Search

This paper presents a dual active bridge (DAB) converter with reactive power control capability (Q-capability) for a battery energy storage system (BESS) or an electric vehicle (EV) to deliver vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services. The DAB topology is preferable for EV charging systems due to its galvanic isolation and bidirectional power flow capabilities. However, this topology increases reactive current peak and loses zero voltage switching (ZVS) operation at light loads if it is not controlled with improved modulation strategies and proper Q control. This paper proposes a mixed modulation method and a reactive power optimization (RPO) algorithm based on power system load flow concepts. Due to the complexities associated with the analytical solution using time domain analysis, this paper develops detailed universal expressions of a DAB converter using the harmonic analysis method. Analytical identification of ZVS boundaries and DSP implementation of the RPO algorithm become easier with these universal expressions. Multiple modes analysis for different operational states is no longer required. Simulation results have been shown for different modulation strategies of the DAB converters. The theoretical analysis of modulation strategies, RPO algorithm and ZVS operation are validated by experimental results on a DAB prototype. Results show that the proposed control strategy reduces the reactive power and provide ZVS operation over a wide ranges of voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grid voltage information such as the phase-angle, the frequency, and the amplitude is crucial for the design of synchronization and control of power converters in the micro-grid. The conventional approach to estimate the grid voltage information is accomplished by phase-locked loop (PLL) techniques. Among various existing PLL techniques, filter-based PLLs can provide more accurate estimations even under adverse grid conditions. In this paper, a new single-phase filtering technique based on multiple delayed signal cancellation (MDSC) is proposed for extracting both in-phase and quadrature components of the selected harmonic order of the single-phase grid voltage signal. This MDSC technique can be realized in both the direct-form and the recursive-form. In comparison with existing single-phase cascaded delayed signal cancellation (CDSC) techniques, this MDSC technique utilizes less memory for the extraction of grid voltage fundamental frequency component. The proposed MDSC filter can be applied as a pre-filter to the enhanced PLL (EPLL) for the prompt and accurate estimations of the grid voltage information under adverse grid conditions. Both frequency adaptive and non-adaptive MDSC-based EPLL schemes are proposed in this paper. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed methods, experiments are conducted on the MDSC-based EPLLs and compared with the CDSC-EPLL under various grid voltage disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a dual-fed (DF) common dc-link topology open-end winding permanent magnet synchronous motor for aircraft high-speed starter–generator application is considered. While on one hand the common dc bus configuration significantly simplifies and reduces the costs of the topology, on the other hand it allows the zero-sequence current (ZSC) to flow freely in the system. High-speed machines are characterized by low phase inductance, which implies low zero-sequence impedance. A small time constant of the zero-sequence circuit produces a high-frequency, high-intensity ZSC ripple with the risk of harming the switching devices. This paper presents a novel hybrid space vector pulsewidth modulation that allows to instantaneously eliminate the zero-sequence voltage (ZSV) produced by the two voltage source converters (VSCs) by square wave modulating one of the two VSCs. The non-sinusoidal machine back electromotive force (EMF) has been considered and the effect of the converters’ dead time on the ZSV has been analyzed. The square-wave-modulated VSC uses insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) devices, whereas the other uses Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology. The proposed topology is tested through both simulations and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a common dc-link dual-fed open-end winding permanent magnet synchronous motor (OEW-PMSM) topology, it is well known how the additional flow of a zero-sequence current (ZSC) is permitted. The low zero-sequence impedance characteristic of high-speed machines leads to high-intensity and high-frequency ripple of the ZSC. Therefore, there is a necessity to eliminate the zero-sequence-voltage (ZSV) produced by the two voltage source converters that feed the machine. Furthermore, the non-sinusoidal back electromagnetic force (back EMF) causes the circulation of a third harmonic ZSC. An OEW-PMSM high-speed starter-generator fed by a dual-inverter with a single dc-link is considered. Part I of this paper proposes a modulation for the considered topology able to eliminate instantaneously the ZSV produced. In this paper, a detailed analysis of the deadtime (DT) effect on the ZSV has been carried out and a novel hysteresis control for the ZSC using the DT as a control action is presented. The DT produces a ZSV distortion on the zero-axis that can be used to control the third harmonic ZSC flowing due to the non-sinusoidal machine back EMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a neutral-point deviation and ripple compensating control method applied to a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) converter. The neutral-point deviation and its harmonic components are analyzed with a focus on the average current flowing through the neutral-point of the dc link. This paper also proposes a control scheme compensating for the neutral-point deviation and dominant harmonic components under generalized unbalanced grid operating conditions. The positive and negative sequence components of the switching functions and ac input currents are employed to accurately explain the behavior of three-level NPC converter. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the validity of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current harmonics are ubiquitous in dual three phase (DTP) permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) drives. Due to back electromotive force (EMF) distortion, significant current harmonics are generated in the DTP-PMSM system. The influence of back EMF harmonics is investigated in this paper and a novel switching-table-based direct torque control method to compensate the selected current harmonics caused by the back EMF harmonics is proposed. It shows that by employing different optimal action time durations for voltage vectors in the z1z2 subspace and setting the synthetic voltage vectors to non-zero, the stator flux harmonics caused by the back EMF harmonics can be selectively compensated, as verified by experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the paper is to develop a hybrid modulation technique to combine space vector modulation (SVM) scheme and synchronous optimal pulsewidth modulation (SOPWM) technique for current source inverter (CSI). SVM provides better dynamic performance, but is unable to produce less total harmonic distortion (THD) on inverter current at low device switching frequency ($< $ 1 kHz). SOPWM provides less THD even at low device switching frequency, however it needs a conversion technique to operate CSI and it