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Matrix converter based open-end winding drives modulated with rotating vectors eliminate the high-frequency common-mode output voltage that could otherwise cause motor failure. Unlike back-to-back converters, no intermediate dc bus capacitor is required—better power density and reliability may, therefore, be achievable. A high voltage transfer ratio and input power factor control capability put these open-end winding drives at a significant advantage over conventional matrix converters. At least three realizations of the matrix converter based open-end drive are possible. This paper compares these three realizations to identify the best topology and presents experimental results validating its capabilities. Filter optimization, loss-optimal vector sequences, and other practical considerations are also discussed. Finally, a comparison with the state-of-the-art back-to-back converters is provided to investigate if the potential improvements are in fact attainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic method of designing a zero terminal current ripple integrated magnetic Ćuk converter for photovoltaic (PV)-to-battery applications is presented in this paper. The four-winding-coupled inductor design consists of two inductors and a two-winding transformer coupled on a common EE-core. The core design uses a simplified flux-reluctance model to arrive at the area product formulation for this kind of a four-winding structure. The zero-ripple condition in the terminal currents is achieved by controlling the coupling coefficients by means of air-gap reluctances in the core. Unlike the earlier designs for this converter, it provides a completely analytical approach to design this converter for a range of duty ratio. The validity of the proposed method is confirmed using finite element analyses (both two dimensional and three dimensional), thermal validation, and circuit simulations in PSpice. The zero-ripple condition is verified experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A novel ride-through approach for matrix converters in adjustable speed drives is presented. The input capacitors are utilized to transfer energy from the spinning inertia of the motor to support the motor flux during grid fault events. The addition of three bidirection switches is required to isolate the input filter capacitors from the collapsed grid voltages. The addition of input switches, a ride-through vector control strategy, and post fault reconnection logic are shown to enable ride-through of many cycle faults without the use of an additional energy storage device. In this paper, the control and reconnect strategies are discussed followed by simulations of the system and the presentation of experimental results. Through a short review of power quality assessments, it is shown that these improvements allow matrix converter-based adjustable speed drives to operate in a majority of real world fault situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel topology for the generation of adjustable frequency and magnitude pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) three-phase ac from a balanced three-phase ac source with a high-frequency ac link. The proposed single-stage power electronic transformer (PET) with bidirectional power flow capability may find application in compact isolated PWM ac drives. This topology along with the proposed control has the following advantages: 1) input power factor correction; 2) common-mode voltage suppression at the load end; 3) high-quality output voltage waveform (comparable with conventional space vector PWM); and 4) minimization of output voltage loss, common-mode voltage switching, and distortion of the load current waveform due to leakage inductance commutation. A source-based commutation of currents associated with energy in leakage inductance (termed as leakage energy) has been proposed. This results in soft-switching of the output-side converter and recovery of the leakage energy. The entire topology along with the proposed control scheme has been analyzed. The simulation and experimental results verify the analysis and advantages of the proposed PET. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a single-stage bidirectional high-frequency transformer (HFT) link dc/ac converter topology for a three-phase adjustable magnitude and frequency PWM ac drive. This type of converters find a wide range of applications including UPS systems, drives involving renewable energy sources (Solar, Fuel cell), and energy storage systems (typically low voltage dc to high voltage PWM ac). The HFT results in reduction in cost and weight along with a considerable increase in power density. The adverse effects of common-mode voltage are well known in this kind of applications. The proposed topology along with a modulation technique reduces common-mode voltage to practically zero and generates high-quality output voltage waveform comparable to conventional space vector PWM (CSVPWM). A source-based commutation method, presented in this paper, to commute the energy stored in the leakage inductance of the HFT resulting in the following advantages 1) no need for any auxiliary circuits with passive