter for Three-Phase Induction Motor Drive

The last ten years have seen a rise in the usage of multilayer inverters. Because they can produce waveforms with a greater harmonic spectrum and reliable output. Several high voltages and high-power applications are suitable for these new inverters. A multilayer converter not only produce high power ratings, but it also saves time and money and enhances the system performance in terms of harmonics, dv/dt strains, and pressures on the motor bearings. Owing to its flexibility and modularity, the possible topology for a power application is the cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter (CMI) with separated DC sources. This study investigates a cascade H bridge multilevel inverter, such as a Three, Five, Seven, Nine and Eleven level inverter in order to drive a three phase AC induction motor. A Level shifted Pulse Width Modulation (LSPWM) technique was applied for the CHBMLI. Specific emphasis is given to aspects like modulation and total harmonic distortion that are preferable or necessary for multi-level converters. For both intellectual and scientific considerations, investigating sine triangle carrier pulse width modulation is deemed to be the most auspicious approach. Analysis of the many performance parameters, including load torque, motor speed, and efficiency, an extensive survey is conducted. MATLAB / Simulink is built into the entire system, and simulation results are developed. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate the performance of 9-level and 11-level fed induction motor driving results for Electric Vehicle applications. CHBMLI fed motor drive is better suitable for Induction Motor Drives.

A hybrid pulse-width modulation technique for a modular multilevel converter with embedded energy sources

A hybrid pulse-width modulation technique for a modular multilevel converter with embedded energy sources

MITIGATION OF POWER QUALITY PROBLEMS IN STEEL PLANTS USING STATIC SYNCHRONOUS COMPENSATOR

This paper focuses on mitigating various power quality issues from electric arc furnaces (EAF) in steel plants, including voltage flicker, sag, swell, and harmonics. Arc furnaces are recognized as one of the industry's most nonlinear electrically polluting loads. The proposed solution in this article to address all power quality issues caused by EAF is implementing a flexible power supply strategy known as a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) for injecting reactive energy into the electrical grid. In this study, an experimental model of EAF is utilized based on real measurements of the variation of arc resistance and arc reactance during the melting phase. The pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is employed for current tracking feedback control to generate the required reactive current. A fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is employed for the DC bus.

Comparative Analysis of Space Vector Pulse-Width Modulation Techniques of Three-Phase Inverter to Minimize Common Mode Voltage and/or Switching Losses

Comparative Analysis of Space Vector Pulse-Width Modulation Techniques of Three-Phase Inverter to Minimize Common Mode Voltage and/or Switching Losses

Single source self balanced switched capacitor based singe phase nine level inverter

Multilevel inverters are becoming increasingly significant due to their ability to efficiently convert power in various applications such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles (EVs), and industrial drives. The growing need for efficient power conversion in these areas has driven heightened interest in multilevel inverters. High inrush current is required for numerous applications, including variable frequency drives, single-phase or three-phase machine drives, locomotives, electric vehicles. However, managing this inrush current is crucial to prevent damage to the power source and other connected equipment, as well as to ensure smooth and reliable operation. The solution for this is to provide isolation between load and source. The proposed single phase switched capacitor multilevel inverter possess the feature of virtual isolation between the load and the source. This topology consists of a switched capacitor cell network and a multilevel inverter. In this work, a simplest architecture is used for the MLI section to reduce the number of switches. The MLI section consists of only eight switches. Although the switched capacitor network in this topology consists of a higher number of switches, the switches in the network carry only very low current, resulting in negligible losses. Additionally, the switched capacitor network is highly modular in nature. The proposed single-phase inverter can be converted to a three-phase multilevel inverter (MLI) by connecting identical units in each phase, with the reference sinewave signal for the pulse-width modulation technique derived from the corresponding phases. Consequently, this proposed topology is suitable for both low-power and high-power applications. This work demonstrates that self-voltage balancing of the level capacitors can be achieved without the need for auxiliary components.In this design, the level capacitors act as the source to the load and are charged through switched capacitors. The voltage THD in the suggested work is less than 5%, which is in accordance with IEEE 519 standards. High voltage gain, better load, and line regulation, are other significant advantages of this novel topology. Another feature of this work is simplicity in design and can be easily extended to higher voltage levels. Comprehensive simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the precise performance of the proposed multilevel inverter

A new single-source, single-phase, 9-L 4-B switched capacitor-based multilevel inverter

