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22 pages, 14590 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Carrier-Based Implementation of SVPWM for a Three-Level Simplified Neutral Point Clamped Inverter with XOR Logic Gates

by Zifan Lin, Wenxiang Du, Yang Bai, Herbert Ho Ching Iu, Tyrone Fernando and Xinan Zhang

Electronics 2025, 14(7), 1408; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14071408 - 31 Mar 2025

Viewed by 220

The three-level simplified neutral point clamped (3L-SNPC) inverter has received increasing attention in recent years due to its potential applications in electrical drives and smart grids with renewable energy integration. However, most existing research has primarily focused on control development, with limited studies [...] Read more.

The three-level simplified neutral point clamped (3L-SNPC) inverter has received increasing attention in recent years due to its potential applications in electrical drives and smart grids with renewable energy integration. However, most existing research has primarily focused on control development, with limited studies investigating modulation strategies or analyzing inverter losses under varying operating conditions. These aspects are critical for practical industrial applications. To address this gap, this paper proposes a novel carrier-based space vector pulse width modulation (CB-SVPWM) strategy for the 3L-SNPC inverter, aimed at simplifying PWM implementation and reducing cost. The proposed modulation strategy is experimentally evaluated by comparing inverter losses and total harmonic distortion with those of the conventional three-level neutral point clamped (3L-NPC) inverter under an equivalent carrier-based modulation scheme. A comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted across the full modulation range to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, achieving a 13.2% reduction in total power loss, a 33.6% improvement in execution time, and maintaining a comparable weighted total harmonic distortion (WTHD) with a deviation within 0.04% of the conventional 3L-NPC inverter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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19 pages, 5614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Speed Control of Switched Reluctance Motors Based on Improved Super-Twisting Sliding Mode and Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control

by Jingyuan Zhang, Cheng Liu, Siyu Chen and Lianpeng Zhang

Electronics 2025, 14(6), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14061065 - 7 Mar 2025

Viewed by 474

Abstract

An improved super-twisting sliding mode and linear active disturbance rejection control strategy is proposed to improve the dynamic response performance and immunity performance in switched reluctance motor speed control systems. Firstly, the linear extended state observer in linear active disturbance rejection control is [...] Read more.

An improved super-twisting sliding mode and linear active disturbance rejection control strategy is proposed to improve the dynamic response performance and immunity performance in switched reluctance motor speed control systems. Firstly, the linear extended state observer in linear active disturbance rejection control is improved by using the super-twisting sliding mode (STSM) control algorithm in order to improve the performance of the observer and thus enhance the controller’s immunity to disturbances. Secondly, the STSM control algorithm is used to replace the original linear state error feedback control law to improve the dynamic response performance of the controller, and the sigmoid function is used to replace the sign function in the STSM algorithm to further weaken the inherent chattering of the sliding mode and improve the stability of the system. Finally, the proposed control strategy is verified using the MATLAB/Simulink simulation platform. The simulation results show that the proposed control strategy has a better dynamic response and disturbance immunity performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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15 pages, 4314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Predictive Control Strategy for Phase Shift Full Bridge Transform Based on Improved Nonlinear Disturbance Observer

by Yunbo Wu, Cheng Liu, Qing Zhao and Lixin Liu

Electronics 2025, 14(5), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14051002 - 2 Mar 2025

Viewed by 636

Abstract

To enhance the power output performance of high-power electrolytic plating equipment and improve the dynamic response capability and disturbance rejection ability of the DC-DC converter—a core component in electrolytic plating systems—this study proposes a predictive control strategy for phase-shifted full-bridge converters based on [...] Read more.

