In this article a new Transformer and Switched Capacitor-based Boost Converter (T & SC-BC) is proposed for high-voltage/low-current renewable energy applications. The proposed T & SC-BC is an original extension for DC-DC boost converter which is designed by utilizing a transformer and switched capacitor (T & SC). Photovoltaic (PV) energy is a fast emergent segment among the renewable energy systems. The proposed T & SC-BC combines the features of the conventional boost converter and T & SC to achieve a high voltage conversion ratio. A Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller is compulsory and necessary in a PV system to extract maximum power. Thus, a photovoltaic MPPT control mechanism also articulated for the proposed T & SC-BC. The voltage conversion ratio (V_o/V_in) of proposed converter is (1 + k)/(1 − D) where, k is the turns ratio of the transformer and D is the duty cycle (thus, the converter provides 9.26, 13.88, 50/3 voltage conversion ratios at 78.4 duty cycle with k = 1, 2, 2.6, respectively). The conspicuous features of proposed T & SC-BC are: (i) a high voltage conversion ratio (V_o/V_in); (ii) continuous input current (I_in); (iii) single switch topology; (iv) single input source; (v) low drain to source voltage (V_DS) rating of control switch; (vi) a single inductor and a single untapped transformer are used. Moreover, the proposed T & SC-BC topology was compared with recently addressed DC-DC converters in terms of number of components, cost, voltage conversion ratio, ripples, efficiency and power range. Simulation and experimental results are provided which validate the functionality, design and concept of the proposed approach.

This paper proposes a new approach on the novel current control strategy for grid-tied voltage-source inverters (VSIs) with circumstances of asymmetrical voltage conditions. A standard grid-connected inverter (GCI) allows the degree of freedom to integrate the renewable energy system to enhance the penetration of total utility power. However, restrictive grid codes require that renewable sources connected to the grid must support stability of the grid under grid faults. Conventional synchronously rotating frame dq current controllers are insufficient under grid faults due to the low bandwidth of proportional-integral (PI) controllers. Hence, this work proposes a proportional current controller with a first-order low-pass filter disturbance observer (DOb). The proposed controller establishes independent control on positive, as well as negative, sequence current components under asymmetrical grid voltage conditions. The approach is independent of parametric component values, as it estimates nonlinear feed-forward terms with the low-pass filter DOb. A numerical simulation model of the overall power system was implemented in a MATLAB/Simulink (2014B, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA). Further, particular results show that double-frequency active power oscillations are suppressed by injecting appropriate negative-sequence currents. Moreover, a set of simulation results provided in the article matches the developed theoretical background for its feasibility.

This paper presents the design of Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) for estimation of state space variables of permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM). The UKF is shown together with the field oriented speed control. At first, the position and the speed of PMSM are measured, and UKF is used only for a load torque estimation. It is indicated how differences in sampling time of the speed and the current loop affects overall estimation performance. Subsequently, speed sensorless performance of the UKF with the same parameters is shown for comparison. Designed filter is verified only by Matlab simulation.

This study analyze more efficient modified Cuk converter circuit configuration for renewable energy applications. One additional inductor and capacitor to the classical Cuk converter is added as voltage booster. Therefore, it minimizes the parasitic effects of the circuit components. Diverse classical DC-DC boost converter types are used in renewable energy applications. However, the output voltage is limited due to parasitic effects which cause voltage drop, and lower efficiency. Modified Cuk converter circuit overcomes these difficulties and maximizes the output voltage generation with higher efficiency. Numerical simulations conducted on Matlab/Simulink and validate the analytical analysis and accuracy of the modified topology.

In the modern high-performance drive applications, a high-precision and efficient control of the induction motor depends on the accuracy of parameter values. However, the motor parameters may change due to the winding temperature fluctuations, flux saturation and skin effect. Any discrepancy between the values of the motor’s actual parameters and the ones used for the design of the controllers may result in degradation of the drive performance. In this work, a new identification method of hardly measurable internal quantities of the induction motor, such as components of the magnetic flux vector and electromagnetic torque, is outlined. Commonly, the measurable quantities of the induction motor like stator currents, stator voltage frequency and mechanical angular speed are used to determine a feedback effect of the rotor flux vector on the vector of the stator currents of induction motor. Based on this feedback, it is also possible to identify the actual value of the rotor resistance, which may alter during the induction motor operation. This has a significant impact on the precision of the identified quantities as well as on the master control of the induction motor. Stability of the identification structure is guaranteed by the position of roots of characteristic equation of its linear transfer function. Simulation and experimental results are given to highlight the quality, effectivity, feasibility, and robustness of the proposed identification method, which is working reliably within the whole range of the motor angular speed.

Smart grid software interconnects multiple Engineering disciplines (power systems, communication, software and hardware technology, instrumentation, big data, etc.). The software architecture is an evolving concept in smart grid systems, in which system architecture development is a challenging process. The architecture has to realize the complex legacy power grid systems and cope with current Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The distributed generation in a smart grid environment expects the software architecture to be distributed and to enable local control. Smart grid architecture should also be modular, flexible, and adaptable to technology upgrades. In this paper, the authors have made a comprehensive review of architectures for smart grids. An in depth analysis of layered and agent-based architectures based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conceptual model is presented. Also presented is a set of smart grid Reference Architectures dealing with cross domain technology.