Stabilizing control method for suppressing oscillations ofinduction motors driven by PWM inverters

A novel control method that suppresses oscillations generated when an induction motor is driven by PWM (pulse width modulated) inverters is described. The suppression is done by keeping the power direction constant throughout the period of oscillation of the negative current component of the inverter input current. This period is determined only by the frequency of the PWM signals. Because it is not affected by motor parameters, such as the number of poles or motor capacity, the gains of the regulator in the control system do not have to be adjusted, even if this method is applied to various kinds of induction motor drive systems. Experiments have proven that oscillations can be suppressed regardless of the motor type or speed. This stabilizing control is suitable for general-purpose inverters that drive various types of motors     

Input characteristics of variable modulation index controlled current source inverters

Standard PWM current source inverters (CSIs) usually operate at fixed modulation index. The proposed modified current source inverter (MCSI) can operate with most pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques and with a variable modulation index, since the DC link inductor current freewheels on itself and not through the CSI. The use of variable modulation index control results in faster response times with no penalty on input power factor as compared to other variable modulation index schemes. This paper confirms this by investigating the input characteristics of the MCSI as seen from the AC mains. The quality of the input AC line currents is examined, and a design procedure for the input filters is given. Power factor and efficiency are discussed. Results are compared to those of other current source inverter topologies. Experimental results obtained from a 5 kVA converter confirm the theoretical considerations.<>     

High-power CSI-fed induction motor drive with optimal power distribution based control

In this article, a current source inverter (CSI) fed induction motor drive with an optimal power distribution control is proposed for high-power applications. The CSI-fed drive is configured with a six-step CSI along with a pulsewidth modulated voltage source inverter (PWM–VSI) and capacitors. Due to the PWM–VSI and the capacitor, sinusoidal motor currents and voltages with high quality as well as natural commutation of the six-step CSI can be obtained. Since this CSI-fed drive can deliver required output power through both the six-step CSI and PWM–VSI, this article shows that the kVA ratings of both the inverters can be reduced by proper real power distribution. The optimal power distribution under load requirements, based on power flow modelling of the CSI-fed drive, is proposed to not only minimise the PWM–VSI rating but also reduce the six-step CSI rating. The dc-link current control of the six-step CSI is developed to realise the optimal power distribution. Furthermore, a vector controlled drive for high-power induction motors is proposed based on the optimal power distribution. Experimental results verify the high-power CSI-fed drive with the optimal power distribution control.     

Analysis of Output Current Ripple rms in Multiphase Drives Using Space Vector Approach

Multiphase variable-speed drives, supplied from two-level voltage source inverters (VSIs), are nowadays considered for various industrial applications. Although numerous pulsewidth modulation (PWM) schemes for multiphase VSIs, aimed at sinusoidal output voltage generation, have been developed, no detailed analysis of the impact of these modulation schemes on the output current ripple has ever been reported. This paper presents a comprehensive analytical analysis and comparison of the output current ripple caused by the application of three different continuous PWM schemes, using a five-phase VSI as an example. Main properties of sinusoidal PWM, fifth harmonic injection PWM, and space vector PWM are elaborated and analyzed using the harmonic flux concept. Space vector theory is applied in the analysis. As a result, harmonic distortion factors are obtained for each PWM scheme. Theoretical considerations are verified by simulations and experimental investigation using a custom-designed five-phase VSI-fed induction motor drive.      

Fuzzy-tuning current-vector control of a three-phase PWM inverterfor high-performance AC drives

This paper proposes a new discrete fuzzy-tuning current-vector control (FTC) scheme for three-phase pulsewidth modulation (PWM) inverters. The proposed current control scheme can achieve fast transient responses and, at the same time, have very low total harmonic distortion in output current during steady-state operation. The proposed FTC scheme generates quasi-optimum PWM patterns by using a closed-loop control technique with instantaneous current feedback. The proposed FTC scheme has been realized using a single-chip digital signal processor (TMS320C14) from Texas Instruments. Experimental results are given to verify the proposed fuzzy-tuning current control strategy for three-phase PWM inverters     

Prediction of 2-level PWM inverter efficiency using MATLAB/Simulink

This article proposes a direct approach for the prediction of inverter efficiency using MATLAB/Simulink, instead of an indirect loss calculation approach based on analytical models. In analytical approach, efficiency is obtained by calculating individual losses separately, such as switching losses, conduction losses and harmonic losses using analytical models. However, this approach requires accurate analytical models and complicated calculations, due to the variation in the switching frequency, switching transient and modulation techniques. In the proposed approach, the actual waveform of the inverter system is directly generated using MATLAB/Simulink. The instantaneous voltage and current waveform including switching transients are generated. Thus, the proposed approach is very simple and convenient for efficiency prediction. The proposed approach also works for any system parameters or control methods, such as various pulse-width modulation (PWM) techniques, different switching frequencies, switching devices and load types. The proposed approach can be adopted for the efficiency prediction of any switching strategies and any types of inverters such as neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverters, H bridge inverters and H5 topology, since the topologies are modelled as circuits in the MATLAB/Simulink program and no analytical model is required for the proposed approach. Furthermore, the proposed approach can provide operation techniques and conditions such as PWM techniques and switching frequency that offer high efficiency. In this article, inverter performance is evaluated for various PWM techniques and switching frequencies. The PWM technique and switching frequency that offer high efficiency is obtained. Finally, the proposed approach is verified by experimental results.     

