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Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Advances in Power Converters

A topical collection in Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This collection belongs to the section "F3: Power Electronics".

Viewed by 14455

Editors


E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
Department of Information Engineering (DINFO), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
Interests: power converters and control techniques for renewable energy systems; smart grids; transportation applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: power electronics for automotives; power electronics for the grid integration of renewables and storages; the modelling and testing of storage systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

The energy transition is based on a wide electrification process, and power converters are key elements in this transition. In the actual power systems, power converters allow exploitation of renewable energy sources. Additionally, power converters enhance distributed power generation systems (DPGs) with control capabilities, flexible operation, ancillary features, and regulation possibility.  

Power converters also have the same pivotal role in transportation electrification. In this field, light electric vehicles (EVs), more electric aircrafts (MEAs), electric ships, etc. are typical applications.

Coordinated operation of power converters and storage systems is required in this scenario; as a consequence, hierarchical and cascade control systems are applied with this purpose.

The Collection aims to collect innovative contributions in the field of power converters in reference to topologies, control systems, operation, and innovative applications. Analytical and assessment papers as well as case studies are relevant to the topic.

Authors of papers of exceptional quality can apply for a discount, and after been published, the manuscripts will be marked as “feature papers”.

Dr. Rosa Anna Mastromauro
Dr. Luigi Piegari
Collection Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • power converter topologies
  • power converter control systems
  • power converter applications
  • power converter operation

Published Papers (7 papers)

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2022

22 pages, 8486 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Comparison of Physical and Behavioral Approaches for Virtual Prototyping and Accurate Modeling of Three-Phase EMI Filters
by Simone Negri, Giordano Spadacini, Flavia Grassi, Piotr Lezynski, Robert Smolenski and Sergio Amedeo Pignari
Energies 2024, 17(19), 4974; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17194974 - 4 Oct 2024
Viewed by 526
Abstract
This paper addresses and compares the modeling of typical EMI filters used in three-phase power equipment obtained through two different approaches, namely, physical and behavioral. Firstly, an innovative physical EMI filter modeling procedure is presented, which relies on an analytical formulation in terms [...] Read more.
This paper addresses and compares the modeling of typical EMI filters used in three-phase power equipment obtained through two different approaches, namely, physical and behavioral. Firstly, an innovative physical EMI filter modeling procedure is presented, which relies on an analytical formulation in terms of chain-parameters matrices and allows for an easy evaluation of its attenuation characteristics. The considered procedure builds an overall filter model by combining simple components models, requiring the determination of only a limited number of parasitic elements. Furthermore, the latter can be easily estimated without the need to build any prototype, avoiding the costly trial-and-error design procedures currently applied in the industrial context. Additionally, the considered physical model is tailored for high-power filters, built with thick wires, while most of the physical models available in the literature are aimed at small-sized filters built on printed circuit boards. The procedure is validated step by step, discussing the accuracy of each component model and its impact on overall accuracy compared to the actual measurements of the final assembled filter. Secondly, a behavioral modeling procedure is presented, which is based on external measurements performed on the filter prototype and provides an equivalent circuit model. Specifically, it extends to three-phase filters a circuit model previously developed for the single-phase case. Lastly, a critical comparison between the proposed physical and behavioral models is presented, highlighting the strengths and limitations of both and suggesting optimal uses for each. Full article
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19 pages, 7004 KiB  
Article
Simplified V/f Control Algorithm for Reduction of Current Fluctuations in Variable-Speed Operation of Induction Motors
by Dong-Hyeok Son and Sung-An Kim
Energies 2024, 17(7), 1699; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071699 - 2 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1424
Abstract
This paper introduces a straightforward control strategy aimed at the reduction of current fluctuations within the low-frequency domain of open-loop V/f control in induction motor drives. Traditional control techniques necessitate the addition of a current compensator based on motor parameters and the use [...] Read more.
This paper introduces a straightforward control strategy aimed at the reduction of current fluctuations within the low-frequency domain of open-loop V/f control in induction motor drives. Traditional control techniques necessitate the addition of a current compensator based on motor parameters and the use of digital filters such as band-pass or high-pass filters. These methods, however, rely on precise motor parameters and involve complex filter design and implementation. The proposed control is capable of suppressing current fluctuations without controlling the slip of the induction motor. The proposed control strategy generates the forced rotation angle and command input voltage using the V/f block and outputs the d-axis voltage using a proportional integral controller to keep the d-axis current constant at zero. The difference between the command input voltage and the d-axis voltage is applied as the q-axis voltage and then applied through SVPWM. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control, the proposed control is implemented and analyzed using power simulation based on the results of the analysis of the causes of current fluctuations in the induction motor. Finally, the effect of suppressing current fluctuations of the induction motor is verified through experimental results. In the 10~19 Hz range, where the conventional V/f control method resulted in current fluctuation rates exceeding 10% and peaking at 113.3% at 13 Hz, the proposed method suppressed the fluctuation rate to below 8.6% across all frequencies. This paper validates the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy through these results. Full article
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2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022

