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1 – 10 of over 1000Tarek Gallah, Badii Bouzidi and Ahmed Masmoudi
The purpose of this paper is to deal the adaptation of a direct torque control (DTC) strategy, originally dedicated to three level three leg inverter fed induction motor (IM…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to deal the adaptation of a direct torque control (DTC) strategy, originally dedicated to three level three leg inverter fed induction motor (IM) drives, following a leg failure that required the reconfiguration of the inverter from three to two legs.
Design/methodology/approach
In case of troubles with one leg of a three level inverter, it is interesting in some applications to keep operating using the two remaining legs. So, after the detection and isolation of the faulty leg, the drive connection should be rearranged with the connection of the motor phase, previously linked to the faulty leg, to the mid point of the DC-bus voltage, leading to a three level two leg inverter topology (also called bridge B8-inverter).
Findings
It has been found that the IM drive exhibits better performances under the proposed DTC strategy dedicated to the reconfigured inverter than those yielded by the DTC of the IM drive under healthy operation of the inverter. It has been noticed that the only drawback affecting the reconfigured inverter fed IM drive is the speed range limitation.
Research limitations/implications
This work should be extended by an experimental validation of the proposed DTC strategies.
Originality/value
The power factor of the reconfigured three level inverter fed IM drive is higher than the one yielded by the three level three leg inverter fed one. This represents a crucial cost benefit.
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Erol Can and Ugur Kilic
Static inverters are very important for the emergency energy distribution system of aircraft and similar machines. At the same time, the electrical energy produced at high…
Abstract
Purpose
Static inverters are very important for the emergency energy distribution system of aircraft and similar machines. At the same time, the electrical energy produced at high frequency for electrical devices is used to reduce the weight of the cables in the aircraft and spacecraft because of the skin effect. In the high-frequency system, a thinner cable cross-section is used, and a great weight reduction occurs in the aircraft. So, fuel economy, less and late wear of the materials (landing gear, etc.) can be obtained with decreasing weight. This paper aims to present the development of a functional multilevel inverter (FMLI) with fractional sinus pulse width modulation (FSPWM) and a reduced number of switches to provide high-frequency and quality electrical energy conversion.
Design/methodology/approach
After the production of FSPWM for FMLI with a reduced component, which, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is presented for the first time in this study, is explained step by step, and eight operating states are given according to different FSPWMs operating the circuit. The designed inverter and modulation technique are compared by testing the conventional modular multilevel inverter on different loads.
Findings
According to application results, it is seen that there is a 50% reduction in cross-section from 100 Hz to 400 Hz with the skin effect. At 1000 Hz, there is a 90% cross-section reduction. The decrease can be in cable weights that may occur in aircraft from 10 kg to 100 kg according to different frequencies. It causes less harmonic distortion than conventional converters. This supports the safer operation of the system. Compared to the traditional system, the proposed system provides more amplitude in converting the source to alternating voltage and increases the efficiency.
Practical implications
FSPWM is developed for multilevel inverters with reduced components at the high frequency and cascaded switching studies in the power electronics of aircraft.
Social implications
Although the proposed system has less current and power loss as mentioned in the previous sections, it contains fewer power elements than conventional inverters that are equivalent for different hardware levels. This not only reduces the cost of the system but also provides ease of maintenance. To reduce the cable load in aircraft and create more efficient working conditions, 400 Hz alternative voltage is used. The proposed system causes less losses and lower harmonic distortions than traditional systems. This will reduce possible malfunctions and contribute to aircraft reliability for passengers and cargo. As technology develops, it is revealed that the proposed inverter system will be more efficient than traditional inverters when devices operating at frequencies higher than 400 Hz are used. With the proposed inverter, safer operation will be ensured, while there will be less energy loss, less fuel consumption and less carbon emissions to the environment.
Originality/value
The proposed inverter structure shows that it can provide energy transmission for electrical devices in space and aircraft by using the skin effect. It also contains less power elements than the traditional inverters, which are equivalent for different levels of hardware.
