A 21‐level (line‐to‐line) BTB system based on series connection of 16 converter cells. Experimental verification by a 200‐V, 20‐kW laboratory system

A 21‐level (line‐to‐line) self‐commutated BTB (Back‐To‐Back) system based on series connection of 16 converter cells has attractive features as follows: (i) Both active and reactive powers can be controlled independently even in transient states. (ii) The BTB system produces almost sinusoidal voltage at the AC side without performing PWM (Pulse‐Width‐Modulation) control, so that no harmonic filter is required. (iii) The BTB system provides an active power reason as high as 3 ms. This paper presents experimental verifications of the self‐commutated BTB system intended for achieving power flow control in transmission systems. Experimental results obtained by a 200‐V, 20‐kW laboratory prototype confirm effectiveness and validity of both the system configuration and the developed control strategy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 160(1): 61– 70, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20324     

A three‐phase voltage‐source PWM inverter system characterized by sinusoidal output voltage with neither common‐mode voltage nor normal‐mode voltage

This paper deals with an inverter system integrating a small‐rated passive EMI filter with a three‐phase voltage‐source PWM inverter. The purpose of the EMI filter is to eliminate both common‐mode and normal‐mode voltages from the output voltage of the inverter. The motivation of this research is based on the well‐known fact that the higher the carrier or switching frequency, the smaller and the more effective the EMI filter. An experimental system consisting of a 5‐kVA inverter, a 3.7‐kW induction motor, and a specially designed passive EMI filter was constructed to verify the viability and effectiveness of the EMI filter. As a result, it is shown experimentally that both three‐phase line‐to‐line and line‐to‐neutral output voltages look purely sinusoidal as if the inverter system were an ideal variable‐voltage, variable‐frequency power supply when viewed from the motor terminals. This results in complete solution of serious issues related to common‐mode and normal‐mode voltages produced by the inverter. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 145(4): 88–96, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.10206     

Feasible enhancement of a three‐phase soft‐switching inverter with an auxiliary resonant DC link snubber

The purpose of this paper is to improve power conversion efficiency of a three‐phase voltage source type soft‐switching inverter with a single auxiliary resonant DC link (ARDCL) snubber. First, the operating principle of an ARDCL snubber discussed here is described. Second, this paper proposes an effective pulse pattern generation method of the zero voltage space vector of the three‐phase soft‐switching inverter using IGBTs or power modules that can reduce power losses in the ARDCL snubber treated here. In particular, a zero voltage holding interval in the DC rail busline of this three‐phase soft‐switching inverter is to be regulated according to the generation method of the zero voltage space vector. Third, the maximum modulation depth M_max under the condition of correction of the instantaneous voltage space vector can be improved by using a new zero voltage space vector generation method. Finally, the feasible experimental results of this inverter are obtained confirming the operating characteristics such as power conversion actual efficiency, as well as conventional efficiency THD and RMS value of the balanced three‐phase output voltage for an experimentally built three‐phase voltage source type soft‐switching pulse modulated inverter using the latest IGBT modules and evaluated from the standpoint of practical applications in industry UPS and new energy systems. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 146(1): 89–99, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.10234     

Three‐phase immittance converter

The immittance converter has an input impedance that is proportional to the admittance of a load connected across its output terminals. In this converter, the output current is proportional to the input voltage and the input current is proportional to the output voltage. Consequently, a constant‐voltage source is converted into a constant‐current source and a constant‐current source into a constant‐voltage source. The immittance converters consisting of only passive elements (inductors L and capacitors C) are suitable for use in the high‐frequency links in power electronics applications. Previously, we proposed several types of immittance converters and some applications to power electronics equipment. In this paper, we propose a new three‐phase immittance converter consisting of three L and C elements each to obtain an alternating current source from a three‐phase voltage source without control. This paper presents a configuration of the new three‐phase immittance converter that operates in either anti‐phase or in‐phase modes between the input voltage and the output voltage, and its voltage–current conversion characteristics and efficiency characteristics. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 145(1): 52– 58, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.10169     

Development of equipment models for fast distribution three‐phase unbalanced load flow calculation

This paper presents distribution system equipment models for fast distribution three‐phase unbalanced load flow calculation. Recently, the number of distributed generators introduced into distribution systems has been increasing and detailed system analysis using load flow calculation has been eagerly awaited. Moreover, since many distribution system loads are composed of single phase loads, three‐phase unbalanced load flow calculation is required for the distribution system analysis. Although the fast distribution three‐phase unbalanced load flow calculation has been developed, equipment models considering interconnection of distributed generators have not as yet been developed in Japan. This paper develops practical equipment models such as various distributed generators, voltage control equipment, and loads for fast three‐phase unbalanced load flow calculation in distribution systems. The feasibility of the developed models is verified and demonstrated on practical distribution system models with promising results. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 142(3): 8–19, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.10106     

