Modulated model predictive current control of an indirect matrix converter with active damping

A modulated model predictive control (M²PC) scheme for an indirect matrix converter is proposed in this paper, including an active damping method to mitigate the input filter resonance. The control strategy allows the instantaneous power control and the output current control at the same time, operating at a fixed frequency. An optimal switching pattern is used to emulate the desired waveform quality features of space vector modulation and achieve zero-current switching operations. The active damping technique emulates a virtual resistor which damps the filter resonance. Simulation results present a good tracking to the output-current references, unity input displacement power factor, the low input-current distortions and a reduced common-mode voltage (CMV)

Direct predictive current-error vector control for a direct matrix converter

This paper proposes a novel control strategy for matrix converters which is coined “Direct Predictive Current-error Vector Control”. The proposed control method retains the advantageous features of both a modulation scheme and of a predictive based controller. The result is a controller that is capable of good dynamic performance and steady state response with fixed switching frequency operation. Control of load and input currents of a direct matrix converter using the proposed method is demonstrated in this paper by simulation and experimental results

Modulated predictive control for indirect matrix converter

Finite State Model Predictive Control (MPC) has been recently applied to several converter topologies as it can provide many advantages over other MPC techniques. The advantages of MPC include fast dynamics, multi-target control capability and relatively easy implementation on digital control platforms. However, its inherent variable switching frequency and lower steady state waveform quality, with respect to standard control which includes an appropriate modulation technique, represent a limitation to its applicability. Modulated Model Predictive Control (M2PC) combines all the advantages of MPC with the fixed switching frequency characteristic of PWM algorithms. The work presented in this paper focuses on the Indirect Matrix Converter (IMC), where the tight coupling between rectifier stage and inverter stage has to be taken into account in the M2PC design. This paper proposes an M2PC solution, suitable for IMC, with a switching pattern which emulates the desired waveform quality features of Space Vector Modulation (SVM) for matrix converters. The switching sequences of the rectifier stage and inverter stage are rearranged in order to always achieve zero-current switching on the rectifier stage, thus simplifying the current commutation strategy

Indirect model predictive control strategy with active damping implementation for a direct matrix converter operating at fixed switching frequency

One of the main drawbacks of the implementation of predictive control in a direct matrix converter is the high com¬putational cost and the adequate selection of weighting factors in order to control both input and output sides. In this paper is proposed an indirect model predictive current control strategy enhanced with a fixed switching predictive strategy and an active damping implementation. With all this, the idea is to reduce the computational cost while eliminating the necessity of weighting factors and improving the performance of the full system. The proposed method is based on the fictitious dc-link concept, which has been used in the past for the classical modulation and control techniques of the direct matrix converter. Simulated results confirm the feasibility of the proposal demonstrating that it is an alternative method to classical predictive control strategies for the direct matrix converter

Model Predictive Control for Power Converters and Drives: Advances and Trends

Model predictive control (MPC) is a very attractive solution for controlling power electronic converters. The aim of this paper is to present and discuss the latest developments in MPC for power converters and drives, describing the current state of this control strategy and analyzing the new trends and challenges it presents when applied to power electronic systems. The paper revisits the operating principle of MPC and identifies three key elements in the MPC strategies, namely the prediction model, the cost function, and the optimization algorithm. This paper summarizes the most recent research concerning these elements, providing details about the different solutions proposed by the academic and industrial communitiesMinisterio de Economia y Competitividad TEC2016-78430-RConsejeria de Innovacion, Ciencia y Empresa (Junta de Andalucia) P11-TIC-707

Indirect model predictive control strategies with input filter resonance mitigation for a matrix converter operating at fixed switching frequency

The main issues of the implementation of model predictive control in a direct matrix converter are the high com¬putational cost, the adequate selection of weighting factors and the variable switching frequency which could produce resonances in the input filter. In order to solve these problems, in this paper are proposed two indirect model predictive control techniques with input filter resonance mitigation operating at fixed switching frequency. The method is based on the fictitious dc-link concept, which has been used in the past for the classical modulation and control techniques of the direct matrix converter. Simulated results confirm the feasibility of the proposal demonstrating that it is an alternative to classical predictive control strategies for the direct matrix converter

Design and Advanced Model Predictive Control of Wide Bandgap Based Power Converters

The field of power electronics (PE) is experiencing a revolution by harnessing the superior technical characteristics of wide-band gap (WBG) materials, namely Silicone Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN). Semiconductor devices devised using WBG materials enable high temperature operation at reduced footprint, offer higher blocking voltages, and operate at much higher switching frequencies compared to conventional Silicon (Si) based counterpart. These characteristics are highly desirable as they allow converter designs for challenging applications such as more-electric-aircraft (MEA), electric vehicle (EV) power train, and the like. This dissertation presents designs of a WBG based power converters for a 1 MW, 1 MHz ultra-fast offboard EV charger, and 250 kW integrated modular motor drive (IMMD) for a MEA application. The goal of these designs is to demonstrate the superior power density and efficiency that are achievable by leveraging the power of SiC and GaN semiconductors. Ultra-fast EV charging is expected to alleviate the challenge of range anxiety , which is currently hindering the mass adoption of EVs in automotive market. The power converter design presented in the dissertation utilizes SiC MOSFETs embedded in a topology that is a modification of the conventional three-level (3L) active neutral-point clamped (ANPC) converter. A novel phase-shifted modulation scheme presented alongside the design allows converter operation at switching frequency of 1 MHz, thereby miniaturizing the grid-side filter to enhance the power density. IMMDs combine the power electronic drive and the electric machine into a single unit, and thus is an efficient solution to realize the electrification of aircraft. The IMMD design presented in the dissertation uses GaN devices embedded in a stacked modular full-bridge converter topology to individually drive each of the motor coils. Various issues and solutions, pertaining to paralleling of GaN devices to meet the high current requirements are also addressed in the thesis. Experimental prototypes of the SiC ultra-fast EV charger and GaN IMMD were built, and the results confirm the efficacy of the proposed designs. Model predictive control (MPC) is a nonlinear control technique that has been widely investigated for various power electronic applications in the past decade. MPC exploits the discrete nature of power converters to make control decisions using a cost function. The controller offers various advantages over, e.g., linear PI controllers in terms of fast dynamic response, identical performance at a reduced switching frequency, and ease of applicability to MIMO applications. This dissertation also investigates MPC for key power electronic applications, such as, grid-tied VSC with an LCL filter and multilevel VSI with an LC filter. By implementing high performance MPC controllers on WBG based power converters, it is possible to formulate designs capable of fast dynamic tracking, high power operation at reduced THD, and increased power density

A review of model predictive control strategies for matrix converters

Matrix converters are a well-known class of direct AC-AC power converter topologies that can be used in applications in which compact volume and low weight are necessary. For good performance, special attention should be paid to the control scheme used for these converters. Model predictive control strategy is a promising, straightforward and flexible choice for controlling various different matrix converter topologies. This work provides a comprehensive study and detailed classification of several predictive control methods and techniques, discussing special capabilities they each add to the operation and control scheme for a range of matrix converter topologies. The paper also considers the issues regarding the implementation of model predictive control strategies for matrix converters. This survey and comparison is intended to be a useful guide for solving the related drawbacks of each topology and to enable the application of this control scheme to matrix converters in practical applications

Comparative study of predictive-fixed switching techniques for a cascaded H-bridge two level STATCOM

Finite state model predictive control methods are distinguished by a variable switching frequency which causes large current ripples at low sampling frequency. This paper presents a comparative study of two enhanced predictive current control techniques with fixed switching frequency applied to the three-wire cascaded H-bridge two level converter for active power filter applications. Simulation results are developed to demonstrate the performance of the two proposed predictive control techniques in terms of mean square error, root mean square and total harmonic distortion as figures of merit, thus concluding the advantages and limitations of each technique at transient and steady states.CONACYT – Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologí

Predictive Control Applied to Matrix Converters: A Systematic Literature Review

Power electronic devices play an important role in energy conversion. Among the options, matrix converters, in combination with predictive control, represent a good alternative for the power conversion stage. Although several reviews have been undertaken on this topic, they have been conducted in a non-systematic manner, without indicating how the studies considered were chosen. This paper presents results from a systematic literature review on predictive control applied to matrix converters that included 142 primary papers, which were selected after applying a defined protocol with clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study provides a detailed classification of predictive control methods and strategies applied to different matrix converter topologies. Research findings require to be understood in combination to develop a common understanding of the topic and ensure that future research effort is based on solid premises. In light of this, this study identifies and characterizes different predictive control techniques and matrix converter topologies through systematic literature review. The results of the review indicate that interest in the area is increasing. A number of open questions in the field are discussed