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Recent advances in high-power applications employing voltage source converters have been primarily fuelled by the emergence of the modular multilevel converter (MMC) and its derivatives. Model predictive control (MPC) has emerged as an effective way of controlling these converters because of its high response. However, the practical implementation of MPC encounters hurdles, particularly in MMCs featuring many sub-modules per arm. This research introduces an approach termed folding model predictive control (FMPC), coupled with a pre-processing sorting algorithm, tailored for modular multilevel converters. The objective is to alleviate a significant part of the computational burden associated with the control of these converters. The FMPC framework combines multiple control objectives, encompassing AC current, DC current, circulating current, arm energy, and leg energy, within a unified cost function. Both simulation studies and real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing are conducted to verify the efficacy of the proposed FMPC. The findings underscore the FMPC's ability to deliver fast response and robust performance under both steady-state and dynamic operating conditions. Moreover, the FMPC adeptly mitigates circulating currents, reduces total harmonic distortion (THD%), and upholds capacitor voltage stability within acceptable thresholds, even in the presence of harmonic distortions in the AC grid. The practical applicability of MMCs, notwithstanding the presence of a large number of sub-modules (SMs) per arm, is facilitated by the significant reduction in switching states and computational overhead achieved through the FMPC approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares two finite-control-set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) strategies in the context of a grid-connected single-phase quasi-Z source inverter (SP-qZSI). Both schemes use discrete-time models of the inductor current and capacitor voltage for the DC side, as well as the output current on the AC side. To enhance the converter's performance, given the non-minimum phase characteristics of the DC side, a long prediction horizon is implemented for the predictive control. However, a horizon of this nature can be highly demanding in terms of processing load, rendering it inapplicable for some microcontrollers. To address this issue and mitigate the processing load, an alternative control strategy is presented that divides the total number of candidate solutions to be evaluated into smaller segments. The performance of the two control strategies is compared using total harmonic distortion (THD) and simulation times as evaluation metrics. The results indicate that the proposed strategy achieves significantly shorter simulation times than the compared control strategy when increasing the prediction horizon. Additionally, a reduction in the THD was observed in the proposed strategy, reaching an average of 2.8%, which is lower than the compared strategy that exhibited THD close to 3.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of controlled power converters has been extended for high power applications, stacking off-the-shelve semiconductors, and allowing the implementation of, among others, AC drives for medium voltages of 2.3 kV to 13.8 kV. For AC drives based on power cells assembled with three-phase diode rectifiers and cascaded H-bridge inverters, a sophisticated input multipulse transformer is required to reduce the grid voltage, provide isolation among the power cells, and compensate for low-frequency current harmonics generated by the diode-based rectifiers. However, this input multipulse transformer is bulky, heavy, and expensive and must be designed according to the number of power cells, not allowing total modularity of the AC drives based on cascade H-bridges. This study proposes and evaluates a control strategy based on a finite control set-model predictive control that emulates the harmonic cancellation performed by an input multipulse transformer in a cascade H-bridge topology. Hence, the proposed method requires conventional input transformers and replaces the three-phase diode rectifiers. As a result, greater modularity than the conventional multicell converter and improved AC overall input current with a THD as low as 2% with a unitary displacement power factor are achieved. In this case, each power cell manages its own DC voltage using a nonlinear control strategy, ensuring stable system operation for passive and regenerative loads. The experimental tests demonstrated the correct performance of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modulated model predictive current control techniques are considered an interesting option to control multiphase drives due to their control flexibility and fast dynamic response. However, a practical stability study of those techniques is still missing. This article presents an experimental stability study, to quantify the limits of stability, to modulated predictive current controllers applied to an asymmetrical six-phase induction machine. Experimental results are presented to verify the theoretical analysis results in terms of stability ranges regarding sampling frequency and rotor speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model-based predictive control techniques, with finite set control, are considered an interesting option to control multiphase drives due to their control flexibility and fast dynamic response. However, those techniques have some drawbacks such as a high computational cost, poor (x-y) currents reduction, and steady-state error, especially at high speeds. To improve some of these drawbacks, modulation stages have been presented as an alternative. However, some of those drawbacks have not been improved. This article proposes a novel approach to the classic predictive current control (PCC) applied to an asymmetrical six-phase induction machine, where a space vector modulation with specific vectors is used in order to improve the (x-y) currents, the steady-state error and total harmonic distortion (THD) at high operation speeds. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the characteristics of the proposed control technique in terms of current tracking, (x-y) currents reduction and THD of stator currents compared to the classic PCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classic model predictive control leads to a variable switching frequency which could produce resonances in the input filter of the matrix converter, affecting the performance of the system. This paper proposes two methods to mitigate the resonance of the input filter to solve this issue. The first method consists in a hybrid combination of model predictive current control with instantaneous reactive power minimization and an active damping method which consists in emulating a virtual resistor in parallel to the input filter's capacitor. The second method imposes a sinusoidal source current instance to minimize the instantaneous reactive power at the input side. Both methods can be further enhanced with fixed switching frequency operations. Simulated results confirm the feasibility of the proposal demonstrating that the performance of the system is improved with source and load currents showing a significant reduction in the harmonic distortion produced by the filter resonance. [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]

This paper proposes a modified model predictive control (MMPC) method for a two-level voltage source inverter (VSI) by applying 'Midpoint Euler's Approximation' technique to achieve a high performance. Therefore, a new predictive mathematical modeling is derived and presented in this paper to predict the future behavior of the inductive load model, which is compared with the reference signal to determine the cost function of the system. In this MMPC method, all the possible switching vectors of the converter are utilized to obtain the cost functions, and the corresponding switching vector for minimum cost function is selected to actuate the power converter in the next sampling time interval. The proposed MMPC method and the traditional MPC schemes are verified in MATLABSimulink. The experimental validation is performed in DS1104 R&D Controller Board to justify and confirm the performance of the system. Simulation and experimental results validate the robustness of the proposed MMPC method, and improve the results compared to traditional MPC method in terms of total harmonic distortion (THD) and current reference tracking mean error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite control set-model predictive control (FCS-MPC) is an interesting alternative for the control of drive systems. However, FCS-MPC requires a large amount of calculation, because it uses all feasible voltage vectors of a power converter for prediction and evaluation. This is an obstacle for its application when the number of voltage vectors of power converter is increased. The computational burden is more challenging when the control objectives are increased. At the same time, matrix converter is an attractive alternative to conventional back-to-back converters with dc link. However, implementation of FCS-MPC for a matrix converter is computationally expensive due to the 27 feasible voltage vectors of the matrix converter. In this paper, a Lookup table is used to reduce the candidate voltage vectors that make the FCS-MPC computationally efficient for matrix converter-fed permanent-magnet synchronous motors. This approach is implemented experimentally and is compared with the conventional approach to evaluate its performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Finite state model predictive control (MPC) has been recently applied to several converter topologies, as it can provide many advantages over other MPC techniques. The advantages of MPC include fast dynamics, multitarget control capability, and relatively easy implementation on digital control platforms. However, its inherent variable switching frequency and lower steady-state waveform quality with respect to standard control, which includes an appropriate modulation technique, represent a limitation to its applicability. Modulated model predictive control (M2 PC) combines all the advantages of MPC with the fixed switching frequency characteristic of pulse-width modulation algorithms. The work presented in this paper focuses on the indirect matrix converter (IMC), where the tight coupling between rectifier stage and inverter stage has to be taken into account in the M2PC design. This paper proposes an M2PC solution, suitable for IMC, with a switching pattern that emulates the desired waveform quality features of space vector modulation for matrix converters. The switching sequences of the rectifier stage and inverter stage are rearranged in order to always achieve zero-current switching on the rectifier stage, thus simplifying the current commutation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the experimental validation of a predictive current control strategy with minimization of the instantaneous reactive input power for a Four-Leg Indirect Matrix Converter (4Leg-IMC). The topology includes an input matrix converter stage, which provides the dc voltage for a four-leg voltage source converter (VSC) output stage. The VSC's fourth leg provides a path for the zero sequence load current. The control technique is based on a finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) strategy, whereby the switching states for the input and output converters are selected by evaluating a predictive cost function. This results in a simpler approach than that seen in other well-known modulation methods, such as three-dimensional space vector modulation (3D-SVM). Positive dc voltage, (a requirement for the safe operation of the IMC) and minimization of the instantaneous input reactive power are obtained, while maintaining good tracking of the load reference currents. Furthermore, soft switching is achieved by synchronizing the state changes in the input stage with the application of zero voltage space vectors in the inverter stage. The control strategy is experimentally verified using a laboratory prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model predictive control (MPC) is a