A Simplified Model Predictive Control of Four-Leg Two-Level Inverter

Abstract

This article proposes current control strategy for four-leg two-level voltage source inverters (VSI). This strategy is based on model predictive control (MPC) approach and presents its comparison with finite control set (FCS) model technique. Besides providing a fast dynamic response, proposed technique replaces complex modulation stage and PI controller being used in earlier classical control techniques. Moreover, the proposed methodology selects the switching sequence which reduces tracking error between output and applied reference currents using cost function optimization. This shows the improvement of system response like FCS model technique. However, FCS model technique results in calculation stress and computation burden; resulting computational delay and extra power consumption by the processor. This problem is solved with the help of proposed single predictive technique which makes the inverter more suitable for large time horizon operations and small sampling time instants. The computational delay is reduced up to 6% compared to the case of FCS-MPC controlled inverter. Performance of proposed simplified technique is analyzed and compared with FCS-MPC controlled system with the help of different types of reference signals. This work will boost the industrial application of four-leg two-level VSI by increasing dynamic response and removing complex modulation stage.

Keywords:

• voltage source inverters
• model predictive control
• finite control set
• inverter control
• cost function
• DC link
• switching state
• computational delay

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Muhammad Bilal Waheed

Muhammad Bilal Waheed received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Electronics Engineering from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan in 2010 and 2017 respectively. After completion of his graduation, he worked on testing and commissioning of electrical systems and at electronic workshop for a short period of time. He has been an Electronics Instructor at Fauji Foundation Technical Training Centre, Chakwal for almost 02 years and now he is planning for his Doctorate in the same field. His research interests are in control systems and power electronic converter and their applications.

Abdul Rauf Bhatti

Abdul Rauf Bhatti received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in electrical engineering from University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, Pakistan, in 2004 and 2008, respectively, and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru, Malaysia in 2017. He is currently working with Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Faisalabad, Pakistan as an Associate Professor and Chairman of Electrical Engineering Department. He is serving the GCUF since 2006 at various posts like Lecturer and Assistant Professor. Before that he was with Government College of Technology (GCT), Faisalabad, Pakistan and Shakarganj Mills Ltd. (SML), Jhang, Pakistan in 2006 and 2005 respectively. He is the reviewer of various national and international research journals in the field of electrical engineering. He has around 25 research articles on his credit. His research interests are in electrical energy management, electric vehicle charging, solar photovoltaic, artificial intelligence, deterministic algorithms and renewable energy.

Muhammad Amjad

Muhammad Amjad obtained his B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D in Electrical engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 1998, 2006 and 2013, respectively. He has been a lecturer at the University College of Engineering and Technology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan for 19 years and is now a Professor at the Department of Electronic Engineering. His research interests include modeling of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) chamber and power electronic converter for DBD applications.

Yasir Saleem

Yasir Saleem is currently serving as an Associate Professor in University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, Pakistan. He completed his secondary education (O-level and A-level) form England.  He had achieved his Bachelor, Master and PhD degree from Electrical Engineering Department of UET in 2002, 2004 and 2011 respectively. He completed his MBA from ICBS, Lahore in 2015 for better understanding of management and Industry-Academia relationship.  During his PhD he did research work for one semester in Renewable Energy and Power Electronics Lab, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, UTM, Malaysia. He has authored and co-authored journal and conference papers at national and international level in field of Electrical and Computer Science and Engineering. His research interests include computer networks, information/network security, DSP, power electronics, computer vision, image processing, simulation and control system.

Shahab Ahmad Niazi

Shahab Ahmad Niazi attended NED University of Engineering and Technology Karachi, Pakistan and completed Bachelor of Engineering in December 2001. He began his graduate career in Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited as Assistant Divisional Engineer. After sufficient exposure of practical telecom industry, he pursued his post graduate studies and received degree of M.S. in telecommunication engineering from University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Pakistan in January 2009. He continued his research culminating in a doctoral degree in Optical Engineering from State Key laboratory of Institute of Information Photonics and Optical Communication, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China. He is currently working as Assistant Professor in Electronic Engineering Department of University College of Engineering and Technology, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. His research interests focus on optical communication, signal processing, probabilistic modeling, and integrated optical access networks.

Suhail Khokhar

Suhail Khokhar received the B.E. and M.E. degrees in electrical engineering from Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology, Nawabshah, Pakistan, in 2006 and 2012, respectively, and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the faculty of Electrical Engineering, University Technology Malaysia, Johor Baharu, Malaysia in 2016. He is currently working with QUEST Nawabshah Pakistan as an Associate Professor. Dr. Khokhar is a registered Professional Engineer in the Pakistan Engineering Council. His research interests are in the operation of distribution system, power quality, power system optimization in the context of smart grids.