Modern Trends in

Power Electronics &

Electric Drives

Prof. Sujit K. Biswas

Dept. of Electrical Engg.
Jadavpur University
1
Kolkata 700032, INDIA
 Power Electronics
can be considered as :

The technology associated with the

conversion, control and conditioning of
electric power from its available form to
the desired electrical form, by the
application of electronics

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 2

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Why Power Electronics ?
Power Electronics is one of the fastest changing
technology today, having gone through dynamic changes
in the last several decades
The solid state era, which has accelerated automation in
industry, has led to increased R&D in Power Electronics,
in order to meet the demands of increased productivity
and improved product quality
The technologies involved have been going through
constant change, depending on the demands of its
diverse and ever-expanding application area
Today, significant developments in non-power-electronics
areas are catalyzing spontaneous development in power
electronic converters for those specific areas
The future of Power Electronics is truly multi-disciplined
and multi-solutioned in nature
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 3
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Importance of
Power Electronics
Conversion of electrical energy from one form to
another of choice.
Smooth control of electrical power flow.
High efficiency involved in the above processes.
High speed of response
Permits controlled storage of energy for use
when required
High reliability of the controlling system.
Compact size of the controlling system.
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 4
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Power Control Methods
Control through Electro-Mechanical Power
Components.
Control through Magnetic Power Components.
Control through Magnetic and Electro-
Mechanical Power Components.
Linear Control through Semiconductor
Power Components.
Phase Control through Semiconductor
Power Components.
Switching Control through Semiconductor
Power Components.
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 5
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Power Control Elements

Gas-filled Tubes
Mercury-arc Tubes
Magnetic Amplifiers
Electro-mechanical Elements
Solid State Devices

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 6

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Solid State Semiconductor Era
1948 - Invention of the Transistor
1956 - Commercial availability of the Silicon
Diode
1958 - Commercial availability of the Silicon
Controlled Rectifier (SCR) (a member of
thyristor family). The term Thyristor
Technology introduced
1960s High frequency (about a kHz)
switching techniques using forced-
commutation introduces PWM
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 7
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Modern Power Semiconductor Devices
Early 1970s - Toshiba Corporation of Japan
introduced high power rated Giant Transistors
Late 1970s - Power MOSFETs was released in
by International Rectifier of USA
Early 1980s - Gate Turn Off Thyristor (GTO) was
released by Japanese companies
Mid 1980s - Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor
(IGBT) released by General Electric of USA
Mid 1990s - Integrated Gate Commutated Thyristor
(IGCT) from ABB, Sweden
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 8
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Developments in High Power
Semiconductors
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT):
1.2kV, 1400A to 6.5kV, 750A
Integrated Gate Commutated Thyristors (IGCT):
4.5kV, 2100A to 6.5kV, 1290A
Gate Turn Off Thyristors (GTO):
2.5kV, 3000A to 4.5kV, 4000A

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 9

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Power Converters
High frequency (above 20 kHz) Switching
Power converters developed since 1970s
Awareness of line harmonics and power
factor due to converters.
Static VAr compensators used
Active Power Filters developed
Power converters to meet Power Quality
standards
Soft switching technique introduced
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 10
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Developments in High Power
Converters
High efficiency inverters with sinusoidal output
voltages and currents
High performance Bi-directional power
converters with capability for connection to the
AC grid
High efficiency, Bi-directional DC to DC power
converters for controlled energy storage and
retrieval
FACTS devices with low THD current and
smooth operation

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 11

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Active Power Factor Technology
1 2
Vs

DC Bus
AC to
Supply Converter

is

Control

Permits control of ac side current waveshape

DC bus voltage is higher that peak line voltage
Short circuit protection on dc side is not possible
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 12
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Bidirectional Active Power Factor
Corrected Converter

Permits control of ac side current waveshape

Permits power flow in both directions
Permits control of the VAr flow
DC bus voltage is higher that peak line voltage
Short circuit protection on dc side is not possible
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 13
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
3-phase Bidirectional Power Converter

AC side voltage is PWM with a fundamental content of

same frequency as the supply
AC side current waveshape is nearly sinusoidal
Permits power flow in both directions
Permits control of the VAr flow
DC bus voltage is higher that peak line voltage

