Development and analysis of a distributed control strategy for power electronic converters

Date
2002-03
Authors
Du Toit, J. A. (Jacques Andre)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The dissertation presents an alternative approach to the control of power electronic converters. The conventional approach is to use a centralized controller with one or more measurement systems providing feedback. As converters become larger, in both power rating and complexity, a number of drawbacks to this approach emerge. The number of physical data paths increases and voltage isolation becomes a problem. This has an adverse effect on the manufacturability as well as the reliable operation of the system as a whole. An alternative is to use a distributed control approach, where a number of smaller integrated control and measurement units are used. These units communicate with the central controller via a serial daisy-chain communications link. The dissertation investigates the design of such a controller as well as the application of distributed control in a number of emerging converter topologies. It was shown that centralized control has its limitations in modem power electronics in terms of reliability, maintainability and manufacturability. A feasible distributed control strategy was proposed and implemented and the operation was verified in an experimental converter system.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die proefskrif ondersoek 'n alternatiewe manier om drywings omsetters te beheer. Huidiglik word die meerderheid van omsetters beheer vanaf 'n sentrale beheereenheid, wat dan stelsel data versamel vanaf een of meer meetstelsels. Soos die drywingsvermoë van die omsetters toeneem, raak spannings isolasie en die aantal beheerseine 'n probleem, wat nadelig is vir die betroubaarheid en vervaardigbaarheid van die stelsel. As 'n alternatief, kan 'n aantal kleiner beheereenhede en meetstelsels gebruik word. Die beheerders kommunikeer met mekaar, sowel as die hoof stelselbeheerder deur middel van 'n optiese vesel netwerk, verbind in 'n ring struktuur. Die proefskrif ondersoek die ontwerp van die beheerder en die toepassing van gedesentraliseerde beheer in 'n aantal nuwe omsetter topologië. Die studie toon dat sentrale beheer problematies kan raak soos die omsetters meer kompleks raak. Die studie bewys dat 'n stelsel suksesvol bedryf kan word deur gebruik te maak van gedesentraliseerde beheer deur dit in 'n praktiese opstelling toe te pas.
Description
Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.
Keywords
Power electronics, Electronic control, Electric current converters, Dissertations -- Electrical engineering, Theses -- Electrical engineering
Citation