Three-phase Voltage Source Inverter Research Articles

Low-Voltage Control Circuits of Formula Student Electric Racing Cars

Formula Student (FS) competitions aim to prepare and encourage engineering students to participate in the progression of automotive and motorsport industries. The built racing cars adhere to strict regulations set by competition guidelines to ensure the safety of both teams and spectators. For electric racing cars, the high-voltage (HV) battery system usually operates within a voltage range between 100 V to 600 V to supply the motor and its controller with the required electrical power. It is essential to ensure that these components are operating effectively to minimize battery and motor current as well as to ensure efficient and reliable performance throughout the race. A low-voltage control system (LVCS), usually operating at 12 V, is used to coordinate a wide array of critical operational and safety functions to control the HV system. These functions include: (1) turning on/off procedures, (2) monitoring speed, voltage, and current, (3) interfacing with pedals, (4) controlling dashboard features, (5) managing lighting, (6) facilitating data communication, and (7) implementing safety protocols. The design and operation of the LVCS are crucial for compliance with safety regulations and enhancing the FS electric racing car (FSERC) performance. This details and discusses the design procedures of the LVCS, using the Lancaster E-Racing (LER) FSERC as a case study. The LER car employs a 400 V battery system to power a 68-kW permanent manet synchronous motor (PMSM) using a three-phase voltage source inverter. Using mathematical analysis, SIMULINK/MATLAB® computer simulations, and the experimental real-data results provided by the LER FSERC, this study seeks to offer valuable insights regarding the LVCS practical implementation and optimization.

Implementation of Shunt Active Power Filter Using DSP Controller Based on Synchronous Reference Frame for Harmonic Mitigation

This research paper introduces the concept of a shunt active power filter (SAPF) that leverages synchronous-reference-frame (SRF) theory to mitigate harmonics in the power system. The SAPF works by injecting a compensating current at the point of common coupling (PCC) to counteract the harmonics in the line and restore sinusoidal current waveforms. It employs a three-phase current-controlled voltage source inverter (VSI) with a DC link capacitor for active filtering. An SRF algorithm is designed for a low-voltage laboratory prototype utilizing the TMS320F28335 Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The experimental findings affirm that the control strategy effectively aligns with the recommended harmonic standard limits of IEEE 519-1992.

Disturbance Observer-Based Feedback Linearized Controller for Grid-Forming Four-Leg VSI Supplying Unbalanced and Nonlinear Loads

This paper presents the design of a disturbance observer-based controller that regulates the output voltage of three-phase four-leg voltage source inverters (VSIs) deployed for grid-forming operation in Renewable Energy-based Distributed Generation (REDG) Systems. The primary objective of the controller is to provide a symmetric and sinusoidal voltage at the output of the VSI when supplying highly unbalanced and nonlinear loads. The controller employs the feedback linearization (FL) technique and incorporates a disturbance observer (DO) to address a range of disturbances that include oscillations resulting from unbalanced loads, harmonics generated by nonlinear loads, and non-oscillatory disturbances. Notably, the controller adopts a direct control scheme without the need for nested current control loops and does not use any transformation frames. Simulation studies and experimental investigations were conducted to assess the controller’s performance under various load conditions, including both linear and nonlinear types, as well as load transients. The findings demonstrate the controller’s capability to accurately track references while complying with the IEEE power quality standards for the tested conditions.

Optimal weighting factor design based on entropy technique in finite control set model predictive torque control for electric drive applications

