ECEA 5709 Modeling and Control of Single-Phase Rectifiers and Inverters

Duration: 5 hours

In this module, you will learn the concepts of power factor and harmonics are presented in the context of grid-tied power electronics. Operating principles and a general model are introduced for low-harmonic, power factor correction (PFC) rectifiers. It is shown how a PFC rectifier model includes an emulated resistor on its input port and a power source on its output port. Converter choices for the implementation of PFC rectifiers are discussed. Operation of the Boost PFC rectifier is analyzed in detail, including conduction-mode boundaries. PFC rectifier control loops are introduced, including a current shaping control loop, input voltage feedforward compensation, and a voltage regulation control loop.

Module 1 includes application examples, Spice simulation examples, and practice Quizzes and concludes with a graded Quiz on the operation and modeling of a universal-input Boost PFC rectifier.

Duration: 5 hours

In this module, we will focus on modeling and control of the input current using average current-mode control such that the input current follows the input voltage waveshape. Input current shaping based on the operation in the discontinuous conduction model is also introduced. The need for energy storage in single-phase systems is explained, including the sizing of the energy-storage filter capacitor. It is shown how averaging over line period yields a model suitable for the design of the dc bus voltage regulation loop. Furthermore, component stresses and losses in PFC rectifiers are discussed, and various converters are compared. Examples are included to illustrate the design of the current and voltage control loops and to verify the performance of PFC rectifiers using Spice simulations.

Module 2 includes practice Quizzes and concludes with a graded Quiz on the design of control loops in a Boost PFC rectifier.

Duration: 5 hours

In this module, we will focus on single-phase inverters for photovoltaic (PC) power systems. PV cells, modules, and arrays are introduced and a circuit model is developed to enable analysis, modeling, and Spice simulations of complete PV power systems. A two-stage PV system architecture is introduced, including a maximum power point (MPP) tracking boost converter, followed by an inverter, which delivers sinusoidal current to the ac power grid. The system model and the control loops are discussed in detail, including the control of the Boost MPP converter, average current-mode control of the output ac-line current, and the dc bus voltage control, which ensures the balance between the power generated by the PV array and the average power delivered to the ac grid. Control loop designs are illustrated by practical simulation examples.

Module 3 includes application examples and practice Quizzes. In a peer-graded Quiz, learners design control loops in a complete PV power system, and verify the system performance by Spice simulations.

Duration: 7 hours

In this module, materials are provided for the Final examination. A Practice Exam is included to help learners review the course materials and prepare for the Final examination.