Innovative control techniques for DC-DC switch-mode conversion systems

Advances in power semiconductor technology are contributing to the increase of the complexity of power electronics and drive applications. As a matter of fact, the new generations of power processing units are based on high-speed switching converters. In this context, even though analog controllers still remain the reference in terms of rapidity and bandwidth, digital technology makes easier to implement complex control strategies. Further advantages of the digital implementation of power electronic controls include low power consumption and lower sensitivity to parameter variations. On the other hand, one of the problems which arise in these digitally controlled systems is the presence of non-linear effects that potentially can degrade the output voltage regulation of the power electronic systems. These non-linearities occur manly due the quantization process which is inherent in the operation of the ADC and the pulse-width-modulator (PWM) within the feedback loop. For the above reasons, this research activity is conducted in order to analyse, investigate and implement innovative digital control laws for power supply and motor drive applications and, at the same time, to find solutions that could mitigate non-linearity issues affecting the regulated power application outputs.


ERC Sector:

  • PE7_2 Electrical engineering: power components and/or systems

Keywords:

  • Power conversion
  • Pulse width modulation converters
  • Digital control
  • Limit cycles

Research groups