needs an additional control technique to improve dynamic performance. Hence to overcome these limitations, this paper develops a single modulation technique called optimal SVM technique that can achieve less THD as well as better dynamic performance. To develop optimal SVM technique, three methods have been proposed in this paper. These three methods do not require an additional conversion technique to operate CSI and they provide less THD even under low device switching frequency of 450 Hz. Experimental results prove that the proposed modulation technique can provide better steady-state performance as well as dynamic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a single-phase ac–dc–ac converter composed of a transformer and two three-leg converters connected in series. The proposed converter allows to supply the load with a voltage with constant amplitude and frequency, and to operate with the grid current with low harmonic distortion and high power factor. In addition, the converter can be used to mitigate fundamental overvoltage and voltage harmonics at the grid. The system model, regions of operation, a power flow analysis, and a method to regulate the dc-link voltages using the voltage vector redundancies are given. In the first version of this paper, two pulsewidth modulation (PWM) techniques (including space vector PWM) and a control system were provided. The proposed topology is compared with two conventional systems in terms of operation range, harmonic distortions, and semiconductor losses. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the feasibility of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shunt active power filter (SAPF) is widely used for compensating harmonic current produced by nonlinear loads. As one of the critical technologies, the current control strategy has an important influence on the compensation precision and dynamic response performance. In this paper, the essential of the current-limiting demands for the comprehensive protection of SAPF are revealed, namely the limiting control objects: first, rms of the compensation current (mainly for the overheat protection of IGBTs and inductors), second, the instantaneous wave of compensating current (mainly for the accurate current control and IGBT Icnom specification), and third, the instantaneous wave of PWM-VSC modulation voltage (for the need of liner close-loop control). To avoid the over-current fault and over-modulation fault of SAPF, this paper proposes an improved current-limiting scheme based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) to achieve the two optimization targets: the minimization THD for the grid-side current, and the maximization utilization ratio for the capacity of SAPF. The main advantage lies on the optimum limiting ratios of each harmonic order calculated in real time, respectively, to achieve the flexible and liner limiting control. In addition, taking the control structure consisting of selective harmonic detection under the multiple rotating reference frame and the single PI current loop, for example, this paper gives the method for steady-state error correction qualitatively and quantitatively, which employs the method based on the frequency response characteristics analysis. Finally, simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For modular permanent magnet (PM) machines with overlapping (OLP) windings widely employed in wind power generation, the large torque ripple and long end winding are major issues. In order to solve these problems, PM machines with non-overlapping (NOLP) windings and redundant teeth for easy modularity are proposed in this paper. The comparative study between modular machines with these two kinds of windings is necessary and is the major focus of this paper. For the sake of clarity, two modular dual 3-phase machines with 42-slots/32-poles (42S/32P) and 192S/32P combinations are chosen as examples to show the differences in terms of machine performance. The proposed 42S/32P modular machine adopts NOLP winding, while the conventional 192S/32P one uses the OLP type. Based on the results, it is found that the modular machine with NOLP winding has comparable average torque and efficiency. In the meantime, much lower torque ripple exists for the proposed modular machine regardless of the current value. The shorter and simpler end windings are beneficial to manufacturability. Moreover, the proposed modular machine with NOLP winding will be more fault tolerant due to smaller mutual inductances between phases and larger d-axis inductance. Finally, the proposed 42S/32P modular machine is prototyped and the experiments validate the correctness of the analyses in this paper. Despite two specific examples being used, the conclusion should be generic and can be employed to modular machines with other slot and pole number combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, magnetic gears have drawn wide attention due to their inherent merits, such as noncontact operation, high torque density, and intrinsic overload protection. In this paper, an analytical calculation based on magnet magnetomotive force permeance theory is adopted to analyze the modulation effect in a magnetic gear. After that, the effects of some key parameters on magnetic gear performance are investigated, including the air-slot-opening-to-pole-pitch ratio $c_0$ , the magnet-arc-to-permanent-magnet-pole-pitch ratio $\alpha$ , and the permanent magnet thickness $h_m$. In particular, three types of steel pole pieces are considered: radial slots, parallel teeth, and parallel slots. A global optimization design is then carried out by using the differential evolution algorithm, and some useful suggestions are derived from the optimal Pareto range. Finally, the determination of outer rotor yoke thickness is discussed considering the iron saturation, and the iron loss distribution is investigated. This paper will be helpful for the design and optimization of a coaxial magnetic gear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power quality (PQ) is becoming more and more critical issue in shipboard microgrid systems (SMGs). Especially, the impact of voltage unbalance combined with harmonic distortions on the SMG behavior has not been fully investigated. In this paper, simple PQ assessment models and a series of controlled experiments are proposed and carried out in a real ship under sea-going conditions. The ship experimental results are presented and discussed considering nonlinear bow thruster load and high power ballast pump loads under unbalanced and harmonic voltage conditions. In addition, the analysis of bow thruster current harmonic surges during the ballast pump start-up is presented. Furthermore, the voltage/current distortions of a working generator, bow thruster and pump loads are analyzed. The paper provides a valuable analysis for coping with PQ issues in the SMG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many research works report the use of LCL filters for grid-interfaced PV systems. Indiscreet selection of passive LCL filter parameters may result in poor filtering and increased power losses. LCL filter parameter selection is critical to get a good performance and at the same time ensure that losses and costs stay low. This paper proposes a novel approach to design the LCL filter for a grid-interfaced PV system. A cost-based minimization approach on a cost per joule basis for each of the filter elements is explored to obtain the optimal filter design. Simulation results for a 10-kVA grid-connected inverter