Comparative Study of Heatsink Volume and Weight Optimization in SST DAB cells Employing GaN, SiC-MOSFET and Si-IGBT Switches

Heatsink is a passive component for transferring heat due to power losses from power devices such as semiconductor switches in power electronic converters. Emerging semiconductor technologies such as GaN and SiC MOSFETs present lower conduction and switching losses than conventional Si devices which can led to increase efficiency and reduction of weight and volume. In this paper, comparative evaluation of the heatsink weight and volume optimization based on Si IGBT, SiC MOSFET and GaN is done in a dual-active-bridge (DAB) as a building block in solid-state transformers. A 5 kW DAB converter as one of the 16 modules in an 80 kW ISOP converter is considered in optimization. Heatsink design is done for three semiconductor types. Results show that GaN achieves lowest power losses while its heatsink size and volume is limited by the thermal properties of the GaN chip

Vf-constrained ηρ-pareto optimization of medium frequency transformers in ISOP-DAB converters

This study deals with ηρ (efficiency-power density) pareto optimisation of medium frequency transformers (MFTs) with considerations of voltage and frequency ( Vf) constraints of semiconductors for mega-watt range input-series output-parallel (ISOP) connected dual-active bridges (DABs). A simple design methodology to include the Litz wire configuration in the optimisation process is proposed. Based on the presented design methodology, the effects of the semiconductors blocking voltage and switching frequency on the ηρ -pareto optimisation are evaluated. First, an idealised optimisation is carried out to understand the general behaviour of the optimum point. Second, brute-force optimisation is utilised to find the practical optimum solution based on the market availability of MFT components. Designing MFTs for a 1 MW 10 kV/600 V ISOP-DAB converter is the subject of numerical studies. The best trade-off between ηρandVf is selected as the final optimal solution and its design correctness is validated using three-dimensional finite-element analysis. Experimental tests on a 3 kW downscaled MFT prototype show that the proposed method is valid in practice

Volume Optimization in Si IGBT based Dual-Active-Bridge Converters

Dual-Active-Bridge (DAB) converters are able to step up/down DC voltage in a wide range by adopting medium frequency transformer (MFT) for isolating and converting voltage level. Increase in switching frequency of Si IGBTs reduces the MFT size instead it intensifies the semiconductor switching losses which leads to increase in the heatsink size. In this paper variation of heatsink volume versus frequency is compared versus MFT. MFT and heatsink volume of a 5 kW 600 to 400 V DAB converter are optimized. Obtained results show that variation of switching frequency in range 1-10 kHz increases the size of optimal heatsink by 3 times, i.e V HS,opt ∞ √(fs [kHz])

Two-stage Input-Output Feedback linearization controller for AC-AC converter-based SST

Classical transformers are the most important constituent of the power system and act as a passive interface between high voltage and low voltage systems. They have undesirable characteristics such as poor voltage regulation, large size/weight, sensitivity to harmonics, and poor power flow control. Solid-state Transformers (SSTs), are an emerging power electronics-based technology, sought to replace classical transformers after a century. SSTs are equivalent to a classical transformer with embedded desired functionalities. In this paper, three-phase AC-AC converter with capacitor at the DC-link is employed as power electronic interface in MV and LV side of the SST. Input-output feedback linearization (IOFL) controller is used to control the AC-AC based SST in two stages for controlling the external and internal states. AC-AC SST is linearized by the input-output feedback linearization technique where an internal dynamics is observed. IOFL is used to control the internal dynamics and second stage of the controller in the outer loop. Simulation studies are realized to confirm the applicability of IOFL controller and the control method

Decentralized Multi-Agent System Applied to the Decision Making Process of the Microgrid Restoration Procedure towards Sustainability