ABSTRACT All types of non-conventional energy sources (NCES) produce low voltage, but offer it to be converted into usable and essential form. Switched capacitor multilevel inverter (SC-MLIs) has played a vital role in extracting power from NCES to fulfill the requirements of today’s need. Researchers have shown a great interest in extracting this power which comes from solar PV, wind, fuel cells and other miniature sources which is often not significant at all. This research offers a topology that is very simple and easy to implement. The authors also demonstrate a novel SC-MLI with a single ground and four voltage boosting capabilities. This paper analyzes and reviews the suggested inverter can create nine levels along with four times the voltage from a single dc source. Three self-balanced switched capacitors in association with a pair of five switches and single diode are used to offer quadruple boosting. A level-shifted pulse width modulation technique helps to generate the output voltage. The execution of the SC-MLI and the capacitor architecture for the suggested topology are fully investigated. The availability of common neutral is advantageous in reducing leakage current, especially in green energy utilization. In the context of voltage gain, the number of components employed, and the presence of common neutral, the designed inverter is contrasted to several other previously revealed inverters.

Evaluation of a multiphase cascaded H-bridge inverter for induction motor operation

Multi-phase systems are becoming more popular for applications requiring high power and precise motor control, even if single-phase AC power is still frequently utilized in households and some enterprises. While both systems have benefits over single-phase, there are trade-offs associated with each. Because of its balanced operation and effective power transfer, the three-phase (3-Φ) system is the most widely used multi-phase system. Nevertheless, different phase values can be investigated for particular applications where reducing torque ripple and harmonic content is essential. Using odd numbers of phases (such as 5-Φ) that are not multiples of three is one method. This design has the ability to reduce torque ripple by producing a more balanced magnetic field as compared with even-numbered phases. But adding more phases also makes the system design and control circuitry more complex. Systems with five phases (5-Φ) provide a compromise between performance and complexity. Applications such as electric ship propulsion, rocket satellites, and traction systems may benefit from their use. Nevertheless, choosing a multi-phase system necessitates carefully weighing the requirements unique to each application, taking into account elements like cost, power transmission, control complexity, and efficiency. The increasing popularity of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies has led to the need for inverters in current electric applications. Conventional inverters provide square wave outputs, which cause the drive system to become noisy and cause harmonics. Multi-phase multilevel inverters can be used to enhance inverter functioning and produce an improved sinusoidal output. This study focuses on an induction motor drive powered by a five-phase multilevel cascaded H-Bridge inverter. With less torque and current ripples in the motor rotor, the power conversion harmonics are reduced and the switching components of the inverter are under less stress. However, in comparison to traditional inverters, it does require a greater number of legs. Because the switches needed for the cascaded H-Bridge inverter are less expensive in five-phase systems, they are favoured over higher phase orders. Furthermore, the suggested inverter removes 5th order harmonics, something that is not possible with traditional inverters. A five-phase induction motor appropriate for variable speed driving applications is also suggested by this research. Lastly, utilizing pulse width modulation (PWM) converters and an FPGA controller, an experimental study is carried out to assess the dynamic performance of the suggested induction motor drive. Particular attention is paid to the In-Phase Opposition Disposition (IPD) PWM technique.

Wild horse optimization algorithm implementation in 7-level packed U-cell multilevel inverter to mitigate total harmonic distortion

Introduction. Multilevel inverters (MLIs) are a popular industrial and, more especially, renewable energy application solution. This is because of its appetite for filters, low distortion class, and capacity to provide a multilayer output voltage that resembles a pure sine waveform. The novelty is in applying the wild horse optimization algorithm (WHOA) to adjust the sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) technique by producing the optimal reference signal parameters in a new multilevel inverter architecture known as the packed U-cell multilevel inverter (PUC-MLI). Purpose. This study helps with the idea of new inverter architecture and a modified pulse width modulation (MPWM) method to make the multilevel inverter smaller, cheaper, and with less total harmonic distortion (THD). Methods. We use the proposed approach to control a 7-level, single-phase PUC-MLI. The WHOA is used to discover the optimal parameters of the additional reference sine signal after being compared with SPWM to evaluate its performance in harmonic reduction. The simulation’s outcome was validated by building a PUC-MLI prototype. Results. Experimental results and simulations validate the effectiveness of the suggested approach. The WHOA-improved MPWM approach achieves a significant reduction in THD on the PUC-MLI output voltage, as indicated by the results. Practical value. THD in MLI output voltage will be reduced without spending any cost. The suggested solution works with many MLI topologies with varying output voltage levels. References 20, tables 6, figures 12.

