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This paper proposes a new multilevel converter based on the cascade connection of double flying capacitor multicell (DFCM) converters, as multilevel modules, to decrease the voltage diversity of the flying capacitors. Furthermore, a new switching pattern based on the phase-shifted pulse-width modulation technique is proposed to reduce the voltage ripple across the flying capacitors. Moreover, the proposed modulation technique reduces the rms value of the current flowing through flying capacitors. This results in an increase in the life time of flying capacitors and a decrease in the capacitance of the flying capacitors, to keep the same amount of the ripple, meaning a reduction in the physical size of the converter. In addition, this paper presents an analytical approach to calculate the average and rms currents of the insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs)/diodes in the DFCM converter in a closed-form expression. The derived closed-form equations to calculate the average and rms currents of the IGBTs/diodes are utilized to investigate the conduction power losses in a DFCM converter and the proposed multilevel converter. Numerical results of the derived closed-form equations match the simulation results well, which validates the derived equations. Furthermore, simulation results and experimental measurements of the proposed multilevel power converter, configured by cascading two two-cell five-level DFCM converters, are presented to validate the performance of the proposed converter as well as the suggested modulation technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new reconfiguration heuristic in order to reduce the total power loss and the maximum current of electrical radial networks. It is based on the branch-and-bound strategy, which is an implicit enumeration method that uses a tree structure and bounds to organize the searching process. The search tree in this paper is constructed by subdividing the feasible set using the branch-exchange technique in the networks. The constraints and the Pareto dominance are responsible for pruning the search tree. The heuristic also returns a feasible switching plan for each solution. The algorithm was successfully applied to medium- and large-scale problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in lithium-ion battery modeling suggest unequal but controlled and carefully timed charging of individual cells by reduce degradation. This paper compares anode-side film formation for a standard equalization scheme versus unequal charging through switches that are controlled by deterministic dynamic programming (DDP) and DDP-inspired heuristic algorithms. A static map for film growth rate is derived from a first-principles battery model adopted from the electrochemical engineering literature. Using this map, we consider two cells that are connected in parallel via relay switches. The key results are the following: 1) optimal unequal and delayed charging indeed reduces film buildup, and 2) a near-optimal state feedback controller can be designed from the DDP solution and film growth rate convexity properties. The simulation results indicate that the heuristic state feedback controller achieves near optimal performance relative to the DDP solution, with significant reduction in film growth compared to charging both cells equally, for several film growth models. Moreover, the algorithms achieve similar film reduction values on the full electrochemical model. These results correlate with the convexity properties of the film growth map. Hence, this paper demonstrates that unequal charging may indeed reduce film growth, given certain convexity properties exist, lending promise to the concept for improving battery pack life. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a new solution method that combines state-space and nodal analysis for the simulation of electrical systems. The presented flexible clustering of state-space-described electrical subsystems into a nodal method offers several advantages for the efficient solution of switched networks, nonlinear functions, and for interfacing with nodal model equations. This paper extends the concept of discrete companion branch equivalent of the nodal approach to state-space described systems and enables natural coupling between them. The presented solution method is simultaneous and enables benefitting from the advantages of two different modeling approaches normally exclusive from one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying the selective harmonic elimination (SHE) technique to grid-connected-cascaded modular multilevel inverters has been widely discussed in the literature. However, due to the difficulties of solving high-order nonlinear transcendental equations, the SHE technique cannot be implemented in real time so its applications are limited. This paper presents a technique to convert the nonlinear equations to a specific control system and use a look-up table, integral controllers and a decoupling controller to help the system converge to a zero-error steady state. An inner instantaneous observer is introduced to directly extract the harmonic spectrum of the output voltages without applying FFT algorithm to output step voltage waveforms. It can not only simplify software design but also eliminate the phase delay generated by conventional spectrum extracting algorithm. The proposed technique can achieve an accurate switching angle control and a fast response. Simulation and experimental results verified that the system can achieve zero-error steady state within one line period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the system reliability while conserving the limited system resources, cold standby sparing is often used. In computing tasks, because active components fail randomly, and the standby component has to pick up the mission task whenever required, scheduled backups are often implemented to save the completed portions of the task. The backups can facilitate an effective system recovery where the standby component can