Search Results (10)

This paper aims to maximize the performance of photovoltaic generators under varying atmospheric conditions by employing an improved variable-step current perturbation Perturb and Observe (IVSCP-PO) MPPT controller. The proposed approach overcomes the limitations of traditional controllers and significantly enhances tracking efficiency. The IVSCP-PO controller locates the maximum power point (MPP) using current perturbation instead of voltage perturbation and employs a variable step iteration based on input variables such as power, voltage, and current for better adjustment of the boost converter’s duty ratio. Comprehensive simulations demonstrate the tracking effectiveness of the IVSCP-PO approach under varied and severe temperature and solar intensity conditions. The results indicate that the IVSCP-PO controller outperforms traditional and recently published methods by avoiding drift and oscillation and minimizing power loss. This translates to maximized static and dynamic tracking efficiencies, reaching 99.99% and 99.98%, respectively. Additionally, the IVSCP-PO controller boasts a record-breaking average tracking time of just 0.002 s, a substantial improvement over traditional and improved PO methods ranging from 0.036 to 0.6 s. To further validate these results, experiments were conducted using the dSPACE 1104 board, demonstrating the superior accuracy and effectiveness of the approach and providing a promising solution to optimize the performance of photovoltaic panels. Full article

Piezoelectric actuators are commonly used in high precision, micro-displacement applications. However, nonlinear phenomena, like hysteresis, may reduce their performance. This article compares several control approaches—based on the combination of sliding mode control and artificial neural networks—for coping with these nonlinearities and improving actuator positioning accuracy and robustness. In particular, it discusses the application of diverse order sliding mode control techniques, such as conventional, twisting algorithms, super-twisting algorithms, and the prescribed convergence law, in combination with artificial neural networks. Moreover, it validates experimentally, with a commercial piezoelectric actuator, the application of these control structures using a dSPACE 1104 controller board. Finally, it evaluates the computational time consumption for the control strategies presented. This work intends to guide the designers of PEA commercial applications to select the best control algorithm and identify the hardware requirements. Full article

Wind power systems, which are currently being constructed for the electricity worldwide market, are mostly based on Doubly Fed Induction Generators (DFIGs). To control such systems, multilevel converters are increasingly preferred due to the well-known benefits they provide. This paper deals with the control of a standalone DFIG-based Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) by using a three-level Neutral-Point-Clamped (NPC) converter. The frequency and magnitude of the stator output voltage of the DFIG are controlled and fixed at nominal values despite the variable rotor speed, ensuring a continuous AC supply for three-phase loads. This task is achieved by controlling the DFIG rotor currents via a PI controller combined with a new Simplified Direct Space Vector Modulation strategy (SDSVM), which is applied to the three-level NPC converter. This strategy is based on the use of a line-to-line three-level converter space vector diagram without using Park transformation and then simplifying it to that of a two-level converter. The performance of the proposed SDSVM technique in terms of controlling the three-level NPC-converter-based standalone WECS is demonstrated through simulation results. The whole WECS control and the SDSVM strategy are implemented on a dSPACE DS 1104 board that drives a DFIG-based wind system test bench. The obtained experimental results confirm the validity and performance in terms of control. Full article

Currently, power trains based on an Open-End Winding Induction Machine fed by a Dual Inverter (DI-OEWIM) are attracting a great deal of interest in various modern industrial applications. However, applying symmetrical control to this system (DI-OEWIM), which is symmetrical in nature, will lead to malfunction. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to explore the influence of asymmetric control on the performance of this system. The principle of this study is to create an asymmetrical control by integrating a phase-shift angle in the Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) strategy. We then evaluate the impact of these angles on various performances, such as the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), power losses, Common Mode Voltage (CMV), Zero-Sequence Voltage (ZSV), rotation speed and torque ripple of this system. This study was carried out in the Matlab/Simulink environment and was validated experimentally using the dSPACE 1104 board. The results show that the different angles have significant effects on the overall performance of this system. Full article

This article presents a second-order adaptive fuzzy logic controller (SO-AFLC) to improve the performance of a grid-connected double-fed induction generator (DFIG) in an oscillating water column power plant (OWCPP). The proposed SO-AFLC was used to improve the maximum power point tracking (MPPT), DC link voltage stability, and reactive power tracking for the DFIG oscillating water column power plant. The SO-AFLC reduces oscillations, overshooting, and mean square error. The SO-AFLC improved the mean square error by 40.4% in comparison to the adaptive fuzzy logic controller (AFLC) and by 84.9% in comparison to the proportional–integral differential controllers (PIDs). To validate the simulation results, an experimental investigation was performed on the Dspace DS 1104 control board. The SO-AFLC shows a faster response time, reduced undershooting, lower peak overshooting, and very low steady-state error in terms of DC link voltage, rotor speed, and maximum power point tracking. Moreover, the integral absolute error (IAE) index of the oscillating water column turbine was calculated. This index is meant to evaluate the SO-AFLC’s feasibility against the PID and AFLC under the same wave conditions. Full article

