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This paper studies the convex hull pricing problem in electricity markets using a network-flow-based formulation. The network represents the feasible operating region of a generating unit, and the associated flow constraints define a polyhedron with an integrality property. These facts provide modeling flexibility with respect to the inclusion of unit features and allow to obtain convex hull prices from a linear programming problem. The formulation is solved using a primal-dual approach based on the algorithm developed by Bienstock and Zuckerberg. The algorithm, together with the implemented pre-processing and initialization techniques, allows achieving lower solution times than those obtained by state-of-the-art algorithms available in commercial solvers, e.g., barrier and dual simplex. Furthermore, results suggest that the proposed formulation obtains the minimum uplift payments even when time-dependent start-up costs are included, making the approach more robust than the best documented compact formulation. The paper also discusses the effect of sub-optimal prices on uplift payments by relaxing the optimality criterion of the algorithm, observing a significant impact on lost opportunity costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a model predictive control (MPC) strategy based on optimal switching sequence (OSS) concepts is proposed for a grid-connected three-level neutral-point clamped converter. The proposed cascaded-OSS-MPC strategy does not require a weighting factor to balance the dc-link capacitor voltages and optimally controls both the grid currents and the capacitor voltages even during disturbances and large step changes in the references. The resulting MPC strategy allows operating the converter with a predefined harmonic spectrum, fixed switching frequency, and fast and robust dynamic response. Besides, an efficient optimization algorithm is also introduced to reduce the computational burden typically observed in this kind of MPC strategies. Experimental and simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and high-quality performance of the proposed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents two capacitor voltage balancing (CVB) strategies for modular multilevel converter (MMC) applications. Both balancing schemes are based on model predictive control and are designed to efficiently solve a constrained optimal control problem, where the predicted capacitor voltage errors are included in the cost function with the demanded output voltage of a cluster being forced through an equality constraint. The first method proposed in this paper computes specific modulation indexes for each module using the explicit solution of a relaxed version of the original optimization problem. The second approach proposed in this paper reduces the complexity of the original problem by linearizing the objective function and using an optimal sorting network based on a greedy algorithm to solve this approximation. Considering the structures of both solution approaches, they are integrated into modulation schemes based on phase-shifted and level-shifted pulsewidth modulation algorithms, respectively. Experimental results obtained from a nine-cell single-phase MMC prototype demonstrate the good performance achieved with the proposed methodologies, as well as the implementation simplicity offered by the proposed CVB algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, finite-set model-predictive control (FS-MPC) methodologies for a grid-connected three-level neutral-point-clamped converter are investigated. The proposed control strategies produce fixed switching frequency, maintaining all the advantages of predictive control such as fast dynamic response, inclusion of nonlinearities and restrictions, and multivariable control using a single control loop. The first of the proposed FS-MPC strategies is based on a multiobjective cost function, designed to regulate both the inverter currents and the balancing of the dc-link capacitor voltages. The second FS-MPC strategy is derived from the first one, and it is based on a cost function that regulates only the grid current, with the balancing of the capacitor voltages being realized by controlling the duty cycles of the redundant vectors. The proposed control systems are experimentally validated using a 5-kW prototype. The experimental results show a good performance for both strategies, in steady-state and transient response, with a total harmonic distortion lower than \text2\% for the currents supplied to the grid. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]