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This paper presents a model of a bidirectional MV/LV solid-state transformer (SST) for distribution system studies. A modular multilevel converter configuration is used in the MV side of the STT. The LV side uses a three-phase four-wire configuration that can be connected to both load and generation. The model developed for this work has been implemented in MATLAB/Simulink, and its behavior has been tested by carrying out several case studies under different operating conditions. The simulation results support the feasibility of the SST and its advantages in comparison to the conventional transformer. The paper also includes a discussion of the main model limitations and the future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As wind power technology points to increase power ratings, the implementation based on a permanent-magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) with a full-power converter is expanding its market share. Multilevel converters, as for example, neutral-point clamped (NPC) converters, are therefore well suited for this application. Predictive current control presents similar dynamic response and reference tracking than other well-established control methods, but working at lower switching frequencies, and providing extensive flexibility to apply either online or offline different control laws to the same plant. In this work, the predictive current control is applied to both sides of the back-to-back NPC converter connecting a permanent-magnet synchronous wind power generator to the grid. DC-link neutral-point balance is achieved by means of the predictive control algorithm, which considers the redundant switching states of the back-to-back NPC converter. Reduced number of commutations, current spectrum control, and compliance with the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) requirement are carried out with the predictive control. The obtained experimental results confirm the suitability of the proposed control approach. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, a predictive control scheme is proposed for the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) enhancement of direct-driven permanent-magnet-synchronous-generator-based megawatt-level wind turbines. The proposed method uses the turbine–generator rotor inertia to store the surplus energy during the grid voltage dips. The power conversion system is realized using a three-phase diode-bridge rectifier, a three-level-boost converter, and a neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter. The wind turbine requirements, such as maximum power point tracking, net dc-bus voltage control, balancing of the dc capacitor voltages, and reactive power generation, are modeled as the reference control variables. The generator- and grid-side cost functions are defined to deal with these control objectives. During each sampling interval, the control goals are achieved based on the minimization of cost functions. The coordination of boost and NPC converters and the exchange of reference control variables during normal and LVRT operation are formulated such that the power converters operate in a safe mode while meeting the grid code requirements. Simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the proposed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a generalized multilevel direct power control (ML-DPC) scheme for grid-connected multilevel power converters. The proposed method extends the original DPC operating principle by considering only the closest subset of two-level voltage vectors to the present switching state. The implementation of this principle requires the power derivatives for feedback, which can present numerical problems when applied experimentally, mainly due to high measurement noise sensitivity. Therefore, a derivative estimator is proposed based on the converter-grid model in the synchronous reference frame. In addition, a virtual flux observer is developed to achieve synchronization and improve robustness in the presence of grid voltage harmonics. The proposed method is applicable to any multilevel converter topology of any number of levels. In this paper, simulations and experimental results are presented for a seven-level cascaded H-bridge converter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) requirements demand wind-power plants to remain connected to the network in presence of grid-voltage dips. Most dips present positive-, negative-, and zero-sequence components. Hence, regulators based on symmetrical components are well suited to control gridconnected converters. A neutral-point-clamped topology has been considered as an active front end of a distributed power-generation system, following the trend of increasing power and voltage levels in wind-power systems. Three different current controllers based on symmetrical components and linear quadratic regulator have been considered. The performance of each controller is evaluated on LVRT requirement fulfillment, grid-current balancing, maximum grid-current value control, and oscillating power flow. Simulation and experimental results show that all three controllers meet LVRT requirements, although different system performance is found for each control approach. Therefore, controller selection depends on the system constraints and the type of preferred performance features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract-In the previous literature, the introduction of the virtual-space-vector (VV) concept for the three-level, three-leg neutral-point-clamped converter has led to the definition of pulsewidth modulation (PWM) strategies, guaranteeing a dc-link capacitor voltage balance in every switching cycle under any type of load, with the only requirement being that the addition of the three phase currents equals zero. This paper presents the definition of the VVs for the general case of an n-level converter, suggests guidelines for designing VV PWM strategies, and provides the expressions of the leg duty-ratio waveforms corresponding to this family of PWMs for an easy implementation. Modulations defined upon these vectors enable the use of diode-clamped topologies with passive front-ends. The performance of these converters operated with the proposed PWMs is compared to the performance of alternative designs through analysis, simulation, and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In photovoltaic (PV) power systems where a set of series-connected PV arrays (PVAs) is connected to a conventional two-level inverter, the occurrence of partial shades and/or the mismatching of PVAs leads to a reduction of the power generated from its potential maximum. To overcome these problems, the connection of the PVAs to a multilevel diode-clamped converter is considered in this paper. A control and pulsewidth-modulation scheme is proposed, capable of independently controlling the op- erating voltage of each PVA. Compared to a conventional two-level inverter system, the proposed system configuration allows one to extract maximum power, to reduce the devices voltage rating (with the subsequent benefits in device-performance characteristics), to reduce the output-voltage distortion, and to increase the system efficiency. Simulation and experimental tests have been conducted with three PVAs connected to a four-level three-phase diode-clamped converter to verify the good performance of the proposed system configuration and control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]