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Abdulwasa B. Barnawi, Abdull Rahman A. Alfifi, Z.M.S. Elbarbary, Saad Fahed Alqahtani and Irshad Mohammad Shaik
Traditional level inverter technology has drawbacks in the aspect of Total harmonic distortion (THD) and switching losses for higher frequencies. Due to these drawbacks, two-level…
Abstract
Purpose
Traditional level inverter technology has drawbacks in the aspect of Total harmonic distortion (THD) and switching losses for higher frequencies. Due to these drawbacks, two-level inverters have become unprofitable for high-power applications. Multilevel inverters (MLIs) are used to enhance the output waveform characteristics (i.e. low THD) and to offer various inverter topologies and switching methods.
Design/methodology/approach
MLIs are upgraded versions of two-level inverters that offer more output levels in current and voltage waveforms while lowering the dv/dt and di/dt ratios. This paper aims to review and compare the different topologies of MLI used in high-power applications. Single and multisource MLI's working principal and switching states for each topology are demonstrated and compared. A Simulink model system integrated using detailed circuit simulations in developed in MATLAB®–Simulink program. In this system, a constant voltage source connected to MLI to feed asynchronous motor with squirrel cage rotor type is used to demonstrate the efficacy of the MLI under different varying speed and torque conditions.
Findings
MLI has presented better control and good range of system parameters than two-level inverter. It is suggested that the MLIs like cascade-five-level and NPC-five-level have shown low current harmonics of around 0.43% and 1.87%, respectively, compared to two-level inverter showing 5.82%.
Originality/value
This study is the first of its kind comparing the different topologies of single and multisource MLIs. This study suggests that the MLIs are more suitable for high-power applications.
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Rajini V., Jassem M., Nagarajan V.S., Sreeya Galla N.V. Sai and Jeyapradha Rb
Industrial drives require appropriate control systems for reliable and efficient performance. With synchronous reluctance machines (SynRMs) slowly replacing the most commonly used…
Abstract
Purpose
Industrial drives require appropriate control systems for reliable and efficient performance. With synchronous reluctance machines (SynRMs) slowly replacing the most commonly used induction, switched reluctance and permanent magnet machines, it is essential that the drive and its control be properly selected for enhanced performance. But the major drawback of synchronous reluctance motor is the presence of high torque ripple as its design is characterized by large number of variables. The solutions to reduce torque ripple include design modifications, choice of proper power electronic inverter and PWM strategy. But little has been explored about the power electronic inverters suited for synchronous reluctance motor drive to minimize torque ripple inherently by obtaining a more sinusoidal voltage. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the potential multilevel inverter topologies applicable to SynRM drives used in solar pumping applications.
Design/methodology/approach
The most significant field-oriented control using maximum torque per ampere algorithm for maximizing the torque production is used for the control of SynRM. Simulation results carried out using Matlab/Simulink are presented to justify the choice of inverter and its control technique for SynRM.
Findings
The five-level inverter drive gives lesser core or iron losses in the SynRMin comparison to the three- and two-level inverters due to lower Id current ripple. The five-level inverter reduces the torque ripple of the SynRM significantly in comparison to the three- and two-level inverter fed SynRM drives. The phase disposition-PWM control method used for the inverter shows the least total harmonic distortion (THD) levels in output voltage compared with the other level shifted PWM techniques.
Originality/value
Among the available topologies, a fitting topology is proposed for use for the SynRM drive to have minimal THD, minimal current and torque ripple. Additionally, this paper presents various modulation techniques available for the selected drive system and reports on a suitable technique based on minimal THD of output voltage and hence minimal torque ripple.
Details
Keywords
Ashok Kumar L. and Kumaravel R.
The purpose of this paper is to check the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) inverter working condition with modified unipolar switching pulse. The gate pulse for the inverter switches is…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to check the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) inverter working condition with modified unipolar switching pulse. The gate pulse for the inverter switches is generated in MATLAB simulation and interfaced with hardware protype. Simulation results can be compared with hardware results.
