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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "F3: Power Electronics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 20573

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Yu Zhang

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Guest Editor

School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: modular power supply system; grid-connected converter; DC transformer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Guest Editor would like to invite submissions to a Special Issue of Energies on the subject area of “Modeling, Control and Design of Power Electronics Converters”. Modeling, control and design techniques are important for the reliability and efficient operation of power electronics converters. There have been many emerging power electronics converters in recent years. Moreover, wide band-gap devices can significantly improve the performance of the power electronics converters. The modeling, control and design of these converters are interesting topics for power electronics researchers.

This Special Issue will deal with modeling, control and design techniques for power electronics converters. Topics of interest for publication include but are not limited to:

Modeling methods of power electronics converters;
Optimization control of power electronics converters;
Design method for power electronics converters;
Application of a new type ofE power devices for power electronics converters;
Reliability of power electronics converters;
Fault diagnosis and fault riding-through of power electronics converters.

Prof. Dr. Yu Zhang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

power electronics converter
modeling
control
design
wide band-gap devices
reliability
fault diagnosis
fault riding through

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 5972 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autonomous Gate Drivers Tailored for Triangular Current Mode-Based Zero-Voltage Switching Two-Level Three-Phase Inverters for Electric Vehicle Drive Systems

by Khizra Abbas and Hans-Peter Nee

Energies 2024, 17(5), 1060; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17051060 - 23 Feb 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1084

Abstract

The demand for highly efficient and dynamic electric vehicles (EVs) has increased dramatically. The traction inverter, a pivotal component in an EV powertrain, plays a crucial role. This study is dedicated to designing a traction inverter with focus on achieving high efficiency and elevated power density and mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues. To realize these objectives, autonomous gate drivers (AGDs) are proposed and designed using LTspice simulation software. The aim is to achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) at both turn-on and turn-off through the utilization of triangular current mode (TCM) control on the gate driver. The AGDs implement a current modulation scheme by sensing the current and voltage and generating gate-source voltage signals with minimal delays. The implemented current modulation scheme by the AGDs results in an efficiency exceeding 99% for a 10 kW power rating. The sinusoidal output waveforms not only contribute to extending the motor lifespan by mitigating sharp-edge voltages but also bring advantages such as reduced switch stress, decreased EMI, and simplified thermal management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Control and Design of Power Electronics Converters)

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20 pages, 3913 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Modulation Techniques and Coordinated Voltage Vector Distribution: Effects on Efficiency in Dual-Inverter Topology-Based Electric Drives

by Jakub Kucera, Petr Zakopal, Filip Baum and Ondrej Lipcak

Energies 2024, 17(5), 986; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17050986 - 20 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1213

Abstract

The increasing popularity of electric drives employing an isolated dual-inverter (DI) topology is motivated by their superior DC-link voltage and power utilization, fault-tolerant operation, and potential for multilevel operation. These attributes are significant in battery-powered transportation, such as electric vehicles and aviation. Given the considerable freedom in modulation and control of the DI topology, this paper researches the impact of reference voltage vector distribution between the two individual inverters. The study also evaluates the influence of two well-established asynchronous modulation strategies—Space Vector PWM (SVPWM) and Depenbrock’s Discontinuous Modulation (DPWM1). Since simulation tools nowadays play a crucial role in power electronics design and concept verification, the results are based on extensive and detailed models in Matlab/Simulink. Employing the basic field-oriented control of a 12 kW induction motor with precisely parameterized SiC switching devices for accurate loss calculation, this research reveals the possibility of significant energy savings at multiple operating points. Notably, optimal efficiency is achieved when one inverter operates up to half of the nominal speed while the other solely establishes a neutral point for the winding. Moreover, the results highlight DPWM1 as a superior strategy for the DI topology, showcasing reduced converter losses. Overall, it is shown that the system’s losses can be significantly reduced just by the design of the voltage vector distribution in the drive’s operating range and the modulation strategy selection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Control and Design of Power Electronics Converters)

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15 pages, 4152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Polynomial Synthesis Approach to Design and Control an LCL-Filter-Based PWM Rectifier with Extended Functions Validated by SIL Simulations

by Rosa Iris Viera Díaz, Ciro Nuñez, Nancy Visairo Cruz and Juan Segundo Ramírez

Energies 2023, 16(21), 7382; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16217382 - 31 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2558

