This Master of Applied Science thesis presents a single phase grid connected DC/AC inverter with reactive power (VAR) control for residential photovoltaic (PV) applications. The inverter, utilizing the voltage sourced inverter (VSI) configuration, allows the local residential PV generation to actively supply reactive power to the utility grid. A low complexity grid synchronization method was introduced to generate the parallel and orthogonal components of the grid voltage in a highly computationally efficient manner in order to create a synchronized current reference to the current control loop. In addition, the inverter is able to use a small long life film type capacitor on the DC-link by utilizing a notch filter on the voltage control loop. Simulations were performed on PSCAD/EMTDC platform and a prototype was also developed in the lab to prove the effectiveness of the controllers and the grid synchronization method.

This Master of Applied Science thesis presents a single phase grid connected DC/AC inverter with reactive power (VAR) control for residential photovoltaic (PV) applications. The inverter, utilizing the voltage sourced inverter (VSI) configuration, allows the local residential PV generation to actively supply reactive power to the utility grid. A low complexity grid synchronization method was introduced to generate the parallel and orthogonal components of the grid voltage in a highly computationally efficient manner in order to create a synchronized current reference to the current control loop. In addition, the inverter is able to use a small long life film type capacitor on the DC-link by utilizing a notch filter on the voltage control loop. Simulations were performed on PSCAD/EMTDC platform and a prototype was also developed in the lab to prove the effectiveness of the controllers and the grid synchronization method.

This thesis focuses on the single-phase voltage-source inverter for use in photovoltaic (PV) electricity generating systems in both stand-alone and grid-tied applications. In many cases, developments in single-phase PV systems have followed developments in three-phase systems. Time-variant systems are more difficult to control than time-invariant systems. Nevertheless, by using suitable transformation techniques, time-variant systems can often be modelled as time-invariant systems. After the transformation, the control signals that are usually time-variant (often varying sinusoidally in time) become time-invariant at the fundamental frequency, and are hence much easier to deal with. With this approach, synchronous rotating frame control techniques have been previously proposed for high performance three-phase inverter applications. The transformation theory cannot be applied directly in single-phase systems without modification, and the d-q components would not be time-invariant in situations where harmonics, resonances or unbalance is present. Single-phase inverter controller designs based on the use of a synchronous rotating reference frame have been proposed, but such designs do not always perform as well as expected. This thesis aims to improve single-phase voltage-source inverters. The main objective is to address, in terms of cost, efficiency, power management and power quality, the problems found with single-phase designs based on a synchronous rotating frame single-phase inverter controller. Consequently, this thesis focuses on a novel controller approach in order to obtain a more reliable and flexible single-phase inverter. As the first step, this thesis investigates the single-phase inverter switching gate-drive algorithms and develops a form of space-vector pulse-width-modulation (SVPWM) in order to reduce total harmonic distortion. The results of the new SVPWM algorithm demonstrate its superior performance when compared with sinusoidal pulse-width-modulation (SPWM) which is often used with single-phase inverters. The second step, which is further reviewed and presented in this thesis, is the modelling of the single-phase inverter control based on the synchronous rotating frame. A mathematical analysis is conducted to determine the mechanism of the coupling that exists between the voltage phase and amplitude terms, and a new transformation strategy is proposed based on using the voltage phase as a reference at the Park transformation stages, and the current phase as a reference for the current at the transformation stages. The line-frequency components of the feedback signals are transformed to time-invariant components, thus eliminating the ripple and reducing the computational burden associated with the controller stage. Consequently, the inverter feedback controller stage is designed so that the coupling terms are decoupled within the controller itself. The effectiveness of the techniques proposed in this thesis are demonstrated by simulation using the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. The proposed technique was also investigated through a practical implementation of the control system using a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and a single-phase inverter. This practical system was tested up to 1 kW only (limited by the available inverter hardware). Nevertheless, the correlation between the simulation and the practical results is high and this gives confidence that the developed mechanism will allow the 2.5kW goal to be achieved. Practical test cases illustrate the effectiveness of the models. In addition, the comparisons between experimental and simulation results permit the system's behaviour and performance to be accurately evaluated. With the development of the new controller, small-scale single-phase renewable energy systems will become more useful in the field of power quality management through their ability to separately control the phase and amplitude of the output voltage. Consequently, incorporation of this type of generator within the national electrical distribution network, as distributed generators (DG) at low-voltage level, can assist with power quality management at the consumer side of the grid. In addition, such a generator can also operate in stand-alone mode if the grid becomes unavailable. The third step in this thesis investigates small-scale single-phase renewable energy systems operating as decentralized distributed generators within a local network. This operation is achieved by controlling the inverter side using the quantities measured at the common coupling point between the grid and the inverter, without requiring other extensive communications. Thus, the small-scale single-phase renewable energy distributed generator systems will contain only a local controller at each installation.