Design/methodology/approach
A considerable amount of research has been done on different Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) techniques. Based on the findings, a modified Unipolar Sinusoidal PWM technique was created with one reference signal and two carrier signals+ (one for the positive half cycle and the other for the negative half cycle) and simulated in the MATLAB/Simulink platform. The prototype inverter module receives the simulated switching pulses via dSPACE DS1104 hardware software interfacing board. The hardware implementation has been done, and the hardware results compared with simulation results for various input voltage levels using resistive load.
Findings
This modified switching pulse has dead band and additional hardware setup is not required. 3-phase multi-level inverter output waveform has been achieved with six switches in this method and with low filter values, pure sine wave output can be obtained in simulation. By this method of switching pulse generation and testing, for every modification in switching pulse hardware gate driver is not required. Resulting time consumption and money investment are lower.
Originality/value
Modified Unipolar SPWM pulse generation technique is novel method for solar PV inverter. The switching pulse has been designed and tested in both MATLAB/Simulation and hardware prototype inverter. Hardware and software results are identical. This method of pulse generation and hardware implementation has not been done anywhere before.
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Mounir Bouzguenda, Tarek Selmi, Adel Gastli and Ahmed Masmoudi
The purpose of this paper is to study the problem of the leakage currents in transformerless inverter topologies. It proposes a novel topology and how important the adopted…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the problem of the leakage currents in transformerless inverter topologies. It proposes a novel topology and how important the adopted control strategy on the power quality produced by the inverter.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents an investigation of a novel transformerless inverter topology. It adopted a control strategy in which the DC source is disconnected from the inverter when the zero vectors of the control are applied. By using such control strategy, the electrical efficiency of the whole system was improved and the leakage current was significantly reduced.
Findings
The paper provides a solution to minimize the leakage current in transformerless inverter topologies. Besides, the problem of zero-crossing distortions was totally eliminated.
Research limitations/implications
Because of the high conversion ratio of the boost converter, the efficiency of the whole system needs to be enhanced.
Practical implications
The paper includes the experimental results of the proposed topology which are in good match with the simulation results.
Originality/value
This paper identifies a need to study the leakage current phenomena in transformerless inverter topologies.
Details
Keywords
Uroš Flisar, Danijel Vončina and Peter Zajec
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of different distribution of shoot through mode on Z‐source inverter efficiency and particularly on complexity of switching…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of different distribution of shoot through mode on Z‐source inverter efficiency and particularly on complexity of switching pattern generation. Switching pattern generation has been optimized for field‐oriented control (FOC) of induction motor operating beyond its nominal speed which can be easily accomplished due to the input voltage boosting implemented inherently by Z‐source inverter. The proposed drive is unaffected to supply voltage sags, too.
Design/methodology/approach
The space vector modulation switching pattern of the traditional FOC drive was modified in order to insert shoot through mode necessary for input voltage boosting. Since this can be accomplished only on account of zero mode of the inverter, the active modes have to be reduced. Consequently, the output voltage space vector has to be reduced, as well.
Findings
In order to maximize profit of the input DC voltage and to omit the output voltage distortion, mathematical limitations have been derived giving the optimal boost ratio for required output voltage and ride‐through capability during voltage sags.
Practical implications
The experimental tests of upgraded FOC of induction motor with the proposed distribution of shoot through mode in the switching pattern of Z‐source inverter and optimized control of inverter voltage are demonstrated. It is also shown that such a drive can withstand a long period of input voltage sags and operate in a broader field weakening regime.
Originality/value
The paper's value lies in the overall, DSP‐based control of the induction motor supplied with Z‐source inverter gaining the maximum utilization of the input DC supply source and optimum trade‐off between inverter efficiency and inverter components voltage stress.
