Ignacio Carugati

Variable Sampling Period Filter PLL for Distorted Three-Phase Systems

This paper proposes a novel variable sampling period filter phase-locked loop (VSPF-PLL) for use in the general area of three-phase systems. It is based on the concept of variable sampling period, which allows to automatically adjust the sampling frequency to be NPLL times the line frequency. Conventional three-phase PLL are based on synchronous reference frames (SRFs) to estimate the phase error between the PLL and the input signals. However, SRF transform fail when the voltage waveforms are distorted. In this paper, a sliding-Goertzel-transform- based filter is used in the loop to reject disturbances, such as unbalanced voltage and harmonics. It allows to detect the positive sequence present in the systems without errors. Characteristics of VSPF-PLL, including its mathematical model as well as steady state and dynamic responses, are discussed in this paper. The method is implemented in a DSP and tested using typical disturbances, such as frequency steps, unbalances, harmonics, saturation, and line-to-ground fault. Comparative simulations are performed between the proposed VSPF-PLL and some of the most common three-phase PLL described in the literature. Advantages of the proposed system over the methods analyzed are also discussed. Structural simplicity, robustness, and harmonics rejection are other attractive features offered by the proposed system.

Frequency Adaptive PLL for Polluted Single-Phase Grids

This paper proposes a frequency adaptive phase-locked loop (PLL) for use in single-phase systems. The main objective is to obtain a reliable synchronization signal even in polluted grids, where the fundamental frequency is contaminated with harmonics, or present variations in phase, amplitude, and/or frequency. The proposed PLL is based on the concept of a variable sampling period technique, already implemented in a three-phase digital synchronization method proposed by the authors. This single-phase method allows us to automatically adjust the sampling frequency to be an integer multiple of the line frequency. In this case, the phase error is calculated just by one multiplication, thereby reducing implementation. A sliding Goertzel transform-based filter is also used in the loop to reject the undesired effects of this phase error detector and line disturbances, such as harmonics. To stabilize the loop, a controller that maximizes the bandwidth with an acceptable transient is introduced. The characteristics of the proposed single-phase PLL are described and the experimental results obtained from a DSP implementation are presented. A set of comparative simulations between the proposed PLL and some single-phase PLL described in the literature are conducted to validate the method. The advantages of the proposed system over other methods analyzed are also dealt with. The robustness of the system is verified by the experimental tests conducted as well as by the harmonic filtering properties. The system is also characterized by its simple architecture, which allows us to provide a high dynamic response with a very much reduced number of calculations.

Robust Predictive Control of Grid-Tied Converters Based on Direct Power Control

This study focuses on the control of instantaneous complex power of a grid-connected voltage-source inverter (VSI). In this study, a new space-vector-modulation-based direct power control approach is proposed: the robust predictive direct power control (RP-DPC). The proposed predictive control algorithm ensures that both, instantaneous real and imaginary powers, track the reference with high speed and accuracy reducing steady-state errors. In order to reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) in the output currents, a fundamental frequency positive sequence detector is used in conjunction with a prediction grid voltage observer. Comparative simulations and experimental results of a 10-kW three-phase grid-connected VSI showing the steady-state and transient performance of the proposed RP-DPC are given. A low THD and balanced output currents are maintained even under severe voltage unbalance conditions.

Harmonics Measurement With a Modulated Sliding Discrete Fourier Transform Algorithm

Accurate harmonics estimation has become a key issue in power quality assessment. This paper deals with a discrete Fourier transform (DFT)-based measurement technique, which can be easily employed to accurately determine the harmonic components of a distorted signal, i.e., voltage or current. The proposed method is based on a modulated sliding DFT algorithm, which is unconditionally stable and does not accumulate errors due to finite precision representation, and a variable sampling period technique (VSPT) to achieve a frequency adaptive mechanism. It is worth noting that the VSPT changes the sampling period for a variable grid frequency condition, leading to a constant sampling frequency under steady-state conditions. The proposed method provides: 1) high degree of accuracy; 2) structural/performance robustness; and 3) frequency adaptability. Given the modular nature of the method, it is implemented on a field programmable gate array. Simulations and experimental tests are shown to verify the performance of the proposed method.