take over the mission task from the last backup point instead of resuming the mission task from the very beginning. This paper considers a k-out-of-n cold standby system subject to scheduled backups, where k components are online and operating, with the remaining components waiting in the unpowered, cold standby mode. Whenever an online component fails, a cold standby component is activated to take over the mission task from the last backup point. The backup intervals are deterministic, but can be even or uneven. As the component may fail due to an imperfect switching from the standby state to the fully powered up state, the switching failure is also considered in the system model. A multi-valued decision diagram (MDD)-based analytical approach is proposed to evaluate the reliability of the considered system, and its complexity is analyzed. The proposed method is applicable to systems with non-identical components following arbitrary lifetime distributions. Examples are given to illustrate the MDD-based method. The correctness and efficiency of the proposed method are verified using Monte Carlo simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

At present, companies and standards organizations are enhancing Ethernet as the unified switch fabric for all of the TCP/IP traffic, the storage traffic and the high performance computing traffic in data centers. Backward congestion notification (BCN) is the basic mechanism for the end-to-end congestion management enhancement of Ethernet. To fulfill the special requirements of the unified switch fabric, i.e., losslessness and low transmission delay, BCN should hold the buffer occupancy around a target point tightly. Thus, the stability of the control loop and the buffer size are critical to BCN. Currently, the impacts of delay on the performance of BCN are unidentified. When the speed of Ethernet increases to 40 Gbps or 100 Gbps in the near future, the number of on-the-fly packets becomes the same order with the buffer size of switch. Accordingly, the impacts of delay will become significant. In this paper, we analyze BCN, paying special attention on the delay. We model the BCN system with a set of segmented delayed differential equations, and then deduce sufficient condition for the uniformly asymptotic stability of BCN. Subsequently, the bounds of buffer occupancy are estimated, which provides direct guidelines on setting buffer size. Finally, numerical analysis and experiments on the NetFPGA platform verify our theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a flexible optimization-based framework for intentional islanding is presented. The decision is made of which transmission lines to switch in order to split the network while minimizing disruption, the amount of load shed, or grouping coherent generators. The approach uses a piecewise linear model of AC power flow, which allows the voltage and reactive power to be considered directly when designing the islands. Demonstrations on standard test networks show that solution of the problem provides islands that are balanced in real and reactive power, satisfy AC power flow laws, and have a healthy voltage profile. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Modular multilevel converters (MMC) are considered a top converter alternative for voltage-source converter (VSC) high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) applications. Main circuit design and converter performance evaluation are always important issues to consider before installing a VSC-HVDC system. Investigation into a steady-state analysis method for an MMC-based VSC-HVDC system is necessary. This paper finds a circular interaction among the electrical quantities in an MMC. Through this circular interaction, a key equation can be established to solve the unknown circulating current. A new steady-state model is developed to simply and accurately describe the explicit analytical expressions for various voltage and current quantities in an MMC. The accuracy of the expressions is improved by the consideration of the circulating current when deriving all the analytical expressions. The model's simplicity is demonstrated by having only one key equation to solve. Based on the analytical expressions for the arm voltages, the equivalent circuits for MMC are proposed to improve the current understanding of the operation of MMC. The feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method are verified by comparing its results with the simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents simplified nonlinear averaged large-signal and linear small-signal models of the three basic dc–dc converter topologies, boost, buck, and noninverting buck–boost, respectively, operating in peak current-mode control. Models have been derived for the continuous and discontinuous conduction mode. The modeling methodology used is the equivalent current injected method. The derived models have been compared to the existing full-order large-signal nonlinear models and have been found to exhibit simulation time reduction by a few magnitudes in complex distributed power systems, such as today’s popular microgrids. The models developed have been experimentally verified on a custom-built 120-W boost converter prototype, showing great accuracy in steady state and in dynamical behavior in all operating points, as determined by the output resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Effective photovoltaic power conditioning requires efficient power conversion and accurate maximum power point tracking to counteract the effects of panel mismatch, shading, and general variance in power output during a daily cycle. In this paper, the authors propose an integrated boost resonant converter with low component count, galvanic isolation, simple control, as well as high efficiency across a wide input and load range. Provided is a discussion of the converter synthesis, key operational features, converter design procedure, and loss analysis, as well as experimental verification by way of a 250-W prototype with a California Energy Commission efficiency of 96.