Details
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Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are typically designed to provide power to computers for five to thirty minutes after all utility company power has failed. In addition…
Abstract
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are typically designed to provide power to computers for five to thirty minutes after all utility company power has failed. In addition to providing blackout and brownout protection, many UPS systems also protect against spikes, surges, sags, and noise, and some also offer many of the features found in power distribution units (PDUs). The major components or subsystems of a typical UPS system are detailed, and a sample bid specification is appended. Three sidebars discuss UPSs and air conditioning, the maintenance bypass switch (MBS), and literature for further reading.
Chien-Hsuan Chang, Hung-Liang Cheng and En-Chih Chang
A typical photovoltaic grid-connection power system usually consists of multi-stage converters to perform multiple functions simultaneously. To simplify system configuration…
Abstract
Purpose
A typical photovoltaic grid-connection power system usually consists of multi-stage converters to perform multiple functions simultaneously. To simplify system configuration, reduce cost and improve conversion efficiency, this paper aims to develop a buck–boost-type inverter. The proposed inverter has both step-up and step-down functions, so that it is suitable for applications with wide voltage variation. As only one power switch operates with high frequency at one time, switching losses can significantly be reduced.
Design/methodology/approach
A step-up/down inverter is developed by adopting a buck-interleaved buck–boost (BuIBB) DC-DC converter and connecting with an H-bridge unfolding circuit with line-commutated operation.
Finding
The proposed circuit can work functionally as either a buck-type or boost-type inverter, so that partial energy can be directly delivered to output to improve efficiency. The input current is shared by two inductors, leading to the reduction of current stresses.
Research limitations/implications
To apply the proposed inverter to micro-inverter applications in the future, developing a step-up/down inverter with a higher conversion ratio will be considered.
Practical implications
A laboratory prototype is built accordingly to verify the feasibility of the proposed inverter. The experimental results are presented to show the effectiveness.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a step-up/down inverter by using the BuIBB converter, which is innovatively studied.
Details
Keywords
Ashraf Yahya, Syed M. Usman Ali and Muhammad Farhan Khan
Multilevel inverter (MLI) is an established design approach for inverter applications in medium-voltage and high-voltage range of applications. An asymmetric design synthesizes…
Abstract
Purpose
Multilevel inverter (MLI) is an established design approach for inverter applications in medium-voltage and high-voltage range of applications. An asymmetric design synthesizes multiple DC input voltage sources of unequal magnitudes to generate a high-quality staircase sinewave comprising a large number of steps or levels. However, the implications of using sources of unequal magnitudes results in the requirements of a large variety of inverter switches and higher magnitudes of the total blocking voltage (TBV) rating of the inverter, which increase the cost. The purpose of this study is to present a solution based on algorithms for establishing DC source magnitudes and other design parameters.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach used in this study is to develop algorithms that bring an asymmetric cascaded MLI (ACMLI) design close to symmetric design. This approach then reduces the variety of switch ratings and minimizes the TBV of the inverter. Thus, the benefits of both asymmetric design (generation of a large number of voltage levels in the output waveform) and symmetric design (modularity) are achieved. The proposed algorithms can be applied to a number of ACMLI topologies, including classical cascaded H-bridge (CHB). The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is validated by simulation in Matlab-Simulink and experimental setup.
Findings
Two new algorithms are proposed that reduce the number of variety of switches to just three. The variety can further be reduced to two under a specified condition. The algorithms are compared with the existing ones, and the results are promising in minimizing the TBV rating of the inverter, which results in cost reduction as well. For a specific case of four CHBs, the proposed Algorithm-1 produced 27% and Algorithm-2 produced 53% higher levels. Moreover, the presented algorithms produced minimum values of the TBV and resulted in minimum cost of inverter.
Originality/value
The proposed algorithms are novel in structure and have achieved the targeted values of minimized switch variety and reduced TBV ratings. Due to less variety, the inverter achieves a near symmetric design, which enables to attain the added advantages of modularity and reduced difference of power sharing among the DC sources.
Details