In the conventional finite control set model predictive torque control, the cost function consists of different control objectives with varying units of measurements. Due to presence of diverse variables in cost function, weighting factors are used to set the relative importance of these objectives. However, selection of these weighting factors in predictive control of electric drives and power converters still remains an open research challenge. Improper selection of weighting factors can lead to deterioration of the controller performance. This work proposes a novel weighting factor tuning method based on the Multi-Criteria-Decision-Making (MCDM) technique called the Entropy method. This technique has several advantages for multi-objective problem optimization. It provides a quantitive approach and incorporates uncertainties and adaptability to assess the relative importance of different criteria or objectives. This technique performs the online tuning of the weighting factor by forming a data set of the control objectives, i.e., electromagnetic torque and stator flux magnitude. After obtaining the error set of control variables, the objective matrix is normalized, and the entropy technique is applied to design the corresponding weights. An experimental setup based on the dSpace dS1104 controller is used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method for a two-level, three-phase voltage source inverter (2L-3P) fed induction motor drive. The dynamic response of the proposed technique is compared with the previously proposed MCDM-based weighting factor tuning technique and conventional MPTC. The results reveal that the proposed method provides an improved dynamic response of the drive under changing operating conditions with a reduction of 28% in computational burden and 38% in total harmonic distortion, respectively.

A non-isolated PFC bridgeless SEPIC-Cuk converter with adaptive PI controller for induction motor

In general, the induction motor (IM) is extremely nonlinear in nature and frequency dependent. In most cases, the power generated by the IM has a low power factor (PF), which exhibits detrimental effect on the extent to which the whole transmission and distribution system functions. Since there exists more current harmonics as an outcome of minimized PF, the efficiency of the power system suffers due to transmission line heating and voltage distortion characteristics. Therefore, this paper proposes a power factor correction (PFC) method to overcome the aforementioned issues. Here, by the utilization of AC-DC bridgeless SEPIC-Cuk converter, the power quality is improved by reducing reactive power consumption and enabling better control of voltage and current outputs. To maintain the stable DC link voltage with reduced ripples, the adaptive proportional-integral (PI) controller is used in this work. The three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI) transitioning function is controlled by cascaded fuzzy logic (CFL) controller, which is also utilized for regulating the speed of the three-phase IM. Implementing the proposed control strategy improves power quality significantly by reducing total harmonic distortion (THD). The proposed system is simulated in the MATLAB platform and the attained outcomes, it is clear that the proposed system is highly effective.

Real-Time Diagnosis of Open Circuit Faults in Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverters

Real-Time Diagnosis of Open Circuit Faults in Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverters

Improve the voltage profile of the grid-integrated induction motor with a fuzzy-based voltage source converter

This article suggests installing a series compensator on grid-connected induction motors that allows for the ride-through of unbalanced voltage sag. Fuzzy logic controls the motor voltages in a standard three-phase voltage source inverter or voltage source inverter (VSI). An open-ended three-phase machine and the grid form a series connection for the VSI. The proposed system is well suited for uses where frequency variation is unnecessary, such as with large pumps or fans. There is no requirement for a direct current (DC) source or injection transformer when conducting an electric mutual coupling The severity of the sag in the grid voltage that will prevent EMC from shutting down is proportional to the load on the motors. An increase in the voltage of the DC link may be necessary if the voltage is not balanced. A 1.5 hp four-pole induction motor was used alongside grid voltage disturbances to test the proposed compensator's ride-through capability. Grid's current analysis demonstrates that the proposed system does not require the addition of a passive filter to achieve low levels of total harmonic distortion (THD). Additionally, the control strategy, component ratings, and analysis of the converter's output voltage operating principle and pulse width modulation technique are covered. The system's viability is shown via simulation and experimental results.

Enhancing of single-stage grid-connected photovoltaic system using fuzzy logic controller

The power generated by photovoltaic (PV) systems is influenced by environmental factors. This variability hampers the control and utilization of solar cells' peak output. In this study, a single-stage grid-connected PV system is designed to enhance power quality. Our approach employs fuzzy logic in the direct power control (DPC) of a three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI), enabling seamless integration of the PV connected to the grid. Additionally, a fuzzy logic-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller is adopted, which outperforms traditional methods like incremental conductance (INC) in enhancing solar cell efficiency and minimizing the response time. Moreover, the inverter's real-time active and reactive power is directly managed to achieve a unity power factor (UPF). The system's performance is assessed through MATLAB/Simulink implementation, showing marked improvement over conventional methods, particularly in steady-state and varying weather conditions. For solar irradiances of 500 and 1,000 W/m<sup>2</sup>, the results show that the proposed method reduces the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the injected current to the grid by approximately 46% and 38% compared to conventional methods, respectively. Furthermore, we compare the simulation results with IEEE standards to evaluate the system's grid compatibility.

