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A model predictive controller based on optimized pulse patterns is proposed that is suitable for higher-order linear systems, such as converters with $LC$ filters. The controller manipulates the switching times of an optimized pulse pattern. The switching time modifications are approximated by the strengths of impulses, which are based on a small-signal linearization around the nominal switching instants. With these, the evolution of the state variables over the prediction horizon can be described by a set of linear differential equations. An objective function penalizes the predicted tracking error of the controlled variables, such as the converter currents, filter capacitor voltages, and grid currents, over a prediction horizon. Thanks to the use of impulse strengths, the underlying optimization problem is a convex quadratic program, which can be solved in real time to determine the switching time modifications of the pulse pattern to be applied by the controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly proposed model predictive pulse pattern controller, which is applicable to higher-order converter systems, is implemented on a low-cost field-programmable gate array. It is shown that how the computations of the underlying quadratic program of the control algorithm can be reduce, thus enabling a resource-efficient implementation. The implemented control algorithm is evaluated via hardware-in-the-loop simulations. The results show that the proposed controller achieves a short settling time during transients and the superior harmonic performance of optimized pulse patterns during steady-state operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the development of the natural balancing theory for the p-cell case. It describes the relationship between the models for different numbers of cells in a generic model for a p-cell multicell converter. The model discussed is based on the same principles that were used to develop the two-cell model in [16], except that the mathematics is much more involved. The same conclusions that were found to be true for the two-cell case was also found to be true for the general case of p cells. These conclusions include that the natural balancing mechanism of multicell converters depends on the overlap of the groups of harmonics of the switching function as well as on the load impedance. It will also be shown that the self-balancing mechanism ensures safe operation under most operating conditions where a high enough switching frequency is chosen and the load is not purely reactive. Two new aspects of the balancing theory were identified in the p-cell case: 1) for fixed duty-cycle modulation there exists certain values of the duty-cycle that causes the natural balancing mechanism to fail and 2) for p-cell converters the balance booster concept can be extended to a number of balance boosters tuned to multiples of the switching frequency. A 'Design Tool' based on the balancing theory was developed to aid practicing engineers in designing multicell converters. Index Terms--p-cell, two-cell case.

The multicell converter topology is said to possess a natural voltage balancing property. This paper is the first of a two-part series in which multicell converters are modelled for the general case of p-cells. This paper focuses on the development of the natural balancing theory for the two-cell case. An understanding of the two-cell case is fundamental to understanding the general balancing theory. The switching functions used in switching these converters are mathematically analyzed. Equivalent circuits are derived and presented. The switching and balancing properties of these converters are mathematically analyzed. The main conclusion of the analysis is that the natural balancing of these converters are influenced by three factors namely, the harmonic content of the reference waveform, the switching frequency and the load impedance. Mathematical tools are presented that can help designers to predict if balancing problems would occur for a particular set of operating conditions. As a result of the detailed understanding of the balancing mechanism that is gained through this theory it is shown that by adding a balance booster, the load impedance can be manipulated to improve the natural balancing of the converter. Simulation results are included to verify the presented balance theory and properties. Index Terms--Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), p-cells.

A fixed switching frequency scheme for finite-control-set model predictive control is presented to achieve an output waveform quality that compares well to that of a pulse-width-modulator-based linear controller, while retaining the benefits of model predictive control. The controller is divided into two parts: the offline calculation and storage of the coefficients of the prediction equations and the online evaluation of the controller. The controller is experimentally evaluated on a five-level flying-capacitor converter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]