components; 2) almost complete recovery of the leakage energy; 3) soft switching of the output side converter for all load conditions; and 4) minimization of common-mode voltage switching due to commutation. The converter along with the suggested control has been analyzed in detail. The presented simulation and experimental results confirm the operation of the proposed converter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the rationale for developing and disseminating an entire curriculum dedicated to Electric Energy System (EES) education at undergraduate and graduate levels. It presents the benefits of teaching just a few well thought out fundamentals-based courses in this area at the undergraduate level that allow students to take complementary courses and thus be broadly educated. This allows them flexibility upon graduation to work in industry, to go on to graduate school and Ph.D. research, or to work in a field different than power/energy. It describes the graduate courses being developed with the help of experts in their respective fields. Finally, this paper describes the dissemination of this material to other universities and practicing engineers by establishing a Consortium of Universities for Sustainable Power (CUSP™) that as of now has been joined by over 170 universities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Energy storage is a natural option toward adding the much-needed flexibility for integrating higher amounts of wind generation into the existing power system. This paper presents field results and analyses quantifying the ability and the value of Sodium Sulfur (NAS) battery energy storage toward shifting wind generation from off-peak to on-peak, limiting the ramp rate of wind farm output, and a strategy to integrate the aforementioned goals. The battery can also be considered on a system level independent of wind. It is argued that even in its capacity as a system resource independent of wind, the battery can aid integration of wind generation. Analyses quantifying the value of the battery in the energy and operating reserve markets are presented. Financially optimal locations to site the battery have also been identified. The presented research is a part of the “Wind to Battery” project led by Xcel Energy, a major U.S. utility. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, a three-port converter with three active full bridges, two series-resonant tanks, and a three-winding transformer is proposed. It uses a single power conversion stage with high-frequency link to control power flow between batteries, load, and a renewable source such as fuel cell. The converter has capabilities of bidirectional power flow in the battery and the load port. Use of series-resonance aids in high switching frequency operation with realizable component values when compared to existing three-port converter with only inductors. The converter has high efficiency due to soft-switching operation in all three bridges. Steady-state analysis of the converter is presented to determine the power flow equations, tank currents, and soft-switching region. Dynamic analysis is performed to design a closed-loop controller that will regulate the load-side port voltage and source-side port current. Design procedure for the three-port converter is explained and experimental results of a laboratory ,prototype are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new scheme is proposed to connect wind turbines to the power grid. This scheme helps in limiting the fault currents as well as in voltage unbalance compensation. Voltage is injected in series with the transmission line to limit the fault currents as well as to balance the voltages. This scheme allows wind turbines to remain synchronized to the grid during faults or during low voltages and is useful for doubly fed as well as squirrel cage induction generators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind energy is often installed in rural, remote areas characterized by weak, unbalanced power transmission grids. In induction wind generators, unbalanced three-phase stator voltages cause a number of problems, such as overcurrent, unbalanced currents, reactive power pulsations, and stress on the mechanical components from torque pulsations. Therefore, beyond a certain amount of unbalance, induction wind generators are switched out of the network. This can further weaken the grid. In doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs), control of the rotor currents allows for adjustable speed operation and reactive power control. This paper presents a DFIG control strategy that enhances the standard speed and reactive power control with controllers that can compensate for the problems caused by an unbalanced grid by balancing the stator currents and eliminating torque and reactive power pulsations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid phase-modulated converter (HPMC) is a recent innovation in the family of soft-switching converters. It is a promising solution to most soft-switching issues. The principal bottleneck in achieving higher efficiency with this topology is the secondary side loss—mainly the losses in the transformer and the rectifier. For low-voltage high-current