Optimized and Sustainable PV Water Pumping System with Three-Port Converter, a Case Study: The Al-Kharijah Oasis

Optimized and Sustainable PV Water Pumping System with Three-Port Converter, a Case Study: The Al-Kharijah Oasis

An Improved Secondary Control Strategy for Dynamic Boundary Microgrids toward Resilient Distribution Systems

In order to achieve the flexible and efficient utilization of distributed energy resources, microgrids (MGs) can enhance the self-healing capability of distribution systems. Conventional primary droop control in microgrids exhibits deviations in voltage and frequency and lacks research on voltage–frequency control during network reconfiguration. Therefore, this paper investigates the control strategy of secondary control for voltage and frequency during the process of reconstructing distribution networks to operate in the form of microgrids after faults. Firstly, the mathematical model of three-phase voltage-source inverters with droop control is analyzed. Then, inspired by the generator’s secondary frequency control strategy, an improved secondary control method based on droop control is proposed, and the effectiveness of the improved droop control strategy is verified. Finally, simulation examples of distribution networks with various dynamic boundary topology changes are designed to simulate a relatively stable control result, validating the proposed strategy.

Non-linear control for enhanced solar power under partial shading and AC load variations

This paper solves the control problem to track the maximum power in grid-connected PV systems to catch up with the changes and meet the energy demand, given the irregular and arbitrary nature of the solar source. Our work addresses the following objectives: i) extracting the maximum available power under partial shading, ii) and having a unit power factor. To achieve the above objectives, we have integrated two control components. The first one is dedicated to the extraction of the maximum power point (MPPT) particle swarming algorithm (PSO) with a backstepping controller, by shaking on the DC/DC converter duty cycle to increase the robustness and stability of the system. The backstepping control of the three-phase voltage source inverter is the second part. To verify the effectiveness of the introduced system, modelling and simulation are verified in MATLAB/Simulink.

Mathematical Modeling of Device Currents in Space-Vector Modulated Two-Level Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverter

Mathematical Modeling of Device Currents in Space-Vector Modulated Two-Level Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverter

Application of Fractional Order PI/PID Voltage Controllers for Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverter with Dynamic Load

Purpose: With the depletion of fossil fuels, the landscape of electrical energy generation has witnessed a transformative shift towards alternative sources such as fuel cells and photovoltaic (PV) systems that produce direct current (DC) electricity. In the realm of distributed power generation, three-phase voltage source inverters (VSIs) are extensively utilized for converting energy from DC sources to alternating current (AC) for the grid or loads. The pivotal objective of this study is to investigate and compare the performance of fractional-order Proportional-Integral (PI) and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control structures against their integer-order counterparts in the voltage control loop of a VSI connected to a dynamic load system.
 Materials and Methods: The research employs frequency response analysis to design and implement both fractional-order PI/PID and integer-order PI/PID control structures for the voltage control loop. The simulation of the controlled system is conducted using MATLAB/Simulink, considering two distinct test scenarios – unstable and stable dynamic load conditions. The primary focus is on analyzing the inverter output voltage in the d-q axis under these scenarios.
 Findings: The analysis of the simulation results reveals noteworthy distinctions between the fractional-order and integer-order PI/PID controllers in the context of controlling the inverter system with dynamic loads. These findings shed light on the advantages of employing fractional order controllers, particularly in dynamic load scenarios, showcasing superior performance in comparison to their integer-order counterparts.
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study's outcomes hold significant implications for the theory and practice of voltage control in distributed power generation systems. The superiority of fractional-order PI controllers underscores their potential for enhancing power quality, especially in systems with unstable and time-varying dynamic loads. These insights can inform the development of more effective control strategies for voltage source inverters, influencing both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Policymakers may consider these findings when formulating regulations and incentives to promote the adoption of advanced control strategies in the evolving landscape of electrical energy generation.