To enhance the power output performance of high-power electrolytic plating equipment and improve the dynamic response capability and disturbance rejection ability of the DC-DC converter—a core component in electrolytic plating systems—this study proposes a predictive control strategy for phase-shifted full-bridge converters based on an improved nonlinear disturbance observer. The implementation framework comprises three key technical components: Firstly, a model predictive control (MPC)-based inner-loop controller architecture is constructed to optimize the dynamic response characteristics of the current inner-loop system. Subsequently, an enhanced nonlinear disturbance observer is designed to accurately estimate parameter variations in converter electronic components and external disturbances. Finally, a feedforward compensation module is developed to mitigate the inherent duty cycle loss phenomenon in phase-shifted full-bridge converters. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy significantly improves system dynamic performance, achieving a 25% reduction in settling time compared with conventional methods while maintaining robust disturbance rejection capabilities under ±10% voltage fluctuations. This integrated approach effectively addresses the conflicting requirements between dynamic response speed and anti-interference performance in high-power electrochemical process control systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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15 pages, 12632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on a Control Strategy for a Split-Phase Three-Level LCL-Type Grid-Connected Inverter

by Xinhui Zhou, Huafeng Cai and Xinchun Lin

Electronics 2025, 14(4), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14040769 - 16 Feb 2025

Viewed by 492

Abstract

A split-phase three-level LCL grid-connected inverter is proposed to match the single-phase three-wire split-phase output power grids in countries such as those in North America. However, influencing factors such as grid impedance and background harmonics in non-ideal power grids may lead to distortion [...] Read more.

A split-phase three-level LCL grid-connected inverter is proposed to match the single-phase three-wire split-phase output power grids in countries such as those in North America. However, influencing factors such as grid impedance and background harmonics in non-ideal power grids may lead to distortion and even instability of the output waveform of the grid-connected inverter. To address the aforementioned issues, through a stability analysis of the dual-feedback system of inverter-side current control and capacitor current active damping, a composite active damping strategy is put forward to enhance the stability of the LCL grid-connected inverter. This composite active damping strategy encompasses a standardized method for designing the robust capacitor current feedback coefficient and a method of embedding leading-phase correction to improve system stability. The strategy proposed in this paper is more streamlined and standardized when calculating the capacitor current feedback coefficient, enabling the system to operate stably under a wide range of grid impedance variations. Moreover, an analysis of the mechanism by which grid background harmonics affect the grid-connected current waveform is conducted, and the PR controller is replaced with a multiple proportional-resonant (MPR) controller. The MPR controller can achieve infinite gain at specific harmonics, thereby suppressing specific low-order harmonics in the grid and reducing the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the grid-connected current. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified on a 12 kW experimental platform. The results indicate that, compared with the inverter-side current feedback active damping (ICFAD) method, the composite active damping strategy proposed in this paper exhibits stronger robustness, and the added MPR controller significantly enhances the anti-interference ability of the grid-connected inverter against grid harmonics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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21 pages, 10559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Coordinated Control of Mining Multi-PMSM Systems Based on an Improved Active Disturbance Rejection Controller

by Lixin Liu, Cheng Liu, Changjin Che, Yunbo Wu and Qing Zhao

Electronics 2025, 14(3), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14030477 - 24 Jan 2025

Viewed by 611

Abstract

This study focuses on the problems of poor control performance, synchronization performance and stability in multi-motor permanent magnet drive systems in mining belt conveyors when a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller is used to control the multi-motor. In this paper, a system model [...] Read more.

This study focuses on the problems of poor control performance, synchronization performance and stability in multi-motor permanent magnet drive systems in mining belt conveyors when a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller is used to control the multi-motor. In this paper, a system model for three-motor synchronous control of a mine belt conveyor is established. On this basis, an Enhanced first-order Active Disturbance Rejection Controller (Efal_ADRC) is designed based on an optimized nonlinear function. Additionally, a weighted arithmetic mean is used to enhance the compensator of the ring coupling control structure. Finally, the system model is evaluated and simulated using various algorithms. Results show that synchronous control of a multi-Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (multi-PMSM) drive system based on the Efal_ADRC ring coupling control structure has better anti-interference ability, control accuracy and synchronization, which is conducive to the stable and efficient safe operation of the belt conveyor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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22 pages, 11869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Large Language Model-Based Tuning Assistant for Variable Speed PMSM Drive with Cascade Control Structure

by Tomasz Tarczewski, Djordje Stojic and Andrzej Dzielinski

Electronics 2025, 14(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14020232 - 8 Jan 2025

Viewed by 717

Abstract

A cascade control structure (CCS) is still the most commonly used control scheme in variable speed control (VSC) electrical drives with alternating current (AC) motors. Several tuning methods are used to select the coefficients of controllers applied in CCS. These approaches can be [...] Read more.