A sensorless drive system for brushless DC motors using a digital phase‐locked loop

This paper proposes a sensorless drive system for Brushless DC (BLDC) motors using a Digital Phase‐Locked Loop (DPLL). The Back Electromotive Force (BEMF) voltage is measured from the motor winding to determine the permanent magnet rotor position using the DPLL, and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) limits the motor current to control the speed of BLDC motors. The proposed method can drive BLDC motors using an open‐loop control without stepping out. Also, the proposed method is compared experimentally with a control method that uses Hall sensors. Experimental results for the BLDC motor show the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 142(1): 57–66, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.10074     

A novel prototype of auxiliary edge resonant bridge leg link snubber‐assisted soft‐switching sine‐wave PWM inverter

This paper proposes a new circuit topology of the three‐phase soft‐switching PWM inverter and PFC converter using IGBT power modules, which has the improved active auxiliary switch and edge resonant bridge leg‐commutation‐link soft‐switching snubber circuit with pulse current regenerative feedback loop as compared with the typical auxiliary resonant pole snubber discussed previously. This three‐phase soft‐switching PWM double converter is more suitable and acceptable for a large‐capacity uninterruptible power supply, PFC converter, utility‐interactive bidirectional converter, and so forth. In this paper, the soft‐switching operation and optimum circuit design of the novel type active auxiliary edge resonant bridge leg commutation link snubber treated here are described for high‐power applications. Both the main active power switches and the auxiliary active power switches achieve soft switching under the principles of ZVS or ZCS in this three‐phase inverter switching. This three‐phase soft‐switching commutation scheme can effectively minimize the switching surge‐related electromagnetic noise and the switching power losses of the power semiconductor devices; IGBTs and modules used here. This three‐phase inverter and rectifier coupled double converter system does not need any sensing circuit and its peripheral logic control circuits to detect the voltage or the current and does not require any unwanted chemical electrolytic capacitor to make the neutral point of the DC power supply voltage source. The performances of this power conditioner are proved on the basis of the experimental and simulation results. Because the power semiconductor switches (IGBT module packages) have a trade‐off relation in the switching fall time and tail current interval characteristics as well as the conductive saturation voltage characteristics, this three‐phase soft‐switching PWM double converter can improve actual efficiency in the output power ranges with a trench gate controlled MOS power semiconductor device which is much improved regarding low saturation voltage. The effectiveness of this is verified from a practical point of view. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 155(4): 64–76, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20207     

Mitigation of third‐harmonic voltage for three‐phase four‐wire distribution system based on a series active filter for neutral conductor

This paper proposes a series active filter for mitigation of the third‐harmonic voltage in a three‐phase four‐wire power distribution system in a building. The active filter which consists of a single‐phase inverter can suppress the harmonic voltage of the system. The active filter is characterized by acting not only as a capacitor but also as a resistor for the third‐harmonic components. A Hilbert transformer is applied to the controller of the active filter in order to realize accurate third‐harmonic detection on a single‐phase active filter. Measurement results of harmonic distortion of source voltage in a building is also shown in this paper. It is clarified in a simulation and experiment that the active filter can suppress the third‐harmonic voltage without increasing neutral conductor current. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 150(1): 62–70, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.10379     

Design and implementation of a high‐efficiency bidirectional DC‐DC Converter for DC micro‐grid system applications

This paper studies the design and implementation of a non‐isolated dual‐half‐bridge bidirectional DC‐DC converter for DC micro‐grid system applications. High efficiency can be achieved under wide‐range load variations by the zero‐voltage‐switching features and an adaptive phase‐shift control method. A three‐stage charging scheme is designed to meet the fast‐charging demand and prolong the lifetime of LiFePO₄ batteries. A digital‐signal‐processing control IC is used to realize the power flow control, DC‐bus voltage regulation, and battery charging/ discharging of the studied bidirectional DC‐DC converter. Finally, a 10 kW prototype converter with Enhanced Controller Area Network communication function is built and tested for micro‐grid system applications. A light‐load efficiency over 96% and a rated‐load efficiency over 98% can be achieved. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fast‐scale instability in a PFC boost converter under average current‐mode control