power supplies, the current-doubler rectification of HPMC addresses both the transformer conduction losses and the rectifier losses. The presence of an additional path for quiescent current in this scheme gives rise to a third mode of operation. There is also the possibility of magnetic integration of all the magnetic components into one, which can cause substantial reduction in magnetic requirements. These facts make the analysis of current doubler important. In this paper, all the operating modes are identified and corresponding equations and equivalent circuits that aid in filter and control design are derived. The zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) characteristics, filter requirement, small-signal transfer characteristics, device ratings, and magnetics size requirement are considered to compare this configuration with its center-tapped counterpart. The current-doubler scheme is found to have superior soft-switching characteristics in that it can achieve ZVS at lighter loads with a much lower peak magnetizing current in the transformer and leakage inductance. Also, a judicious choice of output current ripple can give an overall reduced magnetics requirement. The analyses are verified by simulation and hardware implementation. HPMC is found to be most advantageous for applications with input voltages essentially constant, but the output voltage widely varying, for example in battery chargers and converters with power factor correction front end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic modeling of switched reluctance motors (SRMs) is usually done on a per-phase basis. However, in most applications, SRMs are used with simultaneous excitation of more than one phase. Thus, a model accounting for mutual coupling in the presence of magnetic saturation is needed to predict and optimize their performance in terms of efficiency and torque ripple. This paper presents a dynamic two-phase excitation model of the SRM. Motor symmetry is used to reduce the amount of flux linkage data needed for the model. An experimental procedure to obtain the flux linkage data is described. Measured flux linkage data for the 8/6 SRM are also included. Details of the simulation model and comparison with experimental waveforms along with their implications for performance prediction are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torque output of switched reluctance machines (SRMs) can be increased by operating with high demagnetization voltage, especially for high speeds. This is first illustrated using computed results obtained from dynamic simulation. A power converter with the capability of providing increased demagnetization voltage is then presented. The converter operation is analyzed, ratings of various components are derived, and a controller for regulating the additional demagnetization voltage is designed. Experimental results illustrate expected operation of the converter, and improved performance of the overall SRM drive in terms of increased torque and power output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power electronics applications in utility systems are growing very rapidly and promise to change the landscape of future power systems in terms of generation, operation, and control. This paper attempts to justify the importance of introducing undergraduates to these applications in the first course in power systems, so they become familiar with current and future practices and technologies. It presents a roadmap of doing so, taking a top-down approach where first various utility applications of power electronics are briefly described along with the role of power electronics as an interface, and then the power electronics systems are discussed in appropriate detail to fulfill these roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the restructuring of power electronics and electric machines/drives courses at the University of Minnesota. Power-pole building block approach; Use of space vectors for analysis of alternating current machines; Electric drives laboratory using digital signal processor.

Part II. Deals with a study which analyzed the performance of the hybrid direct current-direct current (dc-dc) converter featuring zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) down to no-load and significant reduction in the filter requirement. Description of the converter; Principle of operation of the proposed configuration; Conclusions.

Part I. Deals with a study which described a novel soft-switching topology for direct current-direct current (dc-dc) converters with full zero-voltage turn-on switching (ZVS) and reduced filter requirement. Information on full-bridge converters; Principle of operation; ZVS characteristics of the proposed converter.

Proposes a novel full-bridge direct current-direct current configuration with a tapped transformer and secondary-side control. Principle of operation; Battery charging applications; Soft-switching characteristics of the proposed configuration; Experimental results.

Looks at precepts concerning the idealized dc-dc power converter. Development of an asymmetrical duty-cycle power converter with these principles in mind; Basic premise in power conversion; Experimental results.