Dspace implementation of real-time selective harmonics elimination technique using modified carrier on three phase inverter

Introduction. In the contemporary world, alternative electrical energy has become an integral part of our daily existence, with the majority of our electrical materials, electronic devices, and industrial equipment relying on this energy source. Consequently, ensuring the quality of the electrical signal obtained is of paramount importance in the process of converting and distributing electrical energy. The improvement of the output voltage inverter can be achieved through adjustments to the inverter structure or by refining the control strategy. The novelty of the presented research lies in an innovative approach that employs real-time modulation for efficient control over the reduction of harmonics, alongside managing the fundamental component. This approach is applicable to both bipolar and unipolar configurations, featuring quarter-wave and half-wave symmetries. Purpose. Employing this modulation strategy aims to enhance the durability of the switching components and enhance the voltage output of the inverter. Methods. The methodology is founded on a sine-sine modulation as its foundational model. It constitutes an inventive pulse width modulation technique in which a reference sinusoidal waveform, operating at the desired signal frequency, is compared to a modified carrier signal with an identical time period as the reference signal. Results. This paper introduces a broader and more comprehensive approach, alongside specific solutions, for the control and mitigation of harmonics in three phase voltage source inverters. The proposed method offers precise control over the reduction of harmonics and the fundamental component, and it can be implemented in extensive power electronic converters. Practical value. To assess the effectiveness of the given control approach, we conducted simulations as well as real-time implementation employing Dspace DS1104 controller board. The outcomes were highly favorable, confirming the effectiveness and validity of the suggested control algorithm. References 15, tables 4, figures 7.

Design and implementation of single DC-link based three-phase multilevel inverter with CB-PWM techniques

Simulation and implementation of a single DC-link-based three-phase inverter are investigated in this article. The primary focus is on designing a single DC-link three-phase inverter for high power applications. Unlike conventional inverters that require 600 V to generate 400 V (RMS) at the output, the proposed system achieves this with only 330 V, facilitated by a 12-terminal 1:1 transformer. The system employs Proportional Integral (PI) and Neural Network (NN) controllers to optimize performance. Various Carrier-Based Pulse Width Modulation (CB-PWM) techniques, including Phase Disposition (PD), Phase Opposition Disposition (POD), and Alternative Phase Opposition Disposition (APOD), are implemented and evaluated based on Total Harmonics Distortion (THD) concerning the Modulation Index (MI) of the inverter. The proposed inverter achieves a THD reduction to 4.8%, demonstrating superior performance compared to recent studies. The system’s performance is validated through extensive MATLAB/Simulink simulations and practical implementation using XILINX FPGA software, confirming the efficacy of the proposed design.

PV system applied on the new PUC-NPC inverter

In this article, the authors present a new competitive Packed-U-cell and neutral point clamped (PUC-NPC) 9-level converter that utilizes a small number of power switches and passive components. Only seven switches are added to a single DC source. However, the proposed converter takes benefits of the neutral point clamped (NPC) converter’s capability to connect capacitors in series, all with a simple control that enables the algorithm associated to the proposed inverter operate correctly in an open loop operation. A technique of pulse width modulation (PWM) is employed to maintain capacitor voltage at desired values. The proposed inverter produces an almost sinusoidal waveform output voltage, as result, a perfectly sinusoidal charge current with minimal impact on the economy and energy consumption are optioned. The converter has been integrated with a photovoltaic system to minimize its impact on the electricity supply and enhance energy efficiency. In order to take a maximum power from the photovoltaic panel, authors employ a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique based on disturbance and observe (P and O). When combined with the proposed control technique, it offers a competitive system suitable for standalone use or as an energy source, eliminating the need for PI regulators or additional investments. The proposed 9-level converter has been validated through simulation, utilizing the MATLAB Simulink environment to model the proposed system. Dynamics of this later were verified by changing the load charge.

A new multilevel inverter topology, controlled by the pulse width and height modulation (PWHM) technique, with a reduced number of switches

A new multilevel inverter topology, controlled by the pulse width and height modulation (PWHM) technique, with a reduced number of switches

Active power compensation circuit for resonance mitigation and harmonic reduction in microgrid system

The nature and behavior of capacitors, transformers, inductors, active compensators, and non-linear loads can produce power resonance. Unfortunately, the presence of a resonance phenomenon can have a negative impact on system stability and lead to catastrophic power system failures. Therefore, even when using modern or conventional techniques to enhance total harmonic distortion (THD) or improve input power factor (IPF), it is necessary to avoid resonance. An active power compensation circuit (APCC) is proposed and designed to function with two categories of linear/non-linear loads. The APCC has been implemented and regulated using an adjusted pulse width modulation technique. The aim of the suggested APCC is to minimize AC side distortions, improve the IPF, and mitigate harmonics resonance at the same time. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed APCC investigates the aim function of this study by absorbing harmonics, correcting IPF, and eliminating resonance problems under both transient and steady-state operating conditions. The supply voltage and current THD values for the first power circuit type are reduced by 96.7 % and 96.3 %, respectively, at α=30°. Meanwhile, for the second power circuit, the THD is reduced by 91.92 % and 90.4 %. Also, the IPF changed for the first and second power circuits from 0.72 and 0.86 to almost unity. These results demonstrated the effective performance of the APCC circuit and controller in reducing power harmonics, eliminating power resonance, and modifying power factors.