A cascade control structure (CCS) is still the most commonly used control scheme in variable speed control (VSC) electrical drives with alternating current (AC) motors. Several tuning methods are used to select the coefficients of controllers applied in CCS. These approaches can be divided into analytical, empirical, and heuristic ones. Regardless of the tuning method used, there is still a question of whether the CCS is tuned optimally in terms of considered performance indicators to provide high-performance behavior of the electrical drive. Recently, artificial intelligence-based methods, e.g., swarm-based metaheuristic algorithms (SBMAs), have been extensively examined in this field, giving promising results. Moreover, the intensive development of artificial intelligence (AI) assistants based on large language models (LLMs) supporting decision-making processes is observed. Therefore, it is worth examining the ability of LLMs to tune the CCS in the VSC electrical drive. This paper investigates tuning methods for the cascade control structure equipped with PI-type current and angular velocity controllers for PMSM drive. Sets of CCS parameters from electrical engineers with different experiences are compared with reference solutions obtained by using the SBMA approach and LLMs. The novel LLM-based Tuning Assistant (TA) is developed and trained to improve the quality of responses. Obtained results are assessed regarding the drive performance, number of attempts, and time required to accomplish the considered task. A quantitative analysis of LLM-based solutions is also presented. The results indicate that AI-based tuning methods and the properly trained Tuning Assistant can significantly improve the performance of VSC electrical drives, while state-of-the-art LLMs do not guarantee high-performance drive operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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17 pages, 7420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Very-High-Frequency Resonant Flyback Converter with Integrated Magnetics

by Yuchao Huang, Kui Yan, Qidong Li, Xiangyi Song, Desheng Zhang and Qiao Zhang

Electronics 2024, 13(22), 4363; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13224363 - 7 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1177

Abstract

This paper proposes a gallium nitride (GaN)-based very-high-frequency (VHF) resonant flyback converter with integrated magnetics, which utilizes the parasitic inductance and capacitance to reduce the passive components count and volume of the converter. Both the primary leakage inductance and the secondary leakage inductance [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a gallium nitride (GaN)-based very-high-frequency (VHF) resonant flyback converter with integrated magnetics, which utilizes the parasitic inductance and capacitance to reduce the passive components count and volume of the converter. Both the primary leakage inductance and the secondary leakage inductance of the transformer are utilized as the resonance inductor, while the parasitic capacitance of the power devices is utilized as the resonance capacitor. An analytical circuit model is proposed to determine the electrical parameters of the transformer so as to achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS). Furthermore, an air-core transformer was designed using the improved Wheeler’s formula, and finite element analyses were carried out to fine-tune the structure to achieve the accurate design of the electrical parameters. Finally, a 30 MHz, 15 W VHF resonant flyback converter prototype is built with an efficiency of 83.1% for the rated power. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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23 pages, 8741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Current-Mode Control of a Distributed Buck Converter with a Lossy Transmission Line

by Klaus Röbenack and Daniel Gerbet

Electronics 2024, 13(17), 3565; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13173565 - 8 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1198

Abstract

This article presents a buck converter in which the inductor has been replaced by a transmission line. This approach would be practically conceivable if the power supply and load had a greater spatial distance. Alternatively, the model derived in this way could also [...] Read more.

This article presents a buck converter in which the inductor has been replaced by a transmission line. This approach would be practically conceivable if the power supply and load had a greater spatial distance. Alternatively, the model derived in this way could also be regarded as an intermediate model in order to replace a power coil via discretization with a larger number of smaller coils and capacitors. In the time domain, this new converter can be described by a system of coupled partial and ordinary differential equations. In the frequency domain, a transcendental transfer function is obtained. For comparison with an equivalently parameterized conventional converter, Padé approximants are derived. A linear controller is designed for the converter topology under consideration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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18 pages, 10331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Threshold Median Adjustment to Achieve Accurate Current Balancing of Interleaved Buck Converter with Constant Frequency Hysteresis Control

by Liangliang Lu, Qidong Li, Yuxiang Yang, Yuchao Huang, Zeli Li and Desheng Zhang