This paper targets the reduction of common-mode voltage in an indirect matrix converter (IMC) through an intelligent space-vector-based modulation technique. This mode of control results in lower dV/dt at the motor terminals, thereby, reducing voltage stress to windings; and reduced output voltage distortion resulting in lower machine losses. The conventional indirect space vector pulse-width modulation method of controlling matrix converters involves independent control of either the rectifying stage or the inverting stage of the converter. However, in this paper, by suitable selection of space vectors, the rectifying stage of the matrix converter generates different levels of virtual dc-link voltage. Therefore, the responsibility of formulating output voltages with a particular magnitude and frequency, which can be translated to different machine speeds, has been transferred solely to the rectifying stage of the IMC. Estimation of the degree of distortion in the three-phase output voltage is another facet discussed in this paper, which aids the sizing and designing of output passive filters. The analysis of output voltage distortion and the proposed modulation strategies have been substantiated by simulations in MATLAB/Simulink and experimentally verified on a scaled down laboratory prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different power electronic converter topologies have been investigated to integrate renewable energy systems to the grid. Cascaded multilevel converters with a high-frequency link have emerged as a viable candidate for such applications. Electrical isolation can be provided using a compact high-frequency transformer connected in the link thus avoiding a bulky line frequency transformer. The use of cascaded modules allows the generation of a multilevel voltage having low total harmonic distortion but increases the overall system size. In this paper, a 15-level high-frequency ac-link single-stage asymmetrical multilevel converter for grid integration is proposed. The single-stage conversion approach eliminates the dc-link capacitors, resulting in a reduced footprint. The asymmetrical module voltages are generated by the multiwinding transformer having unequal turns on each of the secondaries. This allows the generation of 15 output voltage levels, using only three modules in each phase. A modulation strategy is proposed to generate multilevel output voltage. The effect of switch nonidealities on the output voltage is analyzed and two compensation techniques are developed to improve the voltage profile. A multiwinding high-frequency transformer is designed and characterized for the proposed converter. The presented concepts are verified by simulation and further validated experimentally on a three-phase 15-level converter prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practical implementations of the power electronics required to operate bearingless machines with the so-called “dual-purpose no-voltage” (DPNV) windings are proposed. These windings enable a bearingless machine to use the same coils to produce both radial suspension forces and torque, which has been shown in the literature to enable better machine performance. In this paper, the use of two-level inverters is investigated for the two configurations of DPNV windings: the “parallel” and “bridge” configurations. The investigation is valid for conventional $p \pm 1$ pole-pair bearingless motors (i.e., bearingless permanent magnet and induction motors) and $p=1$ bearingless motors (bearingless ac homopolar and consequent-pole motors). The advantages and disadvantages of each configuration are explored in terms of control complexity and required hardware, potential paths for circulating currents are identified along with mitigation strategies, and experimental results are presented to validate the proposed power electronic implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulse width modulation (PWM) converters generate switching common-mode voltages (CMVs) across the load terminals. These voltages cause common-mode currents, leading to bearing failure in motor loads and electromagnetic interference problems. This paper presents a generalized carrier-based PWM technique for open-end winding motor drives that completely eliminates switching CMV. The proposed method is applicable to both dual two-level voltage source inverter and dual matrix converter-based open-end winding drives. Detailed analysis shows that the carrier-based method requires significantly less computation compared to the corresponding space vector implementation. This paper also outlines the relationship between the two implementations. The carrier-based method is shown to achieve superior performance in terms of resource requirements and execution time when implemented on a field-programmable gate array-based real-time control platform. Simulation and experimental results have been presented to validate the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A filter is required to eliminate the high-frequency switching ripple present in the input current of a matrix converter (MC). Design of such a filter requires an estimation of the higher harmonic components present in the input current. This paper presents a simple closed-form analytical expression for the RMS input current ripple injected by the MC. The expression shows the variation with load power factor and is independent of the output frequency. This is used in a step-by-step procedure to design various input filter components from the specifications of allowable total harmonic distortion in the grid current and distortion in the input voltage. The MC is modeled for the grid frequency component in order to evaluate the design for input power factor and voltage drop across the filter. A damping resistance has been designed ensuring minimum ohmic loss. The analytical estimation of the ripple current and the proposed design procedure have been