Krzysztof Jakub Szwarc

The paper discusses a multilevel voltage source inverter with coupled reactors (MVSI-CR). The output voltage is generated using the novel coarsely quantized pulse amplitude modulation (CQ-PAM). The AC voltage synthesis is realized by selecting and applying an appropriate collection of voltage vectors from the space-vector diagram. Integrating classical two-level inverters allows for achieving modularity of the solution. The main advantage of the proposed approach is a very low switching-to-fundamental frequency ratio and a multistep quasi-sinusoidal output voltage. The paper includes a theoretical analysis, simulations, and laboratory test results.

The growing number of distributed renewable energy sources and dynamic constant-power loads (e.g. electric vehicle charging stations) pose new challenges for network operators. These changes result in alterations to network load profiles and load flows, leading to greater voltage volatility. One effective solution to these problems can be the use of automatic voltage regulators (AVRs), which stabilize and symmetrize voltage output, whether at distribution transformers (DTs) or elsewhere in the distribution network. The device developed by the authors consists of two bidirectional power converters and three single-phase transformers connected in series to the low-voltage grid as a stabilizer. The proposed control system provides accurate and fast regulation of the AVR output voltage (within the range of ±10% of the nominal grid voltage), with each phase being independently adjusted, regardless of the type of power load. The article includes test results demonstrating selected functionalities of the developed AVR. The physical model of the device discussed in the article is a research component of the LINTE2 laboratory of the Gdańsk University of Technology.

This paper proposes and discusses a concept of a hybrid modulation for the control of modular voltage source inverters with coupled reactors. The use of coupled reactors as the integrating elements leads to significant reduction in the size and weight of the circuit. The proposed modulation combines novel coarsely quantized pulse amplitude modulation (CQ-PAM) and innovative space-vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM). The former enjoys very low transistor switching frequency and low harmonic elimination, while the latter ensures high resolution of amplitude control. The SVPWM is based on the use of barycentric coordinates. The feasibility of the proposed solution is verified by simulations and laboratory tests of a 12-pulse modular voltage source inverters with two-level and three-level component inverters.

A simple model is derived and verified for evaluating the effect of parasitic capacitances on the dead-time related voltage distortion in multilevel NPC voltage source inverters. The model permits well-defined and precise compensation of dead-time distortion, exhibiting meaningful improvement on compensation methods neglecting the effects of parasitic capacitances. A simple formula is given for evaluating the capacitances as serial/parallel connections of transistor capacitances and external capacitances (introduced by the cables and load).