Houcine Chafouk

Today, power electronic-based converters are at the core of many modern systems, such as smart grids and electric vehicles. In this context, the Dual Two-Level Inverter (DTLI) supplying an open-end winding machine offers an innovative and promising solution for marine propulsion, aeronautics, and electric vehicles. This configuration provides several advantages, including a reduced DC bus voltage, enhanced fault tolerance, and improved overall system performance. However, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and high-power quality remains a major challenge given the increasing demands for performance and sustainability. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the main DTLI configurations and their impact on system performance. Three architectures are analyzed, highlighting their benefits and limitations. This study aims to demonstrate the influence of the DC bus voltage ratio and pulse width modulation strategies on power quality and energy efficiency. The objective is to enhance the understanding of the DTLI’s potential and to guide its integration into other electrical systems.

Sliding Mode Control (SMC) has gained significant attention due to its simplicity, robustness, and rapid response in ensuring system stability, particularly with the Lyapunov approach. Despite its advantages, SMC faces challenges such as chattering near equilibrium, sensitivity to parameter variations, and delayed convergence. To address these issues, advanced techniques like Terminal Sliding Mode Control (TSMC) and Integral Terminal Sliding Mode Control (ITSMC) have been proposed. TSMC ensures finite-time convergence while mitigating chattering, while ITSMC further handles singularities and disturbances. Additionally, Adaptive Switching Control (ASC) based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is applied to achieve faster convergence, suppress chattering, and enhance system robustness. The adaptive control law, utilizing a Lyapunov-based approach, is employed to estimate and compensate for external disturbances, further improving system performance under uncertainties. Gain tuning, essential for optimizing system performance and reducing tracking errors, is achieved using the efficient Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm. This study applies TSMC, ITSMC, and ASC-based PSO to an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), aiming to enhance robustness, stability, and finite-time convergence while reducing chattering. Stability is analyzed through the Lyapunov theory, ensuring rigorous validation. MATLAB simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods in improving ABS performance, offering a valuable contribution to robust control techniques for systems operating under dynamic and uncertain conditions.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are set to play a crucial role in the energy transition. Although EVs offer significant environmental benefits, their technology still faces major challenges related to performance optimization, energy efficiency improvement, and cost reduction. A key point to address these challenges is the accurate identification of the speed/torque operating points of the drive systems. However, this identification is generally achieved using mechanical sensors, which are fragile, bulky, and expensive. This paper aims to develop, implement, and validate a speed/torque observer in real time based on the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) approach for an EV equipped with an Open-End Winding Induction Motor with Dual Inverter (OEWIM-DI). The implementation of the EKF is based on the state modeling of the OEWIM-DI, enabling the observation of the torque and speed using voltage and current measurements. The validation of this approach is conducted experimentally on the FPGA and DS1104 boards. The results show that this approach offers excellent performance in terms of accuracy, stability, and real-time response speed. These results suggest that the proposed method could significantly contribute to the advancement of EV technology by providing a more robust and cost-effective alternative to traditional mechanical sensors while improving the overall efficiency and performance of EV drive systems.

The data incest problem causes inter-estimate correlation during data fusion processes, which yields inconsistent data fusion results. Especially in the multi-sensor multi-vehicle (MSMV) system, the data incest problem is serious due to multiple relative position estimations, which not only lead to pessimistic estimation but also cause additional computational overhead. In order to address the data incest problem, we propose a new data fusion method termed the interval split covariance intersection filter (ISCIF). The general consistency of the ISCIF is proven, serving as supplementary proof for the split covariance intersection filter (SCIF). Moreover, a decentralized MSMV localization system including absolute and relative positioning stages is designed. In the absolute positioning stage, each vehicle uses the ISCIF algorithm to update its own position based on absolute measurements. In the relative position stage, the interval constraint propagation (ICP) method is implemented to preprocess multiple relative position estimates and initially prepare input data for ISCIF. Then, the proposed ISCIF algorithm is employed to realize relative positioning. In addition, comparative simulations demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve both accurate and consistent results compared with the state-of-the-art methods.

Currently, power trains based on an Open-End Winding Induction Machine fed by a Dual Inverter (DI-OEWIM) are attracting a great deal of interest in various modern industrial applications. However, applying symmetrical control to this system (DI-OEWIM), which is symmetrical in nature, will lead to malfunction. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to explore the influence of asymmetric control on the performance of this system. The principle of this study is to create an asymmetrical control by integrating a phase-shift angle in the Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) strategy. We then evaluate the impact of these angles on various performances, such as the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), power losses, Common Mode Voltage (CMV), Zero-Sequence Voltage (ZSV), rotation speed and torque ripple of this system. This study was carried out in the Matlab/Simulink environment and was validated experimentally using the dSPACE 1104 board. The results show that the different angles have significant effects on the overall performance of this system.