This paper investigates the fast‐scale instability in a power‐factor‐correction (PFC) boost converter under a conventional average current‐mode control. The converter is operated in continuous mode. Computer simulations and theoretical analysis are performed to study the effects of the time‐varying input voltage under the variation of some chosen parameters on the qualitative behaviour of the system. It is found that fast‐scale instability may occur during a line cycle, which can cause distortion to the line current and degrade the practical power factor. The results provide useful information for the design of PFC boost converters to avoid distortion due to fast‐scale bifurcation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A 6.6‐kV transformerless STATCOM based on a five‐level diode‐clamped converter. Experiments using a three‐phase laboratory model rated at 200 V and 10 kVA

This paper discusses a 6.6‐kV transformerless STATCOM intended for installation on industrial and utility distribution systems in the near future. In addition, this paper provides experimental results obtained from a laboratory model rate at 200 V and 10 kVA. The authors propose such a control method as to superimpose a sixth harmonic zero‐sequence component on each of three‐phase voltage references. This helps to stabilize the voltage of the inner midpoint in the DC link. As a result, the laboratory model installs two bidirectional buck‐boost choppers on the DC link for the purpose of stabilizing the voltages of two outer midpoints. Experimental results obtained from the laboratory model verify the validity of the system design, giving promise of the viability of the 6.6‐kV transformerless STATCOM. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 168(2): 60–68, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20733     

Application of unified voltage analysis for high‐ and low‐voltage distribution systems by power flow calculation using indication method between nodes

It has been noted that the voltage of connection points rises according to the reverse power flow when grid‐connected photovoltaic systems are concentrated in distribution systems in residential areas. When this happens, the photovoltaic system may control the power generation output to maintain a suitable voltage for the connection point. Designing a demand area power system aiming at free access to a distributed power supply for energy‐effective practical use requires a precise understanding of this problem. When analyzing photovoltaic systems mainly connected to low‐voltage systems, we looked for a method of analysis in which the high‐voltage systems and the low‐voltage single‐phase three‐wire systems are unified. This report concerns use of the indication method between nodes using power flow calculation, for the purpose of developing a technique of analyzing unified high‐voltage systems and low‐voltage single‐phase three‐wire systems. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 147(3): 49–62, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.10255     

A new three‐input/output characteristic‐varying filter in the D‐module for direct processing of three‐phase signals

This paper proposes a new three‐input and three‐output characteristic‐varying filter in the D‐module for direct processing of three‐phase signals, which are becoming indispensable for effective active compensation of three‐phase power such as harmonics current, negative phase current, reactive power, and varying voltage compensations. The filter in the D‐module can show different filtering characteristics to positive, negative, and zero phase components of three‐phase signals and can allow direct processing of the signals based on frequency polarities. The filter in the D‐module can also change dynamically its filtering characteristics by simply injecting a shift‐signal to itself. These filtering effects are obtained in a very simple manner using the D‐module. A new unified analysis of attractive general characteristics of the proposed filter in the D‐module is given for its easy designs and realizations as well. Effectiveness of the analysis and usefulness of the filter in the D‐module are newly examined and confirmed through experiments. The newly proposed filter in the D‐module has potential regarding a variety of three‐phase signal filtering applications. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 145(1): 28–38, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.10170     

Experimental investigation of a speed‐sensor‐less IM drive system under Inverter fault‐tolerant control

This paper proposes an algorithm for fault tolerance of three‐phase, inverter‐fed, speed‐sensor‐less control of a three‐phase induction motor drive system. The fault tolerance of the inverter when one switch is open or one leg of six‐switch inverter is lost is considered. The control of the drive system is based on indirect rotor field‐oriented control theory. Also, the speed estimator is based on model reference adaptive system (using stator current and rotor flux as state variables for estimating the speed). The fault‐tolerant algorithm is able to adaptively change over from a six‐switch inverter to a four‐switch inverter topology when a fault occurs; also, it makes a smooth transition of the motor speed, torque, and current when changing over from a faulty condition to a new healthy status, which is four‐switch three‐phase inverter (FSTPI) topology; thus, the six‐switch three‐phase inverter (SSTPI) topology (pre‐fault status) is almost retained for the medium‐power range of induction motor applications. The proposed algorithm is simulated by using the MATLAB/SIMULINK package. Also, the proposed control system is tested experimentally using a digital signal processor (DSP1104). The obtained results from the simulation model and experimental system demonstrate the performance enhancement and good validity of the fault‐tolerance control for the speed‐sensor‐less induction motor drive system. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

gm‐Extraction for rail‐to‐rail input stage linearization

Transconductance of rail‐to‐rail input stages in low‐voltage operational amplifiers depends on the presence of a large common mode input signal. Corrections must be implemented in order to correct it. Nevertheless, techniques actually used, based on switching or feedforward, still give relevant deviation from the constant transconductance condition. In this paper we present a new architecture based on extraction and feedback to the gain control, directly of the value of the transconductance of the amplifier to be controlled. This quantity does not contain the signal to be amplified, and thus once fed back, it does not affect the overall stage gain. A ‘reciprocal’ circuit, which performs the 1/x mathematical function, is introduced in order to achieve this extraction. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improved control‐to‐output characteristics of a PWM buck‐boost converter

