Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential for efficient and convenient energy transmission without physical connections. While most literature discusses WPT converters operating at resonance, this paper investigates system behavior under non-resonant conditions caused by deviations in resonant capacitor values or change in operating frequency. In addition, a study is conducted to examine the impact of mutual inductance variations—caused by changes in coil distance—on system performance under both resonant and non-resonant conditions. A Dual Active Bridge (DAB) topology is considered for the power conversion stage, with different compensation methods—Series-Series (S-S), LCL-S, and LCCL-S. The paper proposes modulation strategies to maintain stable output power across varying operating conditions. Simulations conducted in MATLAB validate the effectiveness of these modulation techniques in conserving output power across parameter variations and re-establishing system efficiency.

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) application requires a DC/AC converter to connect AC loads to the battery DC power source. Most inverters used for such application are multi-stage including a bulky component in the DC link leading to decreased efficiency. Single stage inverters offer the advantages of increased power density, higher efficiency, compact size and reduced weight. This paper presents the design and control of a high-frequency, high-efficiency single-stage isolated DC/AC inverter for UPS applications. The discussed inverter employs a structure and a topology inspired from Dual Active bridge (DAB). The proposed topology allows bidirectional power flow. First, the modeling and the control of the proposed structure is developed. Then, the effectiveness of the proposed inverter and the control algorithms are validated through simulations.

The Internet of Energy (IoE) paradigm introduces new challenges and opportunities for efficient power routing in decentralized energy networks. A novel approach is implemented to enhance power routing efficiency within the IoE framework by integrating adaptive Q-learning techniques with a maintenance phase. The proposed distributed Self-Healing Protocol (SHP) utilizes discovered paths during the maintenance phase instead of recomputing a path to transmit a Power Packet (PP) in case of a fault. Our proposed Self-Healing Q-Learning Routing protocol aims to optimize energy delivery by dynamically adapting routing decisions and addressing system maintenance in real-time. This power routing protocol operates without centralized control, leveraging autonomous behaviors for system resilience and performance optimization. It covers all scenarios, including Multiple Source Single Load (MSSL), Multiple Source Multiple Load (MSML), and Single Source Multiple Load (SSML) scenarios. This approach is validated using MATLAB simulations.

In this study, a novel 7-Level Packed U-Cell (PUC) converter with Model Predictive Controller (MPC) for solar grid-tied applications is presented. The excellence of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels as an interface application in producing green power for utility is examined by the proposed topology. Our innovation represents a novel attempt to use PV solar panels incorporated with PUC converter in its two DC links rather than just one. The designed model's primary advantage is its overall reduced complexity design compared with other existing topologies. Hence, no additional controller other than MPC—such as a PI controller—is needed to extract grid reference current, Additionally, since the utilized Perturbation and Observation (P&O) technology directly controls the provided power, no DC-DC booster converter is needed while integrating PV solar panels to the PUC converter. To assess and verify the proposed concept's performance, Matlab/Simulink simulations were run. However, to verify the suggested topology's robustness and dynamic response, it was tested in steady state condition and under other various types of sudden disturbances. The system demonstrates resilience to changes in grid voltage, phase shift and irradiation.

Enhancing the performance of Photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation has been a focal point for researchers in recent years. Computational fluid dynamics, employed to simulate the behavior of Photobioreactors, stands out as one of the most promising methods. Utilizing computational fluid dynamic simulations lowers design costs and enhances overall work efficiency. This study undertakes a comparative analysis of hydrodynamic behavior and light penetration in two stirred photobioreactors. A cactus-like photobioreactor and a cylindrical photobioreactor were designed. A Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation was conducted on ANSYS FLUENT. The outcomes of the simulation using the volume of fluid turbulence model and the discrete ordinates radiation model revealed that the innovative photobioreactor boasts an improved vortex flow field, reduced dead zone formation, a more uniform and elevated radiation intensity within the reactor's walls, and a higher air volume fraction. In addition, two strains of microalgae (Ankistrodesmus sp. and Chlorella sp.) were cultivated inside the two photobioreactors, with a maximum biomass productivity of 0.0364 g.L-1. d-1and 0.0142 g.L-1. d-1was observed in the cactus-like photobioreactor and the cylindrical photobioreactor respectively. The increase in biomass productivity could be linked to better mixing behavior, higher mass transfer due to better gas dispersion, and higher light penetration that promoted the photosynthesis of the microalgae and fostered their growth.