Abstract

Controlling a PWM rectifier can be challenging due to the bilinear nature of its averaged model. This paper introduces the use of the Butterworth approach to design and control an LCL-filter-based PWM rectifier with power quality functions. By leveraging the linear part of the system, this approach reduces the number of variables involved in the control scheme. The rectifier is designed and controlled in a concatenated manner to ensure proper performance even during demanding power-quality events. The uniqueness of this approach lies in the fact that a fourth-order model can be regulated by using solely three-state variables and linear techniques founded on Butterworth polynomial synthesis. This approach differs from previous methods in that it does not employ nonlinear controllers, dq transformations, or double control loops. Hence, this divergent approach contributes to the simplification of power converter design and control through the application of the same polynomial synthesis, besides enhancing system operation in demanding scenarios. Extensive SIL simulations of a 1 kW, 220 Vrms PWM rectifier using the OPAL-RT-1400 platform were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed controller. The selected tests reveal the validity of this proposal even when the PWM rectifier faces multiple power quality events simultaneously. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Control and Design of Power Electronics Converters)

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12 pages, 4187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design for a Four-Stage DC/DC High-Voltage Converter with High Precision and a Small Ripple

by Wei Zheng, Cong Hu, Bin Zhao, Xiaobao Su, Gang Wang and Xiaowan Hou

Energies 2023, 16(1), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010389 - 29 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1877

Abstract

This paper presents a four-stage DC/DC converter with high precision and a small ripple utilized in an electronic power conditioner (EPC). The galvanically isolated four-stage topology contains four cascade connections: a buck circuit, a push–pull circuit, a power converter, and a voltage regulator. The push–pull switches, as well as the diodes in the output-side rectifier, operate in zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and zero-current switching (ZCS) modes at both switch off and switch on, which helps increase the efficiency. The maximum efficiency of the converter can reach 94.5%. The buck circuit and voltage regulator operate in a two-stage closed-loop condition and, thus, the precision is greater than 0.02%. Due to the voltage regulator, the ripple is less than 1 V when the output voltage reaches 7000 V. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Control and Design of Power Electronics Converters)

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21 pages, 8928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single-Phase Five-Level Multilevel Inverter Based on a Transistors Six-Pack Module

by Flavio A. Garcia-Santiago, Julio C. Rosas-Caro, Jesus E. Valdez-Resendiz, Jonathan C. Mayo-Maldonado, Antonio Valderrabano-Gonzalez and Hector R. Robles-Campos

Energies 2022, 15(24), 9321; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15249321 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1658

Abstract

This article introduces a single-phase five-level multilevel inverter based on six switches and two transformers. The proposed converter requires a single dc input source with low voltage. The disposition of switches makes it possible to build the converter with a transistors six-pack module off-the-shelves, traditionally used to build three-phase inverters, which simplifies the manufacturing process. The converter increases the voltage with two transformers; for that reason, it does not require an auxiliary step-up converter. The use of transformers (with the transformer’s turns ratio) allows for using the same topology for several input voltage levels. To verify the operation of the proposed multilevel inverter, a computer-based simulation was performed with PSIM, a software that considers parasitic components. The results show that the proposed converter can work properly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Control and Design of Power Electronics Converters)

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13 pages, 4443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Direct Charge Control Method for Inverters in Discontinuous Conduction Mode

by Qingxin Guan and Yu Zhang

Energies 2022, 15(18), 6608; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186608 - 9 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1540

Abstract

The discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) of the inductor current is an effective way to achieve high efficiency and high power density of inverters because it has the advantages of zero-current switching and small inductance of the filter inductor. Although the DCM can operate at a fixed switching frequency, there has been no linear model for realizing high-performance digital control. This paper provides a solution for this problem. Firstly, a linear first-order charge quantity model (CQM) for a DCM inverter with a fixed switching frequency is established, which uses charge quantities output by the inverter bridge as a control variable. Secondly, a direct charge control (DCC) method is proposed, and the design process is significantly simplified. Finally, the performance of the proposed control method is verified by the experiments using a 1 kW prototype, and a high-quality output voltage waveform with a peak efficiency of above 98% was achieved. The proposed method outperforms existing works because the CQM is a first-order linear model that realizes the high-performance digital control and significantly simplifies the design of controller. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Control and Design of Power Electronics Converters)

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21 pages, 9022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neutral-Point Voltage Balancing Method for Three-Phase Three-Level Dual-Active-Bridge Converters

by Xinmi Wu, Yu Zhang and Jiawen Yang

Energies 2022, 15(17), 6463; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15176463 - 4 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2351