validated by simulations in MATLAB/Simulink and experiments on a laboratory prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The problem of accurately forecasting wind energy has garnered a great deal of attention in recent years. There are always some errors associated with any forecasting methodology. Although it is sometimes assumed that the forecast errors are Normally distributed, it is a special case arising from the geographical dispersion of wind resources, as shown in this paper. The distribution of the forecast error needs to be examined individually for every wind farm to determine the impact of this error on trading energy in electricity markets. This paper addresses the problem of modeling the distribution of the forecast errors associated with Persistence forecasts at the level of a single wind farm, and develops a novel, mixed distribution-based model to approximate the distribution of these errors. The model is then used to estimate the penalties for imperfectly forecast energy injections in the short-term markets. The results from the application of this model to trading are further used to assess the feasibility of energy storage in hedging against imperfect forecasts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Power supply voltages in digital systems have reduced considerably in recent years, and often digital components requiring different voltages are present on the same board. This has increased the demand for multiple output power distribution systems with tight individual load voltage regulation. This paper presents a power distribution system having a central power supply that acts as a controlled current source whose output is connected to individual loads on a time shared basis. All the magnetics are concentrated in the converter acting as the current source. The current source can be realized by a current controlled buck, buck-boost, or single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC). First, a comparative analysis of buck, buck-boost, and SEPIC based implementation of the current source is carried out. Next, a buck-based current source implementation with constant frequency pulse-width modulation control for the output voltages is described. Detailed component and control design, simulations, and experimental results for a 100-W prototype are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual active bridge (DAB) based converters offer the benefit of smaller volume due to high-frequency isolation and controllability of active power flow, making them attractive for various applications, such as renewable energy generation, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and distribution systems. This paper presents a novel converter topology along with a modulation strategy for a DAB-based three-phase ac to dc converter. The major benefits are single-stage conversion, no unreliable intermediate dc-link capacitor, reduced number of switches, i.e., only two active switches on the ac side, simple control scheme, open-loop unity power factor operation, bidirectional power flow, and partial soft-switching. This paper presents the analysis of all the operating modes of the converter, resulting in the analytical estimation of power transfer and rms winding current and investigation of soft-switching conditions for the power devices. Simulation and experimental results have been presented to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed technique and accuracy of the analysis.1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power electronic transformers (PETs) offer the advantage of size and weight reduction compared to line-frequency transformers by operating at much higher frequencies than line frequency. In this paper, a push–pull-based ac/dc PET has been proposed and analyzed. The PET offers bidirectional power flow between single-phase ac and dc, using the dual-active bridge principle. Such a system may find applications in interfacing plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles to the grid. The proposed PET offers advantages of open-loop unity power factor operation, soft switching of secondary-side converter power switches for all operating points, high power density owing to use of a high-frequency transformer, and high utilization factor (UF), compared to previous work. Analysis has been done for power transfer, UF, and soft switching. Simulation and experimental results have been provided to demonstrate the operation of the PET. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A winding design approach is proposed to create a single motor winding, which is able to produce both radial force and torque. This approach can be used to design new bearingless motors, as well as to transform conventional motor designs into bearingless motors by simply modifying the winding end connections. The resulting winding has two sets of terminal connections, one for torque and one for suspension. The suspension terminals experience no motional-electromotive force when the rotor is centered, which means that the suspension drive can have a low voltage rating and that rotor vibrations can be passively dampened by simply short-circuiting the suspension terminals. Bearingless motors that use these so-called dual purpose no voltage windings can be designed to have higher torque density and lower losses associated with the magnetic suspension operation than traditional bearingless motors, which utilize separate torque and suspension windings. It will be shown that many popular winding designs, including fractional-slot and concentrated windings, can be realized as dual purpose no-voltage windings. The proposed approach applies to traditional $p\pm 1$ pole-pair bearingless motors, as well as the bearingless consequent-pole and ac homopolar motors. Fractional-slot motor winding theory is used to derive the new winding requirements and a generalized design procedure; example designs are explored through finite