• The Transactions of The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers
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• v.63 no.3
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• pp.358-366
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• 2014

This paper proposes a quasi Z-source AC-AC converter with the low DC voltage distribution capability operating as a power electronic transformer. The proposed system has configuration that the input terminals of two quasi Z-source AC-AC converters are connected in parallel, also their output terminal are connected in series. Simple control method of duty ratio was proposed for the in phase buck-boost AC voltage mode and the DC output voltage control. DSP based experiment and PSIM simulation were performed. As a result, the PSIM simulation results were same with the measured results. By controlling the duty ratio under the condition of 100 [${\Omega}$] load, quasi Z-source AC-AC converter could buck and boost the AC output voltage in phase with the AC input voltage, and the same time, the constant DC voltage could be output without affecting the AC output characteristics. And, the DC output voltage 48[V] was constantly controlled in dynamic state in case while the load is suddenly changed ($50[\Omega]{\rightarrow}100[\Omega]$). From the above result, we could know that the quasi Z-source AC-AC converter can act as a power electronic transformer with a low DC voltage distribution capability.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.272-281
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• 2017

The DC circuit breaker is essential for supplying stable DC power with the advent of DC transmission/distribution and sensitive loads. Compared with mechanical circuit breakers, which must interrupt a very large fault current due to their slow breaking capability, a solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) can quickly break a fault current almost within 1 [ms]. Thus, it can reduce the damage of an accident a lot more than mechanical circuit breakers. However, previous DC SSCBs cannot perform the operating duty, and are not economical because many SCR are required. Therefore, this paper proposes a new DC SSCB suitable for DC grids. It has a low semiconductor conduction loss, quick reclosing and rebreaking capabilities. As a result, it can perform the operating duties of reclosing and rebreaking. The proposed DC SSCB is designed and implemented so that it is suitable for home dc distribution at a rated power of 5 [kW] and a voltage of 380 [V]. The operating characteristics are confirmed by simulation and experimental results. In addition, this paper suggests design guidelines so that it can be applied to other DC grids. It is anticipated that the proposed DC SSCB may be utilized to design and realize many DC grid systems.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.165-175
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• 2015

Energy storage system has been widely applied in power distribution sectors as well as in renewable energy sources to ensure uninterruptible power supply. This paper presents a model predictive algorithm to control a bidirectional AC-DC converter, which is used in an energy storage system for power transferring between the three-phase AC voltage supply and energy storage devices. This model predictive control (MPC) algorithm utilizes the discrete behavior of the converter and predicts the future variables of the system by defining cost functions for all possible switching states. Subsequently, the switching state that corresponds to the minimum cost function is selected for the next sampling period for firing the switches of the AC-DC converter. The proposed model predictive control scheme of the AC-DC converter allows bidirectional power flow with instantaneous mode change capability and fast dynamic response. The performance of the MPC controlled bidirectional AC-DC converter is simulated with MATLAB/Simulink(R) and further verified with 3.0kW experimental prototypes. Both the simulation and experimental results show that, the AC-DC converter is operated with unity power factor, acceptable THD (3.3% during rectifier mode and 3.5% during inverter mode) level of AC current and very low DC voltage ripple. Moreover, an efficiency comparison is performed between the proposed MPC and conventional VOC-based PWM controller of the bidirectional AC-DC converter which ensures the effectiveness of MPC controller.