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 14

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Control of Bidirectional Converter

CONVERTER

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 15

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 PWM Output Waveform
Generation & Control
S3
+Vd/2 S1
Vd/2
+
Vd N

S4 VO S2
Vd/2
- Vd/2

Each limb mid-point (or pole) is to be

either connected to the top bus or
the bottom bus and cannot be left Vd
free
Pulse width modulation is generated
by shifting the operation of the limbs
in time (phase shifting)
Zero voltage durations are ensured
by short circuiting the load through
the switches
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 16
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Single Phase Output
+Vdc +Vdc
Phase shift between
the outputs is
180deg for maximum
O a O b
fundamental voltage

0V 0V

+Vdc a

VaO
O a b O VL

VbO

0V b

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 17

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Three-Phase Output
+Vdc +Vdc +Vdc

O a O b O c

0V 0V 0V Phase shift between

the outputs is
+Vdc
120deg for balanced
R fundamental voltage

VaO
O a b c
VcO
O
B VbO Y

VLL
0V

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 18

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Conditions when Bidirectional
Converter does not Exchange
Average Power on DC side
When ac supply voltage is sinusoidal and
current is also sinusoidal of same frequency, but
displaced by 90 deg
When ac supply voltage is sinusoidal and
current is also sinusoidal but at harmonic
frequency
This implies that there is no need of energy source or
energy receiver on dc side and a capacitor, charged up to
the requisite dc voltage will be sufficient for the operation,
neglecting circuit losses
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 19
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Principle of Operation of Grid -
Connected Bidirectional Converter
X
V E

E
I.X

V
I V I
I.X
E

Rectification Inversion

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 20

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Grid Connected Wind Turbine using
Doubly Fed Induction Generator

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 21

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Wind Turbine

Grid

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 22

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Photo Voltaic Cell fed Solar Power
Generation System with Storage

Bi-
SPV MPPT Inverter
directional Grid
Panel Converter Converter
Switch

Battery Load

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 23

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Active Power Filter
Fundamental Distorted
Current Current
LOAD
SUPPLY (Generating
Harmonics)
Source Sinusoidal
Distorted
Impedance Voltage Harmonic
Current

ACTIVE
POWER FILTER
(Static Power
Converter)

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 24

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Example of Active Power Filter
isa iLa

isb iLb

~
~
isc iLc Non-Linear Four-Wire
~ isn iLn
Unbalanced Loads

4-Wire
3-Phase
AC Mains

icn icc icb ica

a
b
c Cdc
n
AF

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 25

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Static VAr Compensators using Thyristors

Load

TCR TSC TSC TSC

TSC = Thyristor Switched Capacitor

Provides leading VAr adjustment in steps

TCR = Thyristor Controlled Reactor

Provides lagging VAr adjustment smoothly

Capacitors may be replaced by tuned LC circuits for

filtering of current harmonics also.

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 26

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Principle of Thyristor Controlled
Reactor
Line
voltage

Inductor
Current

= Conduction angle
= Extinction angle
Cos = Cos or = 2 -
Current waveform is continuous only when = /2
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 27
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Basic Principle of STATCOM

A 3-ph inverter can supply reactive power

Output voltage is PWM with a fundamental
content of same frequency as the supply
Required to provide energy for the losses only,
thus dc bus can have capacitor only
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 28
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Example of DSTATCOM
isa ila ila
3-Phase isb ilb ilb Linear/
isc Non-Linear
4-Wire AC ilc ilc
Mains Loads
iln iln
iln

ica
icc icb S1 S3 S5
Lf,Rf Cdc +
-

icn Vdc +
-
S4 S6 S2
DSTATCOM

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 29

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Multi-Level Inverters and
Converters
Van
vx1

3
2 2 2

vx2 V x5

Vx4

Vx3

Vx2

vxn
Vx1

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 30

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Power Electronically Controlled
Storage of Energy
Battery Storage System
Hydrogen Storage System for Fuel Cells
Super Capacitor Storage System
Superconducting Magnetic Energy
Storage System

