• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.83-87
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• 2012

Input-series-output-parallel (ISOP) modular converters consisting of multiple modular DC/DC converters can enable low voltage rating switches for use in high voltage input applications. In this paper, an input voltage sharing control strategy for input-series-output-parallel (ISOP) full-bridge (FB) DC/DC converters is proposed. By sensing the difference in the input current of two modules, the system can achieve input voltage sharing for DC-DC modules. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified by simulation and experimental results obtained with a 200w-50kHz prototype.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.74-81
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• 2014

In this study, a brain emotional learning-based intelligent controller (BELBIC) is developed for the speed control of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM). A novel and simple model of the IPMSM drive structure is established with the intelligent control system, which controls motor speed accurately without the use of any conventional PI controllers and is independent of motor parameters. This study is conducted in both real time and simulation with a new control plant for a laboratory 3 ph, 3.8 Nm IPMSM digital signal processor (DSP)-based drive system. This DSP-based drive system is then compared with conventional BELBIC and an optimized conventional PI controller. Results show that the proposed method performs better than the other controllers and exhibits excellent control characteristics, such as fast response, simple implementation, and robustness with respect to disturbances and manufacturing imperfections.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.125-134
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• 2014

This paper presents a robust and speed-sensorless stator flux estimation for induction motor direct torque control. The proposed observer is based on sliding mode approach. Stator electrical equations are used in the rotor orientation reference frame to eliminate the observer dependence on rotor speed. Lyapunov's concept for systems stability is adopted to confine the observer gain. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the observer to parameter mismatch is recovered with an adaptation technique. The nonlinearities of the pulse width modulation voltage source inverter are estimated and compensated to enhance stability at low speeds. Therefore, a new method based on the model reference adaptive system is proposed. Simulation and experimental results are shown to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.143-155
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• 2014

The stability issues of a multi-module distributed DC power system without current-sharing loop are analyzed in this study. The physical understanding of the terminal characteristics of each sub-module is focused on. All the modules are divided into two groups based on the different terminal property types, namely, impedance (Z) and admittance (Y) types. The equivalent circuits of each group are established to analyze the stability issues, and the mathematical equations of the equivalent circuits are derived. A generalized criterion for multi-module distributed systems is proposed based on the stability criterion in a cascade system. The proposed criterion is independent of the power flow direction.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.156-164
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• 2014

The power-voltage (P-V) characteristic of a photovoltaic (PV) array is nonlinear and time varying with the change in atmospheric conditions. As a result, the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique must be applied in PV systems to maximize the generated energy. The incremental conductance (INC) algorithm, one of the MPPT strategies, is widely used for its high tracking accuracy, good adaptability to rapidly changing atmospheric conditions, and easy implementation. This paper presents a modified asymmetrical variable step size INC MPPT method that is based on the asymmetrical feature of the P-V curve. Compared with conventional fixed or variable step size method, the proposed method can effectively improve tracking accuracy and speed. The theoretical foundation and design principle of the proposed approach are validated by the simulation and experimental results.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.135-142
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• 2014

In the design of battery chargers, limiting the output ripple current according to the manufacturer's recommendation is important for reliable service and extended battery life. Ripple components can cause internal heating of the battery and thus reduce the service life of the battery. Care must be exerted in the design of the switching converter for the charge application through the accurate estimation of the output current ripple value. This study proposes a method to reduce the output current ripple of the converter and presents a detailed analysis of the output current ripple of the DC-DC boost converter to provide a guideline for the design of the battery charger.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.11-21
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• 2014

A novel switched-inductor quasi-Z-source inverter is proposed in this study. Compared with classic topologies, the boost ability of the proposed topology is strengthened. The voltage stress of the capacitors, diodes, and power devices are reduced, and the current ripple of the DC voltage source is suppressed. Conversion efficiency is also improved. The operation principle of the proposed topology is analyzed in detail and compared with that of similar topologies. The feasibility of the proposed topology is verified by simulations and experiments on a laboratory prototype.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2014

This paper proposes a high-efficiency supercapacitor charger. Conventional two-switch forward converter can be used for charging supercapacitors. However, the efficiency of conventional converters is low because of their switching losses. This study presents a high-efficiency two-switch forward converter for supercapacitor chargers. The proposed converter improves power efficiency by 4 %, from 89 % to 93 %. The proposed converter has the advantages of reduced switch voltage stresses and minimized circulating current when compared to other converter topologies. The performance of the proposed converter is evaluated by experimental results using a 300 W prototype circuit for a 54-V, 35-F supercapacitor bank.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2014

Current sharing between modules in a converter parallel operation is very important for the reliability of the system. This paper proposes an improved droop method that can effectively improve current sharing accuracy. The proposed method adaptively adjusts the output voltage set-point of each module according to the current set-points. Unlike conventional droop control, modules share a signal line to communicate with each other. Nevertheless, since signals are simple and in digital form, the complexity of the circuitry is much less and noise immunity is much better than those of conventional methods utilizing communication. The operation principle and design procedure of the proposed method are described in detail. Results of the experiment on two boost converters operating in parallel under the specification of a TFT LCD TV panel power supply verify the validity of the proposed scheme.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2014

An average current mode control scheme that consistently offers good dynamic performance for LLC series resonant DC-to-DC converters irrespective of the changes in the operational conditions is presented in this paper. The proposed control scheme employs current feedback from the resonant tank circuit through an integrator-type compensation amplifier to improve the dynamic performance and enhance the noise immunity and reliability of the feedback controller. Design guidelines are provided for both current feedback and voltage feedback compensation. The performance of the new control scheme is demonstrated through an experimental 150 W converter operating with 340 V to 390 V input voltage to provide a 24 V output voltage.