This paper focuses on designing a drone capable of cleaning solar panels. As renewable energy, particularly solar power, becomes increasingly important, the challenge of dust accumulation on solar panels is growing. Dust can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels by blocking sunlight. This study evaluates the effectiveness of drone-based cleaning methods through secondary research and develops a proof-of-concept PV-cleaning drone. The project demonstrates the feasibility of using drones for this purpose and highlights areas for improvement.

Recently, fault detection has played an essential role in ensuring the safety and reliability of inverter operation. This paper illustrates the efficiency of employing the random forest decision tree approach for fault detection of single open circuit switch fault in a Packed E-Cell inverter. First, Discrete Wavelet Analysis is utilized to analyze the output voltage, using the first level of detailed coefficients. Then, three statistical features are extracted from this analysis to serve as input to the classifier during training. The output of the classifier, which indicates the fault status, is then trained accordingly. Finally, a fault detection strategy is implemented, and the results obtained using MATLAB/Simulink affirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm highlighting its high accuracy and robustness.

With environmental pollution widespread and a critical shortage of fossil fuels, the development of electric vehicles powered by green energy sources becomes crucial for tackling this issue. Especially noteworthy is the hybrid electric vehicle that utilizes fuel cells and supercapacitors, which is the most effective option. Numerous optimization challenges exist in finding power sharing algorithms between fuel cell (FC) and supercapacitor (SC) aimed to maximize the system's efficiency while upholding the supercapacitor's state of charge (SOC) boundaries. However, most of the existing models don't consider the FC dynamic impact caused by several factors such as FC membrane hydration, temperature, and hydrogen pressure which can affects negatively on performance of the system. The paper presents inner loop control algorithm that aims to manage the power-sharing between FC and SC sources guided by the decision input power sharing coefficient. Additionally, the paper shows an outer loop control algorithm that performs two functions: the 1stis to identify the FC model specifically the curve that links the efficiency to the output power of the FC. The 2ndseeks to optimize both overall efficiency and the operational management of the supercapacitor's SOC. These objectives are integrated within the suggested adaptive multiple prediction horizon dynamic power-sharing model predictive control (MPC) algorithm and utilized for an open-end winding induction motor (OEWIM) fed by the power sources through a dual traditional inverter.

Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) is a promising topology that gained lot of interest in medium-voltage grid-connected applications due to its modularity, scalability, and adaptability. Although increasing the number of submodules per arm leads to a higher number of voltage levels and better waveforms quality, the size and then the cost of the converter remains a challenge. Therefore, a trade-off between topology complexity and power quality exists. This paper proposes an MMC based on Z Packed U-Cell converter as Submodule (ZPUC-SM) to generate a higher number of voltage levels with reduced number of SMs. When compared to HB-MMC, this topology features reduced components count for generating the same voltage levels. Thus, the candidate topology is considered to be a promising solution for medium-voltage applications connecting the utility. This paper details the design, modeling and control of ZPUC-MMC operating as a three-phase grid-connected converter. The controller task is to regulate output current to fulfill grid connectivity requirements. A Phase shifted-PWM with an integrated voltage balancing algorithm takes in action of controlling the three-capacitors voltages of each arm. Thus, no additional voltage controllers are required. The performance of the proposed converter along with its control system are validated with MATLAB/SIMULINK, and the simulation results validate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed control during both steady-state and dynamic operations.

International audience

Multilevel Inverters (MLI) have become important for electrical energy supplement to grids due to their modularity, lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), and decreased filter needs. Recently, a new compact MLI has been introduced named Packed E Cell (PEC) inverter, where an auxiliary dc-link cell is made along with the shunted capacitors. This paper proposes a new switching controller using redundant states in signal builder blocks to balance voltage capacitors. Simulation results have shown the optimum operation of PEC topology and validated the proposed technique.