Power Loss Modelling and Performance Comparison of Three-Level GaN-Based Inverters Used for Electric Traction

The main aim of this work is to present a step-by-step procedure to model and analyze the power loss distribution of three-level Gallium Nitride (GaN) inverters. It has been applied to three distinct three-phase three-level voltage source inverters utilized in electric traction drives: Active Neutral Point Clamped, Neutral Point Clamped and T-Type Neutral Point Clamped. The proposed analytical power loss modelling, combined with an equivalent representation of the electrical machine proved to be a viable solution to achieve a time-saving and low computational burden simulation platform, leading to satisfying accurate results. This has been confirmed by comparing the results carried out from the simulations of a 110 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor drive and those determined by considering a simplified circuital representation based on the proposed analytical power loss modelling.

Switched Z-Source Boost Converter in Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Grid-Tied Applications

The world's focus is shifting toward Renewable Energy Sources (RES) as a result of the sharp rise in energy demand and the depletion of conventional energy sources. Distributed generation (DG) units developed on RES are easily and reliably integrated into grid due to microgrid technology. Inverters are typically used to integrate DGs into microgrid. At present, the fastestgrowing renewable sources of electricity in the world is photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy conversion system (WECS), which evolved in response to growing environmental concerns about the risks of climate change connected with power generation. Recent technological developments have made it a top priority for researchers to find ways to enhance the efficiency of hybrid systems and the power converter stage. In order to achieve transmission losses and ensure energy savings, a new 13-bus system is developed in this work for regulating the output voltage in distribution networks. Switched Z-source Boost converter along with Proportional Integral (PI) controller is employed to boost the voltage obtained from PV system. A battery converter along with a bi-directional battery is connected to the DC link, to store energy generated by Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) in excess amount. The obtained DC link voltage is transferred to three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI) for the conversion of DC to AC voltage. Effective harmonic reduction is attained with the aid of LC filter coupled to Three phase grid, and the PI controller associated to the grid supports in achieving effective grid synchronization. The proposed research is validated using MATLAB Simulink by considering the 13-bus system and an efficiency of 96.8 % is obtained with 0.93% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Improved Feedback Quantizer with Discrete Space Vector.

The use of advanced modulation and control schemes for power converters, such as a Feedback Quantizer and Predictive Control, is widely studied in the literature. This work focuses on improving the closed-loop modulation scheme called Feedback Quantizer, which is applied to a three-phase voltage source inverter. This scheme has the natural behavior of mitigating harmonics at low frequencies, which are detrimental to electrical equipment such as transformers. This modulation scheme also provides good tracking for the voltage reference at the fundamental frequency. On the other hand, the disadvantage of this scheme is that it has a variable switching frequency, creating a harmonic spectrum in frequency dispersion, and it also needs a small sampling time to obtain good results. The proposed scheme to improve the modulation scheme is based on a Discrete Space Vector with virtual vectors to obtain a better approximation of the optimal vectors for use in the algorithm. The proposal improves the conventional scheme at a high sampling time (200 μs), obtaining a THD less than 2% in the load current, decreases the noise created by the conventional scheme, and provides a fixed switching frequency. Experimental tests demonstrate the correct operation of the proposed scheme.

Quasi-Z-Source Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverter with Virtual Space Vector Modulation to Increase the Voltage Gain and for the Reduction of Common Mode Voltage

Abstract A quasi-Z-source network is used to boost the DC bus voltage of a voltage source two-level H-bridge inverter to increase the voltage gain. With the increase in the DC bus voltage, the common mode voltage (CMV) also increases. The CMV is reduced using virtual space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM). Due to the presence of a quasi-Z-source network, the expression of the CMV changes significantly with respect to the conventional voltage source two-level H-bridge inverter fed from a pure DC supply. In this paper, a detailed analysis of the origin of the CMV for the quasi-Z-source two-level H-bridge inverter is presented. Additionally, it is shown how the CMV is affected for a DC input supply taken from a three-phase diode bridge rectifier. The work also details the scheme for suitable placement of shoot-through time intervals required for boosting within the non-active time intervals in virtual SVPWM. The simulation and experimental results show the scheme is effective in increasing the voltage gain and reducing the CMV arising at the third harmonic of the desired output frequency by at least 33.33%.

