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2 System Configuration: Front-End Converter (FEC)

The document describes the configuration of a low voltage direct current (LVDC) microgrid system. It discusses the front-end converter (FEC) which uses insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) to control the flow of power between the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) sides. The FEC maintains the DC voltage at a desired reference value through a feedback control loop that compares the actual DC voltage to the reference. It can control both the active and reactive power to regulate the DC voltage and power factor.

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31 views1 page

2 System Configuration: Front-End Converter (FEC)

The document describes the configuration of a low voltage direct current (LVDC) microgrid system. It discusses the front-end converter (FEC) which uses insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) to control the flow of power between the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) sides. The FEC maintains the DC voltage at a desired reference value through a feedback control loop that compares the actual DC voltage to the reference. It can control both the active and reactive power to regulate the DC voltage and power factor.

Uploaded by

alvin me
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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2 System configuration

In order to carry out a deep analysis on the several In order to perform this task, the actual DC voltage Vdc is
faults that may occur in a LVDC microgrid, first of all it is compared with the reference voltage VdcREF.

2 System configuration
important to describe its configuration with the several The error signal, created by the comparison, represents
electrical devices that areconnected. the main input of the whole control system; the error
This is the topic of this Chapter, along with the descrip- signal is used to manage the ON/OFF control of the six
tion of the system arrangements regarding the ground electronic components. In this manner, the power may
connection combinations that will be considered during flow from the AC side to the DC side and vice versa,
a ground fault. depending on the DC voltage requirements.
When Idc is positive (rectifier operation mode), the Cdc
capacitor discharge occurs and the error signal requires
2.1 Front-End Converter (FEC) by means of the control block a higher power from the
AC source.
Forced commutated three-phase rectifiers are AC/DC The control block allows a power absorption from the
converters using IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transis- AC source by creating an adequate PWM signal for the
tor), i.e. electronic components with both closing and electronic components control. In this manner, a higher
opening commands that allow the converter control current flows from the AC side to the DC side to fulfil the
depending on needs (see Annex A). higher power request of DC loads and the DC voltage is
Electronic component commutation (from ON to OFF brought back to the desired value.
position) occurs hundreds of times per period, so it On the contrary, when the Idc becomes negative (inverter
guarantees performances that otherwise could not be operation mode), the DC voltage tends to increase, so
reached with thyristors. This characteristic gives the the capacitor is overloaded and the error signal requires
following advantages: the capacitor discharge by means of the control block,
– current or voltage may be modulated (PWM – Pulse returning power to the AC source.
Width Modulation, see Annex B) producing a low har- The PWM control logic permits not only active power
monic contribution; control but also the reactive one, allowing power factor
– the power factor may be controlled and it may follow correction by means of the converter.
an established profile; Moreover, the AC current waveform may be maintained
– power reversal occurs by means of voltage reversal in almost sinusoidal, reducing the harmonic contribution.
thyristor rectifiers, while forced commutated rectifiers It is important to note that, while the IGBTs can be opened
may be used both for current reversal. and closed by the control system, the freewheeling di-
Usually, the FEC works by maintaining the DC voltage at odes cannot be controlled.
a desired reference value, using a feedback control loop,
as shown in Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1 – Voltage Front-End Converter (FEC)


Idc

V1 I1 L

V2 I2 L
Vdc
Cdc DC Load
V3 I3 L

–
error + VdcREF
CONTROL BLOCK

Faults in LVDC microgrids with front-end converters 11

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