Comprehensive Documentation for Grid-Connected Rectifier with DC-Link Voltage Control Simulation

System Overview

What is a Grid-Connected Rectifier with DC-Link Control?

A grid-connected rectifier converts three-phase AC power into regulated DC voltage, ensuring stable operation through DC-link voltage control. This is achieved using a cascade PI controller that manages grid-side current and DC-link voltage to enhance power quality and system performance.

Purpose of the Simulation

The simulation aims to:

• Analyze DC-link voltage regulation under varying load conditions.
• Evaluate power factor correction (PFC) techniques to ensure high efficiency.
• Validate rectifier control strategies for stable grid integration.

Key Features

DC-Link Voltage Regulation

The PI-based cascade control structure ensures stable and precise DC-link voltage regulation.
➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Enables real-time testing of voltage control strategies.

Grid-Side Current Control for Power Factor Correction (PFC)

The system actively controls grid-side current to maintain a near-unity power factor, reducing harmonics.
➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Allows hardware validation of power quality improvements.

Rectifier with Sinusoidal Current Control

A PWM-controlled rectifier ensures low harmonic distortion and high efficiency.
➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Supports real-time inverter switching tests.

Simulation Objectives

This simulation helps evaluate:

• Effectiveness of DC-link voltage control techniques.
• Grid-side current control for reduced harmonics and improved PFC.
• Performance of different rectifier control strategies.
  ➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Provides real-time validation before hardware deployment.

Technical Description

System Configuration

• Input: Three-phase AC grid voltage.
• Output: Regulated DC-link voltage.
• Power Stage: PWM-controlled rectifier with DC-link capacitor.

Control Methodology

• Outer Control Loop: PI controller for DC-link voltage regulation.
• Inner Control Loop: PI-based current control in the d-q reference frame.
• Grid Synchronization: Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) for phase and frequency matching.
  ➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Enables real-time tuning of control parameters.

Advantages of Grid-Connected Rectifiers

• Stable DC-Link Voltage: Ensures consistent power conversion for connected loads.
• Improved Power Factor: Active control maintains high power quality.
• Low Harmonic Distortion: Grid-side current shaping reduces harmonic pollution.
  ➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Facilitates real-world testing under varying conditions.

Applications

Industrial Motor Drives

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Grid-connected rectifiers with DC-link voltage control are used in VFDs to convert AC power from the grid into DC power, which is then inverted to control the speed of AC motors. Simulations help optimize efficiency and performance.

Pump and Fan Drives: These rectifiers are used in industrial pumps and fans to improve energy efficiency and process control.

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

Data Centers: Grid-connected rectifiers are used in UPS systems to provide stable DC power for servers and critical IT infrastructure. Simulations ensure reliable operation during grid disturbances.

Industrial Facilities: These rectifiers provide backup power for sensitive industrial processes, ensuring uninterrupted operation during power outages.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure

On-Board Chargers: Grid-connected rectifiers with DC-link voltage control are used in EV on-board chargers to convert AC power from the grid into DC power for battery charging. Simulations optimize charging efficiency and thermal management.

DC Fast Chargers: These rectifiers are used in DC fast chargers to regulate DC-link voltage, ensuring efficient and stable power transfer to EVs.

Renewable Energy Systems

Wind Turbines: Grid-connected rectifiers are used in wind energy systems to convert variable-frequency AC power from the generator into stable DC power for grid integration. Simulations ensure efficient power conversion and grid compatibility.

Solar Power Systems: Rectifiers are used in solar inverters to convert DC power from solar panels into AC power for the grid. DC-link voltage control ensures stable operation and efficient power transfer. ➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Supports real-time emulation for different applications.

Simulation Benefits

With this simulation, users can:

• Analyze DC-link voltage stability and transient response.
• Optimize control strategies for improved power quality.
• Evaluate real-time grid interactions and dynamic performance.
  ➡️ HIL/PHIL Benefit: Ensures seamless transition from simulation to real-world deployment.