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 31

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Technology Development for
Adjustable Speed Drives
Mechanical and Electro-mechanical speed variation methods
were popular as motors were considered as fixed speed
devices.
DC motors and Brush shifting motors bring in the era of
mechanically adjustable speed motors.
The DC motor becomes the first electrically controlled drive
since 1920s using Phase Controlled Rectifier.
The Synchronous motor is an alternative since 1930s using
Phase Controlled Cyclo-converters.
The Squirrel Cage Induction motor, the known rugged
alternative since 1930s, becomes the preferred option only
since the late 1960s.
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 32
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Reasons for Induction Motor
being the Preferred Alternative
Rugged and maintenance-free.
Lesser size, weight and cost for same hp.
Superior operating characteristics.
Can be operated in inflammable environment.
Can be made to be totally enclosed for
hazardous and corrosive environments.
No need for separate dc power supply to field.
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 33
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Reasons for Induction Motor Drives
being the Preferred Alternative
The solid state era, which had accelerated
automation in industry, had led to increased R&D
in order to meet its dual demands of increased
productivity and improved product quality.
High frequency (about a kHz) switching
techniques using forced-commutated SCRs
introduces PWM for easy power control in 1960s.
New methods of motor analysis and control
brings in high performance induction motor drives
in 1970s.
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 34
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Landmark Large Power Equipment
1930 - The New York subway installed a 3MW
grid-controlled mercury arc rectifier for dc drive

1931 - German Railways introduce mercury-arc

grid-controlled Cycloconverters for traction drive
of Universal motors

1934 - The first variable frequency ac drive was

installed at Logan Power Station, USA, for a
400hp synchronous motor used in ID fan drive,
using thyratrons

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 35

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
The Induction Motor as an
Adjustable Speed Drive

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 36

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Rotational Movement from
Linear Movement
Magnet
Magnet being
being attracted
attracted

Magnet
Magnet being
being LINEAR moved CIRCULAR
MOTION
moved MOTION

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 37

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 The Equivalent Circuit of
an Induction Motor
R1 X1 X2 R2/s

V1 Xm E1 Ro V2

Ns = 60*f1/p Im = E1/Xm = (E1/f1)/(2*pi*Lm)

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 38

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Induction Motor Characteristics under
Adjustable Speed

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 39

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Principle of Space Vectors

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 40

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
3-phase Components of Space Vector

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 41

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Projection on Multiple
Reference Frames

X = Xd + jXq in synchronously rotating d-q reference frame.

= X.e jd in fixed stator axes
= X.e j(d-r) in reference frame fixed to rotor

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 42

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Induction Motor Drive System

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 43

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Vector Controlled Induction
Motor Drive

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 44

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 PWM Waveform fed to Motor Drives

Problem of harmonics that cause additional loss and hence thermal

de-rating of motor.
Problem of Travelling wave in cable, that generates higher voltages
at motor that damage its insulation.
Problem of Common-mode current flow through the motor bearings
that damage them.

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 45

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
The Harmonic Equivalent Circuit of
an Induction Motor

Rn1 nX1 nX2 Rn2/sn

V1n nXm E1n Ron V2n

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 46

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Multi-level Inverter Drive System
IM

H-Bridge cell -I P hase Phase Phase

A B C
T11 T31

T41 T21

T12 T32

T42 T22

N
H-Bridge cell -II

500
Stator Voltages (V)

-500
0.24 0.245 0.25 0.255 0.26 0.265 0.27 0.275 0.28 0.285 0.29
Stator Currents (A)

20

-20
0.21 0.22 0.23 0.24 0.25 0.26 0.27 0.28 0.29
Time (Sec)

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 47

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Multi Phase Induction Motor Drives

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 48

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Space Vector Modulation
Considers the distinct switching states of
the inverter switches for the exact
magnitude and position of the Space
Vector.
Eliminates fluctuations in the isolated
neutral voltage of motor.
Can generate highest fundamental
voltage.
Can provide various types of optimization
of motor performance.
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 49
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Efficiency Optimized Induction
Motor Drives