This paper presents a detailed review on different architecture topologies for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station. The proposed paper enables to have a solid reference on electric transportation charging station topologies on different levels starting from the infrastructure of common bus to types of chargers and power flow uni/bi-directionality. Besides, two detailed comparative analyses on recent proposed EV architecture topologies based multilevel converters as Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) and Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) converters are elaborated. The presented CHB analysis tackles enhancements’ attempts on charging time, balancing batteries’ State-Of-Charge (SOC), reducing power losses and balancing capacitors’ voltages. However, the presented NPC analysis includes attempts in improving NPC’s limited voltage balance operation, balancing the bipolar DC bus, regulating load disturbances, enhancing power quality and power utilization. The two analyses are summarized in two comparison tables to sum up the aim and the enhancement of each presented attempt.

Stirred photobioreactors (PBR) have been extensively used for microalgae cultivation due to their good mixing and mass transfer conditions. However, it is difficult to study the hydrodynamics behavior with experimental procedures of these PBRs. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a common method that has been widely used to simulate the performance of PBRs, reduce the design cost and improve work efficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate hydrodynamics and mixing conditions of a novel cactus-like PBR. A hydrodynamic study was conducted on ANSYS FLUENT. The simulation results obtained from the VOF turbulence model showed that the fluid flow exhibit similar behavior in most parts of PBR except around the impellers and the bottom of the reactor. The velocity contours showed efficient mixing performance. In addition, the turbulence kinetic energy having a vital influence on mixing characteristics was found between the values of 1.4 × 10−3and 7.5 × 10−3m2/s2and the lowest values were observed at the bottom of the reactor. Moreover, the area-weighted average of air volume fraction was calculated to be 0.0084. The obtained results could be used to re-design PBR configurations considering the sparger type and size, and the impeller placement.

Multiple types of Demand Response Programs (DRPs) are offered within the same infrastructure. Multiple objectives of technical, economic and marketing order are targeted. Defining a model with weights for the various objectives and the related Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is of a high importance. A structured model can be achieved through the assessment of an adequate market design with adequate dynamic pricing schemes to be offered to consumers, coupled with reducing costs at various levels and optimizing the technical indices while using business intelligence and big data. The originality of this paper resides in the simulation of a model combining multiple DRPs with multiple objectives and their assigned weights, hence the elasticity of dynamic parameters and criteria selection to achieve the compromise. It includes the proposal of dynamic pricing schemes for consumers’ detected clusters while optimizing costs and considering technical constraints. The optimal solution is the result of combining an assessment process based on historical data coupled with intensive what if scenarios to serve the planning and optimization phase, thus its application will be guaranteed. The validation is preformed through a simulation on Matlab using multi-objective optimization clustering based with assigned weights.

Multi-Level Inverters (MLI) have become of great importance for electrical energy supplement to grids due to its modularity, lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and decreased filter needs. However, although multilevel inverters achieve high voltage levels, increased number of power switches are required which make them more prone to breakdowns and faults. Among active devices failures, Open-Circuit (OC) faults are extensively explored in research studies. Hence, this paper presents a deep overview concerning methods based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms involved in diagnosis and localization of OC failure in different multilevel inverter architectures. Initially, two major classifications of fault diagnosis methods for OC switch failure are listed and clarified briefly. Then, AI algorithms are discussed thoroughly. Further, certain criteria with several standards are formulated to differentiate between strategies investigated in publications. Then, various implemented techniques in literature are widely overviewed and compared in an original table.

This paper presents a direct non-linear based predictive control for a single-phase Shunt Active Power Filter nine-level Packed E-Cell inverter (SAPF-PEC9). The proposed control based on a Finite Set Model Predictive Control (FS-MPC) has been designed to compensate the reactive power requested by the nonlinear load at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). An outer loop consisting of a PI regulator together with a low pass filter is used to regulate the main capacitor voltage and to inject the proper filter reference current. Meanwhile, the overall design is very simple where a very fast and robust controller is achieved. Moreover the nine-level converter operation together with the direct predictive approach allows the reduction of the passive filter at the shunt converter terminals. Hence a microscale filter is obtained. The performance of the proposed hybrid controller in reactive power compensation, harmonics suppression and unity power factor operation is investigated under stiff grid conditions (zero impedance) through both normal and dynamic load-change operation. Simulation results are provided to validate the fast and effective dynamic performance, the very low harmonic content in the mains current as well as the DC capacitors balancing of the PEC inverter.