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daylight in interior offers a considerable contribution of energy saving, the key is to design an integrated lighting system between the electric lighting system configuration and its control strategy. An optimal lighting system has to consider the different presence of daylight in the zones to arrange the most favorable luminaires layout. An automatic control system could be employed to switch or dim selected groups of luminaires. The paper suggests a criterion to evaluate the yearly daylight impact on energy performance of internal lighting according to daylight availability, the lighting system layout, and the control system arranged. A simplified evaluation by the daylight lumen method is useful for designers to estimate the operation costs in reference to the initial costs in preliminary design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve the best optimized performance in terms of stability and dynamic behavior of power electronic converters, it is necessary to use a more advanced control technique and accurate mathematical model. This paper proposes a fixed-frequency hysteretic current (FFHC) controller that uses both sliding-mode control (SMC) technique and fixed-frequency current controller with a hysteresis band to achieve all properties of the variable structure controller. However, realizing such fixed-frequency sliding-mode controller using small-signal-averaged (SSA) model of the power converters and Utkin’s equivalent control technique may not be valid for all conditions. We show that it can be applicable only when the fast-scale dynamics of the converter system is stable, which can be achieved successfully by analyzing the stability of the FFHC-controlled buck converter using Filippov method and Floquet theory. The regions of stability are then presented to show the domains of existence of nominal period-1 and higher periodic orbits in 2-D parameter space. We also demonstrate how to derive the equivalent control law from the modified tristate converter topology to design the controller. Finally, the experimental results are presented to validate the effectiveness of this hybrid FFHC controller. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The influence of wind turbine generators (WTGs) on power system dynamic performance is becoming increasingly important as wind generation grows. The dynamic behavior of WTGs should therefore be thoroughly understood. The paper analyzes dynamic models of type-3 WTGs, and in particular the WECC generic model. The behavior of such models is governed by interactions between the continuous dynamics of state variables, and discrete events associated with limits. It is shown that these interactions can be quite complex, and may lead to switching deadlock that prevents continuation of the trajectory. Switching hysteresis is proposed for eliminating deadlock situations. Various type-3 WTG models include control blocks that duplicate integrators. It is shown that this leads to non-uniqueness in the conditions governing steady-state, and may result in pre- and post-disturbance equilibria not coinciding. It also gives rise to a zero eigenvalue in the linearized WTG model. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a generic and comprehensive distribution optimal power flow (DOPF) model that can be used by local distribution companies (LDCs) to integrate their distribution system feeders into a Smart Grid. The proposed three-phase DOPF framework incorporates detailed modeling of distribution system components and considers various operating objectives. Phase specific and voltage dependent modeling of customer loads in the three-phase DOPF model allows LDC operators to determine realistic operating strategies that can improve the overall feeder efficiency. The proposed distribution system operation objective is based on the minimization of the energy drawn from the substation while seeking to minimize the number of switching operations of load tap changers and capacitors. A novel method for solving the three-phase DOPF model by transforming the mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem to a nonlinear programming problem is proposed which reduces the computational burden and facilitates its practical implementation and application. Two practical case studies, including a real distribution feeder test case, are presented to demonstrate the features of the proposed methodology. The results illustrate the benefits of the proposed DOPF in terms of reducing energy losses while limiting the number of switching operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In medium-/high-power inverters, optimal pulse-width modulation (OPWM) is often used to reduce the switching frequency and at the same time, realize selective harmonic elimination (SHE). For both two-level and multilevel inverters, most selective harmonic elimination (SHE) studies are based on solving multiple variable high-order nonlinear equations. Furthermore, for multilevel inverters, SHE has been often studied based on the assumption of balanced dc levels and single switching per level. In this paper, the authors further developed harmonics injection and equal area criteria-based four-equation method to realize OPWM for two-level inverters and multilevel inverters with unbalanced dc sources. For the cases, where only small number of voltage levels are available, weight oriented junction point distribution is utilized to enhance the performance of the four-equation method. A case study of multilevel inverter at low-modulation index is used as an example. Compared with existing methods, the proposed method does not involve complex equation groups and is much easier to be utilized in the case of large number of switching angles, or multiple switching angles per voltage level in multilevel inverters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new bridgeless single-ended primary inductance converter power-factor-correction rectifier is introduced. The proposed circuit provides lower conduction losses with reduced components simultaneously. In conventional