Abstract

Three-phase three-level dual-active-bridge (3L-DAB3) converters are a potential topology for high-voltage and high-power applications. Neutral-point voltage balancing is a complex and important issue for three-level (3L) circuits. Compared with the single-phase 3L dual-active-bridge converter, the self-balancing capability of the 3L-DAB3 is limited. To guarantee the reliability of the converter, a neutral-point voltage balancing method for the 3L-DAB3 is proposed in this paper. First, the neutral-point voltage balancing principle of the 3L-DAB3 is analyzed. Then, the relationship between the duty ratio adjustment and injected neutral-point charge is described. In order to guarantee accurate neutral-point voltage balance, the proposed balancing method adopts a sign-hysteresis control with a dead zone. The dead zone is responsible for whether the duty ratio adjustment is activated, and the sign-hysteresis control guarantees a correct adjustment direction. The proposed neutral-point voltage balancing method only needs to sample the capacitor voltages, thus avoiding a complex parameter design and making it easy to implement. The transmission power of the converter is not affected during the adjustment process. The proposed balancing method has a rapid response speed and does not have problems with respect to stability. Finally, experiments were conducted on a 3.6 kW laboratory prototype. The validity and performance of the proposed neutral-point voltage balancing method were verified on the basis of the simulation and experimental results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Control and Design of Power Electronics Converters)

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14 pages, 4675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Novel Six-Segment Modulation Strategy for Three-Phase Isolated PFC Converter

by Huaibao Wang, Sheng Wang, Hao Ding, Changli Shi, Dongqiang Jia, Chao Chen and Josep M. Guerrero

Energies 2022, 15(7), 2598; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15072598 - 2 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2066

Abstract

A three-phase isolated rectifier features bidirectional power conversion and galvanic isolation, and is attractive as a high-efficiency energy conversion system. However, when a conventional modulation is applied to this rectifier, the excessive DC-link current ripple will result in increasing switching losses or the size of DC-link inductance, which is not cost-effective. In order to effectively reduce the current ripple, this paper proposes a “six segment” PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) strategy. It can significantly reduce the current ripple compared with the existing “eight segment” PWM strategy. Meanwhile, the current quality of the grid is improved. Finally, the experimental tests were carried out. The experimental results reveal that, compared to the traditional “eight segment” PWM, the dc-side current ripple significantly reduced from 2 A to 0.8 A, the total harmonic distortion significantly reduced from 5.69% to 2.41%, and the power factor increased from 0.87 to 0.99, verifying the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Control and Design of Power Electronics Converters)

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22 pages, 5267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Circulating Current Suppression for Paralleled Current Source Converter Based on Virtual Impedance Concept

by Xiao Fu, Huaibao Wang, Xiaoqiang Guo, Changli Shi, Dongqiang Jia, Chao Chen and Josep M. Guerrero

Energies 2022, 15(5), 1952; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051952 - 7 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2751

Abstract

The circulating current is one of the important issues for parallel converters. It affects the system stable operation and degrades the power quality. In order to reduce the circulating current of the parallel converter and reduce the harmonic pollution to the power grid, a new circulating current suppression strategy is proposed for the parallel current source converter without any communication line. This strategy is able to realize the current sharing between parallel modules by changing the external characteristics of the parallel modules to thus suppress the circulating current among the parallel current source converters. The proposed control strategy adopts DC-side droop control and AC-side virtual impedance control. The DC-side droop control is used to generate the reference voltage of each parallel module, while the AC-side virtual impedance is used to the circulating current suppression. We performed a time domain test of the parallel converter, and the results show that the proposed control strategy reduced the RMS circulating current of the parallel converter by 50% and effectively reduced the grid-side current THD while ensuring the stable operation of the converter. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy was, therefore, verified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Control and Design of Power Electronics Converters)

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Review

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25 pages, 23031 KiB

Open AccessReview

Overview of Inertia Enhancement Methods in DC System

by Feng Wang, Lizheng Sun, Zhang Wen and Fang Zhuo

Energies 2022, 15(18), 6704; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186704 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2106

Abstract

The modern power system is experiencing transformation from the rotational-generation-equipment-dominated system to a power-electronics-converter-dominated system, with the increasing penetration of renewable energy resources such as wind and photovoltaic. The power-electronics-based renewable generation, as well as energy storage system, can lead to the reduction of system inertia. As dc systems such as dc microgrids are attracting more attention, the low-inertia issues will challenge their stability. In this paper, a comprehensive review of inertia-enhancement methods in dc power systems is presented. The concept and significance of the inertia in dc systems is firstly introduced, and then the types of inertia-providing sources in dc systems are discussed. After that, the different virtual inertia control strategies applied in power electronics converters are classified and investigated. These virtual inertia control methods are proven to have a great ability to enhance the inertia of a dc system. The challenges and future research direction are discussed at the end of the article. In this paper, the previous research work on the inertia of dc power systems is summarized in detail, the inertia-enhancement methods of DC systems are comprehensively introduced, and the future research directions are prospected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Control and Design of Power Electronics Converters)

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