Electronics 2024, 13(17), 3521; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13173521 - 4 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1060

Abstract

This paper proposes a current balancing loop that is obtained using the threshold median adjustment (TMA-CBL) to achieve the accurate current balancing of an interleaved constant frequency hysteresis (CFH) buck converter. The CFH control is implemented with a frequency phase loop based on [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a current balancing loop that is obtained using the threshold median adjustment (TMA-CBL) to achieve the accurate current balancing of an interleaved constant frequency hysteresis (CFH) buck converter. The CFH control is implemented with a frequency phase loop based on a threshold width adjustment (TWA-FPL). To ensure the loop’s stability and minimize the steady-state error, a multi-phase, coupled, small-signal model (MPC-SSM) is derived with a consideration of the coupling effect among the multiple phases. Furthermore, the current balancing error is analyzed in detail, with a consideration of the sensing resistance deviations in the loop. Finally, based on a 180 nm BCD process, a four-phase interleaved buck converter is fabricated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed TMA-CBL. The maximum current balancing error is within 0.68% when the sensing resistors are deviated by 5%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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20 pages, 5957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Linear-Based Closed-Loop Control and Analysis of Solid-State Transformer

by Metin Cavdar and Selin Ozcira Ozkilic

Electronics 2024, 13(16), 3253; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13163253 - 16 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1202

Abstract

In this paper, a new linear-based closed-loop control method for a Solid-State Transformer (SST) has been proposed. In this new control method, individual current and voltage loops for each of the power conversion stages (AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC) are implemented. The feedback between the [...] Read more.

In this paper, a new linear-based closed-loop control method for a Solid-State Transformer (SST) has been proposed. In this new control method, individual current and voltage loops for each of the power conversion stages (AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC) are implemented. The feedback between the input and output control signals for each loop is achieved through the voltage on the DC link capacitors and the current transferred between the converters. This enables the SST to be controlled easily in a linear-based closed-loop manner without the need for complex computations. In order to evaluate the performance analysis of the proposed control system, a simulation of an SST with approximately 10 kVA apparent power was performed. Based on the obtained simulation results, the response time of the proposed control method for dynamic load variations was proved to be in the range of 40 milliseconds, and it has been observed that this method allows electrical power to be transferred from the load to the grid. The power factor value of SST under inductive load is measured to be approximately 99%, and the overall system efficiency is 96% and above, indicating that this proposed new control method has very high performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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16 pages, 6041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractional-Order Least-Mean-Square-Based Active Control for an Electro–Hydraulic Composite Engine Mounts

by Lida Wang, Rongjun Ding, Kan Liu, Jun Yang, Xingwu Ding and Renping Li

Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1974; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101974 - 17 May 2024

Viewed by 1202

Abstract

For the vibration of automobile powertrain, this paper designs electro–hydraulic composite engine mounts. Subsequently, the dynamic characteristics of the hydraulic mount and the electromagnetic actuator were analyzed and experimentally studied separately. Due to the strong nonlinearity of the hybrid electromechanical engine mount, a [...] Read more.

For the vibration of automobile powertrain, this paper designs electro–hydraulic composite engine mounts. Subsequently, the dynamic characteristics of the hydraulic mount and the electromagnetic actuator were analyzed and experimentally studied separately. Due to the strong nonlinearity of the hybrid electromechanical engine mount, a Fractional-Order Least-Mean-Square (FGO-LMS) algorithm was proposed to model its secondary path identification. To validate the vibration reduction effect, a rapid control prototype test platform was established, and vibration active control experiments were conducted based on the Multiple–Input Multiple–Output Filter-x Least-Mean-Square (MIMO-FxLMS) algorithm. The results indicate that, under various operating conditions, the vibration transmitted to the chassis from the powertrain was significantly suppressed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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19 pages, 10133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Identification of Nonlinear Wheel–Rail Adhesion Characteristics Model Parameters in Electric Traction System Based on the Improved TLBO Algorithm

by Weiwei Gan, Xufeng Zhao, Dong Wei, Zhonghao Bai, Rongjun Ding, Kan Liu and Xueming Li

Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1789; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091789 - 6 May 2024

Viewed by 1492

Abstract

The wheel–rail adhesion is one of the key factors limiting the traction performance of railway vehicles. To meet the adhesion optimization needs and rapidly obtain wheel–rail creep characteristics under specific operating conditions, an engineering identification method for wheel–rail adhesion characteristics based on a [...] Read more.