PFC converters (continuous-conduction-mode boost converter), a voltage loop and a current loop are required for PFC. In the proposed converter, the control circuit is simplified, and no current loop is required while the converter operates in discontinuous conduction mode. Theoretical analysis and simulation results are provided to explain circuit operation. A prototype of the proposed converter is realized, and the results are presented. The measured efficiency shows 1% improvement in comparison to conventional SEPIC rectifier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilevel inverters introduce harmonics to the network besides their remarkable advantages. Total harmonic distortion (THD) is one of the most important indexes to evaluate the harmonic contents of waveforms. The conventional method of line-voltage THD calculation gives approximate answers, because high-order harmonics are ignored. In this paper, an analytical algebraic method based on formulating the line-voltage THD of multilevel inverters with unequal dc sources is presented. This method, which is general and applicable to each number of switching angles, is implemented to a five-level inverter with staircase waveform as a case study. The implementing process of this method can be easily repeated for each number of levels. The accuracy of the proposed method is illustrated in comparison with the approximate method. Some advantages of the extracted formulas of line-voltage THD are simplicity and rapidity in calculations, considering all harmonics and the possibility of finding optimal switching angles analytically. Experimental results are presented to validate the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a new three-phase step-up dc–dc converter with a three-phase high-frequency (HF) isolation transformer in an average current-mode controlled closed loop. This converter was developed for industrial applications where the dc input voltage is lower than the output voltage, for instance, in installations fed by battery units, photovoltaic arrays, or fuel cell systems. The converter's main characteristics are reduced input ripple current, step-up voltage, HF transformer, reduced output-voltage ripple due to three-pulse output current, and the presence of only three active switches connected to the same reference, this being a main advantage of this converter. By means of a specific switch modulation, the converter allows two operational regions, each one depending upon the number of switches in overlapping conditions—if there are two switches, it is called R2 region, and if there are three switches, it is called R3 region. An average current-mode control strategy is applied to input-current and output-voltage regulation. Theoretical expressions and experimental results are presented for a 6.8-kW prototype, operating in the R2 region, and for a 3.4-kW prototype, operating in the R3 region, both in continuous conduction mode. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper provides the comprehensive development procedures and mathematical model of an adjustable speed drive (ASD) for steady-state solutions, transient trajectories, and local stability based on a Floquet multiplier theory. A complete representation of the ASD is employed, which includes the dynamic equation of the dc link capacitor and the detailed models of the diode rectifier and of the pulse width modulated inverter. The power electronic switches are efficiently represented through smooth functions that allow a larger integration step to be used without the loss of precision in the solution. An efficient technique in the time domain for the computation of the periodic steady-state solution of electric systems, including ASDs based on a discrete-exponential-expansion matrix and the Poincaré map, is used. The obtained results are validated against the solutions obtained with an implementation using the Power System Blockset of Simulink and against the response obtained by the measurements from a 1.5-kVA ASD experimental setup system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the modeling and analysis of a five-legged rectifier transformer that is used for parallel operation of two three-pulse rectifiers, specifically, for low-voltage high-current applications. The five-legged system is compared with the conventional rectifier system consisting of a three-legged transformer and interphase transformer (IPT). Ensuring equal current sharing between the rectifiers and obtaining output voltage with a higher pulse number are the two major requirements which are satisfied in the conventional system. A mathematical explanation for the five-legged system satisfying the mentioned requirements is given. The system is treated as a strongly coupled circuit field one, where a nonlinear finite-element model of the five-legged transformer is coupled with nonlinear circuit equations. IPT-like behavior of the five-legged rectifier transformer is also investigated. The stated theory and analytical expressions are validated experimentally on a 12-V, 5000-A rectifier system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the method of reducing the rise time of high-voltage pulse transformer output rectangular pulses using a magnetic compression switch has been studied. An equivalent circuit consisting of pulse transformer and magnetic switch was used to describe the behavior of a transformer operating with magnetic switch. Meanwhile, four simplified equivalent sub-circuits and corresponding differential calculation models were used to analysis the influence of the magnetic switch module on the waveform characteristics of load resistance. The simulation and experiment results showed that the rise time of rectangular pulses could be reduced from more than 1 ?s to less than 150 ns while keeping pulse duration constant which was considered as the principle of rectangular pulse sharpening. Moreover, the pulse waveform performance on load resistance was determined by the pulse transformer, magnetic switch module and their coupling effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]