ADVANCED POWER CONVERTERS AND CONTROL

The primary goal of the course is to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in advanced power converters and power devices, with an emphasis on innovation and emerging technologies. Additionally, the course will highlight the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and continuous learning. By the end of the course, students will be capable of successfully applying their expertise to the design and simulation of advanced power converters, tailored for a variety of emerging applications. Through practical projects, students will apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, which will help to establish a strong foundation for their future careers. Students will be also encouraged to work together and share ideas, enhancing their problem-solving skills and deepening their understanding of the challenges associated with power converters, preparing them to effectively address the complexities of modern power electronics.

·       Lectures: covering theoretical concepts, advanced topics, and emerging trends in power converters and devices.

·       Simulation practices: oriented to a practical application of theoretical concepts through hands-on exercises using industry-standard simulation tools and software.

·       Projects: group projects challenging students to design and analyze power converter systems, fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills.

·       Workshops: workshops with industry experts are essential for helping students understand how theoretical concepts are applied in practice, for gaining first-hand information on the latest technologies, innovations, and trends, and for allowing them to connect with companies in the power electronics sector and obtain information on career opportunities.

·       Examinations: assessments of the level of understanding of the concepts introduced throughout the course and of the ability to practically apply them.

I. Advanced power converters and devices

This section covers the fundamental concepts and advanced technologies associated with various types of power converters and devices used in modern applications. The topics include:

·       Bidirectional, multi-phase interleaved, and multi-port DC-DC power converters. Understanding the operation and applications of these converters, including their advantages in power management systems.

·       Multi-level, multi-phase and specialized inverter topologies. Exploring the principles of multi-level power conversion and its benefits. Analyzing multi-level and multi-phase inverter structures and their control systems. Introducing transformerless inverter topologies developed to address the issue of leakage current in photovoltaic systems.

·       Current and Z-source power converters. Analyzing the peculiar features of current-source and Z-source power converters and their modulation and control systems.

·       PWM rectifiers and power factor controllers.  Introducing advanced AC-DC converter configurations and modulation techniques and their application in rectification and power factor improvement.

·       Matrix Converters.  Understanding the operation principles of matrix converters, including their advantages and limitations over traditional converters.

·       Soft switching power converters.  Introducing the theoretical basis of zero-current and zero-voltage switching. Exploring resonant, quasi resonant and multi-resonant power converter topologies and their advantages in terms of high efficiency and low electromagnetic interference (EMI).

·       Wide bandgap power devices.  Investigating the characteristics and applications of Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) power devices, focusing on their role in improving power converters performance and efficiency.

II. Emerging power converter applications

This section deals with practical applications of advanced power converters in emerging sectors, including:

·      Renewable energy systems. 

·      Electric and hybrid vehicles.

·      Energy storage systems.

·      Flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS).

·      Ancillary services for the stability and reliability of electrical grids.

·      Low voltage DC distribution  

·      High voltage DC transmission (HVDC) 

·      Microgrids and grid-forming

III. Simulation of power converters

This section focuses on the practical skills required to simulate and evaluate power converter systems through simulation:

·      Introduction to the Simulink/Matlab environment and its application in modeling and simulating complex  power electronic systems.

·      Engaging in the analysis of case studies to reinforce theoretical knowledge through simulation.

·      N. Mohan, T. M. Undeland, W. P. Robbins, Power Electronics: Converters, Applications and Design.

·      N. Priyadarshi, A. Kumar Bhoi, R. C. Bansal, A. Kalam, DC-DC Converters for Future Renewable Energy Systems

·      E. Kabalci, Multilevel Inverters: Control Methods and Advanced Power Electronic Applications.

·      E. Cipriano dos Santos Jr., E. R. Cabral da Silva, Advanced Power Electronics Converters: PWM Converters Processing AC Voltages.

·      Y. Liu, H. Abu-Rub, B. Ge, F. Blaabjerg, O. Ellabban, P.Chiang Loh, Impedance Source Power Electronic Converters.

·      A. Dasgupta, P. Sensarma, Design and Control of Matrix Converters.

·      ON Semiconductor, Power Factor Correction (PFC) Handbook.

·      M. K. Abdullah, Three-Phase PWM Rectifier Operating Under Different Voltage Conditions.

·      X. Ruan, Soft switching PWM Full-bridge Converters.

·      F. Blaabjerg, Control of Power Electronic Converters and Systems.

·      L. Ashok Kumar, S. Albert Alexander, Power Converters for Electric Vehicles.

·      R. Teodorescu, M. Liserre, P. Rodriguez, Grid Converters for Photovoltaic and Wind Power Systems.

·      B. Bahrani, Grid-Forming Power Inverters

·      T. Kimoto and J.A. Cooper, Fundamentals of silicon carbide technology.

·      D. Jovcic, High Voltage Direct Current Transmission: Converters, Systems and DC Grids.

·      H. Komurcugil, S. Bayhan, R. Guzman, M. Malinowski, H. Abu-Rub, Advanced Control of Power Converters: Techniques and Matlab/Simulink Implementation.

·      Course notes