abstract: A new photovoltaic (PV) array power converter circuit is presented. The salient features of this inverter are: transformerless topology, grounded PV array, and only film capacitors. The motivations are to reduce cost, eliminate leakage ground currents, and improve reliability. The use of Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors is the key enabling technology for this particular circuit to attain good efficiency. Traditionally, grid connected PV inverters required a transformer for isolation and safety. The disadvantage of high frequency transformer based inverters is complexity and cost. Transformerless inverters have become more popular recently, although they can be challenging to implement because of possible high frequency currents through the PV array's stay capacitance to earth ground. Conventional PV inverters also typically utilize electrolytic capacitors for bulk power buffering. However such capacitors can be prone to decreased reliability. The solution proposed here to solve these problems is a bi directional buck boost converter combined with half bridge inverters. This configuration enables grounding of the array's negative terminal and passive power decoupling with only film capacitors. Several aspects of the proposed converter are discussed. First a literature review is presented on the issues to be addressed. The proposed circuit is then presented and examined in detail. This includes theory of operation, component selection, and control systems. An efficiency analysis is also conducted. Simulation results are then presented that show correct functionality. A hardware prototype is built and experiment results also prove the concept. Finally some further developments are mentioned. As a summary of the research a new topology and control technique were developed. The resultant circuit is a high performance transformerless PV inverter with upwards of 97% efficiency. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Electrical Engineering 2014

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / This work analyzes a voltage regulator applied to low-voltage single-phase distribution networks, especially long distribution rural distribution lines with problems to comply with voltage level standards. This voltage regulator is classified as D-STATCOM (Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator), since it is composed of a single-phase PWM inverter connected in parallel with the point common coupling through a second-order LC filter, composing a third order circuit (LCL circuit) with the line inductance. A digital control system is proposed for the D-STATCOM in this dissertation, composed of three voltage loops: the damping, the control loop of the AC voltage, which controls the voltage supplied by the regulator control loop and the DC voltage control loop, responsible for regulating the DC bus voltage. Moreover, a full-state feedback controller is used to achieve active damping of the LCL filter resonance. Finally, experimental results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed control system / Neste trabalho é realizado um estudo acerca de um regulador de tensão aplicado a redes de distribuição monofásicas de baixa tensão, especialmente para longas linhas de distribuição rurais que apresentam problemas de adequação dos níveis de tensão. A topologia do regulador de tensão classifica-se como D-STATCOM (Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator), uma vez que é composto por um inversor PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) monofásico conectado em paralelo com o ponto de acoplamento comum através de um filtro LC, compondo um sistema de terceira ordem (LCL) com a indutância da rede. Um sistema de controle digital para o D-STATCOM é proposto nesta Dissertação, sendo composto por três malhas de tensão: a de amortecimento, a malha de controle da tensão CA, responsável pelo controle da tensão fornecida pelo regulador e a malha de controle da tensão CC, responsável pela regulação da tensão do barramento CC. Além disso, emprega-se uma retroação de estados a fim de realizar o amortecimento ativo do filtro LCL. Por fim, resultados experimentais são apresentados para demonstrar a eficiência do sistema de controle proposto.

Distributed generation for consumer applications is a relatively new field and it is difficult to satisfy both cost and performance targets. High expectations coupled with extreme cost cutting to compete with traditional technologies make converter design difficult. As power electronics mature more opportunities arise for entry into this lucrative area. An excellent understanding of converter dynamics is crucial in producing a well performing and cost competitive system. The six-switch single-phase inverter proposed in this thesis is a prime candidate for use in single households and small businesses. Its compact size and compatibility with existing electrical standards make its integration easy. However, little work is available on characterizing the system from a controls point of view. In particular balancing the two outputs with an uneven load is a concern. This thesis uses nodal and loop analysis to formulate a mathematical model of the six-switch single-phase inverter. A non-linear time invariant model is constructed for circuit simulation; details found in real circuits are added. A hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) configuration is used for more accurate simulation. In fact, its use makes for an almost seamless transition between simulation and hardware experimentation. A detailed explanation of the HIL system developed is presented. The system is simulated under various load conditions. Uneven loads and lightly loaded conditions are thoroughly examined. Controllers are verified in simulation and then are tested on real hardware using the HIL system. DC bus disturbance rejection and non-linear loads are also investigated. Acceptable inverter performance is demonstrated without expensive current sensors or high sampling frequency. / Master of Science