Repetitive Control With Adaptive Sampling Frequency for Wind Power Generation Systems

This paper presents a novel repetitive control (RC) for wind power generation systems (WPGS), which achieves optimal performance in steady-state conditions due to a variable sampling/switching period technique (VSPT). The main objective of VSPT is to obtain an integer number of samples per grid period, which solves the main problem of RC, i.e., the loss of rejection to periodic disturbances due to grid frequency drift. The sampling/switching frequency is adjusted with a variable sampling period filter phase-locked loop, which also adds robustness to the system due to its inherent tolerance to grid voltage distortion and unbalances, and events such as frequency steps and faults. The control and synchronism subsystems are described, designed, and verified experimentally in a 10-kW WPGS. The results obtained prove the accuracy of the proposed control even under severe disturbances, typical in grids with high WPGS penetration, providing ancillary functions to enhance reliability and reduce operational costs.

Three-Phase Harmonic and Sequence Components Measurement Method Based on mSDFT and Variable Sampling Period Technique

This paper presents a three-phase harmonic and sequence components measurement method based on modulated sliding discrete Fourier transform (mSDFT) and a variable sampling period technique. The proposal allows measuring the harmonic components of a three-phase signal and computes the corresponding imbalance by estimating the instantaneous symmetrical components. In addition, an adaptive variable sampling period is used to obtain a sampling frequency multiple of the main frequency. By doing so, DFT typical errors, known as spectral leakage and picket-fence effect, are mitigated in steady state. The proposal is tested with different disturbances by simulation and experimental results. Some results obtained with a power quality monitor implemented with the proposed system are also presented. The high rejection to distortion in the electrical network, frequency adaptability, flexibility, and good performance in power quality monitor application render the proposed method a promising alternative for signal processing from the mains.

Thyristor Gate Control implementation on FPGA for particle accelerator facilities

This paper provides the general description, design guidelines and implementation issues of a digital Thyristor Gate Control (TGC) system developed for particle accelerator facilities. The present proposal improves the TGC performance by replacing the conventional synchronization method based on a single phase zero crossing Phase Lock Loop (PLL) with a novel three-phase synchronous method known as Variable Sampling Period Filter PLL (VSPF-PLL). The proposal is implemented in a custom board and it is tested in a 6-phase power converter under a very distorted mains.

Three-phase harmonics measurement method based on mSDFT

This work presents a three-phase harmonics measurement method based on the mSDFT (Modulated Sliding Discrete Fourier Transform) and a variable sampling period technique. The proposal allows measuring the harmonic components of a three-phase signal and computes the corresponding imbalance by estimating its positive, negative and zero sequence. In addition, an adaptive variable sampling period is used in order to obtain a sampling frequency multiple of the main frequency. mSDFT high rejection to distortions in the electrical network and flexibility of proposed method makes it an interesting alternative for the design of grid power monitors.

Single Bin Sliding Discrete Fourier Transform

The conventional method for spectrum analysis is the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), usually implemented using a fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm. However, certain applications require an online spectrum analysis only on a subset ofM frequencies of an N-point DFT ðM < NÞ. In such cases, the use of single-bin sliding DFT (Sb-SDFT) is preferred over the direct application of FFT. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a concise overview of the Sb-SDFT algorithms, analyze their performance, and highlight advantages and limitations. Finally, a technique to mitigate the spectral leakage effect, which arises when using the Sb-SDFT in nonstationary conditions, is presented.

Evaluación y comparación de algoritmos de clasificación de eventos de tensión mediante su implementación en un DSP

This paper assesses the experimental implementation of three voltage events classification algorithms. They are known in the literature as symmetrical component algorithm, six-phase algorithm and space vector algorithm. They use the fundamental voltages and sequences components estimated by a sequence detector proposed by the authors previously. This detector is synchronized with the network achieving phase and frequency adaptation and high rejection to the network disturbances. From implementation of classification algorithm and detector on a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), the performance of each algorithm in the classification of real events and their possible application in a PQM (Power Quality Monitor) was evaluated.