At rated speed At 20% rated load

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 50

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Future Trends in Motors and
Drives
Increased use of the Induction and Synchronous
Machines in various forms
Several application areas that used constant speed
drives (like air-conditioning) are opting for variable
speed drives
Motor drive converters based on phase control will
become obsolete and will be replaced by ones with
excellent input power factor
Very little change is expected in the design of the
motors, but new applications will demand the motors to
be built in new shapes
New Motors such as Switched Reluctance Motor &
Brush Less DC Motors will occupy some areas, but are
dependant on Power Converters

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 51

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Future Trends in the Technology
of Drives
Concepts of Space Vector PWM are applied to
get better performance.
Multilevel Inverters are used for higher voltage
applications.
Multi-phase motor drives are becoming popular
for ship propulsion due to inherent redundancy
of the drive system.
Artificial Intelligence (Expert System, Fuzzy
Logic, Artificial Neural Network and Genetic
Algorithm) are the control algorithms of the
future.
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 52
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Future Trends in Simulation &
Control of Drives
More analytical and simulation tools
Control through digital technology based on high speed
computing
Sensor-less control will be the demand of the future.
Single package microcontrollers are fast becoming an
integral part of the drive controller in simple systems
DSP Controllers are taking over the more complex ones
due to their better computational power
Future prediction is that digital controllers for drives will
be mostly based upon gate array technology, involving
CPLD and FPGA technology

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 53

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Future Trends (device related)
Higher switching frequencies
IGBT to dominate, with MOSFET and SCR
in restricted application areas
No new Power semiconductor device
expected to be evolved in near future
New materials like Silicon Carbide
expected to play significant role
Improved packaging technology
Increased Soft Switching applications
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 54
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Future Trends (application related)
Power generation, transmission and distribution will
become the application area of the largest power
rating of an individual converter, instead of the
earlier dominance of industrial and traction
application :
Power electronics is finding increasing application
in the power area, being termed as FACTS or
Flexible AC Transmission System, Power Quality
and Custom Power
With the growing interest in Renewable Energy
sources like wind & solar power as well as the
concepts of Distributed Generation, its
interconnection to the grid has to depend upon
power electronic converters
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 55
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Power Electronics Application
Thrust Areas for Future
Main Grids:
HVDC & FACTS Devices for Improved operation
Transmit Electricity than Fossil Fuel over Long
Distance
HVDC is a good solution for sending power through
cables also
Maintain good power factor for reduced losses
Smart Grids
Power Electronic Interfaces for Bi-directional energy
flow
Power Electronic converters permit Distributed
Generation of power

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 56

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Power Electronics Application
Thrust Areas for Future

Mini & Micro Grids:

Inverters for Mini & Micro Grids
DC Grids for Lighting in Rural Areas
Wind & Solar based Energy storage
systems for remote locations
Solar & Wind based Load leveling

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 57

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Power Electronics Application
Thrust Areas for Future
Renewable Energy Harvesting:
Solar Power
MW Grid Export
Roof Top Systems:
Central Inverters, String Inverters, Micro Inverters
Bi-directional Inverters
MPPT Chargers
Solar Pumps
Wind Power
10s of kW range Inverters
MW range Inverters
Hydro Power
Small Inverters
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 58
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Future Trends (application related)

Increased application in lighting control :

Various types of lamps are having efficient

electronic ballasts with dimming control
Development in LED technology has
triggered the development of specifically
designed power converters for use with LED
lamps

Dept. of Electrical Engg, 59

Jadavpur University, Kolkata
 Future Trends (application related)
More Electric Aircrafts, Ships and Electric Vehicles :
Traditional hydraulic systems are expected to be
replaced by electrical actuators with power electronic
control
Alternators connected to the driving shafts directly
need power electronic converters to control its output
voltage and frequency inspite of shaft speed
variations
Hybrid Electric Vehicles are expected to be popular,
with the need for increased power electronic control.
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 60
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
Future Trends (simulation & control)
More analytical and simulation tools
Control through digital technology based on high
speed computing
Single package microcontrollers are fast
becoming an integral part of the power
electronic controller in simple systems
DSP Controllers are taking over the more
complex ones due to their better computational
power
Future prediction is that digital controllers for
power electronics will be mostly based upon
gate array technology, involving FPGA
technology
Dept. of Electrical Engg, 61
Jadavpur University, Kolkata
62