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Abstract This paper presents the theoretical development and performance of novel Input–Output Linearization (IOL) AC voltage controllers applied to Dynamic Voltage Restorers (DVR) with Flywheel Energy Storage (FES). IOL performance is compared to decoupled proportional integral (PI) controllers, both relying on a backward Euler predictive current controlled AC–AC matrix converter. The critical load AC decoupled voltage control using IOL or PI is detailed as well as the backward Euler predictive current control. The matrix input and output current tracking control uses a backward Euler predictive current control minimizing a weighted cost functional. The stable backward Euler matrix vector estimation enables the AC–AC matrix to perform as a current tracking converter. Experimental results are obtained using a laboratory level DVR fitted with FES device made from a vertical axis rotating seamless steel hollow cylinder (flywheel) storing kinetic energy. The flywheel is coupled to a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) motor/generator, which is driven by the AC–AC matrix converter. The DVR was tested to mitigate voltage sags in isolated neutral critical loads, using IOL and PI controllers. The DVR is able to compensate the critical load voltage without noticeable delays, voltage undershoots or overshoots, overcoming the input/output coupling problem of matrix converters. IOL controller proves to be faster and more aggressive than the PI controller, which is softer introducing less voltage distortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses a novel methodology to increase the voltage droop compensation range in generalized solid-state bipolar high-voltage Marx modulators with one resonant stage. To maintain the modularity characteristic of bipolar Marx modulators, the imbedding of additional resonant stages is not straightforward. Nevertheless, this paper proposes to add a second resonant stage to the already existing resonant-type voltage droop compensation stage. This second stage increases the voltage droop compensation percentage of a generalized solid-state bipolar Marx generator. The compensation of the bipolar pulse voltage droop is now achieved by adding two auxiliary synchronous compensation resonant voltages, to the output capacitive decaying voltage. Simulation and experimental results are presented for six Marx plus two resonant stages, 16% voltage droop, with 3-kV pulse amplitude, 100- $\mu \text{s}$ pulsewidth, 40-ms relaxation time, and 10-Hz pulse repetition rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the effect of stray capacitances in bipolar (negative and/or positive) pulses generated by the two different topologies of the solid-state Marx modulators. According to the analysis, the stray capacitances influence the energy transfer from the Marx modulator capacitors to the load affecting the bipolar (negative and/or positive) pulse rise time. This paper deals with the structure design to reduce the influence of the stray capacitance and to improve the pulse rise time of these bipolar solid-state Marx modulators. A four-stage laboratory prototype of the two topologies has been assembled using 1200-V insulated gate bipolar transistors and diodes, operating with 1000-V dc input voltage and 1-kHz frequency, producing 4-kV bipolar pulses, with 5- \mu \texts pulse duration and 120-ns rise time, into a resistive load. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two solid-state bipolar Marx modulators are analyzed and compared regarding hold-off semiconductor voltages and open-fault tolerance capability. Normal and abnormal operating conditions are considered, such as switch synchronization mismatches, failures, and open faults. Ten-stage laboratory prototypes of two bipolar Marx modulators have been assembled using 1200-V insulated gate bipolar transistors and matching diodes, to operate at 500-V dc input voltage. Outputs are 4-kV bipolar pulses, 1% duty ratio, into resistive loads, and 1-kHz frequency. Lack of synchronization and open-fault tests confirm that only topologies with redundant switches can operate without semiconductors being subjected to double hold-off voltages while presenting current paths to clear faults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents generalized dynamic models for Marx derived multilevel half-bridge bipolar modulators. This high-voltage topology uses modular Marx multilevel converter diode ( \textM^\mathrm 3 CD) cells to generate positive and negative (bipolar) pulses or unipolar (positive or negative voltage pulses). The developed models are tested in transient studies of pulse voltages and currents in the load. Simulation and experimental results are presented and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a novel technique for the voltage droop compensation of long pulses in solid-state bipolar high-voltage Marx generators. Considering the modularity of Marx generators the compensation consists in adding one extra stage to perform as a pulsewidth modulation circuit. This stage voltage is added to the output positive or negative pulses, and an output LfCf filter is included to smooth the voltage pulse waveform. A five-stage laboratory prototype of this circuit has been assembled using 1200-V Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors and diodes with 1000-V dc input voltage. The circuit was operated at 50-Hz bipolar pulse rate, giving 4-kV bipolar pulses, into a resistive load, with 100- \mu \texts pulsewidth and 9.5-ms relaxation time. The circuit was able to compensate 10% of bipolar pulse voltage droop. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper shows how to use modular Marx multilevel converter diode ( \textM^3 CD) modules to apply unipolar or bipolar high-voltage pulses for pulsed power applications. The \textM^3 CD cells allow the assembly of a multilevel converter without needing complex algorithms and parameter measurement to balance the capacitor voltages. This paper also explains how to supply all the modular cells in order to ensure galvanic isolation between control circuits and power circuits. The experimental results for a generator with seven levels, and unipolar and bipolar pulses into resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work introduces modified backstepping methods to design controllers for neutral point clamped (NPC) converters interfacing a DC/AC microgrid. The modified backstepping controllers are derived from a proper converter model, represented in dq coordinates, and are designed to regulate the DC voltage and to balance the two NPC converter DC capacitor voltages through a DC offset in the sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) carriers. The averaged and separated dynamics backstepping controllers also enforce nearly sinusoidal AC currents at a given power factor. The two proposed NPC converter controllers are evaluated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations and experimental implementation using a laboratory prototype. Simulations and experimental results show that the two modified backstepping controllers regulate the microgrid DC voltage in steady state and in transient operation, even with load disturbances or DC voltage reference changes, while enforcing nearly AC sinusoidal currents at a given power factor or injected reactive power. The modified backstepping-controlled NPC converter is bidirectional, converting energy from DC renewable energy sources or storage systems to AC or charging storage systems from AC. The results also highlight the effective balancing of the NPC DC capacitor voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilevel converters are attractive for unified power-flow controller (UPFC) applications, due to their high-voltage and power capability. Among multilevel topologies, the three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) converter allows back-to-back connection as the UPFC shunt and series converters. Besides the pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) multilevel control schemes, UPFCs require constant dc-link voltage and balanced voltages in the NPC multilevel dc capacitors. This paper proposes three main contributions to increase the dc-link voltage steadiness of multilevel UPFCs under line faults: 1) decoupled active and reactive linear power controllers; 2) real-time PWM generation; and 3) double balancing of dc capacitor voltages. A case study using part of the Portuguese transmission network is presented. The results show the effectiveness of the real-time PWM generation and dc-link capacitor voltages balancing included in NPC series and shunt converters to keep the dc-link voltage steadiness under line faults, overall enhancing the UPFC ride-through capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design and compares the performance of linear, decoupled and direct power controllers (DPC) for three-phase matrix converters operating as unified power flow controllers (UPFC). A simplified steady-state model of the matrix converter-based UPFC fitted with a modified Venturini high-frequency pulse width modulator is first used to design the linear controllers for the transmission line active (P) and reactive (Q) powers. In order to minimize the resulting cross coupling between P and Q power controllers, decoupled linear controllers (DLC) are synthesized using inverse dynamics linearization. DPC are then developed using sliding-mode control techniques, in order to guarantee both robustness and decoupled control. The designed P and Q power controllers are compared using simulations and experimental results. Linear controllers show acceptable steady-state behavior but still exhibit coupling between P and Q powers in transient operation. DLC are free from cross coupling but are parameter sensitive. Results obtained by DPC show decoupled power control with zero error tracking and faster responses with no overshoot and no steady-state error. All the designed controllers were implemented using the same digital signal processing hardware. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high-processing-capability microprocessors allows the implementation of new digital control methods for neutral-point-clamped (NPC) multilevel converter in power-electronic applications. This paper presents a new predictive digital control method for multilevel converters, called “fast predictive.” This method computes the optimal vector using the NPC three-phase multilevel dynamic model equations just once in each control cycle, while current predictive methods need 27 calculations. The closest vector to the optimal vector is found by minimizing the distance between each one of the 27 available vectors to the optimal vector. Space vector modulation could be also used. The obtained performance is similar to the predictive optimal control that uses the converter model to find all the 27 responses of the multilevel and then searches for the vector that minimizes control errors. Relative to predictive optimal control, the fast predictive improves digital processing speed by at least 150% in multilevel converters with 27 vectors. This speed improvement would allow multilevel converters with five or higher number of levels (125 instead of 27 vectors) to be controlled using the same sampling frequency of the three-level inverter. The fast-predictive controller is used in a multilevel rectifier with near-unity power factor to enforce the ac currents. Fast predictive control is also used in the rectifier dc voltage to reduce sensitivity of the dc voltage to dc load disturbances. The simulation and experimental results show that the fast-predictive controller is able to control the ac currents of a three-phase multilevel rectifier, achieving nearly 1.5% total harmonic distortion while balancing the capacitors' dc voltages. The use of predictive control to regulate the dc voltage shows an improvement of approximately 7% compared to a proportional-integral controller. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a direct power control (DPC) for three-phase matrix converters operating as unified power flow controllers (UPFCs). Matrix converters (MCs) allow the direct ac/ac power conversion without dc energy storage links; therefore, the MC-based UPFC (MC-UPFC) has reduced volume and cost, reduced capacitor power losses, together with higher reliability. Theoretical principles of direct power control (DPC) based on sliding mode control techniques are established for an MC-UPFC dynamic model including the input filter. As a result, line active and reactive power, together with ac supply reactive power, can be directly controlled by selecting an appropriate matrix converter switching state guaranteeing good steady-state and dynamic responses. Experimental results of DPC controllers for MC-UPFC show decoupled active and reactive power control, zero steady-state tracking error, and fast response times. Compared to an MC-UPFC using active and reactive power linear controllers based on a modified Venturini high-frequency PWM modulator, the experimental results of the advanced DPC-MC guarantee faster responses without overshoot and no steady-state error, presenting no cross-coupling in dynamic and steady-state responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an optimal predictive controller for a multilevel converter-based dynamic voltage restorer (DVR), which is able to improve the voltage quality of sensitive loads connected to the electrical power network. The optimal predictive controlled multilevel DVR can restore sags and short interruptions while reducing the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the ac line voltages to values lower than 1%. The DVR is based on a three-phase neutral point clamped converter to dynamically inject a compensation voltage vector in series with the line voltage, through series-connected transformer secondary windings. To assure high-quality voltages for sensitive loads, we devise optimal predictive control laws for the injected compensation ac voltages. A suitable quadratic weighed cost functional is used to choose the voltage vector, minimizing both the ac voltage errors through current injection and the dc side capacitor voltage unbalancing. The performance of the proposed predictive controller is compared to classical proportional integral (PI): synchronous frame and stationary frame (P+resonant) controllers. The line-side filter capacitor topology is compared to the regular converter-side filter capacitor. Obtained experimental results show that the ac voltages are almost sinusoidal in steady-state operation when facing balanced and unbalanced sags and short interruptions with unbalanced loads. Voltage THD is reduced to values lower than 1%; the DVR is behaving also as a series active power filter for the ac voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new circuit topology is proposed to replace the actual pulse transformer and thyratron based resonant modulator that supplies the 60 kV target potential for the ion acceleration of the On-Line Isotope Mass Separator accelerator, the stability of which is critical for the mass resolution downstream separator, at the European Organization for Nuclear Research. The improved modulator uses two solid-state switches working together, each one based on the Marx generator concept, operating as series and parallel switches, reducing the stress on the series stacked semiconductors, and also as auxiliary pulse generator in order to fulfill the target requirements. Preliminary results of a 10 kV prototype, using 1200 V insulated gate bipolar transistors and capacitors in the solid-state Marx circuits, ten stages each, with an electrical equivalent circuit of the target, are presented, demonstrating both the improved voltage stability and pulse flexibility potential wanted for this new modulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss and compare modified flyback and forward switching power converter topologies in applications needing repetitive high-voltage (HV) low duty-cycle rectangular unipolar pulses. The output filters of these two converter topologies are removed, and the needed low duty-cycle operation is used advantageously to generate several kilovolts of pulses using only low-voltage seriesless semiconductors. The two circuits proposed are based on step-up transformers with a constant flux reset clamp that uses the low duty cycle required to reduce the voltage stress on all semiconductor switches. Prototypes were assembled using < 1-kV semiconductor switches to obtain -5-kV output pulses with 5-µs pulsewidth and 10-kHz pulse frequency. Experimental results are presented and discussed. The forward topology was found to be a better choice to deliver HV low duty-cycle unipolar rectangular pulses, and it was tested in a plasma load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compares the performance of constant-frequency sliding-mode and linear proportional integral cascade controllers for 12-pulse thyristor rectifiers. Nonlinear theoretical frame for solving the control problem of power rectifiers; Elimination of the steady-state errors by using a higher order switching function; Minimization of the response time.