Battery energy storage system (BESS) is promising to be implemented in residential applications for supporting PV integration, load shifting, and backup power purposes. For this application, 48V second-life battery draws more and more attentions for their cost-effectiveness, safe voltage level, reliability, and potential large market. This thesis proposes the comprehensive control and design of an isolated battery-driven grid interface (IBDGI) with the dual-active-bridge (DAB) converter for residential applications with 48V battery pack. The three-phase DAB converter is a promising candidate as the front-end DC/DC converter in the two-stage IBDGI due to its high efficiency, high power density, and low capacitance requirement. An effective design strategy for the three-phase DAB converter is proposed based on the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) zone and back-ow power to achieve high efficiency for a wide operating voltage range and different load conditions. Based on the power loss model, an easily-implemented variable switching frequency operating method is proposed to further increase the efficiency at light load conditions. The dead-time effect is observed in the three-phase DAB converter. To avoid the dead-time effect and better understand the phenomena, a comprehensive analysis is proposed. All the cases of the dead-time effect in the three-phase DAB converter are analyzed in terms of the buck, boost, and matching states. The expressions of the transmission power, constraint conditions, and key time of the dead-time effect are derived for each state. The operation waveforms of the dead-time effect are also presented. The hybrid capacitor bank composed by the LC resonant lter with electrolytic capacitor and lm capacitor is utilized for the DC bus of the IBGDI. The electrolytic capacitors work as passive decoupling purpose while the lm capacitor is responsible for high switching harmonic ltering. Moreover, a current sharing method between the hybrid capacitor bank is proposed to extend the electrolytic capacitor's life. The LCL single-phase inverter is applied for the downstream of the IBDGI. A step-by-step design procedure of the LCL lter with passive damping is proposed for the 120V/240V dual grid-tied and standalone modes. The PR controllers are also designed for the LCL inverter for standalone and grid-tied modes. At the system level, a novel second harmonic current (SHC) reduction strategy is proposed for the IBDGI with the three-phase DAB converter by adding a load current feedforward (LCFF) path to the DAB voltage closed-loop controller. This method will suppress the SHC without modi cations of the original controller's bandwidth, which make it easy to be implemented. The small-signal model of the three-phase DAB converter is provided and veri ed by the step response. The parameter sensitivity analysis for the LCFF method is proposed to show that the SHC is well suppressed within ±20% parameter error. The proposed converter and control methods are veri ed by simulation and experimental results. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-17T14:52:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTACAO_MARCEL SOARES LIMA.pdf: 17818100 bytes, checksum: 95b36384b873fd5da81040a537b53ec1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-20 / With advancement of power electronics and the wide range of applications involving single-phase inverter voltage, current controllers has gained great prominence, because they control the flow of energy supplied to the grid or to a load and compensate some quality energy problems. For this, various techniques for controlling power has been studied in order to meet the robustness characteristics, accuracy and speed of response. In addition, another important characteristic, which has been adopted for accurately determining the choice of the current driver is the possibility of eliminating disturbances in specific frequency, such as those caused by harmonicas of the fundamental signal. This paper presents the study, analysis and resonant controller design. Since this controller is equivalent to adding two PI controllers synchronously, a positive sequence and negative sequence other, implemented in the stationary frame of reference, we will investigate the possible resonance structures of controlling synchronous equivalent to PI controllers, and vector classic and the advantages and disadvantages of each. The analyses of resonant controllers are held in the continuous domain and then the drivers are implemented in discrete domain, taking into account the computational delay. It is also performed the analysis and design of strategies for controlling resonant with and without a delay compensator. Finally, experimental tests will be performed to confirm the analyzes in this paper. / Com o avanço da eletrônica de potência e a vasta gama de aplicações que envolvem os inversores monofásicos de tensão, os controladores de corrente têm ganhado grande destaque, pois controlam o fluxo de energia fornecida à rede elétrica ou a uma carga e compensam alguns problemas de qualidade de energia. Para isso, diversas técnicas de controladores de corrente têm sido estudadas com o intuito de atender as características de robustez, precisão e rapidez na resposta. Além disso, outra característica importante, e que tem sido rigorosamente adotada para determinar a escolha dos controladores de corrente, é a possibilidade de eliminar distúrbios em frequências específicas, como por exemplo, aqueles causados por harmônicas do sinal fundamental. Esta dissertação apresenta o estudo, análise e projeto do controlador ressonante. Uma vez que este controlador é equivalente à adição de dois controladores PI síncronos, um de sequência positiva e outro de sequência negativa, implementados no referencial estacionário, serão investigados as possíveis estruturas dos controladores ressonantes equivalentes aos controladores PI síncronos, clássico e vetorial, bem como as vantagens e desvantagens de cada um. As análises dos controladores ressonantes são realizadas no dominio contínuo e, posteriormente, os controladores são implementados no dominio discreto, levando em consideração o atraso computacional. Também é realizada a análise e projeto das estratégias de controladores ressonantes com e sem um compensador de atraso. Por fim, serão realizados ensaios experimentais para confirmar as análises realizadas no decorrer deste trabalho.