Advanced Multi-Sampling PWM Technique for Single-Inductor MIMO DC-DC Converter in Electric Vehicles

Amongst the various topologies of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) DC-DC converters, single-inductor MIMO (SI-MIMO) converters have the advantages of a reduced component count, a simpler structure, and low cost. These converters are suitable in electric vehicle (EV) applications involving variable ports, essential for performing different functions. Digital control in SI-MIMO converters is promising for enhancing transient performance due to its numerous benefits. However, delays in digital control, particularly computational and pulse width modulation (PWM) delays, can negatively impact the performance of DC-DC converters. Multi-sampling and double PWM update methods can mitigate these control delays, but they often necessitate complex control schemes, adding computational burden. In this work, an advanced multi-sampling PWM technique, integrating sample shift and multi-sampling, is proposed while employing a simple digital PID control scheme. The proposed method was tested for a shared-switch SI-MIMO converter with battery discharging and charging modes in the MATLAB/Simulink environment and compared with the conventional single- and multi-sampling PWM methods. The results demonstrated that the proposed method significantly improved the converter performance, surpassing the conventional single- and multi-sampling PWM methods. In the battery discharging mode, utilizing the proposed method, the output voltage achieved a settling time of 0.075 s in response to a step change in its reference, significantly outperforming multi-sampling, which yielded a settling time of 0.124 s, and single sampling, which exhibited an even longer settling time of 0.898 s. It also demonstrated a minimal overshoot of 0.06 volts compared to 1.5 volts with multi-sampling during the step change in the input voltage. Similarly, in the battery charging mode, upon a step change in the reference output voltage, the proposed method effectively minimized the overshoot of the output voltage to 0.845 volts compared to 1.175 volts with multi-sampling, and it decreased the inductor current settling time to 0.296 s from 0.330 s recorded under multi-sampling. These findings underscore the potential of the proposed method in enhancing the digital control performance of SI-MIMO DC-DC converters in electric vehicles.

IEZ-Source Inverter Topology with Tuned PID Controller of Carrier SPWM Technique in Grid Connected System

Z-source inverters are used in controller applications, which offer higher performance than the buck-boost converter. This work presents the Improved Embedded Z (IEZ)-source inverter used for the impedance network. The Z-source inverter includes the switching topologies, so the double inductor is added to the EZ source inverter circuit. IEZ source inverter manages the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), and the PID controller controls the inverter voltage. The Social Ski Driver (SSD) Optimization algorithm is used to tune the parameters of the PID controller. The harmonic content of the Z-source inverter is reduced by the carrier based sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) technique. The Improved Embedded Z-source Inverter (IE-ZSI) is utilized to apply a grid-connected system. The inverters receive the power from the DC voltage and supply the grid-connected load with controllable voltage. The proposed work is implemented in the platform MATLAB/SIMULINK to evaluate the performance of the voltage across the capacitor, the voltage across the inductor, grid current and grid voltage. Inverter DC link voltage performance was compared to conventional Z-source inverters and embedded Z-source inverters. The proposed work achieved 1.52% THD compared with existing techniques.

An Experimental Investigation on VSI-fed Induction Motor using Xilinx ZYNQ-7000 SoC Controller

In medium voltage and high-power drive applications, pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques are widely used to achieve effective speed control of AC motors. In real-time, an industrial drive system requires reduced hardware complexity and low computation time. The reliability of the AC drive can be improved with the FPGA (field programmable gate array) hardware equipped with digital controllers. To improve the performance of AC drives, a new FPGA-based Wavect real-time prototype controller (Xilinx ZYNQ-7000 SoC) is used to verify the effectiveness of the controller. These advanced controllers are capable of reducing computation time and enhancing the drive performance in real-time applications. The comparative performance analysis is carried out for the most commonly used voltage source inverter (VSI)-based PWM techniques such as sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) and space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) for three-phase, two-level inverters. The comparative study shows the SVPWM technique utilizes DC bus voltage more effectively and produces less harmonic distortion in terms of higher output voltage, flexible control of output frequency, and reduced harmonic distortion at output voltage for motor control applications. The simulation and hardware results are verified and validated by using MATLAB/Simulink software and FPGA-based Wavect real-time controller respectively.