In this research, double space vector pulse width modulation is used to control the dual stages of the indirect matrix converter. This modulation technique is facilely comprehended and simply put into real-time practice. An experimental prototype of the indirect matrix converter is developed. The modulation algorithm is implemented on a digital signal processor. After establishing the duty ratios and the modulation signals, the gate drive signals are formed and sent to the semiconductor devices. Keen analysis of the overall system and the overall consolidation of topology, modulation, and drive implementation is presented.

In this paper, a bidirectional power electronics converter assisted by Photovoltaic Panels for Electric Vehicle battery charging application is presented. The charger is composed of two conversion stages: an AC/DC converter represented by an active-rectifier, and a DC/DC converter illustrated by a Dual Active Bridge. The solar renewable energy is considered an alternative DC source assisting in charging the battery. The charger is tested using MATLAB/SIMULINK under different charging and discharging scenarios. An Electric Vehicle equipped with a bidirectional battery charging system has the ability to act as source or a load.

Transformerless single-stage Current Source Inverter (CSI) is a very promising power electronic converter due to its inherent boost capability and ease of control. This paper investigates the performance of two traditional CSI topologies with different switch count (conventional six-switch CSI and seven-switch CSI7), for grid-connected Photovoltaic (PV) applications. Both topologies are controlled using the Space Vector with Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) technique. The performance of the proposed topologies are assessed by means of numerical simulations and the results are compared in terms of Common Mode Voltage (CMV), ground leakage current, and injected grid-current harmonic distortion THD. Furthermore, conduction and switching semiconductor power losses are computed and simulated over a grid period. Simulations are carried-out at different operating points of the converter to evaluate the performance of both topologies for grid-connected PV applications. The obtained results prove that the CSI7 topology strongly reduces the fluctuations of the CMV and, therefore, results in lower ground leakage current. It also allows the injection of high quality currents with lower THD into the power grid and, commonly, reduces power losses in power semiconductors. With respect to conventional CSI, the CSI7 topology offers high performance criterion and increased efficiency at the cost of one additional power switch.

This paper discusses the state of the art of different topologies of Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) used in Electric Vehicle (EV) power-train. A comparative study of recently proposed MMC used as a propulsion application in EV is elaborated here for the first time in EV research field. First, this paper delivers a general overview on multilevel converters associated with their various types and advancements. Then, it discusses the change from Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (ICEV) to EV. Finally, it conducts a comparative study on the existed MMC topologies by categorizing them into five sections according to their types and contribution. First section includes the topologies that follow the same MMC architecture of cascaded half bridges. Second section discuses topologies consisting of cascaded H-bridge (CHB) and points any recorded contribution in comparison with conventional topologies. Third section focuses on topologies that reduces switching elements significantly making the whole system more reliable, cost competitive, more efficient and more size compressed. Fourth section tackles topologies with hybridized energy storage system using Ultra-Capacitors (UC) in order to track its impact on power density limitation. Last section adopts hybridized multilevel converters to observe its effect on system's efficiency and switching losses. The contribution of this paper is pointing on the strength and weakness of each topology in terms of fault tolerance, balance control, size, reliability, efficiency, cost, power density, mobility range, switching elements and switching losses.

Assessment and qualification of consumers' behavior play an important role in the selection of the suitable Demand Response Programs (DRPs) achieving their engagement and satisfaction. Targeting the assessed consumers' clusters with adequate and elastic pricing schemes ensures their participation. The model offers the full visibility on the dynamicity of pricing and demands for the various simultaneous clusters' DRPs operating in a synchronized manner. The originality of this paper resides in the classification of consumers' behaviors according to the criteria and the elasticity of the multiple dynamic offered pricing schemes for the clusters along with their impacts on each other. An optimal solution is reached through assessment, qualification, planning, benefits' visibility on various proposals and relocation. Intensive what if scenarios assist in the decision making process of the optimal selection in a planned phase. Thus, contracts' terms and conditions suiting the consumers and the electrical utility are arranged. The method is validated through a simulation on Matlab using clustering and multi-objective optimization.