element analysis and experimental results from a hardware prototype of a bearingless ac homopolar motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a magnetic equivalent circuit model suitable to the design and optimization of the synchronous ac homopolar machine. The ac homopolar machine is of particular interest in the application of grid-based flywheel energy storage, where it has the potential to significantly reduce self-discharge associated with magnetic losses. The ac homopolar machine features both axial and radial magnetizing flux paths, which requires finite element analysis to be conducted in 3-D. The computation time associated with 3-D finite element modeling is highly prohibitive in the design process. The magnetic equivalent circuit model developed in this paper is shown to be a viable alternative for calculating several design performance parameters and has a computation time which is orders of magnitude less than that of 3-D finite element analysis. Results obtained from the developed model are shown to be in good agreement with finite element and experimental results for varying levels of saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A winding design approach is proposed for the bearingless ac homopolar and consequent pole motors that utilizes the same coils for both suspension force and torque production. This enables a “pure” bearingless motor design, where the same iron and copper are used for both magnetic bearing operation and torque production, and can result in more optimal machine performance. Separate terminal connections are provided for suspension and torque operation; the suspension terminals experience no motional-emf when the rotor is centered, thereby reducing the required voltage rating of the bearingless drive compared to other “dual purpose” winding designs. It is shown that only certain combinations of stator slots, phases, and poles yield suitable winding designs; most notably, the number of motor pole-pairs must be co-prime with the number of phases. A design procedure is proposed which allows the designer to simply modify end-connections of many conventional armature windings, including both integral- and fractional-slot windings; an example winding design is presented and analyzed using 3-D finite element analysis (FEA); and a hardware prototype has been constructed with experimental results included to validate the proposed design approach. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A solid-state transformer is a three-phase ac/ac converter with a high-frequency transformer. Due to advanced features like high power density, on demand var support and frequency regulation, solid-state transformer is an enabling technology for the modern power distribution system. It can also find application in high-power-density motor drives. The single-stage solid-state transformer considered in this paper is capable of bidirectional power flow and open loop power factor correction. This topology uses a minimum amount of copper and has relatively few semiconductor switches. One major problem in this converter is the commutation of leakage energy which results in power loss, reduction in switching frequency, loss of output voltage, and additional common-mode voltage switching. This paper presents a source-based commutation strategy along with a novel modulation technique resulting in elimination of additional snubber circuits, minimization of the frequency of leakage inductance commutation, recovery of the leakage energy, and soft switching of the output converter. The topology and its proposed control have been analyzed. Simulation and experimental results confirm the operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a systematic step-by-step design procedure for the input filter of a current source rectifier (CSR). The design is based on the specifications of allowable ripple in the input voltage of the CSR and high-frequency harmonic components in the grid current. Analytical techniques have been developed to estimate the ripple present in the input current and to model the converter for fundamental or grid frequency. The analysis is done for carrier-based and space-vector modulation of the current source rectifier and the model at grid frequency is used to evaluate the design of the filter for grid power factor, voltage drop across filter, etc. A damping resistance is designed ensuring a minimum power loss. The analysis and design of the input filter have been verified by simulations in MATLAB/Simulink and experimental tests on a laboratory prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-active-bridge-based single-stage ac/dc converter may find a wide range of emerging applications such as interfacing plug-in hybrid vehicles with the ac grid, interconnection of dc grid, etc. This type of converter can be used due to unique features such as 1) high-frequency isolation resulting in a) high power density and b) safety and voltage matching; 2) bidirectional power flow; 3) soft switching leading to higher efficiency. In this paper, a modulation strategy has been proposed that results in 1) open-loop power factor correction; 2) zero current switching in the ac-side converter for all load conditions; 3) linear power relationship for easy control implementation; and 4) Zero voltage switching in the load side converter. The converter with the proposed control has been analyzed. Simulation and experimental results on a 1-KW prototype confirm the advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric drives with open-end winding ac machines offer certain advantages over drives with star- or delta-connected machines. Such drives have been recently considered for some applications such as electric vehicles. Circulating currents have been experimentally observed in such open-end winding ac drives. These currents have the effect of increasing conduction losses in the stator winding resistance of the ac machine. Two