Sliding-mode control (SMC) is a robust technique used in power electronics (PE) for controlling the behavior of power converters. This paper presents simulations and experimental results of an optimal SMC strategy applied to Semi-Bridgeless Boost Converters (SBBC), which includes Power Factor Correction (PFC). As the main contribution, the optimal coefficients of the SMC strategy are obtained using two metaheuristic approaches, namely the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The main objective is to obtain the sliding coefficients that ensure the best converter response in terms of the input current and output voltage, both during start-up and under disturbances (including changes in load, source, and references). The fitness function to be minimized includes two coefficients, namely the Integrative Absolute Error (IAE) and the Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE), for both the input current and output voltage. These coefficients measure the converter’s effort to follow the control references. The IAE penalizes errors during start-up, whereas the ITAE penalizes errors in the steady state. The tests carried out demonstrated the effectiveness of the GA and PSO techniques in the optimization process; nonetheless, the GA outperformed the PSO approach, providing sliding coefficients that allowed for a reduction in the input current overshoot during start-up of up to 24.15% and a reduction in the setting time of the output voltage of up to 99%. The experimental results were very similar when tuning with the GA and PSO techniques; nevertheless, tuning with the GA technique produced a better response in the face of disturbances compared to the PSO technique.

Main objective of this paper is the optimal distribution of the fundamental non-efficient load current terms between the inverters -Energy Gateways (EGs)- connected in grid-tied microgrids (MGs). The main feature of the presented approach is the use of the EGs as controlled current sources that can compensate fundamental non-efficient load current terms in addition to the generation of fundamental positive-sequence active current, avoiding the use of shunt active power filters. The approach relies on the so-called System of Constant References (SoCR) that is based on the symmetrical components decomposition and dq0 transformation. SoCR procedure decouples efficient and non-efficient components of the instantaneous load currents, transforming all of them into six constant references. The optimization algorithm uses a new approach for the calculation of the peak currents in each phase, avoiding non-convex problems when determining the currents of the EGs considering their operating limits. A medium-power size MG that includes photovoltaic and wind generators, as well as, a battery energy storage system is considered to evaluate the capabilities of the proposal. There were evaluated four scenarios: baseline, balanced distribution, proportional distribution, and optimal distribution. All scenarios, except optimal distribution scenario, surpass the current limits for the EGs connected. The results highlight the benefits of using the EGs as active agents in MG efficient operation and demonstrate how the optimization approach achieves the goal of maintaining the generation capabilities of EGs at the same time that compensates the non-efficient current terms demanded by the load.

This paper presents the development of a Three-phase Universal Programmable Electronic Load (UPEL) programmed as an unbalanced and distorted current source, highlighting its innovative control strategy and modulation approach. The core contribution is the implementation of Adaptive Sliding Pulse Width Modulation (ASPWM), a novel technique that combines Sliding Mode Control (SMC) with an Adaptive Hysteresis Band (AHB). This methodology eliminates the need for conventional Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), hybrid PI controllers, or cascade control structures, achieving superior robustness, faster response times, and a fixed switching frequency. The proposed ASPWM enhances energy quality by enabling precise control of active and reactive power, harmonic injection, and operation across multiple modes, including AC/DC rectification and DC/AC inversion. Simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of ASPWM in improving performance metrics, ensuring operational stability, and demonstrating adaptability for diverse scenarios. This study establishes ASPWM as a transformative control technique for advanced power electronics applications.

This paper presents an assessment of capacitor banks and Distribution Static Compensator (D-STATCOM) with respect to their impact on energy quality. Tests were done with capacitor banks built with electrolytic capacitors commonly used in industrial applications and a D-STATCOM. Experimental tests were performed for power factor correction in order to reduce the reactive power demanded from the electrical grid for inductive-resistive loads. For comparative purposes, the control of the D-STATCOM was set to operate with similar compensation conditions to that of the capacitor banks. Results show that under the same test conditions capacitor banks produce higher Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) than D-STATCOM.