This article presents the DTC-SVM approach for controlling a sensorless speed induction motor. To implement this approach, a practical prototype is built using a microcontroller, an embedded GPS module, and a memory card to collect real-time data during the driving route, such as road geographical data, speed, and time. These data are then utilized in the laboratory to implement the control law (DTC-SVM) on the electric vehicle. The d-q model of the induction motor is first presented to explain the requirements for calculating the rotor speed. Then, an adaptive model reference system speed estimator is developed based on the rotor flux, along with a controller and DTC-SVM strategy, which are implemented using the dSpace 1104 board to achieve the desired performance. The simulation results demonstrate satisfactory speed regulation with the proposed system. In this study too, an electronic differential system is modeled for the four wheels of an electric vehicle equipped with an integrated motor, all controlled by the DTC-SVM strategy. Vehicle speed and electrical vehicle steering angle variations, as well as wheel speeds estimated by code system, are verified using MATLAB/Simulink simulations. Full article

The main aim of the research work presented in this paper consists of proposing an effective control scheme for a grid-connected single-phase photovoltaic (PV) system to enhance not only the power quality at the point of common coupling (PCC) but also to operate with a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller. Moreover, an orthogonal signal generator (OSG) module for effective grid synchronization, a current reference generation controller, and a PWM generating block have also been designed and included in this paper. The proposed control strategy allows the MPPT controller to switch to faulty mode and maintains the voltage according to network requirements using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)-based control whenever a fault occurs at the PCC. The performance of the analyzed control strategy, which is based on the static compensation of the DC-link voltage fluctuations in a grid-connected inverter powered by PV, is further explored through simulations in MATLAB, and the results are included in this paper. Moreover, the control scheme is implemented experimentally using a dSPACE DS 1104 control board and then assessed on a small laboratory-scale single-phase PV system that is subjected to some fault scenarios. The simulation and experimental results have shown improved power quality and robustness against grid fluctuations, resulting in better dynamic performance. Full article

The synergetic control technique (SCT) has the solution for understanding the symmetry inherent in the non-linear properties of wind turbines (WTs); therefore, they achieve excellent performance and enhance the operation of the WT. Small-scale WTs are efficient and cost-effective; they are usually installed close to where the generated electricity is used. This technology is gaining popularity worldwide for off-grid electricity generation, such as in rural homes, farms, small factories, and commercial properties. To enhance the efficiency of the WT, it is vital to operate the WT at its maximum power. This work proposes an efficient and fast maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique based on the SCT to eradicate the drawbacks of the conventional methods and enhance the operation of the WT at the MPP regardless of wind speed and load changes. The SCT has advantages, such as robustness, simplified design, fast response, no requirement for knowledge of WT characteristics, no need for wind sensors or intricate power electronics, and straightforward implementation. Furthermore, it improves speed convergence with minimal steady-state oscillations at the MPP. The investigated configuration involves a wind-driven permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), uncontrolled rectifier, boost converter, and variable load. The two converters are used to integrate the PMSG with the load. Three scenarios (step changes in wind speed, stochastic changes in wind speed, and variable electrical load) are studied to assess the SCT. The results prove a high performance of the suggested MPPT control method for a fast convergence speed, boosted WT efficacy, low oscillation levels, and applicability under a variety of environmental situations. This work used the MATLAB/Simulink program and was then implemented on a dSPACE 1104 control board to assess the efficacy of the SCT. Furthermore, experimental validation on a 1 kW Darrieus-type WT driving a PMSG was performed. Full article

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are devices capable of converting solar energy to electrical without emissions generation, and can last for several years as there are no moving parts involved. The best performance can be achieved through maximum power point tracking (MPPT), which is challenging because it requires a sophisticated design, since the solar energy fluctuates throughout the day. The PV used in this research provided a low output voltage and, therefore, a boost-converter with a non-linear control law was implemented to reach a suitable end-used voltage. The main contribution of this research is a novel MPPT method based on a voltage reference estimator (VRE) combined with a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) in order to obtain the maximum power from the PV panel. This structure was implemented in a dSpace 1104 board for a commercial PV panel, PEIMAR SG340P. The scheme was compared with a conventional perturbation and observation (P&O) and with a sliding mode controller (SMC), where the outcomes demonstrated the superiority of the proposed advanced method. Full article

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) topology is becoming one of the most reliable and promising alternative resource of energy for a wide range of applications. However, efficiency improvement and lifespan extension are needed to overcome the limited market of fuel cell technologies. In this paper, an efficient approach based on a super-twising algorithm (STA) is proposed for the PEMFC system. The control objective is to lengthen the fuel cell lifetime by improving its power quality, as well as to keep the system operating at an optimal and efficient power point. The algorithm adjusts the PEMFC operating point to the optimum power by tuning the duty cycle of the boost converter. The closed-loop system includes the Heliocentris hy-Expert^TM PEMFC, DC–DC boost converter, DSPACE DS1104, dedicated PC, and a programmable electronic load. The practical implementation of the proposed STA on a hardware setup is performed using a dSPACE real-time digital control platform. The data acquisition and the control system are conducted together with the dSPACE 1104 controller board. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm, experimental results are compared with 1-order sliding mode control (SMC) under different load resistance. The obtained results demonstrate the validity of the proposed control scheme by ensuring at least 72% of the maximum power produced by PEMFC. In addition, it is proven that the STA ensures all the fundamental properties of the 1-order SMC, as well as providing chattering reduction of 91%, which will ameliorate as a consequence the fuel cell lifetime. Full article