Iraide Lopez

Modulation Strategy for Multiphase Neutral-Point-Clamped Converters

This paper presents a novel modulation strategy for n-phase neutral-point-clamped (NPC) converters. The proposed modulation strategy is able to control and completely remove the low-frequency neutral-point (NP) voltage oscillations for any operation point and load types. Even when unbalanced and/or nonlinear loads are considered, the NP voltage remains under total control. Consequently, the strategy is very attractive for n-phase active filters. In addition, it enables the use of low-capacity film capacitors in NPC converters. The proposed modulation takes the carrier-based modulation strategy as a basis. It is formulated following a generalized approach that makes it expandable to n-phase NPC converters. In addition, the NP voltage is controlled directly using a closed-loop algorithm that does not rely on the use of the linear control regulators or the additional compensators used in other modulation algorithms. Therefore, no tuning of parameters is required and it performs optimally for any operating conditions and kind of loads, including unbalanced and nonlinear loads. Although the high-frequency harmonic content of the output voltages may increase, the weighted total harmonic distortion generated by the proposed strategy is similar to that of a standard sinusoidal pulse width modulated strategy. The proposed modulation algorithm has been tested in a four-leg NPC converter prototype performing as a three- and four-phase system and operating with balanced and unbalanced loads.

Efficiency Optimization in Low Inertia Wells Turbine-Oscillating Water Column Devices

The Wells turbine is a bidirectional air turbine which operates efficiently over a restricted range of air flow. The optimization of its efficiency requires control of rotational velocity in order to maintain the ratio between airflow and tip speed within the high efficiency range. This paper introduces two generator control strategies that optimize the power take-off efficiency for low inertia turbine systems in which instantaneous control of the turbine air flow to tip speed ratio is a realistic goal. The first control strategy requires measurement of turbine rotational speed and air chamber pressure, and the second strategy removes the requirement for air pressure measurement. The implementation issues associated with this level of control are examined and the simulation results are validated in an experimental test rig.

Generalized PWM-Based Method for Multiphase Neutral-Point-Clamped Converters With Capacitor Voltage Balance Capability

This paper presents a generalized pulse width modulation (PWM)-based control algorithm for multiphase neutral-point-clamped (NPC) converters. The proposed algorithm provides a zero sequence to be added to the reference voltages that contributes to improve the performance of the converter by: 1) Regulating the neutral-point (NP) current to eliminate/attenuate the low-frequency NP voltage ripples; 2) reducing the switching losses of the power semiconductors; and 3) maximizing the range of modulation indices for linear operation mode. The control method is formulated following a carrier-based PWM approach. Hence, dealing with complex space-vector diagrams to solve the modulation problem for multiphase converters is avoided. The recursive approach means that it can be easily extended to n-phase converters without increasing the complexity and computational burden, making it especially attractive for digital implementation. The proposed method allows regulating the NP voltage without the need for external controllers; therefore, no parameter tuning is required. The algorithm has been tested in a four-leg NPC converter prototype performing as a three- and four-phase system and operating with balanced and unbalanced loads.

A novel PMSM hybrid sensorless control strategy for EV applications based on PLL and HFI

In this paper, a novel hybrid sensorless control strategy for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) drives applied to Electric Vehicles (EV) is presented. This sensorless strategy covers the EV full speed range and also has speed reversal capability. It combines a High Frequency Injection (HFI) technique for low and zero speeds, and a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) for the medium and high speed regions. A solution to achieve smooth transitions between the PLL and the HFI strategies is also proposed, allowing to correctly detect the rotor position polarity when HFI takes part. Wide speed and torque four-quadrant simulation results are provided, which validate the proposed sensorless strategy for being further implemented in EV.

IPMSM torque control strategies based on LUTs and VCT feedback for robust control under machine parameter variations

In recent years, Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (IPMSMs) have attracted a considerable attention in the scientific community and industry for Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) propulsion systems. Look-up Table (LUT) based Field Oriented Control (FOC) strategies are widely used for IPMSM torque control. However, LUTs strongly depend on machine parameters. Deviations of these parameters due to machine ageing, temperature or manufacturing inaccuracies can lead to control instabilities in the field weakening region. In this paper, two novel hybrid IPMSM control strategies combining the usage of LUTs and Voltage Constraint Tracking (VCT) feedbacks are proposed in order to overcome the aforementioned controllability issues. Simulation results that demonstrate the validity of the proposed approaches are presented.

PWM algorithm with adaptive offset for three-level multi-phase Neutral-Point-Clamped Converters

This paper proposes a PWM based modulation strategy particularly useful for three-level multi-phase Neutral-Point-Clamped Converters. It achieves similar results to those obtained with the space vector modulation but allowing a very fast and simple implementation in a digital controller. The proposed algorithm is able to maintain the neutral-point voltage under control by the addition of a zero-sequence voltage component to the modulation signals. A simple and efficient methodology to calculate the most appropriate zero-sequence component is described. In addition the modulation strategy is completely general, regardless the number of phases of the converter, and therefore it is easy extendible to n-phase converters.