In the cooperative multi-sensor multi-vehicle (MSMV) localization domain, the data incest problem yields inconsistent data fusion results, thereby reducing the accuracy of vehicle localization. In order to address this problem, we propose the interval split covariance intersection filter (ISCIF). At first, the proposed ISCIF method is applied to the absolute positioning step. Then, we combine the interval constraint propagation (ICP) method and the proposed ISCIF method to realize relative positioning. Additionally, in order to enhance the robustness of the MSMV localization system, a Kullback–Leibler divergence (KLD)-based fault detection and exclusion (FDE) method is implemented in our system. Three simulations were carried out: Simulation scenarios 1 and 2 aimed to assess the accuracy of the proposed ISCIF with various capabilities of absolute vehicle positioning, while simulation scenario 3 was designed to evaluate the localization performance when faults were present. The simulation results of scenarios 1 and 2 demonstrated that our proposed vehicle localization method reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) by 8.9% and 15.5%, respectively, compared to the conventional split covariance intersection filter (SCIF) method. The simulation results of scenario 3 indicated that the implemented FDE method could effectively reduce the RMSE of vehicles (by about 55%) when faults were present in the system.

Currently, in modern wind farms, the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is commonly adopted for its ability to operate at variable wind speeds. Generally, this type of wind turbine is controlled by using two converters, one on the rotor side (RSC) and the other one on the grid side (GSC). However, the control of these two converters depends mainly on current sensors measurements. Nevertheless, in the case of sensor failure, control stability may be compromised, leading to serious malfunctions in the wind turbine system. Therefore, in this article, we will present an innovative diagnostic approach to detect, locate, and isolate the single and/or multiple real-phase current sensors in both converters. The suggested approach uses an extended Kalman filter (EKF) bank structured according to a generalized observer scheme (GOS) and relies on a nonlinear model for the RSC and a linear model for the GSC. The EKF estimates the currents in the converters, which are then compared to sensor measurements to generate residuals. These residuals are then processed in the localization, isolation, and decision blocks to precisely identify faulty sensors. The obtained results confirm the effectiveness of this approach to identify faulty sensors in the abc phases. It also demonstrates its ability to overcome the nonlinearity induced by wind fluctuations, as well as resolves the coupling issue between currents in the fault period.

The synergetic control technique (SCT) has the solution for understanding the symmetry inherent in the non-linear properties of wind turbines (WTs); therefore, they achieve excellent performance and enhance the operation of the WT. Small-scale WTs are efficient and cost-effective; they are usually installed close to where the generated electricity is used. This technology is gaining popularity worldwide for off-grid electricity generation, such as in rural homes, farms, small factories, and commercial properties. To enhance the efficiency of the WT, it is vital to operate the WT at its maximum power. This work proposes an efficient and fast maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique based on the SCT to eradicate the drawbacks of the conventional methods and enhance the operation of the WT at the MPP regardless of wind speed and load changes. The SCT has advantages, such as robustness, simplified design, fast response, no requirement for knowledge of WT characteristics, no need for wind sensors or intricate power electronics, and straightforward implementation. Furthermore, it improves speed convergence with minimal steady-state oscillations at the MPP. The investigated configuration involves a wind-driven permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), uncontrolled rectifier, boost converter, and variable load. The two converters are used to integrate the PMSG with the load. Three scenarios (step changes in wind speed, stochastic changes in wind speed, and variable electrical load) are studied to assess the SCT. The results prove a high performance of the suggested MPPT control method for a fast convergence speed, boosted WT efficacy, low oscillation levels, and applicability under a variety of environmental situations. This work used the MATLAB/Simulink program and was then implemented on a dSPACE 1104 control board to assess the efficacy of the SCT. Furthermore, experimental validation on a 1 kW Darrieus-type WT driving a PMSG was performed.

Distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) generation is growing rapidly around the world. However, unlike conventional synchronous generators, PV systems do not have any rotating masses to deliver inertia to support the grid frequency. The paper presents a detailed modeling of a new converter configuration and control scheme to enable PV systems to adjust the real power output and contribute to the grid frequency regulation. The proposed topology consists of a two-stage converter without an energy storage system. A DC–DC buck converter is used instead of a DC–DC boost converter, and this simplifies the control scheme which aims to keep the PV generator power in the right side of the P–V characteristic and can be varied in the range from near-zero to the maximum power. The proposed control scheme combines robust and nonlinear sliding mode theory with fuzzy logic. The PV system is connected to a low inertia microgrid and its ability to contribute to frequency regulation is assessed for different controls. The proposed converter and its control are validated experimentally on a 3-kW PV system using OPAL-RT real-time simulator and tested under varying temperature, solar irradiance, and partial shading conditions. The results show that with the proposed circuit, the operating point is always on the right side of the P–V characteristic irrespective of the operating mode. Furthermore, the proposed control scheme provides PV generators with a fast and effective inertial response to support the grid and enhance its stability during contingencies.