major causes for these currents have been identified as device voltage drops in power semiconductor devices and dead time used for shoot-through current protection. These effects are analyzed, and a mathematical description for predicting their severity is provided. Experimental results are presented that support the theory. The theory developed should be useful for devising solutions for this problem such as the design of common-mode filters. Two methods of suppressing the circulating currents are also outlined, and their experimental results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Vibration and noise are common problems in engine-based designs such as generators used in recreational vehicles (RVs). In variable-speed applications, at lower loads, the engine can be run at slower speeds to reduce noise. However, one of the main problems incurred from running an engine at a lower speed is that the vibration modes will shift to lower frequencies, where the mounting system may not produce enough attenuation. Even worse, part of the frequency content may get into the range of the mounting system's resonance, resulting in an unacceptable vibration level. This is a result of engine torque pulsation, which is pronounced for low cylinder count engines. An active torque cancellation mechanism is proposed and demonstrated for engine and transmitted vibration reduction of generator sets with lower cylinder count engines. Specifically, a controlled torque is applied on the crankshaft of the engine to reduce roll motion. An order of magnitude in vibration reduction is obtained through an approach that does not suffer from the need for oversizing of machine, electrical storage, and power electronics. System simulations are developed based on physical and mathematical models to help with control design. The test setup constitutes a two-cylinder diesel engine, a permanent-magnet synchronous machine, an ac/dc active rectifier, electrical storage, and a dc/ac inverter. The experimental setup is used to investigate several issues related to torque cancellation and transmitted vibration reduction, such as the effectiveness of a small number of vibration mode cancellations, tradeoffs between robustness and performance associated with engine cycle-to-cycle variations, and performance objectives used for comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper describes how matrix converters (MCs), one at each side of a three-phase open-end-winding ac machine, achieve the following features simultaneously: 1) machine phase voltage up to 1.5 times the input phase voltage in the linear modulation mode, therefore extending the rated torque operation region to 150% of the rated speed of the machine; 2) peak voltage stress across the slot insulation which is limited to the peak of input phase voltage, i.e., a factor of at least \sqrt3 lower as compared to the conventional back-to-back converter; 3) controllable grid power factor to be leading, lagging, or unity; and 4) elimination of the instantaneous common-mode voltage at the machine terminals, therefore eliminating the bearing current due to switching common-mode voltage and reduction in the conducted electromagnetic interference. To simultaneously achieve the aforementioned capabilities, a space vector pulsewidth modulation technique is described in which the MCs are modulated using only rotating space vectors. A hardware prototype of the drive system is built. Experimental results from this hardware prototype verify the operation and claims of the drive system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a simple control method to achieve active sharing of input voltage and load current among modular converters that are connected in series at the input and in parallel at the output. The input-series connection enables a fully modular power-system architecture, where low voltage and low power modules can be connected in any combination at the input and/or at the output, to realize any given specifications. Further, the input-series connection enables the use of low-voltage MOSFETs that are optimized for very low RDSON, thus, resulting in lower conduction losses. In the proposed scheme, the duty ratio to all the converter modules connected in input-series and output-parallel (ISOP) configuration is made common. This scheme does not require a dedicated input-voltage or load-current-share controller. It relies on the inherent self-correcting characteristic of the ISOP connection when the duty ratio of all the converters is the same. The proposed scheme is analyzed using the average model of a forward converter. The stability and performance of the scheme are verified through numerical simulation, both in frequency domain and in time domain. The proposed control method is also validated on an experimental prototype ISOP system comprising of two forward converters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents system modeling and control design for fast load voltage regulation using static compensators (STATCOMs). The modeling strategy gives a clear representation of load voltage magnitude and STATCOM reactive current on an instantaneous basis. The particular coordinate transformation employed here also facilitates extraction of linearized system dynamics in conjunction with circuit simulators. It is rigorously shown that the control problem of load voltage regulation using reactive current is nonminimum phase. Linear and nonlinear controllers for the regulation problem are designed and compared via simulation results. Internal dynamics of the STATCOM are modeled using the same strategy. Lyapunov based adaptive controllers are designed for controlling the STATCOM reactive current while maintaining its dc bus voltage. Simulation results of the controlled STATCOM integrated with the load bus voltage controller are presented to show efficacy of the modeling and control design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]