with an LCL filter are presented in order to verify the efficacy of the proposed design. The impact of designed filter parameters on the ripple current is also discussed in this paper. The total inductance of the LCL filter is varied and filter parameter values which give lowest cost is identified while meeting harmonic standard requirements and the fundamental voltage drop across the filter. Finally, the proposed design is also experimentally validated via a hardware prototype. Results validate the design method in terms of the harmonic attenuation and total harmonic distortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grid-interactive inverters allow distributed generation units to provide various ancillary services in microgrids. As the linear modulation region of inverters is restricted by the dc-bus voltage, providing ancillary services may drive the fundamental positive-sequence inverter voltage to the overmodulation region. Therefore, to operate in the linear modulation region the maximum active- and reactive-power of the inverter may have to be reduced unless pulsewidth modulation (PWM) references are adjusted. In this paper, an atypical PWM method is proposed for maximizing dc-bus utilization of grid-interactive two-level voltage source inverters (2L-VSI) providing ancillary services. Two important ancillary services, i.e., negative-sequence compensation and harmonic compensation are considered in this paper. The proposed method increases the maximum active- and reactive-power that a 2L-VSI can deliver when providing ancillary services by injecting a common-mode component in the references computed based on instantaneous reference magnitudes. The validity of the proposed technique is verified through simulation, as well as experimental data obtained using a 208-V three phase grid-connected 2L-VSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the theoretical analysis of the position estimation error in position-sensorless operation using pulsating square wave signal injection is presented. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the phenomenon that the position estimation performance varies depending on the injection frequency. Mathematical derivation supported by simulation and experimental results shows that, in no-load condition, the voltage distortion induces position estimation error with 3rd-order harmonics if the frequency of the injected square wave is the same to the switching frequency. While, if the frequency is a half of the switching frequency or heavier load condition in either injection frequency, the effect of nonideal characteristics of inverter disappears and there is no 3rd harmonics in the position estimation error. Therefore, only the effect of cross-coupling inductance is reflected in the estimation error. As the result, the position estimation error appears in the form of 6th-order harmonics due to the spatial harmonics of inductances, and the error is relatively small compared with the switching frequency injection case. The theoretical analysis was verified by simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a simple and general mathematical formulation for the determination of the differential leakage factor for both symmetrical and asymmetrical full and dead-coil windings of electrical machines. The method can be applied to all multiphase windings and considers Görges polygons in conjunction with masses geometry in order to find an easy and affordable way to compute the differential leakage factor, avoiding the adoption of traditional methods that refer to the Ossanna's infinite series, which has to be obviously truncated under the bound of a predetermined accuracy. Moreover, the method described in this paper allows the easy determination of both the minimum and maximum values of the differential leakage factor, as well as its average value and the time trend. The proposed method, which does not require infinite series, is validated by means of several examples in order to practically demonstrate the effectiveness and the easiness of application of this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Back electromotive force (EMF) self-sensing is commonly used in induction machine (IM) drive systems, which can be effectively controlled using deadbeat-direct torque and flux control (DB-DTFC). Accurate machine parameters are needed for back EMF self-sensing DB-DTFC drive systems. In this paper, an injection-based, real-time parameter estimation method for IM DB-DTFC drives, in the back EMF self-sensing mode, is proposed. The methodology for choosing appropriate frequencies for injection signals is introduced. With encoder-based velocity feedback, the proposed DB-DTFC injection method induces no additional torque ripple, compared to traditional d-axis pulsating voltage vector injection used in indirect field oriented control. However, in the self-sensing mode, the injected flux linkage induces an erroneous speed ripple, which causes a real speed ripple. This paper presents two approaches to eliminate the speed ripple. Finally, the injection-based real-time parameter estimation method for the system is experimentally evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with active torque ripple compensation based on direct power control of permanent magnet brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive. The torque undulations caused by the mismatch between stator current and its nonsinusoidal back electromotive force (back EMF) waveforms is a well-known issue on BLDC motor drives. In this paper, to remedy this problem, a simple and comprehensive direct power control based approach is proposed. Instead of using conventional field-oriented control or direct torque control schemes, which are widely used in ac machines with sinusoidal flux distribution, an alternative approach is presented to control the mutual torque production through an active and reactive rotor power control loop. As a result, the proposed approach provides a simple way to reduce torque ripple of a permanent magnet synchronous motor with nonsinusoidal back EMF without requiring rotor orientation or back EMF harmonic content estimation method. In order to synthesize the proper input voltages in the context of torque ripple minimization, high bandwidth controllers are required to cope the torque ripple frequencies. In this sense, the power control loop is implemented based on two-vector finite control-set model-based predictive control approach, which provides fast torque response and good steady-state performance. The validity of the proposed control scheme for low torque ripple BLDC motor drive is verified through experimental results, achieving good steady-state performance while maintaining quick dynamic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmonic distortion and harmonic resonance problems have been widely concerned and reported in railway electrification systems (RESs) due to the harmonic injection from the nonlinear electric train, especially high-speed/high-capacity/large-power trains. This paper presents an overview of the harmonic and resonance problems in the RES, including harmonic problem composition, harmonic modeling, available influential factors assessment, harmonic resonance, and associated suppression methods. The harmonic problem mainly consists of the background harmonics brought from the utility system, resonance-region harmonics interacted by capacitive and inductive network elements, and characteristic harmonics generated from the switching process of the onboard power conversion