Pulse width modulation converters are increasingly used to connecting to the power grid. This paper presents an enhanced systematic comparative analytic approach for the indirect matrix converters that are actively modulated by two frames: DSVPWM & Hybrid SPWM. Details of proposed mathematical models, simulations & graphical qualifications are presented & discussed.

The integration of renewable energies as dc power sources is increasing in dc micro-grid that is gaining more importance than ac micro-grid because it requires fewer conversion stages. Also electrification through electric vehicles (EV) is encouraged due to their reduced fuel usage and greenhouse emission. In this paper, the integration of solar energy through photovoltaic panels (PV) in dc micro-grids as an assisted approach for EV charging is presented. EV has the ability to operate as electric source or load. In Vehicle to grid technology (V2G), EV can transfer the energy stored in its battery back to the Grid.

In this paper a fixed-switching frequency Pulse width modulator (PWM) based-Sliding Mode Control (SMC) is proposed and applied to a single phase/Five-Level/Sensor-less Packed U-Cell (PUC5) interfacing the utility. The new design takes the advantage of chattering compensation when Gao's reaching law is adopted. SMC-based controller takes in action of maintaining the utility current at a desired reference value with unity power factor and fixed-switching frequency operation. Due to self-voltage balancing feature of PUC5 inverter, auxiliary DC capacitor voltage is regulated through redundant switching states while no sensor, neither regulator are needed. The overall SMC-PWM proposed controller is less complex, more robust towards external disturbances making it suitable for single-phase renewable energy systems interfacing the utility. Simulation results on MATLAB/Simulink are provided to confirm the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller.

The paper proposes a novel integrity of both a topological aspect characterized by the indirect matrix converter, and a modulation aspect characterized by the pulse width technique. This integrity brings to completion an entire akin grid-tie topology implemented using digital signal processing operation. The latter gives birth to a solid competent solution in terms of system performance, quality of signals, computation time reduction, & unity power factor feature.

Playing a significant role in the operation of the modern electric grid, Demand Response Programs (DRPs) balance the demand on the consumer level with the supply through the deployment of specific measures. An important undesirable phenomenon may occur when simultaneously launched DRPs on a same network interact negatively between each other. Therefore, an optimal coordination is necessary in order to optimize a preset objective function. Within this context, and as a new approach for solving this issue, this paper suggests to perform an optimal clustering applied on the network gathered data. Based on published results, the importance of synchronization between different DRPs is proved. It is shown how the suggested clustering would improve the synchronization process. As a demonstration for this new approach, clustering simulations are applied on a set of a real data built through measurements performed on the distribution network of a university campus.

This paper presents a concise review of the novel matrix converter technology widely recognized in the last two decades attracting all scientific institutions, industrial markets, and governmental foundations towards developing it. The appealing features of the topology along with its structural characteristics are clearly highlighted. A state-of-art demonstration of the highly adopted modulation techniques is presented. Brief clarifications covering converters' efficiency and losses, protection issues including input filters are shown.

The paper proposes a hybrid modulation algorithm that combines the space vector modulation technique (SVPWM) to control the rectifier stage and a new digital scalar modulation method (DSPWM) applied to the inverter stage. Compared to the conventional SVPWM method, the proposed DSPWM technique of the inverter stage is easier to understand and to be implemented. DSPWM allows reducing real-time computation difficulties under high quality preservation of grid and load currents' performance.

In order to correct the power factor and limit the flow of harmonics in the source, the effectiveness of active power filters associated to control law is no longer to be demonstrated. Almost all of these methods are designed for a perfect sinusoidal source and do not produce sinusoidal current when the voltages are disturbed. The work developed here concerns active filtering on a perturbed network, that is to say the presence of voltage harmonics at the connection point in addition to a system of unbalanced voltages. A proposed method called DCAP (Direct Control for Active Power) is based on new definition of the sinusoidal active currents desired on the source and assuming a unity power factor under perturbed and polluted system voltages that leads to the DCAP control strategy for active filter. This method considers the active power and the effective value of the fundamental of the voltage is described and its results are compared with those obtained by the p-q theory, the modified p-q theory and the p-q-r method for application on a three-wire disturbed and non-linear load distribution network. The comparison concerns the harmonic distortion rate (THD) of the desired currents obtained on the source as well as Unbalance Factor (UF) of the system of these currents.