On Inverter Circuits with Least Trapped Energy

Trapped energy in the commutation circuits has several adverse effects on the overall performance and cost of the inverter. In this paper, the influence of trapped energy on the inverter performance is thoroughly discussed. Two auxiliary impulse commutated inverters (one of current cummutation type and the other of voltage commutation type) are described and their performances are compared with those of the well-known modified McMurray (current commutation) inverter and the McMurray-Bedford (voltage commutation) inverter. Both the commutation circuits described in this paper have ideally zero trapped energy. Expressions for various parameters are derived to discuss the advantages of these inverters over the conventional inverters. The advantages of these inverters with least trapped energy in pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter applications are examined. Prototype units have been built and test results are presented.     

Analysis and Simulation of a High Performance Quasi Resonant PWM Inverter for Solar Power Generation

A quasi resonant pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter is used in a solar power system to convert the solar panel and battery charger's direct current (DC) output to alternating current (AC). Although much has been published about DC to AC PWM inverters, none of the previous work has shown modeling and simulation results for DC to AC inverters. In this study, we suggest a new topology for a quasi resonant PWM inverter. Experimental results are also presented.     

On the compensation of dead time and zero-current crossing for a PWM-inverter-controlled AC servo drive

Conventional dead-time compensation methods, for pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) inverters, improve the current output waveforms; however, the zero-current crossing effect is still apparent. This letter proposes a new method, based on angle domain repetitive control, to reduce the distortions in the PWM inverters output waveforms caused by the dead time and the zero-crossing problem.     

Operation of PWM voltage source-inverters in the overmodulationregion

Pulse width modulated (PWM) inverters experience a reduction in gain when overmodulation occurs. The pulse dropping or transition region is examined for continuous and discontinuous modulation strategies. Transition region characteristics for a number of modulation strategies are introduced. The effect of the transition region on field oriented control (FOC) is presented. The adverse effects of bus disturbances on current regulated AC inverters, while in the transition region, are demonstrated by experimental results. The problems encountered are the consequence of the reduced gain of the PWM inverter regardless of the PWM strategy. A compensated modulation technique (CMT) adaptable to continuous and discontinuous modulators eliminates the voltage error and transitions to six-step operation without inducing a voltage transient. The CMT applies to voltage and current regulated PWM inverters employing most of the modern switching strategies. Experimental results presented in the paper demonstrate the CMT's smooth transition to six-step and the improved performance a CMT-PWM algorithm provides     

PWM methods to handle time delay in digital control of a UPS inverter

With the popularity of micro-processors, digital controllers are widely used in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) inverters. These digital control systems of UPS inverters require a time interval for sampling and computation, which sometimes affects the performance of inverters. In this paper, the problem of time delay in digital control of a UPS inverter is discussed. Then two novel pulsewidth modulation (PWM) methods, the two-polarity PWM method and the asymmetric PWM method, are proposed to handle the time-delay problem. Both of these PWM methods can achieve a wide range of duty ratio between 0.05-0.95, which is independent of inverter model. Furthermore, they are easy to implement using a digital micro-controller. Experimental results are presented in the paper to verify feasibility of the proposed PWM methods.     

Microprocessor Control of DC/AC Static Converters

Microprocessor control of power electronic systems offers the possibility of improvements in reliability, maintenance and servicing, and increased control flexibility. This paper describes several pulsewidth modulation (PWM) waveforms where a predetermined number of unwanted harmonics can be canceled. The advantages and disadvantages of the different methods of delaying the signals in small microprocessor controlled PWM inverter drive systems are considered. Several examples of single-phase and three-phase PWM inverters, with the laws which govern the commutation angles, output waveforms, and their respective frequency spectra are presented.     

Direct self-control and synchronous pulse techniques for high-power traction inverters in comparison

High-power inverters for traction drives employ in the upper range of stator frequency special pulse control methods, optimized synchronous pulsewidth modulation (PWM), mainly in combination with rotor-flux-oriented control schemes, and direct self-control (DSC) which encompasses motor control and pulse pattern generation. The well-known symmetrized sinusoidal PWM is only to be used in the lower speed range. This paper presents and compares exemplarily the stationary behavior of these two control methods; criteria are inverter peak current, motor harmonic losses, torque ripple, and DC-link harmonics. For these low switching frequencies DSC shows, in spite of its simplicity, a very good overall performance, mainly by avoiding the imperfect use of switching frequency by the synchronous pulse patterns.     