system. The mathematical modeling and analysis methods are introduced, including frequency scanning analysis, S-domain analysis, resonance mode analysis, and modal sensitivity analysis. Available influential factors/parameters have been fully investigated against above-mentioned harmonic problems. Finally, different harmonic suppression methods have been compared and summarized in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A programmable electronic load (PEL) solution is usually needed for comprehensive testing of power supplies. In this paper, a novel PEL based on a hybrid five-level voltage source inverter (VSI) is introduced to emulate a variety of static load behaviors, such as R, L, C loads, high-frequency harmonic loads, and unbalanced loads. Dynamic load behavior, for example, modulation loads, can also be achieved in this paper. A dedicated control structure is proposed for the emulation of different load behaviors and the detailed compensator design is presented to evaluate the system dynamic performance. The proposed PEL system has isolated active dc links to support multilevel converter topology, and it can either dump the energy to a passive load or recycle the energy back to the utility grid through another VSI. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the effectiveness of proposed control methods in terms of successfully achieving a variety of load profile functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes the enhancement of the control of a grid-connected inverter by a simplified virtual synchronous compensator (S-VSC) model working in parallel with the traditional inverter current control loops. The goal of the integration of this model into the inverter control scheme is to provide grid services, such as virtual inertia behavior, current harmonic compensation, as well as reactive grid support during faults. The S-VSC is only in charge of providing the aforementioned services, working, therefore, always at a low power level. On the other hand, the main power references are sent directly to the inverter control loops. This way, a more stable and damped operation of the inverter is obtained. The proposed structure has been implemented on a 15 kVA grid-connected inverter for experimental validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large induction motors used in variable speed industrial applications (digging, traction, etc.) undergo dynamic stresses at high power levels. Their lifetime is reduced as compared with constant speed motors and downtime costs are very high. To monitor the condition of such motors, advanced sensor instrumentation is considered, including installation of Hall effect flux sensors inside the motor airgap. Such an advanced instrumentation enables continuous measurement of the airgap flux in both time and space domains simultaneously. This allows for advanced fault detection algorithms. This paper presents a method for early diagnosis of stator turn-to-turn faults and static eccentricity, and differentiation between these two conditions. The paper demonstrates that the proposed method detects, localizes, and quantifies both faults with high accuracy and sensitivity. Furthermore, each fault can be detected at an incipient stage and its development can be predicted. The results of the presented study have been supported by both simulation and experimental results obtained on a laboratory scale induction motor. Based on the results presented in the paper, a real-time condition monitoring system has been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The open-neutral fault occurring on the low-voltage feeder may result in overvoltage. This fault is very difficult to detect at the supply side of the feeder. To solve this problem, an idea that employs the sudden change of the third harmonic current in the feeder as the index to identify the open-neutral fault was proposed in the previous literature. This method can be accomplished by installing the embedded chip into the circuit breaker or other fault protective devices at the supply side of the feeder and therefore enhance their protection ability. The aim of this paper is to thoroughly investigate and validate the details of this method from the selectivity and sensitivity perspectives. In this paper, the procedure for the determination of the proper criteria to meet the selectivity requirement is introduced, and the detective rate to quantify the sensitivity of the detection method is proposed. The measurement based simulations and experiments were conducted as well to verify this method. The results are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current control is a crucial issue of the operation of grid-connected voltage source converters (VSCs). The challenge of the current control lies in how to track the current reference in a fast and accurate way. A second-order generalized integrators (SOGIs)-based current controller is one of the highly popular ways to achieve these objectives since they can track ac signals of both positive and negative frequencies/sequences without steady-state error. However, this may lead to extra unnecessary computational burden when SOGIs are applied in three-phase systems. Therefore, a reduced order generalized integrators (ROGIs)-based current controller is proposed to reduce the computational burden. In this paper, a phase compensation embedded ROGI is proposed, which can not only retain the advantage of a less computational burden of the conventional ROGI compared with the SOGI, but also more importantly, further improve the harmonic control bandwidth and frequency adaptivity in comparison with the SOGI or conventional ROGI. In addition, the derivation of the phase compensated ROGI is provided in the paper along with its parameters tuning strategy analysis. A case study regarding an LCL-filtered three-phase grid-connected VSC with auxiliary harmonic compensation capability is given in detail. Finally, the experimental results are presented to validate the superiority of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Most of the existing electrical techniques of condition monitoring and fault diagnosis are based on frequency analysis of signals measured externally to the motor. In this paper, it is proposed to add the space dimension to the measured signals by using an array of Hall effect flux sensors installed inside the motor air gap, and to explore the advantages brought by such an instrumentation. The paper presents analytical models of air gap flux density expressed in terms of time and space, for a healthy motor and for a motor with rotor bar faults and mixed eccentricity. Based on these models, the paper proposes a new technique for early detection of rotor bar faults and mixed eccentricity, and for discrimination between them. The paper demonstrates that, with the help of the proposed technique, the severity of each fault and its location relative to rotor or stator can be accurately established. The results of the presented study are supported by simulations and validated by experiments on a laboratory scale induction motor. The formulated fault diagnosis algorithm is suitable for real-time implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

