Optimal power control strategies for neutral point clamped (NPC)inverter topology

A programmed pulsewidth modulation (PWM) technique for selectively eliminating several lower-order harmonics at the output of a neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter topology is investigated. The switching function approach is utilized to derive relevant analytical expressions for input/output variables. A thorough evaluation of the NPC inverter topology based on the switching function approach is described. Optimal power control strategies for an NPC inverter employing programmed PWM patterns are proposed. For a constant-frequency variable-voltage NPC inverter power supply, the proposed strategy is to maintain a minimum specified total harmonic distortion employing a low-output impedance filter. In the case of an NPC inverter powering an AC motor drive, the proposed strategy is to maintain a minimum specified harmonic current factor. The proposed power control strategies are achieved without substantial increase in inverter switching frequency and are therefore suitable for high-power applications employing gate-turn-off-thyristor (GTO) type devices     

Design considerations for 12-pulse diode rectifier systemsoperating under voltage unbalance and pre-existing voltage distortionwith some corrective measures

In this paper, design considerations for twelve-pulse diode rectifier systems operating under utility voltage unbalance and pre-existing harmonic voltage distortion are discussed. For a twelve-pulse diode rectifier system connected in parallel to feed a common DC link via an interphase transformer, it is shown that a small amount of impedance mismatch, utility voltage unbalance or pre-existing voltage distortion drastically affects the current sharing capability of the rectifier bridges. This, in turn, generates additional uncharacteristic and characteristic harmonics thereby increasing the THD. In order to mitigate these effects and ensure proper operation of diode rectifiers, specially designed line reactors termed harmonic blocking reactors (HBRs) are introduced. Analysis and design procedures for HBRs are discussed. Simulation results illustrate improved performance. Experimental results from a laboratory prototype system show close agreement with theory     

A new active interphase reactor for 12-pulse rectifiers providesclean power utility interface

In this paper, a new active interphase reactor for twelve-pulse diode rectifiers is proposed. The proposed system draws near sinusoidal currents from the utility. In this scheme, a low kVA [0.02 P_o (PU)] active current source injects a triangular current into an interphase reactor of a twelve-pulse diode rectifier. This modification results in near sinusoidal utility line currents with less than 1% THD. It is further shown that a low kVA, 12-pulse system with an autotransformer arrangement [kVA rating of 0.18 P_o (PU)] can be implemented with the proposed active interphase reactor. The resulting system draws clean power from the utility and is suitable for powering larger kVA AC motor drive systems. Detailed analysis of the proposed scheme along with design equations is illustrated. Simulation results verify the concept. Experimental results are provided from a 208 V, 10 kVA rectifier system     

Use of web-based materials to teach electric circuit theory

Beginning fall 2001, the Electrical Engineering Department at Texas A&M University, College Station, significantly altered the instructional philosophy of the ELEN 214 Electric Circuit Theory course by introducing more engineering design into the curriculum and adopting the WebCT-based interactive homework submission system. This paper will discuss the use of the Quiz tool within WebCT for the construction of question banks and their publication to a WebCT server. An example, deriving mathematical expressions, which describes electric circuit behavior and helps customize the homework problems to each individual student, are discussed. In other words, in a class of 200 students, each student is presented with an individual homework assignment with a unique set of problems not repeated to anyone else via WebCT. A help desk staffed by senior undergraduates assists the course students in completing the WebCT-based homework on time. WebCT is an essential ingredient in the delivery of the course. The approach presented in this paper can be adapted to any other course in engineering/science that involves mathematical calculations. So far, the course evaluations suggest that the students are more motivated and excited about electrical and computer engineering as a career.     

A digitally controlled switch mode power supply based on matrix converter

High power telecommunication power supply systems consist of a three-phase switch mode rectifier followed by a dc/dc converter to supply loads at -48 V dc. These rectifiers draw significant harmonic currents from the utility, resulting in poor input power factor with high total harmonic distortion (THD). In this paper, a digitally controlled three-phase switch mode power supply based on a matrix converter is proposed for telecommunication applications. In the proposed approach, the matrix converter directly converts the low frequency (50/60Hz, three-phase) input to a high frequency (10/20kHz, one-phase) ac output without a dc-link. The output of the matrix converter is then processed via a high frequency isolation transformer to produce -48V dc. Digital control of the system ensures that the output voltage is regulated and the input currents are of high quality under varying load conditions. Due to the absence of dc-link electrolytic capacitors, power density of the proposed rectifier is expected to be higher. Analysis, design example and experimental results are presented from a three-phase 208-V, 1.5-kW laboratory prototype converter.     