15 pages, 17787 KiB  
Article
Operation of a Hybrid Energy Storage System Based on a Cascaded Multi-Output Multilevel Converter with a Carrier-Based Modulation Scheme
by Fidel Figueroa, Ricardo Lizana Fuentes, Stefan M. Goetz and Sebastian Rivera
Energies 2023, 16(20), 7150; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16207150 - 19 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1143
Abstract
Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESSs) have gathered considerable interest due to their potential to achieve high energy and power density by integrating different storage technologies, such as batteries and capacitors, to name a few. Among the various topologies explored for HESSs, the multi-output [...] Read more.
Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESSs) have gathered considerable interest due to their potential to achieve high energy and power density by integrating different storage technologies, such as batteries and capacitors, to name a few. Among the various topologies explored for HESSs, the multi-output multilevel converter stands out as a promising option, offering decoupled operation of the AC ports while maintaining an internal balance among the diverse storage units. In this paper, the operation and restrictions of a HESS based on a multi-output multilevel converter with a carrier-based modulation scheme are presented. The study provides compelling evidence of the correct operation of the proposed modulation scheme and highlights its advantages, including simplicity and stability. Full article
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19 pages, 2402 KiB  
Review
Technical Review and Survey of Future Trends of Power Converters for Fast-Charging Stations of Electric Vehicles
by Halise Kilicoglu and Pietro Tricoli
Energies 2023, 16(13), 5204; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16135204 - 6 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3670
Abstract
The development and implementation of electric vehicles have significantly increased and are profoundly reshaping the automotive sector. However, long charging times, limited driving range, and difficulties as to suitable charger converter design are the main limitations of the adoption of EV technology. DC [...] Read more.
The development and implementation of electric vehicles have significantly increased and are profoundly reshaping the automotive sector. However, long charging times, limited driving range, and difficulties as to suitable charger converter design are the main limitations of the adoption of EV technology. DC fast-chargers offer the best solution for mitigating the charging time problems of EVs. This paper provides an extensive review of the status of the technical development of fast-charging infrastructure architectures and standards, and a classification of fast-charging methods. Key power electronic converter topologies for fast-charging systems, with their advantages and comparisons, are also addressed. Full article
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23 pages, 4023 KiB  
Article
An MV-Connected Ultra-Fast Charging Station Based on MMC and Dual Active Bridge with Multiple dc Buses
by Marzio Barresi, Edoardo Ferri and Luigi Piegari
Energies 2023, 16(9), 3960; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093960 - 8 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2143
Abstract
The diffusion of electric vehicles will be strongly related to the capacity to charge them in short times. To do so, the necessity of widespread fast charging stations arises. However, their intermittent demand represents a challenging load for grid operators. In order to [...] Read more.
The diffusion of electric vehicles will be strongly related to the capacity to charge them in short times. To do so, the necessity of widespread fast charging stations arises. However, their intermittent demand represents a challenging load for grid operators. In order to relieve their impact on the electrical grid operation, integrating storage systems in the charging stations represents a potential solution, although it complicates the overall system management. Moreover, standard converter architectures for the MV grid interface require the installation of bulky transformers and filters. In order to cope with the mentioned problems, this paper proposes an ultra-fast charging station topology based on a modular multilevel converter (MMC) structure and dual-active bridge (DAB) converters. Thanks to the multilevel converter properties, the proposed charging station can be directly interfaced with the MV grid without requiring transformers or filters. Additionally, exploiting the degree of freedom in the converter control system, such as circulating components, offers uneven power distribution among the converter submodules that can be managed. Along with the MMC control strategy, the article addresses a straightforward methodology to select the main parameters of the DAB converter as a function of the involved grid power and circulating power contributions, with the primary goal of obtaining a trade-off between internal balancing performances and a broad soft-switching region without incurring in converter oversizing. The effectiveness of the proposed charging station is finally discussed through numerical simulations, where its behavior during a power demand cycle is analyzed. Full article
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20 pages, 2040 KiB  
Article
Integration of Sodium Metal Halide Energy Storage Systems in Telecommunication Microgrids: Performance Analysis of DC-DC Converter Topologies
by Mauro Boi, Rosa Anna Mastromauro, Andrea Floris and Alfonso Damiano
Energies 2023, 16(5), 2169; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16052169 - 23 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1386
Abstract
The present paper proposes an integrated method for modelling and designing Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) based on Sodium Metal Halide Batteries (SMHBs). The implementation of the proposed methodology for designing an SMHB-ESS used for supporting telecommunication DC microgrids is presented. The motivation concerning [...] Read more.
The present paper proposes an integrated method for modelling and designing Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) based on Sodium Metal Halide Batteries (SMHBs). The implementation of the proposed methodology for designing an SMHB-ESS used for supporting telecommunication DC microgrids is presented. The motivation concerning this specific case study is the role assumed by battery technology in improving the reliability and robustness of telecommunication DC microgrids. In this context, the SMHBs, due to their operative temperature, dynamic power response and robustness against cell breakdown, represent one of the most suitable technologies, mainly when challenging environmental conditions occur. The motivation for implementing an integrated design approach is the non-linear behaviour of SMHBs, which requires a high accuracy in battery modelling and in managing DC-DC interfacing for full SMHB capacity exploitation. To highlight the advantages of this novel approach, a comparison between the SMHB- ESS designs considering, as the DC-DC converter, a buck–boost topology actually implemented in the commercial systems and a Dual-Active-Bridge (DAB) converter, specifically developed for this kind of battery, was investigated. Considering different operating conditions in a specific DC telecommunication microgrid, the designed configurations of SMHB ESSs were simulated. Finally, a comparison of simulation results is presented and discussed, highlighting that DABs, despite their greater complexity compared to buck–boost converters, present advantages in terms of flexibility, dynamic performances and efficiency, increasing the available SMHB capacity by 10%. Full article
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2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023