Design, Modeling, and Validation of Grid-Forming Inverters for Frequency Synchronization and Restoration

This paper focuses on the modeling, analysis, and design of grid-forming (GFM) inverter-based microgrids (MGs). It starts with the development of a mathematical model for three-phase voltage source inverters (VSI). The voltage and current controllers consist of two feedback loops: an outer feedback loop of the capacitance-voltage and an inner feedback loop of the output inductance current. The outer voltage loop is employed to enhance the controller’s response time. The inner current loop is used to provide active damping for the resonance created by the LCL filter. A two-layer control scheme is adopted for the GFM inverter control. The primary decentralized control uses droop control and virtual impedance loops to share active and reactive power. Simultaneously, the centralized secondary control addresses frequency and amplitude deviations induced by the droop control. Additionally, a synchronization loop is proposed for seamless reconnection of GFM inverters to the MG and to connect the GFM-controlled MG to the main grid. It has the advantage that the inverter operates in GFM mode even after the synchronization has occurred. The simulation results have shown that the voltage controller ensures a 0.005 s settling time and maintains the steady-state error at its minimum value of 0.1 V. Similarly, the current controller ensures a 0.006 s settling time with a 10−5 steady-state error. The system with the designed controller has a low total harmonic distortion (THD) of 1.46% and improved power quality of the output voltage. Furthermore, a quick restoration time is observed during load steps and tripping events, with a restoration time of 1 s with 10−10 steady-state error. Synchronization is achieved within 0.8 s for the incoming inverters and requires 3 s to synchronize the MG with the main grid, maintaining a steady-state error of 10−9.

Performance Analysis Of DSMST Converter FED BLDC Motor

A positive output voltage SEPIC-type DC-DC converter called DSMST (modified SEPIC topology) without a transformer for use in electric vehicles. The DSMST converter is derived from the traditional SEPIC converter with the addition of a switching cell. Furthermore, the output diode and inductors are interchanged for the continuous output current. In the realm of electric vehicles, the utilization of Brushless DC (BLDC) motor drives coupled with a DC-DC converter has become increasingly important. Specifically in the context of electric vehicles, the use of BLDC motors offers several technical advantages compared to other types of motors such as DC, induction, and switched reluctance motors. The DSMST converter is connected to the BLDC motor through a three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI) to regulate the voltage and current supplied to the BLDC motor, ensuring optimal performance. To regulate the speed of drive, a closed loop control system is developed using hall sensor signals. The proposed system is developed in the MATLAB/Simulink to check the applicability of electric vehicle configuration and the results shown that the proposed converter is well suitable for electric vehicle applications.

Development of Various Types of Independent Phase Based Pulsewidth Modulation Techniques for Three-Phase Voltage Source Inverters

Discontinuous pulse-width-modulation (DPWM) methods have been extensively used in the industrial area to reduce overall losses, which decreases the corresponding thermal stress on the power switches of converters. However, local thermal overload can arise due to different aging conditions of semiconductor devices or failure in the cooling system. This leads to reduced reliability of the converter system due to the low expected lifespan of the most aged switches or phase legs. In this paper, the modified DPWM strategies for independent control of per-phase switching loss are introduced to deal with this matter. The proposed per-phase DPWM techniques are generated by modifying the conventional three-phase DPWM methods for reducing the switching loss in a specific leg, whereas the output performance is not degraded. This paper reports on output performance, including output current total harmonic distortion (THD) and power loss of switching devices, analysis for the various modified DPWM strategies for independent control of per-phase switching loss, which is applicable in 2-level 3-phase voltage source inverters (2L3P VSIs). The results are compared to the corresponding continuous PWM technique to verify and analyze the effectiveness and accuracy of the modified DPWM strategies for independent control of per-phase switching loss.