With offline single-phase power supplies moving toward the megahertz switching frequency range, the converter's bus capacitor becomes the bottleneck of further improvement of power density. Partial constant power operation is effective in reducing the bus capacitance and capacitor current stress for low-power applications. However, its impact on circuit design and operation design has not been studied thoroughly. With the developed circuit operation and loss model, this paper presents design considerations and power loss analysis of megahertz ac/dc converters in partial constant power operation. An adaptive constant power control is also proposed, based on the developed models, to improve the light-load efficiency and power factor. A 65 W, megahertz critical conduction mode GaN-based ac/dc converter prototype has been developed to validate the analysis and circuit operation method. Compared with power factor correction (PFC) operation, partial constant power control exhibits an efficiency drop of less than 1%. However, a 50% reduction of bus capacitance can be realized. With the proposed adaptive constant power control, the light-load efficiency and power factor can be improved to be a level similar to the PFC operation. This paper ends with a discussion of the possibility of extending the proposed operation method to higher power applications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Neutral-point-clamped (NPC) multilevel inverter fed high power drives operating at low switching frequency are prone to low-order torque pulsations. For a case of N switching angles per quarter, apart from maintaining the fundamental component, (N-1) voltage harmonics can be eliminated. Consequently, \fracN-12 or lower number of torque harmonics could be eliminated. This paper proposes an optimal pulse-width modulation (PWM), which minimizes the combined root mean square (RMS) value (\tau RMS ) of torque harmonics of order lower than $6N$ at any modulation index (M$) for an induction motor drive fed from an NPC three-level inverter. This paper considers cases of two, three, and four switching angles per quarter cycle of the pole voltage. Compared with synchronized sine-triangle PWM and selective harmonic elimination (SHE) PWM, the proposed PWM reduces the first (N-1$ ) torque harmonics (i.e., \tau _6 ) over a wide speed range. Simulation and experimental results are presented on a 3.7-kW open-loop constant volts-per-Hertz induction motor drive. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper investigates the effects of converter-fed operation on magnetic forces and vibration in a hydrogenerator. The variable-speed hydrogenerator (in a pumped–storage power plant) is a large synchronous machine with fractional-slot windings. In this paper, the generator is connected to either a resistive load or voltage source converter. Loading cases include two-level converter and three-level neutral-point-clamped converter, and the carrier frequency is equal to 450 and 1050 Hz. Using electromagnetic finite element analysis, airgap flux density harmonics are analyzed in different loading cases. In addition, electromagnetic torque and variations in the rotor field current are also studied. Using Maxwell stress tensor, radial force density distribution in the airgap is investigated and the effect of converter-fed operation on different radial force harmonics is studied. Moreover, structural analysis and electromagnetic vibration synthesis are presented to investigate the effect of converter harmonics on the stator vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents the design process of a sensorless-oriented interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM). The motor uses spatial saliency for the position-sensorless traction drive in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The sensorless control consists of two signal-injection techniques to achieve wide-torque-range operation at low speed. Realization of a stable sensorless drive necessitates a design capable of expanding the transition region between the two techniques. This paper describes our proposed design methods that can achieve the self-sensing capability while retaining the required torque-speed capability. Finite element analysis is used to evaluate both the self-sensing capability and the torque-speed capability. Under the restricted specifications of dimensions and requirements, the 350 N·m-36 kW IPMSM is optimally designed for HEV applications. The validity of the proposed design method and the expected drive characteristics are experimentally verified by using the prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a simplified implementation technique for direct torque control (DTC) of asymmetric six-phase induction motor drive. Current harmonics of fifth and seventh order are observed in the phase currents if conventional DTC scheme is extended for the asymmetric six-phase machine. These harmonic components are not responsible for torque production, thus causing losses in the motor winding. Synthetic vectors are generally used for reduction of current harmonics. Average voltage in $xy$ subspace is maintained to zero by synthetic vectors leading to reduction of currents in $xy$ subspace. A simplified method of implementation of synthetic vectors is proposed in this paper, which eliminates the need for designing of switching sequence and requirement of field-programmable gate array. Also, the number of synthetic vectors that can be possibly produced is increased compared with the ones developed by techniques available in the literature. The experimentation is carried out on a laboratory-developed prototype and the experimental results are presented in this paper to verify the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a repetitive learning-based phase locked loop (RLPLL) to improve power quality of the grid-connected dc microgrids under distorted grid voltage in a weak grid. The harmonic component present in grid current in a high impedance network amplifies the distortion in voltage, which often leads to instability. Since the behavior of the conventional synchronous reference frame PLL (SRF-PLL) varies, owing to the proportional-integral gains constrained to harmonic rejection bandwidth ultimately leading to a sluggish response. However, RLPLL accommodates this limitation with a comparable dynamic performance and enhanced harmonic attenuation properties. This has been achieved by using a Lyapunov-based approach for harmonic estimation, which facilitates the periodicity and boundedness of the harmonic component to obtain an adaptive learning-based update. To deal with the computational burden, this paper also provides a low-computing alternative model of the proposed strategy. The dynamic response of RLPLL along with a comparative analysis with SRF-PLL is governed by many events directly affecting the dc voltage, which is critical for the operation of dc microgrids. Its performance is validated under different scenarios in a 1-kVA field programmable gate array-based experimental setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-voltage dc (LVdc) distribution networks have the potential to release larger capacity without having to upgrade the existing cables. One of the main challenges of LVdc networks is the extra customer-end dc–ac conversion stage. This paper proposes and evaluates a five-level Si mosfet-based modular multilevel converter (MMC) as a promising alternative to the conventional two-level insulated gate bipolar transistor-based converter. This is due to the comparatively higher efficiency, power quality and reliability, and reduced electromagnetic (EM) emissions. A comprehensive analysis of a Si mosfet five-level MMC converter design is performed to investigate the suitability of the topology for LVdc applications. Detailed theoretical analysis of the five-level MMC is