This paper presents a solar energy processor based on Packed U-Cells inverter for grid applications. The proposed single phase multilevel inverter PUC allows the generation of 7-level output voltage. Two control techniques are used in this work. MPPT is applied on the PV in order to extract the maximum power, while the aim of MPC or the model predictive control is to balance three variables in the system; the grid current, the capacitor voltage in the PUC as well as the BOOST output voltage. The feasibility of the designed system is validated by simulation using Matlab-Simulink-SimPowerSystems.

In this paper, two current reference extraction methods for harmonic compensation in single-phase active power filters are presented and evaluated. The first method known as the ip-iq technique is based on the fundamental extraction from the load current, whereas the second strategy which is the Direct Control for Active Power (DCAP) method employs power calculation leading to a new definition for active current in case of perturbed source voltages. The comparison is carried on in terms of DC voltage regulation in case of disturbed source voltage. First, both control schemes are analyzed based on the obtained reference currents using simulation results. It is shown that the DCAP is more accurate on the reference current extraction than the ip-iq method. Next, the performance of the DCAP method in terms of current distortion and power factor in presence of a highly perturbed source voltage is demonstrated.

This paper introduces a new control scheme based on a Finite Set-Model Predictive Control (FS-MPC) and aims of a fixed switching frequency operation. The proposed scheme allows of obtaining a voltage vector that is responsible of nullifying the cost function's derivative for its optimization. Moreover, a closed-loop space vector modulation (SVM) based on the proposed predictive control scheme is introduced for a three-level grid connected inverter. The proposed algorithm that injects a desired current to the grid is investigated through external perturbations such as change in the line current amplitude as well as DC voltage variation. Discrete-time system model was developed and simulated. Simulation results on MATLAB/Simulink are provided to verify the fast dynamic performance, and good voltage balancing of DC bus capacitors of the NPC inverter.

In this paper, a component efficient multilevel rectifier is modeled and controlled using Model Predictive Control (MPC) technique. The recently introduced Capacitor Tied Switches (CTS) converter structure features two distinct dc-load terminals which can operate at different voltage levels while experiencing high voltage levels at the ac-side terminals. The CTS converter structure inherits attractive features from the efficiency and power quality perspectives, with excellent topology performance which was validated through different simulation scenarios.

Packed U-Cell (PUC) converter has been introduced as a 7-level converter in early 2008. Since then, different analysis and projects have been performed on, including various applications such as inverter and rectifier, linear and nonlinear voltage controllers. In this paper, authors try to do a detail review on this topology covering all aspects like topology design in single and three-phase, operation concepts, switching sequences for different multilevel voltage waveform generation, modelling and etc. It is shown that this topology can be comparable to popular multilevel converters (CHB and NPC) in terms of device counts and applications. Moreover, some performed and published works about the PUC are mentioned to show its different industrial applications and some other converter topologies derived based on the PUC. Experimental results are provided to show the good performance of PUC converter in several applications.

The fluctuations in the power delivered to the grid remain a problem in photovoltaic grid-connected systems. Energy storage systems are proposed as a solution in order to comply with these standard power quality requirements. Due to their distinctive properties, supercapacitors can be considered as the most efficient energy storage systems available in the market today. Thus, their capability of fast charging and discharging and their high capacitance (hundred of farads) compared to the traditional ones have been the main reason of their massive integration in PV systems. This paper presents a comparison between a conventional capacitor and a supercapacitor used as DC-link in a PV grid connected system. The superiority of the supercapacitor is demonstrated through a performance evaluation based on simulation results.

In this paper a novel model of the packed U-cell (PUC) inverter is derived considering the concept of single-phase multilevel converters. Based on the proposed model, a voltage balancing controller is designed to apply on the 7-level PUC inverter. The applied controller is in charge of fixing the capacitor voltage in PUC structure at a desired value to have the seven levels of the voltages at the output. The 7-level pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is used to produce the associated pulses for firing the PUC switches. The performance of the introduced controller is investigated via simulations in various conditions including changes in the load and DC bus voltage variations. The results prove the ability of the good dynamic performance and fast response of the controller in stable and unstable conditions.

