applsci-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Innovative Power Electronic Technologies

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2024 | Viewed by 11516

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Electrical Power & Machines, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11517, Egypt
Interests: power electronics, renewable energy systems (photovoltaic, wind, and wave); distributed generation; microgrids; DC grids; power quality and custom power; artificial intelligence and digital signal processing applications in power systems and electrical drives

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to continuous developments in the technology for power semiconductor devices and integrated circuits, the potential for applications of power electronics are becoming wider. In this regard, the aim of this Special Issue is to shed the light on the most recent innovative power electronic technologies from different perspectives, such as devices, converter topologies, design, analysis and application in different fields.   

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Recent development in wide-bandgap switch technology;
  • Efficient and reliable converter topologies; 
  • Advanced switching techniques for power electronics converters; 
  • New control techniques for power converters; 
  • Invocative solutions for integrating renewable energy resources, distributed generation, and storage systems;
  • Seamless control strategies; 
  • Novel power converters for microgrids, ac and dc grids; 
  • Electrical drives and electric vehicles;
  • Power converters for industrial applications;
  • Novel power electronics solutions for small-scale residential systems;
  • Advanced modeling of power electronics switches and converters.

Prof. Dr. Mostafa I. Marei
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • converter topologies
  • control strategies
  • electric vehicles
  • electrical drives
  • microgrids
  • modeling of power converters
  • power electronics converters
  • power electronics devices
  • renewable energy systems
  • residential and industrial applications
  • storage energy systems
  • switching techniques