presented, with simulated and experimental results to demonstrate circuit performance. To suppress the ac circulating current, especially the dominant second harmonics, this paper presents a double line-frequency proportional integral (PI) with orthogonal imaginary axis control method. Comparison of simulation and experimental results with those for double line-frequency proportional resonant control shows that the proposed PI controller has a better performance. In addition, it is simpler to implement and more immune to sampling/discretization errors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, a flux reversal machine (FRM), which has a larger torque density and a smoother torque waveform than the conventional FRM, is introduced. The FRM has the same combinations of stator and rotor slots, winding pole pair, and permanent magnet (PM) usage as the conventional FRM, but has different PM arrangements, i.e., in the conventional FRM, a pair of PMs is mounted on the surface of each stator teeth while the PMs of the FRM introduced in this paper are evenly distributed along the inner surface of the stator. First, the origination from the conventional FRM to the proposed FRM is introduced. Then, the effects of the rotor slot number, split ratio, stator/rotor slot opening ratio, PM thickness, and pole arc on the average torque and cogging torque are investigated and analyzed, which give a reasonable prediction for maximum achievable power density and minimum possible cogging torque of the proposed FRM. Moreover, the proposed FRM is compared with a conventional FRM in terms of back electromotive force, rated torque, pulsating torque, power factor, and overload capabilities. Finally, a 12-stator-slot/17-rotor-slot FRM prototype is built to verify the theoretical analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This steel maker upgraded the electric arc furnace (EAF) melt shop to increase production and improve the metallurgical quality of their product. The increased electrical load and harmonic generation for the new 50 MVA furnace operation necessitated the installation of an 80 MVAR static VAR compensator (SVC) to meet utility interconnect requirements. This paper is a follow-up and companion to the author's previous paper that documented comprehensive analysis to specify the SVC. This paper describes the sequence of events during the installation, commissioning, and operation of the SVC. It will assess the performance of the SVC compared with the electrical requirements of the utility for voltage regulation, flicker, harmonics, and power factor. Power quality measurements during EAF operation without the SVC established a baseline to compare improvements provided by the SVC as well as compliance with the utility limits. Additionally, events encountered during the commissioning are shared as lessons learned. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper investigates the postfault operation of a novel six-phase double-stator axial-flux permanent-magnet machine with detached winding connection. In previous research, this configuration was found to be superior to existing winding connection except that its unbalanced magnetic force in the postfault operation cannot be ignored. In this paper, an axial magnetic force balancing method (AMFBM) is proposed to reduce unbalanced magnetic force by deducing a set of special winding current. By comparing electromagnetic torque and axial magnetic force of the traditional winding current and the proposed method in postfault operations through a finite-element analysis, it is verified that AMFBM can reduce most of the unbalanced axial magnetic force as well as keeping torque ripple at a low level. In order to realize the AMFBM, finite control set model predictive control is adopted. A postfault model of dual-three-phase permanent-magnet machines with modified vector space decomposition method is first brought forward to predict the future behavior of the controlled variables with various voltage inputs. After that, a cost function is designed to track the desired winding current by evaluating all the predictions to decide the next step of the inverter. Experimental results show that the control scheme performs well in both dynamic and steady-state situations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper discusses and compares phase-shifted pulse-width modulation (PS-PWM) and level-shifted PWM (LS-PWM) in a modular multilevel single-delta bridge-cell (SDBC) inverter for utility-scale grid-tied photovoltaic applications. This three-phase SDBC inverter provides the capability of operating even under power-distribution imbalances not only among three clusters, but also among cascaded bridge cells in each cluster. The main focus of this research lies in analyzing the capability of operation under severe power-distribution imbalances and presenting power-balancing methods based on zero-sequence current injection, which result in an extended power-balancing capability. This paper highlights that LS-PWM is superior to PS-PWM in both power-balancing capability and harmonic performance at the ac side of the SDBC inverter when operating under power-distribution imbalances. Experimental results obtained from a three-phase 10-kW downscaled system show good agreement with those from the theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lately, the monitoring and analysis of the induction motor stray flux has been a modern trend and significant research work was accomplished. Most papers have focused on the monitoring of rotor electrical faults around the fundamental stray flux signature, imitating in this way the traditional motor current signature analysis (MCSA). However, such signatures may still have some disadvantages leading to false alarms. This is the motivation behind the use of alternative signatures, such as in this particular case and the mechanical frequency. The existence of the mechanical frequency in the stator current is still the best signature for detection of the mixed rotor eccentricity fault and load imbalances. Even healthy motors present this harmonic due to some low-level inherent eccentricity and inherent load oscillations. Despite that, it will be shown for the first time in this article that the mechanical frequency associated harmonics in the stray flux is possible to originate purely from rotor electrical faults. Those signatures present significant sensitivity to the broken bar fault severity. Moreover, they are advantageous for low load operation compared to traditional signatures. Finally, the sidebands of the mechanical frequency related harmonics are very sensitive to the broken rotor bar fault while quite immune to the number of the rotor bars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the fault-tolerant performance of a five-phase flux-switching permanent magnet (FSPM) motor drive under open-circuit fault (OCF) condition, a model predictive current control (MPCC) with pre-selective method and duty ratio control (DRC) technology is proposed and investigated in this paper. First, on the principle of minimizing harmonic voltages in x–y subspace, two zero switching states and the switching state, which generates a larger voltage vector in α–β subspace are pre-selected. Second, voltage vector references in α–β subspace and x–y subspace are predicted to further select active voltage vector candidates. Consequently, the number of current predictions has been significantly reduced, resulting in the alleviation of the computational complexity and the increase of sampling frequency. Third, the DRC approach is applied in conjunction with the pre-selection-based MPCC to improve the steady-state performance. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed MPCC method for the OCF tolerant five-phase FSPM motor drive is validated by comparative experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brushless doubly fed reluctance machine (BDFRM) with a multibarrier rotor has shown great promise in applications where high reliability and low maintenance cost are required, such as offshore wind turbines. This paper presents a systematic analytical analysis and performance characterization of the BDFRM with a multibarrier rotor. First, the airgap magnetomotive force distributions under both open circuit and loaded condition are detailed, based on which a more practical rule than the widely accepted |p1 − p2|≠1 is derived to effectively avoid the unbalanced magnetic pull in such machines. Analytical formulas different from those for slip-ring doubly fed induction machines are then obtained to estimate inductance parameters for circuit modeling and control purposes. Design equations for initial sizing and torque density comparison are also developed, with achievable torque density discussed. Both finite-element analysis and experimental tests are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the presented analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a modular multilevel converter (MMC) with a filter capacitor for medium-voltage long-cable-fed drive applications. Arm inductors that are inherent components in each phase of MMC are tuned with a filter capacitor to behave like a low-pass LC filter at the MMC output terminal. As a result, the output voltage of the converter is highly sinusoidal with negligible switching frequency harmonics. The overvoltage phenomenon that occurs at motor terminal due to cable resonance and voltage reflection is almost eliminated, and hence, with the proposed concept, the motor can be installed at very long distances from the converter. The voltage amplification at the motor terminal is negligible for different cable lengths with the proposed filter. Additionally, the output voltage quality of the converter is not degraded due to internal fault and subsequent bypass in power cells. The validity of the proposed concept is supported by simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Declining extraction costs and process efficiencies have incented the revival of the oil and gas sector postrecession. The application of drilling rigs has been done more efficiently. These loads are very large, temporary in nature, and mobile. The drilling of each well can be done as quickly as a few hours and typically not more than a few days. These massive loads are complex to own, maintain, and operate, as a result few specialized drillers share the market. Because of the requirements for variable speed and control, drilling rigs are driven by variable frequency drives (VFDs), which are in their clear majority of older technologies such as six-pulse thyristor bridge or SCR-driven motors. These technologies are known to impose steep ramp rates (up and down) as well as rich harmonic content and variable, typically low, power factor. Furthermore, the locations of drilling rigs are typically remote, where distribution systems, if present, are weak, which lead to large background voltage distortions when such loads are present. This paper presents measurements, simulations, and analytical assessments of the characteristics and effects of harmonics and interharmonics (IHs) generated by top-drive and mud-pump VFDs in a large drilling rig operated in Alberta, Canada. Measurement results reveal very high harmonic and IH generation. To further refine the impact assessment of these harmonic emissions, the harmonic attenuation effect of the VFDs is quantified to avoid overestimating the harmonic generation of the loads. The thermal impact of the current harmonics on the coupling transformer is also quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to identify the optimal number of flux modulation pole (FMP) in Vernier permanent magnet synchronous machines (VPMSMs) with concentrated tooth-coil windings. First, the influence of number of FMP on machine performance is revealed based on the unified permanent magnet magnetomotive force permeance analytical model. It is found that for a fixed stator slot number, there always exists an optimal number of FMP to maximize the torque, thanks to the enhanced contribution by the fundamental permeance harmonic. Then, the influence of critical dimensional parameters, including the machine diameter, the permanent magnet thickness, and the width of FMP, on the electromagnetic performance of VPMSMs with different numbers of FMP are parametrically analyzed by both analytical and finite element analyses. Results show that the VPMSMs with the optimal number of FMP always have advantages of a higher torque density together with a reduced PM volume, particularly for those with a relatively large diameter. Finally, two VPMSM prototypes with different numbers of FMP are manufactured and tested to validate the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AC current regulators are susceptible to controller windup, i.e., the condition in which the controller dynamic states ramp the controller output up to very large values when the commanded reference cannot be achieved because of inverter saturation. Recovering from saturation can take considerable time once the linear mode has been restored, which degrades the current regulator's transient performance and can also impact on its stability. This paper proposes an improved formulation using the concept of signal conditioning, where windup is avoided by feeding the controller states entirely from the constrained inverter pulsewidth modulation command. Unlike previous approaches, this technique has the benefit of a simplified realization, since the controller transfer functions do not require algebraic reformulation. This makes it particularly suitable for multiple cascaded resonators used in harmonic compensation systems. The technique has been validated using simulation and experimental investigations for a grid-connected inverter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of induction motors (IMs) with variable frequency drives for industrial process control and automation has necessitated the need to evaluate their energy efficiency in the presence of voltage and current harmonics. As the determination of IM efficiency is becoming mandatory in many countries, there is a need to develop a testing approach that eliminates inaccuracies due to the operator. This paper presents an automated efficiency testing procedure developed to mitigate the adverse effect of varying technical skill and competence levels of testing personnel on efficiency test results. This is a particularly useful development considering the recently proposed IEC/TS 60034-2-3 methodology which specifies identical tests between sinusoidal supply and converter operation. A comparison of several manual and automated efficiency tests on a 55-kW IM highlighted improvements in repeatability, correlation, and temperature variation due to the latter. In addition, the advanced data acquisition and computation capability of the measurement device used in the developed test rig provides an excellent platform to investigate the dynamic operation of IM drives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a method based on the multiple synchronous reference