In this paper, we describe a procedure for designing an accurate simulation model using a price-wised linear approach referred to as the power semiconductor converters of a DC microgrid concept. Initially, the selection of topologies of individual power stage blocs are identified. Due to the requirements for verifying the accuracy of the simulation model, physical samples of power converters are realized with a power ratio of 1:10. The focus was on optimization of operational parameters such as real-time behavior (variable waveforms within a time domain), efficiency, and the voltage/current ripples. The approach was compared to real-time operation and efficiency performance was evaluated showing the accuracy and suitability of the presented approach. The results show the potential for developing complex smart grid simulation models, with a high level of accuracy, and thus the possibility to investigate various operational scenarios and the impact of power converter characteristics on the performance of a smart gird. Two possible operational scenarios of the proposed smart grid concept are evaluated and demonstrate that an accurate hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) system can be designed.

In this article, the practical comparison of the operational performance of the modular (or multiport) and non-modular bidirectional buck/boost (bi-BB) DC/DC converter is realized. The main contribution of the work is the evaluation of both concepts based on various aspects, considering the qualitative indicators of the systems relevant for microgrids. Here, we discuss efficiency, electrical properties, costs, and component values. At the same time, critical comparisons are provided for converters based on SiC and GaN technology (non-modular high-voltage SiC-based dual-interleaved converter and modular low-voltage GaN-based). The concepts are specific with their operating frequency, whereby for each solution, the switching frequency is different and directly influences relevant components. The efficiency, overall system volume, output voltage ripple, and input current ripple are compared mutually between both concepts with a dependency on power delivery. These factors, together with overall volume and costs, are very important considering modern converters for microgrid systems. The summary of pros and cons is realized for each of the proposed converters, whereby the evaluation criterion is reflected within the electrical properties targeting microgrid application.

This article addressed the problem of matrix converters (MxC), specifically the investigation of power losses and matrix converter efficiency in a 3 × 5 arrangement. In today’s modern world, efficiency is very important; hence, power loss and efficiency analysis are important throughout the design process of modern semiconductor converters. The ability to evaluate power losses more quickly using the simulation approach can greatly reduce the amount of time necessary for the design, in comparison with numerical analysis. The described model employed contemporary SiC semiconductors, which offer substantial benefits over IGBT transistors. The 3 × 5 converter model was shown, along with a study of power losses in various elements of the converter, such as the power circuit, input filter, and so on. A summary of the simulated findings was offered at the end of the study, along with the benefits and drawbacks of employing SiC semiconductors in bidirectional switches for matrix converters.

The popularity of multiphase drives is increasing due to the growing interest in drives with more than three phases. One promising topology is the multiphase matrix converters, which enable the implementation of a single-stage AC/AC power conversion system with bidirectional power flow capability. In this paper, we present the implementation of indirect control for a practical sample of the direct matrix converter. To reduce the overall cost of the control solution for these types of converters, we utilized low-cost FPGA and DSP. The usage of only DSP itself was not possible due to low number of available PWM output needed for 3 × 5 MxC driving. Another reason is commutation, which must be precise and fast to avoid any hazardous states in the converter. Due to these problems, the authors decided to implement an algorithm of a combination of DSP and FPGA, where FPGA is used for time critical operations. The indirect algorithm treats the converter as two separate parts, the rectifier and the inverter, with the DC-LINK being fictitious. The matrix converter is composed of compact modules, and the entire system is verified. The practical verification demonstrates that matrix converters can produce a wide range of output frequencies and achieve input power factor control. Finally, we compare and review the practical model with the simulation model, examining efficiency and other parameters.

This paper examines the properties of a multi-phase drive for EV (electric vehicles) and HEV (hybrid-electric vehicles) using a simulation model in the Matlab/Simulink environment and verifies the findings by experimental measurements on a real motor. The paper studies a five-phase induction motor, a suitable alternative for electric vehicles, due to its better properties such as better torque, smoother ripple, better fault tolerance, and the possibility of connecting stator windings to star, pentagon, and pentagram. The fundamentals of the article are to find out how this engine behaves in fault states, which can be called hazardous states. The paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the decrease of mechanical power, torque, and power losses during motor operation without failure, in case of failure of one phase, and in case of failure of two adjacent phases and two non-adjacent phases, in different connections. In the simulations, the five-phase drive is powered from an ideal five-phase voltage source to verify the behavior of losses on the motor in fault conditions. Subsequently, the motor model is powered by a five-phase VSI, while the simulated waveforms are confirmed on a real motor, which is also powered by a five-phase VSI. The investigation results are the detection, which of the stator windings has better properties in the fault-free state and the case of fault states in operation. For which stator windings connection, it is most advantageous to design and dimension a five-phase induction motor.

In this paper, advanced sensorless control methods of an induction machine (IM) with the use of a model reference adaptive system (MRAS) estimator are presented, specifically an MRAS using reactive power (Q-MRAS) with an implemented feedforward artificial neural network. Advantages of the proposed solution in comparison with the conventional Q-MRAS include better robustness, less dependence on the IM parameters, and stable operation in the regenerative mode. The simulations were performed in the MATLAB Simulink interface to validate the proposed approach. The algorithm was implemented in a single-core TMS320F28335 real-time Digital Signal Controller with a LabVIEW control panel. The experimental results were obtained on a three-phase experimental induction motor drive with a nominal power of 2.2 kW.