Analysis of common mode voltage-“neutral shift” inmedium voltage PWM adjustable speed drive (MV-ASD) systems

In this paper, an analysis of common mode voltage or “neutral lift” in the new emerging voltage source inverter type medium voltage adjustable speed drive (MV-ASD) systems is presented. Both cascaded multilevel (CML) inverter and 3-level NPC inverter topologies are analyzed. An equivalent circuit model to determine the common mode voltage stress is presented. Analysis and simulation results are discussed and worst case common mode voltage excursion is computed for an example 800 hp, 4160 V MV-ASD. It is shown that certain system components are excessively stressed and in the MV-ASD system these data are particularly useful in specifying system components and for proper design of the system. Possible effects of common mode voltage and its dv/dt on medium voltage motor bearings are discussed. A new multilevel PWM strategy is introduced which results in zero common-mode voltage. Simulation results are shown to illustrate the effectiveness of these schemes. Finally, experimental results from a 800 hp, 4160 V, MV-ASD system are presented     

A parallel-connected single phase power factor correction approach with improved efficiency

In this paper, a new parallel-connected single phase power factor correction (PFC) topology using two flyback converters is proposed to improve the output voltage regulation with simultaneous input power factor correction and control. This approach offers lower cost and higher efficiency by parallel processing of the total power. Flyback converter-I primarily regulates output voltage with fast dynamic response and processes 55% of the power. Flyback converter-II with ac/dc PFC stage regulates input current shaping and PFC, and processes the remaining 45% of the power. This paper presents a design example and circuit analysis for 200 W power supply. A parallel-connected interleaved structure offers smaller passive components, less losses even in continuous conduction inductor current mode, and reduced volt-ampere rating of dc/dc stage converter. TI-DSP, TMS320LF2407, is used for implementation. Simulation and experimental results show the performance improvement.     

Programmed PWM techniques to eliminate harmonics: a criticalevaluation

Programmed pulsewidth modulators (PWMs) eliminating several lower-order harmonics generate high-quality output spectra, which in turn result in minimum current ripple and reduced torque pulsations, thereby satisfying several performance criteria and contributing to overall improved performance. Several programmed PWM switching patterns to eliminate harmonics in the output spectra of single-phase and three-phase inverters are possible. Each of these leads to a specific advantage in single- and three-phase inverters, depending on the application. First, the superiority of programmed PWM techniques over the conventional carrier-modulated PWMs is established. Next, a critical evaluation of the programmed PWM schemes on the basis of applications for single- and three-phase inverters is used to provide a framework and guidelines for the selection of the appropriate technique for each application area. Evaluation criteria include harmonic loss factor and total harmonic distortion factors defined at the input and output of the inverter terminals. Finally, a simple low-cost solution for obtaining the required PWM switching points is proposed. Selected results are verified experimentally     

Development of a low cost fuel cell inverter system with DSP control

In this paper, the development of a low cost fuel cell inverter system is detailed. The approach consists of a three-terminal push-pull dc-dc converter to boost the fuel cell voltage (48V) to /spl plusmn/200 VDC. A four switch [insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)] inverter is employed to produce 120-V/240-V, 60-Hz ac outputs. High performance, easy manufacturability, lower component count, safety and cost are addressed. Protection and diagnostic features form an important part of the design. Another highlight of the proposed design is the control strategy, which allows the inverter to adapt to the requirements of the load as well as the power source (fuel cell). A unique aspect of the design is the use of the TMS320LF2407 DSP to control the inverter. Two sets of lead-acid batteries are provided on the high voltage dc bus to supply sudden load demands. Efficient and smooth control of the power drawn from the fuel cell and the high voltage battery is achieved by controlling the front end dc-dc converter in current mode. The paper details extensive experimental results of the proposed design on Department of Energy (DoE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) fuel cell.     

Shunt Active-Power-Filter Topology Based on Parallel Interleaved Inverters

In this paper, an interleaved active-power-filter concept with reduced size of passive components is discussed. The topology is composed of two pulsewidth-modulation interleaved voltage-source inverters connected together on the ac line and sharing the same dc-link capacitor. The advantages of the proposed approach are as follows: 1. significant reduction in the linkage inductors' size by decreasing the line-current ripple due to the interleaving; 2. reduction of the switching stress in the dc-link capacitor, due to the shared connection; and 3. more accurate compensation for high-power applications, because the power sharing allows one to use a higher switching frequency in each inverter. This paper analyzes the design of the passive components and gives a practical and low-cost solution for the minimization of the circulation currents between the inverters, by using common-mode coils. Several simulation results are discussed, and experimental results with a three-phase 10-kVA 400-V unit are obtained to validate the theoretical analysis.