very attractive solution for controlling power electronic converters. The aim of this paper is to present and discuss the latest developments in MPC for power converters and drives, describing the current state of this control strategy and analyzing the new trends and challenges it presents when applied to power electronic systems. The paper revisits the operating principle of MPC and identifies three key elements in the MPC strategies, namely the prediction model, the cost function, and the optimization algorithm. This paper summarizes the most recent research concerning these elements, providing details about the different solutions proposed by the academic and industrial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a conventional finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) formulation, active and reactive power control loops rely on the predictive controller, whereas the dc-bus voltage is usually governed by a PI-based control loop. This originates from fact that the dynamic equations for describing the predictions of these variables are heavily coupled. In this paper, a cascade-free FCS-MPC for single-phase grid-connected power converters is presented. The proposed control algorithm is formulated in terms of established dynamic references design, which was originally proposed to directly govern active and reactive power, and dc-voltage in three-phase power converters. In this paper, the dynamic reference design concept is extended to control single-phase grid-connected power converters. The proposed control algorithm does not use instantaneous ac-power calculations; instead, it directly formulates the optimal control problem on the grid-current in the original stationary reference frame. The experimental results obtained with a single-phase grid-connected neutral point clamped (NPC) converter confirm a successful design, where system constraints, e.g., maximum power and weighted switching frequency, are easily taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Model predictive control (MPC) has been widely advocated as a design strategy for many aspects of industrial electronics. The methodology has been strongly promoted by some researchers but has also attracted criticism from others. In this context, the purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we show that many existing and popular control strategies, including finite set MPC and linear controllers [proportional integral, proportional resonant (PR)], can be viewed as special cases of MPC. Second, we show that the predictive control framework allows one to embellish these classical control architectures with novel features and to design new and advanced control architectures to address various challenges posed by power electronics applications. The findings of the paper are supported by a practical example of designing of a novel form of PR controller with superior tracking performance and delay compensation, confirmed via simulation and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The interest on weak and micro-grid systems has grown up substantially last time, specially tied up to distributed power generation systems (DPGSs), isolated systems as aircraft, or islanding power systems. These kinds of grids are usually under significant variation in their quantities, specifically in their voltage amplitude and/or frequency. On this line, many studies about synchronization methods have been developed, which may work under variations on the frequency value, unbalanced voltage, and even with harmonic distortion. However, power converters connected to this class of systems are poorly documented—specifically controlled rectifiers. In fact, most of the controlled grid connected converters (GCCs) are defined to work in a fixed frequency and balanced system. This paper deals with a GCC connected to a variable-frequency and unbalanced voltage supply system control through a predictive algorithm with a fixed resolution sampling strategy. Furthermore, the current references are imposed in order to help the weak-grid source subjected to unbalancing, taking more power from the phase with highest voltage amplitude and relaxing the other phases. This issue makes to calculate every phase current reference independently and accordingly the voltage amplitudes keep the dc-link voltage in a desired value. The results show the feasibility of the proposed algorithm, where the performance is highlighted by simulated and experimental waveforms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A single-objective predictive control method that deals with four main control objectives applied to a multivariable single-phase three-level neutral-point-clamped converter operating as an active power filter is proposed in this paper. The four control objectives are to self-support the dc-bus voltage under load variations, to compensate the reactive power and the current harmonics, and to balance the dc capacitor voltages by using a predefined combination of the redundant switching states of the converter. The main contribution of the proposed method is that these objectives are accomplished without using weighting factors in the cost function, which eliminates problems such as multiobjective optimization or additional empirical procedures for determination of these factors. As a result, the method is easy to implement and rapidly selects the optimal voltage to improve the dynamic-state performance. Experimental results from a 2-kVA prototype are presented to prove that the method is valid for single-phase compensation. The well-known effect of model parameter errors' issue, which is inherent in predictive control methods, is also tested to confirm that the harmonic distortion in the grid current is below 5% even when the predictive model has a 25% error between actual and theoretically estimated grid impedance values. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents an experimental implementation of a predictive control strategy for a system made up of two induction machines fed by a six-leg indirect matrix converter. The objective is to evaluate the practical feasibility of this method, considering the large computational cost, and to incorporate available market technologies. This strategy achieves tracking of torque, speed, and flux references on both machines, minimizing the instantaneous input reactive power present in the system. A theoretical explanation of the main concepts that are used in the predictive control strategy is presented, along with comments on the experimental implementation, experimental setup, and results obtained under both balanced and unbalanced grid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, the experimental validation of a predictive current control strategy for a four-leg indirect matrix converter is presented. The four-leg indirect matrix converter can supply energy to an unbalanced three-phase load while providing a path for the zero sequence load. The predictive current control technique is based on the optimal selection among the valid switching states of the converter by evaluating a cost function, resulting in a simple approach without the necessity for modulators. Furthermore, zero dc-link current commutation is achieved by synchronizing the state changes in the input stage with the application of a zero-voltage space vector in the inverter stage. Simulation results are presented and the strategy is experimentally validated using a laboratory prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—Model predictive control has emerged as a powerful control tool in the field of power converter and drive's system. In this article, a weighting factor optimization for reducing the torque ripple of induction machine fed by an indirect matrix converter is introduced and presented. Therefore, an optimization method is adopted here to calculate the optimum weighting factor corresponding to minimum torque ripple. However, model predictive torque and flux control of the induction machine with conventionally selected weighting factor is being investigated in this article and is compared with the proposed optimum weighting factor based model predictive control algorithm to reduce the torque ripples. The proposed model predictive control scheme utilizes the discrete phenomena of power converter and predicts the future nature of the system variables. For the next sampling period, model predictive method selects the optimized switching state that minimizes a cost function based on optimized weighting factor to actuate the power converter. The introduced weighting factor optimization method in model predictive control algorithm is validated through simulations and shows potential control, tracking of variables with their respective references and consequently reduces the torque ripples corresponding to conventional weighting factor based predictive control method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Predictive control represents an optimization-oriented alternative for the control of power converters and drives. Predictive torque control of induction machines has been shown to achieve excellent initial results. The objective of this paper is to help develop this promising control approach by introducing new elements to improve its performance. The resulting algorithm improves the efficiency of the converter from \91.1\% to \92.6\% and achieves a common-mode voltage mitigation of \50\%, compared to the basic control method. A tradeoff is observed in the power quality. The algorithm gives the designer the ability to select the best operating point for each particular application and to optimize the converter’s performance. Experimental results are presented to validate the proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An active power filter implemented with a four-leg voltage-source inverter using a predictive control scheme is presented. The use of a four-leg voltage-source inverter allows the compensation of current harmonic components, as well as unbalanced current generated by single-phase nonlinear loads. A detailed yet simple mathematical model of the active power filter, including the effect of the equivalent power system impedance, is derived and used to design the predictive control algorithm. The compensation performance of the proposed active power filter and the associated control scheme under steady state and transient operating conditions is demonstrated through simulations and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrix converters (MCs) are a very attractive alternative to conventional back-to-back converters with dc links. In this paper, a performance comparison between the well-established space vector modulation (SVM) technique and model predictive control (MPC) is presented for the current regulation in a direct MC. Both methods are analyzed and contrasted through simulation and experimental results. In order to establish their strengths and weaknesses, the assessment is made by measuring and comparing output and input currents and voltages with the same voltage source and load current conditions. Our results show that MPC is simpler than SVM from a conceptual point of view and provides better source current behavior, particularly with a distorted source voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Finite-states model predictive control is a rising alternative in the control of power converters and drives. Successful application to different topologies and applications such as two-level voltage source inverters, neutral-point-clamped and cascaded H-bridge inverters, and matrix converters has shown its potential in power converters. However, when multiple control objectives are desired, weighting factors are required to appropriately select the switching states. The selection of these factors is a time-consuming and complex task. In this work, the standard selection stage is replaced by a fuzzy decision-making strategy, considering, as a case study, the control of both load and supply currents in the direct matrix converter (DMC). As a result, weighting-factor selection is avoided, and a simple selection scheme is obtained for this application. In addition, a more natural design approach to the state selection is opened for other applications. Simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the approach in an experimental