An indirect control variable for improving the control‐to‐output characteristics of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) buck‐boost converter is introduced in this letter. The voltage gain and the small‐signal model of the buck‐boost converter are reviewed. The actual voltage command at one input of the PWM comparator is from the proposed indirect control variable and the peak value of the high‐frequency PWM carrier. The resulted voltage gain function appears proportional to this indirect control command. Also the dependence of the DC gain of the control‐to‐output transfer function on the duty cycle is eliminated. Experimental results conform well to the theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A control method for small‐scale DC power systems including distributed generators

This paper describes a DC micro‐grid system interconnecting distributed power generators. The system consists of five generation and control units: a solar‐cell generation unit, a wind‐turbine generation unit, a battery energy‐storage unit, a flywheel power‐leveling unit, and an AC grid‐interconnecting power control unit. The control method is proposed for suppressing the circulating current by detecting only the DC grid voltage. This method brings high reliability, high flexibility, and maintenance‐free operation to the system. The method pays attention to DC output voltage performance of each unit. Each of the power control units and the energy‐storage unit is controlled to act as a voltage source with imaginary impedance. On the other hand, each of the two generation units is controlled to act as a current source. The power‐leveling unit is controlled to act as a current source having the function of frequency selectivity like a high‐pass filter. A 10‐kW prototype system verifies experimentally the validity and effectiveness of the proposed control method for the DC‐grid system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 167(2): 86–93, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20603     

Newly proposed hybrid resonant commutation bridge‐leg link snubber‐assisted three‐phase ZVZCS‐PWM soft‐switching inverter

This paper presents the newly proposed hybrid resonant commutation bridge‐leg link (HRCB) snubber circuit which can achieve zero voltage and zero current soft‐switching commutation for single‐phase and three‐phase voltage source‐type inverter, along with its unique features and operation principle. The circuit parameter design approach for the HRCB snubber circuit and the determination estimating scheme of the gate pulse timing processing which is more suitable and acceptable for single‐phase and space voltage vector modulated three‐phase voltage source inverter using the HRCB snubber circuit are described in this paper. In particular, the three‐phase voltage source soft‐switching inverter associated with the proposed HRCB circuits are evaluated and discussed from simulation and experimental viewpoints. The practical effectiveness of the HRCB snubber‐assisted three‐phase voltage source soft‐switching inverter using IGBT power modules which is based on the instantaneous space voltage vector modulation is clarified on the output voltage waveform, actual efficiency of electromagnetic noise in comparison with three‐phase voltage source‐type conventional hard‐switching inverter. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 157(4): 75–84, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20111     

A 6.6‐kV transformerless cascade PWM STATCOM. Experimental verification by a three‐phase 200‐V, 10‐kVa laboratory system

This paper deals with a 6.6‐kV transformerless STATCOM cascading multiple single‐phase H‐bridge PWM converters in each phase. The AC voltage of the STATCOM is almost sinusoidal, so that it requires no harmonic filter. Each converter is equipped with a capacitor and a voltage sensor on the DC side, which are electrically isolated from each other. The STATCOM has the capability of self‐starting and voltage‐balancing without any external power supply or equipment. Experiments using a three‐phase 200‐V, 10‐kVA laboratory system, along with computer simulations, are carried out to confirm the viability and effectiveness of the STATCOM. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 170(1): 55–64, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley. com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20822     

Power factor improvement of single‐phase diode rectifier circuit by field‐weakening of inverter‐driven IPM motor

This paper proposes a novel inverter drive system to improve the input power factor of single‐phase diode rectifier. Conventional rectifiers need a high‐frequency switching device and a reactor to improve the input power factor. However, the proposed power converter does not need the switching device, electrolytic capacitor, or reactor. By making many ripples across the DC‐bus voltage, the input power factor can be improved. The proposed system consists of only a single‐phase diode rectifier, small film capacitor, three‐phase inverter, and motor. The proposed system adopts an interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous motor. The IPM motor is well known as a high‐efficiency motor and can realize field weakening. The basic ideas of the inverter control method are based on the following operations: the inverter's controlled synchronous with the DC‐bus ripple voltage by field‐weakening method, and direct active power feeding from the source side to the motor without smoothing the DC‐bus voltage. This paper describes that the proposed method can obtain an input power factor of 97.3% by experimental tests, and realizes the goals of small size and long life of the system. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 152(2): 66–73, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20047