We report the temporal evolution of the excess brightness temperature ΔTb above solar active regions (ARs) observed with the Solar Submillimeter Telescope (SST) at 212 (λ = 1.4 mm) and 405 GHz (λ = 0.7 mm) during Cycles 23 and 24. Comparison with the sunspot number (SSN) yields a Pearson's correlation coefficient R = 0.88 and 0.74 for 212 and 405 GHz, respectively. Moreover, when only Cycle 24 is taken into account the correlation coefficients go to 0.93 and 0.81 for each frequency. We derive the spectral index α between SST frequencies and find a slight anticorrelation with the SSN (R = −0.25); however, since the amplitude of the variation is lower than the standard deviation we cannot draw a definite conclusion. Indeed, α remains almost constant within the uncertainties with a median value of ≈0 characteristic of an optically thick thermal source. Since the origin of the AR submillimeter radiation is thermal continuum produced at chromospheric heights, the strong correlation between ΔTb and the magnetic cycle evolution could be related to the available free magnetic energy to be released in reconnection events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a solid-state asymmetric bridge resonant topology to increase the energy efficiency of switching pulse modulators. The solid-state resonant topology will replace an existing pulse transformer and thyratron-based resonant modulator to supply the 60-kV target potential for the ion acceleration of the On-Line Isotope Mass Separator ISOLDE accelerator. An experimental prototype is tested in order to validate the proposed concept, including a low auxiliary voltage power supply to compensate the losses in the circuit. The design of the circuit components and the experimental results for a 6-kV prototype are presented and discussed, as well as the design procedure and parameters for the 60-kV modulator, including a high-voltage gapped coil core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a multilevel inverter based on three-phase H-bridge inverters for an open-end winding induction motor drive is presented and its fault-tolerance capability is investigated. The multilevel topology is obtained using three wye-connected three-phase H-bridge inverters to supply open-end winding induction motors. This topology has the ability to extend the maximum voltage applied to the motor windings up to two times the dc supply voltage of the three-phase inverters. For a given induction motor voltage, the topology allows the use of dc sources with a lower voltage rating. Consequently, faster power semiconductors can be used. This multilevel topology can be directly controlled by modifying known modulation concepts, such as sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM). In this study, two sinusoidal PWM modulation techniques will be implemented: the level-shifted carriers (phase disposition) and the phase-shifted modulator. Fault-tolerant operation under an open-switch fault without adding any extra components and without changing the modulation strategy is also proposed, adding fault-tolerant capability to the new topology. Experimental results of this multilevel inverter in normal operation and in fault tolerant mode are presented. The obtained results confirm the fault effectiveness of the proposed multilevel topology. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Backstepping controllers are obtained for distributed hybrid photovoltaic (PV) power supplies of telecommunication equipment. Grid-connected PV-based power supply units may contain dc–dc buck–boost converters linked to single-phase inverters. This distributed energy resource operated within the self-consumption concept can aid in the peak-shaving strategy of ac smart grids. New backstepping control laws are obtained for the single-phase inverter and for the buck–boost converter feeding a telecom equipment/battery while sourcing the PV excess power to the smart grid or to grid supply the telecom system. The backstepping approach is robust and able to cope with the grid nonlinearity and uncertainties providing dc input current and voltage controllers for the buck–boost converter to track the PV panel maximum power point, regulating the PV output dc voltage to extract maximum power; unity power factor sinusoidal ac smart grid inverter currents and constant dc-link voltages suited for telecom equipment; and inverter bidirectional power transfer. Experimental results are obtained from a lab setup controlled by one inexpensive dsPIC running the sampling, the backstepping and modulator algorithms. Results show the controllers guarantee maximum power transfer to the telecom equipment/ac grid, ensuring steady dc-link voltage while absorbing/injecting low harmonic distortion current into the smart grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new power electronic topology for a STATCOM allowing the generation of multilevel AC voltages. This topology is characterized by a modular configuration since it uses two well known four-leg two-level voltage source inverters. A Scott transformer with multiple secondary windings connects the two four-leg inverters to the grid. One of the important features of the proposed power topology is the capability to generate AC voltages with high number of levels, in spite of using only two four-leg two-level voltage source inverters. To maximize the number of voltage levels a geometric progression ratio of 3 between the windings of the transformers connected in cascade is proposed. However, to reduce the turns-ratio span, alternatively a fractional geometric ratio of 1.5 is also proposed and analyzed. A control strategy adapted to the proposed power converter topology is also presented. Besides the control of the reactive power the regulation of the four-leg inverter DC voltage will also be considered. To support the theoretical studies and assumptions, simulations and experiments are presented. Experimental results were obtained using a low power laboratory prototype. The results shown give evidence to the characteristics and features of the proposed power converter topology and control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Voltage source multilevel power converter structures are being considered for high power high voltage applications where they have well known advantages. Recently, full back-to-back connected multilevel neutral diode clamped converters (NPC) have been used in high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. Bipolar back-to-back connection of NPCs have advantages in long distance HVDC transmission systems, but highly increased difficulties to balance the dc capacitor voltage dividers on both sending and receiving