The wheel–rail adhesion is one of the key factors limiting the traction performance of railway vehicles. To meet the adhesion optimization needs and rapidly obtain wheel–rail creep characteristics under specific operating conditions, an engineering identification method for wheel–rail adhesion characteristics based on a nonlinear model is proposed. The proposed method, built upon the traditional Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm, has been adapted to the specific nature of nonlinear wheel–rail adhesion model parameters identification, enhancing both the search speed in the early stages and the search accuracy in the later stages of the algorithm. The proposed identification algorithm is validated using experimental data from the South African 22E dual-flow locomotive. The validation results demonstrate that the proposed identification algorithm can obtain a nonlinear wheel–rail adhesion characteristics model with an average adhesion coefficient error of around 0.01 within 50 iteration steps. These validation results indicate promising prospects for the engineering practice of the proposed algorithm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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17 pages, 2774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parameter Identification for Maximum Torque per Ampere Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines under Magnetic Saturation

by Mingyu Yan, Bisheng Wen, Qing Cui and Xiaoyan Peng

Electronics 2024, 13(4), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13040699 - 8 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1481

Abstract

This paper applies the identified parameters of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) for the maximum torque per ampere control (MTPA) under magnetic saturation. The variation in magnet flux with current is determined using a position offset approach while the variation in q-axis [...] Read more.

This paper applies the identified parameters of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) for the maximum torque per ampere control (MTPA) under magnetic saturation. The variation in magnet flux with current is determined using a position offset approach while the variation in q-axis inductance with the current is estimated from the d-axis voltage equation afterward. In addition, the d-axis inductance is estimated at standstill by the injection of a small amplitude of high frequency d-axis current. The curve-fitted results of estimated parameters under different saturation conditions are then employed to aid the derivation of MTPA control law. The proposed method is experimentally verified on two prototype PMSMs. Experimental results show that compared with conventional MTPA schemes using fixed values of magnetic parameters, the proposed method can increase maximum output torque by 2.1% and 3.2% on two prototype PMSMs, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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22 pages, 18510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Transient Event-Capturing Circuit and Adaptive PI Control for a Voltage Mode Superbuck Converter

by Yinyu Wang, Baoqiang Huang, Yuanxun Wang, Haoran Xu, Desheng Zhang and Qiaoling Tong

Electronics 2024, 13(1), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13010107 - 26 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1084

Abstract

This paper proposes a transient event-capturing circuit and adaptive PI control to monitor and improve the transient response of a superbuck converter. The transient event-capturing circuit is composed of coupling and capturing circuits. The coupling circuit converts the output voltage to the sensed [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a transient event-capturing circuit and adaptive PI control to monitor and improve the transient response of a superbuck converter. The transient event-capturing circuit is composed of coupling and capturing circuits. The coupling circuit converts the output voltage to the sensed voltage, whereas the DC and ripple components are eliminated. By counting the up-crossing and down-crossing numbers of the sensed voltage, the capturing circuit classifies the output voltage response into different transient events according to oscillation cycles. The transient events carry the stability information that can be used to adjust the bandwidth and phase margin. Finally, an adaptive PI controller is implemented with the proposed transient event-capturing circuit to improve the stability and transient response. Experimental results of the 100 W superbuck converter verify the effectiveness of the adaptive PI controller for improving the transient response and stability. The adaptive PI controller eliminates the oscillations due to deviated parameters and operating conditions. The maximum oscillation amplitude is reduced from 2 V to 400 mV at the reference voltage change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Optimization of Power Converters and Drives)

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