DMC prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a current control scheme with instantaneous reactive power minimization for an indirect matrix converter. The strategy uses the commutation state of the converter in the subsequent sampling time according to an optimization algorithm given by a simple cost function and the discrete system model. Using this strategy, harmonics in the input current generated by the resonance of the input filter are strongly reduced. Simulation and experimental results with a laboratory prototype are provided in order to validate the control scheme, and the effects of a distorted source voltage and filter resonance are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A new strategy for matrix converters which allows optimal control of source and load currents is presented in this paper. This method uses the commutation state of the converter in the subsequent sampling time, according to an optimization algorithm given by the discrete system model and a simple cost function. The control goals include regulation of output current using an arbitrary reference and good tracking of the source current to its reference, to achieve a sinusoidal waveform. Experimental results from a 7.5 kW prototype support the theoretical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A predictive control scheme for the indirect matrix converter including a method to mitigate the resonance effect of the input filter is presented. A discrete-time model of the converter, the input filter, and the load is used to predict the behavior of the instantaneous input reactive power and the output currents for each valid switching state. The control scheme selects the state that minimizes the value of a cost function in order to generate input currents with unity power factor and output currents with a low error with respect to a reference. The active damping method is based on a virtual harmonic resistor which damps the filter resonance. This paper shows experimental results to demonstrate that the proposed control method can generate good tracking of the output-current references, achieve unity input displacement power factor, and reduce the input-current distortion caused by the input filter resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a control method for direct matrix converters that combines the advantages of predictive control with active damping. The active damping is used to suppress the resonance of the input filter. A discrete-time model of the converter, the input filter, and the load parameters are used to predict the behavior of the input reactive power on the supply side and the output currents for each valid switching state. The control method selects the best commutation state, according to an optimizing algorithm and a cost function, in order to generate unity input displacement power factor with high-quality waveforms. The active damping method is based on a virtual harmonic resistor that damps the filter resonance. This paper shows simulated and experimental results to demonstrate that the proposed control method can generate good tracking of the output current references, achieve unity input displacement power factor, and reduce the input current distortion caused by the input filter resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The papers in this special section focus on the deployment of predictive control in power converters and electrical drives. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents the implementation of a predictive control scheme for an indirect matrix converter. The control scheme selects the switching state that minimizes the reactive power and the error in the output currents according to their reference values. This is accomplished by using a prediction horizon of one sample time and a very intuitive control law. Experimental results with a 6.8-kVA indirect matrix converter prototype are provided in order to validate the proposed control scheme. The converter uses standard digital signal processor operating at a sampling frequency of 20 its. It is shown that the idea of controlling this converter topology with a predictive approach can be implemented simply and input currents with unity power factor and a total harmonic distortion lower than 5% can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high increase of renewable energy sources and the increment of distributed generation in the electrical grid has made them complex and of variable parameters, causing potential stability problems to the PI controllers. In this document, a control strategy for power injection to the electrical system from photovoltaic plants through a voltage source inverter two-level-type (VSI-2L) converter is proposed. The algorithm combines a current-based maximum power point-tracking (Current-Based MPPT) with model predictive control (MPC) strategy, allowing avoidance of the use of PI controllers and lowering of the dependence of high-capacitive value condensers. The sections of this paper describe the parts of the system, control algorithms, and simulated and experimental results that allow observation of the behavior of the proposed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgrids need control and management at different levels to allow the inclusion of renewable energy sources. In this paper, a comprehensive literature review is presented to analyse the latest trends in research and development referring to the applications of predictive control in microgrids. As a result of this review, it was found that the application of predictive control techniques on microgrids is performed for the three control levels and with adaptations of the models in order to include uncertainties to improve their performance and dynamics response. In addition, to ensure system stability, but also, at higher control levels, coordinated operation among the microgrid's components and synchronised and optimised operation with utility grids and electric power markets. Predictive control appears as a very promising control scheme with several advantages for microgrid applications of different control levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]