Generalized techniques of selective harmonic elimination andcurrent control in current source inverters/converters

This paper presents generalized techniques for realizing PWM patterns which provide selective harmonic elimination and current magnitude modulation (SHEM) for current source inverters/power converters (CSI/C). A combination of chops and short circuit pulses are positioned in such a way that lower order harmonics are eliminated selectively besides current magnitude modulation with minimum switching frequency. Generalized equations and tables which show the relationship of various PWM-SHEM parameters to the position of short circuit pulses and the number of chops per 30° are provided and discussed in detail     

Multicarrier PWM strategies for multilevel inverters

Analytical solutions of pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) strategies for multilevel inverters are used to identify that alternative phase opposition disposition PWM for diode-clamped inverters produces the same harmonic performance as phase-shifted carrier PWM for cascaded inverters, and hybrid PWM for hybrid inverters, when the carrier frequencies are set to achieve the same number of inverter switch transitions over each fundamental cycle. Using this understanding, a PWM method is then developed for cascaded and hybrid inverters to achieve the same harmonic gains as phase disposition PWM achieves for diode-clamped inverters. Theoretical and experimental results are presented in the paper.     

Phase-Shifted Carrier PWM Technique for General Cascaded Inverters

Phase-shifted carrier (PSC) pulsewidth modulation (PWM) in its conventional form is a good solution for single-phase Cascaded inverters as alternative phase opposition disposition (APOD) PWM for single-phase diode clamped inverters. PSC distributes the switching angles of APOD PWM waveform among the legs uniformly and reduces the switching frequency of each leg. This paper proposes a modified PSC technique based on partly shifted carriers for all disposition types including phase disposition (PD) which is suitable for three-phase cascaded inverters. Simulation results are also included for using carrier-based space-vector PWM (SVPWM).     

Voltage Injection Method for Three-Phase Current Reconstruction in PWM Inverters Using a Single Sensor

This paper presents a voltage injection method for reconstructing phase currents from current signals measured on single current-shunt circuits with cost-effective and high-performance configurations in the pulsewidth modulation (PWM) inverters that are used for digital appliances. This method involves the injection of voltage signals at the carrier frequency for reconstructing the phase currents in PWM inverters using a single current sensor in the DC-link. It uses minimum signals to reduce the voltage and current harmonics caused by the injected signals. The vector of the injected voltage is at a minimum distance from the original reference to ensure the measurement time in the reconstruction of the phase currents. An injection sequence control method is also proposed to avoid an abrupt change in the injection signals. A PWM scheme for splitting phase voltages is proposed to reduce any audible noise, especially in low-speed operation. The proposed method reconstructs the phase currents with signals from a single current sensor and minimizes the amplitude of the injected signals to reduce the harmonics at audible noise frequencies in the injection signals. Experimental results showed the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

An advanced permanent magnet motor drive system for battery-poweredelectric vehicles

Availability of high-energy neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) permanent magnet (PM) material has focused attention on the use of the PM synchronous motor (PMSM) drive for electric vehicles (EVs). A new Nd-Fe-B PMSM is proposed for the drive system, which possesses high power density and high efficiency, resulting in greater energy and space savings. The design and optimization of the motor employs finite element analysis and computer graphics. Increasingly, a new PWM inverter algorithm is developed for the drive system, which can handle the nonconstant battery voltage source. An efficiency optimizing control is adopted to further improve the energy utilization of the drive system. Both the control strategy and the PWM generation are implemented in a single-chip microcontroller. As a result, the motor drive achieves high power density, high efficiency, and compactness. A prototype of the 3.2 kW battery-powered drive system has been designed and built for an experimental mini-EV     

An induction motor drive using an improved high frequency resonantDC link invertor

An induction motor drive that uses an improved high-frequency resonant DC link inverter is presented. The resonant circuit was systematically analyzed first to establish the criteria for initial current selection, and a circuit to establish the bidirectional initial current was then proposed. The proposed current initialization scheme solves voltage overshoot and zero crossing failure problems in the ordinary resonant DC link inverters. A three-phase 3 kW insulated-gate-bipolar-transistor (IGBT) based 60 kHz resonant link inverter has been constructed and successfully tested with an induction motor drive. The speed control system is implemented using two microprocessors. Experimental results are presented to show superior operation of the proposed resonant DC link inverter drive     

A rugged soft commutated PWM inverter for AC drives

A novel DC-DC power converter for variable-speed AC power drives using the zero-voltage switching technique is described. This converter combines the advantages of soft commutated inverters and those of conventional pulsewidth modulated (PWM) inverters. In the proposed scheme, the soft commutation reduces the constraints on the switches, and the PWM enables simple and efficient regulation of the power flow. Furthermore, the zero-voltage switching technique makes operation safe, and the switching of bipolar transistors at 20 kHz is easily achieved without compromising the efficiency of the system