This paper presents a review of the recent advances in matrix converter topologies used with the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) in wind power generation systems. Dedicated literatures introduce different topologies inspired by the conventional matrix converter. Two-stage matrix converters known as sparse matrix converters are compared to the conventional matrix converter in terms of implementation complexity, cost, power rating and voltage ratio. Single-phase matrix converters topologies are implemented in high power wind applications in two different modular concepts: the reduced matrix concept for offshore wind farms and the multi-modular high power matrix converter. On the other hand, several modulation techniques applied to the matrix converter-PMSG scheme are briefly presented.

This paper presents a practical design and implementation of a modified Sheppard-Taylor-based Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuit used for single-phase low-voltage high-current applications. The proposed converter operates in Continuous Inductor Current Mode and Discontinuous Capacitor Voltage Mode (CICM/DCVM). In this mode of operation, the PFC provides zero-voltage turn-off switching, as well as natural input power factor correction over a wide range of input voltage. Due to the simplified control circuit and reduced switch current stress that it yields, this mode of operation offers better efficiency and higher reliability than the CICM/CCVM previously reported in the literature. The performance of the proposed PFC is analyzed through experimental measurements carried out on a 500W laboratory prototype. It is shown that this rectifier exhibits high input power factor and low line current distortion at very low output voltage level.

In this paper, a wind energy conversion system using a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) is designed and studied. The output power of the PMSG is supplied to the grid through a switch-mode rectifier followed by a three-phase inverter. The inverter operates as a shunt active power filter to compensate the harmonics, the reactive power, and the unbalance as well as to supply power from PMSG to the grid/load. A novel nonlinear control strategy for the inverter, based on Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and indirect PQ control is proposed. The control algorithm can be easily implemented in real-time applications, and deals with highly unbalance load and distorted source voltage. The proposed control system avoids the use of high-pass filter that would reduce its steady-state and dynamic performance. A positive sequence detection of source voltage and load current is proposed. The inverter is controlled to achieve balanced sinusoidal grid currents with unity power factor in a large speed range. The control system is simulated using the SimPower blockset of Matlab/Simulink, for a wide variation of the wind speed.

In this paper, an overview of active power electronics devices, dedicated to the compensation of current harmonics that are generated by the proliferation of nonlinear connected to the distribution power grids, is presented. A special attention will be brought on the discussion of Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuits commonly used in single-phase applications, and single-stage active rectifiers dedicated to the three-phase case. Active and hybrid power filters will also be briefly presented. The study will focus more specifically on the current tracking ability of the considered topologies, DC voltage regulation, performance limitations, design considerations, modeling processes, control complexity, voltage stresses and power efficiency. Other derived structures for high current applications and high power efficiency will also be discussed.

In this paper, a study of a two-stage regenerative grid-connected AC-DC power module for load emulation is presented. It consists of an active rectifier connected with a dual active bridge. Both conversion stages are designed and controlled in order to ensure power factor correction at the AC side and a regulated voltage at the DC side. The development of the control system is based on the small-signal transfer functions of the converter, which are computed the average modeling technique. A 5 kW module is used as a base to design and simulate such system. The steady-state and dynamic behavior of the converter is tested under varying operating conditions, and the stability of the interconnection between the two conversion stages is discussed.

This paper proposes a three-phase current controlled power inverter for both photovoltaic (PV) power grid injection and power quality improvement. The inverter operates as a shunt active power filter (APF) to compensate the unbalances, harmonics, reactive power and supply voltage fluctuations. It supplies simultaneously the power from the PV array to the load and the grid. The PV source is connected to the active power filter by an intermediate boost dc-dc converter which is controlled using the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique. The MPPT controller's output determines the DC-bus voltage of the inverter according to PV maximum power. A nonlinear control scheme is proposed for the inverter in order to compensate the source voltage unbalance, the source voltage fluctuations, the current harmonics, the reactive power and the load unbalance. It avoids the use of passive filters that could affect severely the performance of the compensation system and slow down the dynamic response of the system. A bidirectional buck/boost converter is used to control the battery charging and discharging, which is essential in hybrid electrical vehicles or grid back-up sources during peak demand of energy. A combination of linear inductive load with single-phase and three-phase diode bridge rectifiers connected to DC R-L loads is considered. Simulation results that demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of the proposed configuration are presented and discussed.