A significant procedure to ensure the consumer supply is Power System Restoration (PSR). Due to the increase of the number of distributed generators in the grid, it is possible to shift from the conventional PSR to a new strategy involving the use of distributed energy resources (DER). In this paper, a decentralized multi-agent system (MAS) is proposed to cope with the restoration procedure in a microgrid (MG). Each agent is assigned to a specific consumer or microsource (MS), communicating with other agents at every stage of the restoration procedure so that a common decision is reached. The 0/1 knapsack problem is the problem that every agent solves to determine the best load connection sequence during the restoration of the MG. Two different case studies are used to test the MAS on a dynamically modeled benchmark MG: a total blackout and a partial blackout. Regarding the partial blackout case, demand response emergency programs are considered to manage the loads in the MG. The MAS is developed in Matlab/Simulink environment and by performing the corresponding dynamic simulations it is possible to validate this system towards sustainability

Interactive Multi-level planning for energy management in clustered microgrids considering flexible demands

This paper presents a novel interactive multi-level planning strategy for the energy management of distribution networks with clustered microgrids (CMGs). CMGs are a group of microgrids with multiple renewable energy resources that comprise various technologies, such as photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, micro turbines and electric vehicles. This study develops an innovative multi-level optimization framework for the energy management coordination between microgrids and CMGs in the lower level, between clusters and distribution systems, and finally between distribution systems and upstream networks in the upper level. Accordingly, an hourly optimal energy management (HOEM) system is applied to minimize the multi-objective objective function for each level. The lower level may be operated in islanded or grid-connected mode in some hours. This is decided by changing switches between MGs, clusters, and grids, while the upper level is only operated in the grid-connected mode. Moreover, a demand response program that has a great effect on the hourly planning of switches is modeled in the upper level. The proposed model is tested on CMGs and actual distribution systems. The results show the significance of this planning strategy in the techno-economic aspects and optimal power transaction in the distribution system operation.© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

Adaptive Sliding Mode Control of Multi-DG, Multi-Bus Grid-Connected Microgrid

This paper proposes a new adaptive controller for the robust control of a grid-connected multi-DG microgrid (MG) with the main aim of output active power and reactive power regulation as well as busbar voltage regulation of DGs. In addition, this paper proposes a simple systematic method for the dynamic analysis including the shunt and series faults that are assumed to occur in the MG. The presented approach is based on the application of the slowly time-variant or quasi-steady-state sequence networks of the MG. At each time step, the connections among the MG and DGs are shown by injecting positive and negative current sources obtained by controlling the DGs upon the sliding mode control in the normal and abnormal operating conditions of the MG. Performance of the proposed adaptive sliding mode controller (ASMC) is compared to that of a proportional-integral (PI)-based power controller and SMC current controller. The validation and effectiveness of the presented method are supported by simulation results in MATLAB-Simulink

Effect of Using PLL-Based Grid-Forming Control on Active Power Dynamics Under Various SCR

This paper investigates the effect of using phaselocked loop (PLL) on the performance of a grid-forming controlled converter. Usually, a grid-forming controlled converter operates without dedicated PLL. It is shown that in this case, the active power dominant dynamics are highly dependent to the grid short circuit ratio (SCR). In case of using PLL, the obtained results illustrate that the SCR has a negligible effect on the dynamic behavior of the system. Moreover, the power converter will not participate to the frequency regulation anymore; therefore, the converter response time can be adjusted independently to the choice of the droop control gain, which is not possible without PLL. A simple equivalent model is presented which gives a physical explanation of these features

Controle en grid forming pour les convertisseurs d'électronique de puissance : application aux liaisons courant continus de Haute Tension (HVDC)

The rapid development of converter-based devices such as converter-interfaced renewable generations and high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission links is causing a profound change into the very physics of the power system. In this scenario, the power generation is shifted from the pollutant synchronous generators based on nuclear or fossil fuels to converter-based renewable resources. The modeling, control, and stability of the power converters are now one of the focuses of attention for researchers. Today, power converters have the main function of injecting power into the utility grid, while relying on synchronous machines that ensure all system needs (e.g., ancillary services, provision of inertia and reliable power reserves). This operation mode of power converters is called "Grid-following". Grid-following converters have several limitations, such as: inability to operate in a standalone mode, stability issues under weak grids and faulty conditions and also, negative side effect on the system inertia. To tackle these challenges, the grid-forming control as an alternative has shown its appropriate performance that could make this kind of control a promising solution to respond to the system needs and to allow a stable and safe operation of power system with high penetration rate of power electronic converters. In this thesis, a fundamental description of grid-forming control with a simplified quasi-static modeling approach aiming to regulate the converter active power by a voltage source behavior is presented. From the description, several variants of grid-forming strategies are identified that represent some differences in terms of active power dynamic behavior, inertia emulation capability and system frequency support. Hence, the presented grid-forming variants are then classified according to their capabilities/functionalities. From the small-signal stability and robustness point of view, the studied grid-forming controls, which are implemented to a 2-level VSC at first, show their ability to operate under very weak grid conditions. Moreover, the ancillary services such as inertial response and frequency support are appropriately provided to the AC grid. The questions of the grid-forming converters protection against overcurrent and their post-fault synchronization while considering the current limitation are investigated and a new method is proposed to enhance the transient stability of the system. All the obtained results are then extended to a modular multi-level converter (MMC) topology successfully. The use of a grid forming control in an HVDC converter is interesting for the grid to which it is connected due to the inertial effect that can be induced. Therefore, the final part of this thesis evaluates the dynamic performance of an HVDC link interconnecting two AC grids and highlights the proper strategy and requirements for inertia provision.Le développement rapide d’équipements raccordés sur les réseaux électriques avec des convertisseurs électroniques de puissance tels que les générateurs à base d‘énergie renouvelable et les liaisons de transmission sous haute tension continue entraîne un changement profond dans la physique même du système électrique. Aujourd'hui, les convertisseurs de puissance ont pour fonction principale d'injecter de l'énergie dans le réseau électrique, ce dernier s'appuyant sur des machines synchrones pour assurer tous les besoins nécessaires au fonctionnement et à la conduite du système électrique (par exemple, les services auxiliaires, la fourniture de réserve inertielle énergétique et de réserves dynamiques et fiables de puissance). Ce mode de fonctionnement des convertisseurs de puissance est appelé "grid-following" car suivant la tension alternative imposée au point de raccordement. Il présente plusieurs limitations, telles que : l'incapacité de fonctionner en mode autonome, des problèmes de stabilité dans des réseaux faibles et des fonctionnements défectueux, ainsi que des effets secondaires négatifs sur l'inertie du système. Pour relever ces défis, une alternative est de contrôler le convertisseur électronique de puissance pour générer et contrôler lui-même cette tension alternative. Dans cette thèse, une description fondamentale de cette commande en grid-forming est présentée avec une approche de modélisation quasi-statique simplifiée permettant de concevoir une régulation de la puissance active échangée avec le réseau AC. Plusieurs variantes de cette stratégie de contrôle sont mises en évidence et présentent des différences en termes de comportement dynamique sur la puissance active, de capacité d'émulation d'une réserve énergétique inertielle et de prise en charge de la fréquence du système. Les variantes sont ensuite classées en fonction de leurs capacités et fonctionnalités. Ces stratégies de commande ont été implémentées pour un convertisseur à 2 niveaux. Suivant une analyse de stabilité dite « petits signaux », la robustesse et leur capacité à fonctionner sur un réseau faible sont démontrées. De plus, les services auxiliaires tels que la réponse inertielle et le support au contrôle de la fréquence sont fournis de manière appropriée au réseau AC. Les questions de la protection contre les surintensités et de la synchronisation après défaut (tout en tenant compte de la limitation de courant) sont étudiées et une nouvelle méthode est proposée pour améliorer la stabilité transitoire du système électrique. Les résultats obtenus sont ensuite généralisés à une topologie de convertisseur multi-niveaux modulaire (MMC) avec succès. Avec cette commande, la fourniture d’une réserve inertielle est particulièrement intéressante pour gérer les transferts de puissance à l’interconnexion d’un réseau continu haute tension avec le réseau alternatif de transport d’électricité. La dernière partie de cette thèse évalue les performances dynamiques d'une liaison HVDC interconnectant deux réseaux AC et met en évidence la stratégie et les exigences appropriées pour la fourniture de réserve inertiell