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

27 pages, 33619 KiB  
Article
Modeling and Control Simulation of Power Converters in Automotive Applications
by Pierpaolo Dini and Sergio Saponara
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14031227 - 1 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1751
Abstract
This research introduces a model-based approach for the analysis and control of an onboard charger (OBC) system for contemporary electrified vehicles. The primary objective is to integrate the modeling of SiC/GaN MOSFETs electrothermal behaviors into a unified simulation framework. The motivation behind this [...] Read more.
This research introduces a model-based approach for the analysis and control of an onboard charger (OBC) system for contemporary electrified vehicles. The primary objective is to integrate the modeling of SiC/GaN MOSFETs electrothermal behaviors into a unified simulation framework. The motivation behind this project stems from the fact that existing literature often relies on finite element method (FEM) software to examine thermal dynamics, necessitating the development of complex models through partial derivative equations. Such intricate models are computationally demanding, making it difficult to integrate them with circuit equations in the same virtual environment. As a result, lengthy wait periods and a lack of communication between the electrothermal models limit the thorough study that can be conducted during the design stage. The selected case study for examination is a modular 1ϕ (single phase) onboard computer (OBC). This system comprises a dual active bridge (DAB) type DC/DC converter, which is positioned after a totem pole power factor correction (PFC) AC/DC converter. Specifically, the focus is directed toward a 7 kW onboard computer (OBC) utilizing high-voltage SiC/GaN MOSFETs to ensure optimal efficiency and performance. A systematic approach is presented for the assessment and selection of electronic components, employing circuit models for the totem pole power factor correction (PFC) and dual active bridge (DAB) converter. These models are employed in simulations closely mimicking real-world scenarios. Furthermore, rigorous testing of the generated models is conducted across a spectrum of real-world operating conditions to validate the stability of the implemented control algorithms. The validation process is bolstered by a comprehensive exploration of parametric variations relative to the nominal case. Notably, each simulation adheres to the recommended operational limits of the selected components and devices. Detailed data sheets encompassing electrothermal properties are provided for contextual reference. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Power Electronic Technologies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2342 KiB  
Article
An Experimental Investigation of Various Control Systems for an Archimedes Screw Turbine in a Micro-Hydropower Plant
by Francisco González-González, Arsenio Barbón, Luis Bayón and Ramy Georgious
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020512 - 6 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1184
Abstract
The control system for a micro-hydropower plant using an Archimedes screw turbine is the focus of this work. Three control systems were implemented based on a Barreda micro-hydropower plant (Spain) currently in operation: an optimal water level control (OWLC [...] Read more.
The control system for a micro-hydropower plant using an Archimedes screw turbine is the focus of this work. Three control systems were implemented based on a Barreda micro-hydropower plant (Spain) currently in operation: an optimal water level control (OWLC) system, a maximum power point monitoring (MPPT) system, and a water level control (WLC) system. The comparison was made using several assessment indicators: electricity production, micro-hydropower plant efficiency, and gearbox fatigue. The electricity production is similar in the OWLC and MPPT systems (energy gain +0.5%) and significantly lower in the WLC system (energy gain 12%). The efficiency of the micro-hydro plant is similar in the OWLC and MPPT systems (average efficiency gain +0.9%) and significantly lower in the WLC system (average efficiency gain 15%). The mechanical stress on the gearbox is similar in the OWLC and WLC systems and significantly higher in the MPPT system. It can be concluded that the OWLC system performs better as concerns the three assessment indicators used, followed by the MPPT system. The WLC system is not recommended for use, due to its low electricity production and low efficiency of the micro-hydropower plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Power Electronic Technologies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2424 KiB  
Article
Variable-Speed Operation of Micro-Hydropower Plants in Irrigation Infrastructure: An Energy and Cost Analysis
by Arsenio Barbón, Francisco González-González, Luis Bayón and Ramy Georgious
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 13096; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413096 - 8 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1211
Abstract
Micro-hydropower plants have now become a way to decarbonise the power generation system. Older micro-hydropower plants generally operate at a fixed speed. When there is a lack of rainfall, these plants operate outside their design flow causing various problems (such as the occurrence [...] Read more.
Micro-hydropower plants have now become a way to decarbonise the power generation system. Older micro-hydropower plants generally operate at a fixed speed. When there is a lack of rainfall, these plants operate outside their design flow causing various problems (such as the occurrence of the phenomenon of cavitation, decreased turbine performance, and decreased operating hours), especially in micro-hydropower plants installed in irrigation infrastructure, where the priority for water use is crops. This study aims to carry out a comparative evaluation of several indicators (cavitation, investment costs, electricity production and economic benefit) of two types of control system on an asynchronous electric generator (a fixed speed control system (scenario 1) and a variable-speed control system (scenario 2)) at the same micro-hydropower plant. The Rebolluelo micro-hydropower plant (Spain) is used for this purpose as a case study. This micro-hydropower plant uses a semi-Kaplan turbine coupled to an asynchronous electric generator through a gearbox. The results show the advantages of using a variable-speed control system. The use of variable-speed technology: (i) eliminates the possibility of cavitation, (ii) increases the power output ratio (from 35.87% to 93.03%), and (iii) increases the economic benefit (from 29.31% to 108.72%). There are also, of course, disadvantages, such as an 11.96% increase in cost. This work demonstrated the superiority of variable speed technology at micro-hydropower plants for three of the four indicators evaluated. This work could be of assistance when making decisions regarding future micro-hydropower plant installations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Power Electronic Technologies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4858 KiB  
Article
High Frequency Transformers for Solid-State Transformer Applications
by Nuno Santos, Miguel Chaves, Paulo Gamboa, Armando Cordeiro, Nelson Santos and Sónia Ferreira Pinto
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 7262; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13127262 - 18 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4367
Abstract
This paper focuses on the study of the high frequency transformer incorporated in solid- state transformers, specifically on the development of the steps that enable the design of an optimized high frequency transformer and its equivalent model based on the desired characteristics. The [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on the study of the high frequency transformer incorporated in solid- state transformers, specifically on the development of the steps that enable the design of an optimized high frequency transformer and its equivalent model based on the desired characteristics. The impact of operating a transformer at high frequency and the respective solutions that allow this impact to be reduced are analyzed, alongside the numerous advantages that the utilization of these transformers has over traditional 50/60 Hz transformers. Furthermore, the power scheme of the solid-state transformer is outlined, focusing on the power converters, which are immediately before and after the high frequency transformer (HFT). We also investigate a control technique that allows for correct operation and the existence of power bidirectionality. In a novel approach, this paper demonstrates the systematic steps for designing an HFT according to the desired specifications of each given project, helping students and engineers achieve their objectives in power-electronic applications. Moreover, this paper aims at increasing the knowledge of this area of power electronics and facilitating the development of new topologies with high power density, which are very important to the integration of renewable power sources and other applications. Finally, a simulation is presented to validate a high frequency transformer and its control technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Power Electronic Technologies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3158 KiB  
Article
Modelling, Analysis and Performance of a Low Inertia AC-DC Microgrid
by Mohamed A. Afifi, Mostafa I. Marei and Ahmed M. I. Mohamad
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(5), 3197; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053197 - 2 Mar 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2177
Abstract
In a world where the energy crisis is becoming overwhelming, demand for integrating renewable energy sources is increasing and forming microgrids is becoming an essential solution. The new microgrid systems, which depend mainly on renewable energy sources instead of conventional synchronous generators, come [...] Read more.
In a world where the energy crisis is becoming overwhelming, demand for integrating renewable energy sources is increasing and forming microgrids is becoming an essential solution. The new microgrid systems, which depend mainly on renewable energy sources instead of conventional synchronous generators, come with a low inertia concern. This paper proposes a virtual inertia controller based on a high-pass filter (HPF) to support the frequency of the AC microgrid while maintaining the DC voltage of the DC microgrid within the nominal ranges in cases of contingencies. The proposed system encounters an AC-DC microgrid with a renewable energy source on the DC microgrid alongside constant power load and resistive loads, while on the AC microgrid side, a synchronous generator is used to present the low inertia of the grid with dynamic loads and static loads. The state-space linearized model of the system is developed and verified using Matlab Simulink. The dynamic response of the proposed controller is compared to the low-pas filter (LPF)-based controller. Moreover, the effect of changing the system’s parameters on eigenvalues is investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Power Electronic Technologies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop