Design and Validation of a SiC-Based Single-to-Three-Phase Converter for Low-Voltage Distribution Systems
Abstract
:1. Introduction
1.1. Background
- Design a compact and modular STPC topology capable of generating a stable three-phase voltage from a single-phase input.
- Evaluate the performance of the STPC under various load conditions (nonlinear, unbalanced, and motor loads) through both simulation and field testing.
- Assess the applicability of the STPC in real PDS, especially in rural areas where a conventional three-phase supply is economically constrained.
1.2. Literature Review
2. Research Questions and Hypothesis
2.1. Research Questions
2.2. Hypothesis
3. Methodology
3.1. Three-Phase Voltage Conversion Method Using Power Semiconductors
3.2. Topology
3.3. Control
3.4. Connection to PDS
3.5. LV Loads on Distribution Lines
3.6. Test of LV Distribution Line
4. Result
4.1. Result of Converting Three-Phase Voltage with Computer Simulation
- (A)
- Normal Load Conditions
- (B)
- DER Connection
- (C)
- Short-Circuit Fault
- (D)
- Nonlinear Load Connection
4.2. Test Results of LV Loads
5. Discussion
5.1. Limitations of STPC
5.1.1. Inrush Current Sensitivity
5.1.2. Component Lifetime Concerns
5.1.3. Initial Cost and Development Overhead
5.2. Future Directions
5.2.1. Grid-Forming Inverter Function
5.2.2. Modular and Scalable Design
5.2.3. Application to LVDC Systems
6. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
Nomenclature
PDS | Power Distribution System |
LVDS | Low-Voltage Distribution Systems |
STPC | Single-to-Three-Phase Converter |
KEPCO | Korea Electric Power Corporation |
PTS | Power Transmission System |
DOL | Direct-On-Line |
CP | Concrete Pole |
PDE | Power Distribution Equipment |
PQ | Power Quality |
DER | Distributed Energy Resource |
THD | Total Harmonic Distortion |
ESS | Energy Storage System |
PCS | Power Conditioning System |
UPS | Uninterruptible Power Supply |
STATCOM | Static Synchronous Compensator |
P.TR | Pole-mounted Transformer |
PI | Proportional Integral |
PR | Proportional Resonant |
RMS | Root Mean Square |
MCCB | Molded Case Circuit Breaker |
COS | Cut-Out Switch |
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Feature | Ref. [9] | Ref. [10] | This Paper |
---|---|---|---|
Input Type | Single-phase AC | Single-wire earth return | Single-phase 220 V AC |
DC Link Usage | No | Yes | Yes, 750 V DC link |
Control Strategy | Passive rectification + inverter | Unified PQ controller | PI + PR control with notch filter |
Validation Method | Simulation + partial experiment | Simulation | Simulation + field experiment |
Load Conditions Tested | Fixed frequency motor loads | Unbalanced voltage systems | Nonlinear, unbalanced, and motor loads |
Target System | Small industrial systems | Rural electrification | Low-voltage distribution system |
Semiconductor Devices | Si-based devices | IGBT | SiC-MOSFET |
Application Focus | Economic converter topology | PQ compensation in SWER | Three-phase supply for LVDS with PQ assurance |
PICOT | Research Questions |
---|---|
Population | ① A substantial financial investment is required for constructing power facilities to supply a three-phase voltage (challenge). ② Target population: Phase conversion equipment, PDS, fault analysis (target population). |
Intervention | Unbalanced loads, nonlinear loads, and motor load. |
Comparison/Control | Maintaining the standard voltage range, generating three-phase voltage (expected outcome). |
Timeframe | ① Review of research. ② Analysis of PDS challenges. ③ Assertive hypothesis. ④ Derivation of results. |
Methods | Strength | Weakness |
---|---|---|
Static Phase | Simple circuit configuration Low implementation cost | Unstable performance under heavy load conditions Limited power capacity Dedicated transformer required |
Rotary Phase | High reliability Resistant to load changes | Loudness, noise Maintenance Dedicated transformer required |
Electronic Phase | High-quality three-phase voltage output Three-phase voltage balance High conversion efficiency Voltage stabilization | High initial cost Complex electronic circuits |
Converter (Input) | Inverter (Output) | |
---|---|---|
Applied topology | Single-phase Half-Bridge | Three-phase Full-Bridge |
Element | SiC-MOSFET | SiC-MOSFET |
Switching frequency | 30 kHz | 30 kHz |
PWM | SPWM | SPWM |
Method of control | DQ PI+PR | DQ PI+PR |
VTHD-R | VTHD-S | VTHD-T | ITHD-R | ITHD-S | ITHD-T | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
THD | 0.66% | 4.62% | 0.33% | 8.32% | 92.63% | 11.10% |
HP | Rated Power | Pole | Rated Speed | Efficiency | Power Factor | Rated Current | Inrush Current | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
220 V | 380 V | 220 V | 380 V | ||||||
1 | 0.75 kW | 2 | 3400 rpm | 73% | 84 | 3.2 | 1.9 | 19.3 | 11.1 |
4 | 1710 rpm | 74% | 77 | 3.5 | 2.0 | 20.7 | 12.0 | ||
2 | 1.5 kW | 2 | 3400 rpm | 77% | 81 | 6.3 | 3.7 | 37.9 | 21.9 |
4 | 1720 rpm | 80% | 77 | 6.4 | 3.7 | 38.3 | 22.2 | ||
3 | 2.2 kW | 2 | 3420 rpm | 80% | 85 | 8.5 | 4.9 | 50.9 | 29.5 |
4 | 1730 rpm | 82% | 81 | 8.7 | 5.0 | 52.2 | 30.2 |
Comparison Criteria | Conventional Method | Proposed STPC |
---|---|---|
Installation Method | Line extension + transformer installation | Modular installation at load site |
Conversion Efficiency | High (typically >98%) | Moderate (>96%) |
Voltage Regulation | Passive, no regulation capability | Stable regulation of the output voltage |
Maintenance Complexity | Low (simple structure) | Moderate (semiconductor components, cooling) |
Initial Installation Cost | High (due to line and transformer construction) | Lower |
MTBF (Expected Reliability) | Very high (few active components) | Moderate (semiconductor aging, fan/capacitor life) |
Harmonic Mitigation | Not available | Built-in through filters and PR controller |
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Shin, B.; Kim, C.; Lee, H.; Choi, S. Design and Validation of a SiC-Based Single-to-Three-Phase Converter for Low-Voltage Distribution Systems. Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 5590. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105590
Shin B, Kim C, Lee H, Choi S. Design and Validation of a SiC-Based Single-to-Three-Phase Converter for Low-Voltage Distribution Systems. Applied Sciences. 2025; 15(10):5590. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105590
Chicago/Turabian StyleShin, Boohyun, Changhwan Kim, Hyeseon Lee, and Sungyun Choi. 2025. "Design and Validation of a SiC-Based Single-to-Three-Phase Converter for Low-Voltage Distribution Systems" Applied Sciences 15, no. 10: 5590. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105590
APA StyleShin, B., Kim, C., Lee, H., & Choi, S. (2025). Design and Validation of a SiC-Based Single-to-Three-Phase Converter for Low-Voltage Distribution Systems. Applied Sciences, 15(10), 5590. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105590