17 pages, 6560 KiB  
Article
Average Current Mode Control of a DC–DC Boost Converter to Reduce the Decoupling Capacitance at the PV Array Output
by Sobhan Mohamadian, Concettina Buccella and Carlo Cecati
Energies 2023, 16(1), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010364 - 28 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2145
Abstract
Due to the full-wave AC–DC power conversion, second-order frequency oscillations of current and voltage are created in single-phase PV-grid-connected inverters. These oscillations propagate toward the input and adversely affect the PV power utilization ratio. Large power decoupling capacitors are the preliminary solution for [...] Read more.
Due to the full-wave AC–DC power conversion, second-order frequency oscillations of current and voltage are created in single-phase PV-grid-connected inverters. These oscillations propagate toward the input and adversely affect the PV power utilization ratio. Large power decoupling capacitors are the preliminary solution for coping with voltage ripples across PVs, and they decrease the lifetime of the overall system. This paper proposes the average current mode control (ACMC) of the input inductor in a DC–DC boost converter in a double-stage PV power conversion system. Through extensive explanations of the modeling and control of a DC–DC boost converter, it is shown that the ACMC reduces the propagation of the second-order frequency components (SOFCs) toward the input PV array. Two controllers—a proportional–integral controller and an integral single-lead controller—are considered to adjust the average value of the PV output current in a single-loop control structure. This control approach is simple to implement and exhibits high impedance to current oscillatory components, which, in turn, reduces the size of the required capacitance. Full article
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