Giorgio Spiazzi

Simple digital control improving dynamic performance of power factor preregulators

This paper presents the practical implementation of a fully digital control for boost power factor preregulators (PFPs). The control algorithm, which is simple and fast, provides a significant improvement in the systems dynamic performance compared to the usual analog control techniques. The paper discusses the design criteria and the actions taken for the implementation of the digital control, which is performed by means of a standard microcontroller (Siemens 80C166). The effectiveness of the approach is assessed by experimental tests.

General-purpose fuzzy controller for DC-DC converters

In this paper, a general-purpose fuzzy controller for DC-DC converters is investigated. Based on a qualitative description of the system to be controlled, fuzzy controllers are capable of good performances, even for those systems where linear control techniques fail, e.g., when a mathematical description is not available or is in the presence of wide parameter variations. The presented approach is general and can be applied to any DC-DC converter topologies. Controller implementation is relatively simple and can guarantee a small-signal response as fast and stable as other standard regulators and an improved large-signal response. Simulation results of buck-boost and Sepic converters show control potentialities.

General-purpose sliding-mode controller for DC/DC converter applications

A general-purpose sliding-mode controller is described, which can be applied to most DC-DC power converter topologies. It has the same circuit complexity as standard current-mode controllers, but provides extreme robustness and speed of response against supply, load, and parameter variations. Moreover, contrary to other sliding-mode techniques, the proposed solution features constant switching frequency in the steady state, synchronization to external triggers, and absence of steady-state errors in the output voltage.<<ETX>>

Energy Management Fuzzy Logic Supervisory for Electric Vehicle Power Supplies System

This paper introduces an energy management strategy based on fuzzy logic supervisory for road electric vehicle, combining a fuel cell power source and two energy storage devices, i.e., batteries and ultracapacitors. The control strategy is designed to achieve the high-efficiency operation region of the individual power source and to regulate current and voltage at peak and average power demand, without compromising the performance and efficiency of the overall system. A multiple-input power electronic converter makes the interface among generator, energy storage devices, and the voltage dc-link bus. Classical regulators implement the control loops of each input of the converter. The supervisory system coordinates the power flows among the power sources and the load. The paper is mainly focused on the fuzzy logic supervisory for energy management of a specific power electronic converter control algorithm. Nevertheless, the proposed system can be easily adapted to other converters arrangements or to distributed generation applications. Simulation and experimental results on a 3-kW prototype prove that the fuzzy logic is a suitable energy management control strategy.

Low-Complexity MPPT Technique Exploiting the PV Module MPP Locus Characterization

This paper proposes a method for tracking the maximum power point (MPP) of a photovoltaic (PV) module that exploits the relation existing between the values of module voltage and current at the MPP (MPP locus). Experimental evidence shows that this relation tends to be linear in conditions of high solar irradiation. The analysis of the PV module electrical model allows one to justify this result and to derive a linear approximation of the MPP locus. Based on that, an MPP tracking strategy is devised which presents high effectiveness, low complexity, and the inherent possibility to compensate for temperature variations by periodically sensing the module open circuit voltage. The proposed method is particularly suitable for low-cost PV systems and has been successfully tested in a solar-powered 55-W battery charger circuit.

Predictive digital control of power factor preregulators with input voltage estimation using disturbance observers

The paper presents a fully digital control of single-phase boost power factor preregulators (PFPs) based on inductor (or switch) current and output voltage measurements. Input voltage sensing is avoided using a disturbance observer, which provides a waveform proportional to the rectified input voltage. The proposed solution is based on a multiloop structure for PFPs with an internal deadbeat current control and a conventional outer voltage control, possibly with fast dynamic response. The resulting control algorithm is simple, accurate, and robust with respect to parameter mismatch. The digital control has been implemented both in a field programmable gate array and in a digital signal processor (TMS320F2812), to test the proposed algorithm with different control delays. Experimental results on a single-phase boost PFPs show the effectiveness of the proposed solution.

Implementation of single-phase boost power-factor-correction circuits in three-phase applications

A three-phase rectifier employing three single-phase boost power-factor-correction circuits is analyzed. Each converter operates in the continuous conduction mode (CCM), which allows a high power factor and a small EMI filter. Current sharing is ensured by a common voltage loop driving the individual current loops of the three converters. A suitable circuit arrangement is devised to limit phase interaction. The zero-voltage-transition technique (ZVT) is successfully applied to each converter, in order to obtain zero turn on losses and soft turnoff of the freewheeling diodes. Results of a 1800-W 100-kHz experimental prototype are reported, which confirm the theoretical forecasts.

General-purpose fuzzy controller for DC/DC converters

In this paper, a general-purpose fuzzy controller for DC-DC converters is investigated. Based on a qualitative description of the system to be controlled, fuzzy controllers are capable of good performances even for those systems where linear control techniques fail, e.g. when a mathematical description is not available or in the presence of wide parameter variations. The presented approach is general and can be applied to any DC-DC converter topologies. Controller implementation is relatively simple and can guarantee a small-signal response as fast and stable as for other standard regulators and an improved large-signal response. Simulation results of buck-boost and Sepic converters show control potentialities.<<ETX>>

Fast-response high-quality rectifier with sliding mode control

A PWM rectifier including an uncontrolled rectifier and a Cuk converter stage driven by a sliding mode controller is described. Like other high-quality rectifiers, this solution allows low-distorted and in-phase line current. Moreover, due to the sliding mode control, fast and stable response is achieved, in spite of the large output filter. Control complexity is the same as that of standard current-mode controls. Converter analysis, design criteria, and experimental results are reported. >

Performance Degradation of High-Brightness Light Emitting Diodes Under DC and Pulsed Bias

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the performance of commercially available high-brightness light emitting diodes (HBLEDs). Three different families of white HBLEDs from three different manufacturers are considered. The main issues taken into account and reported in detail are the following: quality of the emitted light, impact of the driving strategy on the expected device lifetime, thermal management and related aging effects. The execution of a large number of accelerated stress tests reveals the weaknesses of the technology with respect to thermal degradation and the sensitivity of the device performance degradation to the adopted driving strategy. Furthermore, square-wave driving has been compared to conventional dc driving in terms of device performance and reliability. Comparison has been carried out for the same average current value of the driving waveforms. It has been found that square-wave driving can be an effective alternative to dc driving in terms of device efficiency only for high duty cycles. For low duty cycles, worse performance was detected due to the saturation of efficiency at high peak current levels. Reliability tests did not univocally indicate whether the use of pulsed bias can be more convenient than dc driving in terms of lumen maintenance. The three families of devices submitted to dc and pulsed stresses showed different behaviors, indicating that stress kinetics strongly depends on the LED technological structure and package thermal design.