end NPCs. This paper proposes a fast optimum-predictive controller to balance the dc capacitor voltages and to control the power flow in a long distance HVDC system using bipolar back-to-back connected NPCs. For both converter sides, the control strategy considers active and reactive power to establish ac grid currents on sending and receiving ends, while guaranteeing the balancing of both NPC dc bus capacitor voltages. Furthermore, the fast predictive controller minimizes the semiconductor switching frequency to reduce global switching losses. The performance and robustness of the new fast predictive control strategy and the associated dc capacitors voltage balancing are evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A generalized circuit topology for bipolar or unipolar high voltage repetitive pulse power applications is proposed. This circuit merges the negative and positive solid state Marx modulator concepts, which take advantage of the intensive use of semiconductor devices to increase the performance of the original dissipative Marx modulators. The flexibility of the proposed modular circuit enables the operation with negative and/or positive pulses, selectable duty cycles, frequencies and relaxation times between the positive and negative pulse. Additionally, the switching topology enables the discharge of the parasitic capacitances after each pulse, allowing the use of capacitive loads, and the clamping of inductive loads, recovering the reset energy back to the main capacitors. Analysis of efficiency and power loss will be addressed, as well as experimental details for different conditions based on laboratory prototype, with 1200 volt Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT), diodes, and 4.5 µF capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A generalized circuit topology for bipolar or unipolar high voltage repetitive pulse power applications is proposed. This circuit merges the negative and positive solid state Marx modulator concepts, which take advantage of the intensive use of semiconductor devices to increase the performance of the original dissipative Marx modulators. The flexibility of the proposed modular circuit enables the operation with negative and/or positive pulses, selectable duty cycles, frequencies and relaxation times between the positive and negative pulse. Additionally, the switching topology enables the discharge of the parasitic capacitances after each pulse, allowing the use of capacitive loads, and the clamping of inductive loads, recovering the reset energy back to the main capacitors. Analysis of efficiency and power loss will be addressed, as well as experimental details for different conditions based on laboratory prototype, with 1200 volt insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT), diodes, and 4.5 μF capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a methodology to reduce total harmonic distortion (THD) in digital audio power amplifiers, using two new approaches: 1) a multilevel converter made of two cascaded full-bridges, with suitable power supplies to operate as a nine-level hybrid type converter and 2) a new pulsewidth modulation (PWM) technique called narrow pulse elimination (NPE) PWM. The proposed nine-level converter uses only eight MOSFETs. Unlike conventional PWM, the NPE PWM does not generate excessively narrow pulses, so that power semiconductors nonideal delays and switching times are still negligible. Therefore, the nine-level output voltage THD, mostly introduced in the power stage, is strongly reduced. With the NPE technique, the resolution of the generated PWM is no longer limited by the switching speed of the output switches, but only by the frequency of digital processing circuit. Simulation and experimental results from a laboratory prototype are presented in order to show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is proposed in which a new modular structure with conventional three-phase voltage source inverters is used to multilevel operation. The inverters are connected to a transformer in an open-end winding configuration and with three independent DC links. In this structure, the inverters will be connected in a cascade configuration. Besides the multilevel operation, the system is also characterized by low required blocking voltages for switch ratings, since the proposed STATCOM can apply the double of the DC capacitor voltage to the transformer windings. The development of the control system for the proposed topology is also presented. The operation of the proposed topology and the performance of the developed control system will be tested through several simulation and experimental tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a matrix converter-based active distribution transformer (MC-ADT) with enhanced control functionalities to be used in smart grids (SG). The proposed MC-ADT uses a matrix converter (MC) connected to a transformer inserted in series with the grid, and allows: 1) real-time voltage regulation of the low-voltage side of the MC-ADT, based on an adjustable reference value defined by the SG requirements and bounded by the standard values; 2) capability to regulate the LV grid voltage even in case of sags, voltage rises, and overvoltages in the transformer medium-voltage side; and 3) contribution to power factor correction in the MV side. The MC-ADT grid voltage regulators are synthesized, establishing the MC reference currents. To guarantee the tracking of the MC input and output reference currents, the space vector representation, together with sliding-mode direct control techniques, are used. The obtained experimental and simulation results show that the proposed system is able to regulate the LV grid voltages even for sags and overvoltages up to 20% in the MV side, and contributes to power factor correction in MV, while presenting fast dynamic response, without overshoot and almost zero steady-state error. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]