frame analysis is recommended and implemented to detect time-varying harmonics and interharmonics of rapidly fluctuating asymmetrical industrial loads. The experimental work has been carried out on a typical three-phase alternating current arc furnace installation. In the recommended method, the reference frame is rotated in both directions at speeds corresponding to the positive and negative sequences of all harmonics and all interharmonics 5 Hz apart. To extract the direct current components of the transformed d–q quantities, a low-pass filter is employed. In order to keep the delay of the filter at zero frequency less than a few ms, Kalman estimation technique has been used. Back transformation is then applied for each harmonic and interharmonic component to obtain their positive- and negative-sequences of the associated harmonic and interharmonic in the actual line current waveforms. Parallel computing technique has been applied for the real-time detection of both the phase and the amplitude of all harmonics and interharmonics. This is achieved on NVDIA Jetson TX1 graphics processing unit framework for a sample industrial plant. The developed system is shown to be useful for fast and accurate generation of reference signals for the controllers of the advanced technology power conditioning systems which successfully compensates interharmonics, harmonics, and flicker of the rapidly fluctuating nonlinear industrial loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grid-connected voltage source converter is used to control the flow of active power from renewable energy sources with several functionalities, such as harmonic mitigation, reactive power compensation, and power factor improvement. The reference current calculation and its accuracy decide the performance of the control algorithms during harmonic disturbances. Fundamental signal extraction techniques are utilized to overcome the disturbances present in the system voltage and current. This paper presents a novel orthogonal current decomposition control for load current decomposition into active and reactive components. These current components are obtained through character of orthogonal vector in the inner product space. The block diagram of the proposed technique is implemented with the help of adder, multiplier, and windowed integrator. Phase voltage and load current for each phase are used as inputs to this functional diagram for getting desired fundamental active current signal. Subsequently, adjustable dc-link voltage control is also presented to diminish the switching losses in the converter and to avoid the false tripping of the grid-connected system during susceptible grid conditions. The proposed control technique is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and verified through developed hardware prototype using ARM Cortex M4-based microcontroller (STM32F407VGT6) using Waijung environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently multilevel inverters (MLIs) have received wide attention from industry and academia, as they are changing into a viable technology for diverse applications. To produce high-quality output using less switch count, development of novel reduced switch MLI (RS MLI) topologies has been a focus of current research theme. This paper presents design and control of a switched-diode dual source single switch MLI (SDDS MLI). The generalized SDDS MLI is first designed using an asymmetric basic unit. Proposed SDDS MLI requires less switch count and driver circuit count compared with the few recently developed RS MLI topologies. To improve the voltage quality by eliminating targeted low-order harmonics, a modified version of fish swarm optimization algorithm is examined for computing optimum switching angles required to control the SDDS MLI. Moreover, suitability and superiority of the derived algorithm are established by comparing with traditional selective harmonic elimination techniques. The developed topology is investigated through several MATLAB simulations as well as experimental tests in the laboratory applying the modified control approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of a photovoltaic (PV) inverter is to inject the PV power into the ac grid. Generally, due to variations in solar irradiance, inverters operate below their rated current. Therefore, this current margin can be used to perform ancillary services, such as reactive power control and harmonic current compensation. However, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of these ancillary services on the converter. The harmonic current compensation, for example, affects the efficiency of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms. Therefore, this paper presents a mathematical modeling that relates the harmonic current compensation with the oscillation in the dc-link capacitor voltage, validated through simulation and experimental results. Simulation results show the instantaneous and dynamic efficiency of MPPT algorithms during rapidly irradiance variations and harmonic current compensation. The results lead to the conclusion that all MPPT strategies tested have faced degradation in efficiency due to harmonic current compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews approaches used to detect and identify arcing currents, including arcing current faults. The reviewed approaches are categorized as the time-domain, frequency-domain, and time–frequency approaches. The time-domain approach extracts shoulders (zero values of the current around zero crossing points), spikes and jumps, abnormal magnitudes (lower or higher than normal), and high rate of change of the current. The frequency-domain approach extracts the high-frequency components, harmonic components, sub-harmonic components, and cross-correlation indicator. The time–frequency approach extracts high-frequency sub-bands that contain non-stationary frequency components, which may have non-stationary phases. The three approaches are implemented to test their accuracy, computational requirements, and sensitivity to system parameters. These tests are performed by processing of currents that are collected for normal and dynamic conditions, conventional faults, and currents with high or low arcing components. Test results provide a performance comparison for the tested approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the deepening of electricity market reform in China, the competition in the electricity retail market becomes increasingly intense. Electricity retailers (ERs) need to explore new business models to enhance their competitiveness in the retail market. Meanwhile, with the improvement of industrial production and people's living standards, more and more nonlinear electrical equipment have been put into use, leading to severe harmonic pollution problems. Harmonic pollution causes loss of electricity, resulting in the economic loss of customers, especially for large industrial customers. In the above contexts, this paper proposes a novel business model that incorporates harmonic control as a value-added service into electricity retail contracts for utility-owned ERs. Both utility-owned ERs and customers can benefit from the designed business model. For customers, it helps them to improve the power quality while saving the electricity cost. For ERs, it helps them to cultivate the customer loyalty and improve the customer satisfaction. A case study is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed business model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]