Este artículo presenta la programación multitarea para el desarrollo de un variador de velocidad trifásico. Este enfoque no se ha reportado en la literatura técnica, aunque es de relevancia para estudiantes de ingeniería, investigadores e ingenieros desarrolladores de equipos de electrónica de potencia. Se propone la programación multitarea para la implementación de las tareas que debe realizar el variador de velocidad. Las tareas necesarias en un variador de velocidad son descritas y programadas en el microcontrolador (dsPIC30F4012) utilizando máquinas de estados, considerando tiempos y prioridades mediante multitarea preferente y cooperativa. Este artículo propone una forma de programación para variadores de velocidad que permite el desarrollo del software desde etapas incipientes. La estructura de programación propuesta permite el uso de microcontroladores de menores prestaciones y, por ende, la reducción de los costos de producción. Se presenta un variador de velocidad trifásico que puede cambiar la amplitud y la frecuencia del voltaje de salida sin paros o interrupciones. La validación de la programación multitarea se realiza en un prototipo experimental desarrollado en el laboratorio evaluando la ejecución y los tiempos de las tareas.

La Revista INGENIERÍA es una publicación cuatrimestral de carácter científico editada por la Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. La Revista está dirigida a la comunidad académica, investigadores, sectores productivos, institutos de investigación y en general al público interesado en los temas del campo de la Ingeniería y Tecnología. Su principal objetivo es difundir y debatir avances en investigación a través de la publicación de artículos originales e inéditos, con pertinencia local o internacional. Context: Time is a crucial issue in the simulation of power electronics (PE) devices, even more when these elements are integrated into microgrids.Method: This paper deals with the deduction of the average switch model for PE devices with the purpose of reducing simulation times. For doing this, the average model is only applied over the power switches of PE devices, not being applied over the complete topology as traditionally done. The proposed average model switch permits eliminating the ripple of voltage and currents but keeping the transient of the signals. The average model switch is derived for Boost and Buck converter switches and then generalized to power inverter switches. The proposed approach is validated using OpenModelica software.Results: A system featuring a battery, a DC/DC converter, and an inverter connected to the power grid was simulated. A comparison was performed between a simulation that considers the power switches and a simulation that uses the proposed average model switch, the time simulation was reduced up to 99.788 %, which validates the proposed approach.Conclusions: The proposed average switch model significantly reduces simulation times. This method offers a promising way to streamline power electronics device simulations, particularly in the context of microgrids and other applications where time efficiency is critical. Contexto: El tiempo es un factor crucial en la simulación de dispositivos de electrónica potencia (EP), especialmente cuando estos elementos se integran en microredes. Método: Este artículo deduce el modelo de interruptor promedio para dispositivos de EP con el propósito de reducir los tiempos de simulación. Para lograr esto, el modelo promedio se aplica únicamente a los interruptores de potencia de los dispositivos de EP, sin aplicarse a toda la topología como se hace tradicionalmente. El modelo promedio propuesto permite eliminar la oscilación de voltaje y corriente, pero conserva el comportamiento transitorio de las señales. El modelo promedio del interruptor se deriva para interruptores convertidores Boost y Buck y luego se generaliza a interruptores de inversores de potencia. El enfoque propuesto se valida utilizando el software OpenModelica. Resultados: Se simuló un sistema que incluye una batería, un convertidor DC/DC y un inversor conectado a la red eléctrica. Se realizó una comparación entre una simulación que considera los interruptores de potencia y una simulación que utiliza el modelo promedio del interruptor propuesto, lo que redujo el tiempo de simulación hasta en un 99,788 %, validando así el modelo propuesto. Conclusiones: El modelo de interruptor promedio propuesto reduce significativamente los tiempos de simulación. Este método ofrece una forma prometedora de agilizar las simulaciones de dispositivos de electrónica de potencia, especialmente en el contexto de microredes y otras aplicaciones donde la eficiencia en el tiempo es fundamental.