Name of Sponsoring Organization: Zhixin Miao
Sponsor Point of Contact (name):
Email Address:
Name of Technical Mentor (i.e. Subject Matter Expert): Zhixin Miao
TM Email Address:
Project Title: Implementation, Control, and Operation of Modular Multilevel Converter
Required EE Area(s) of Expertise: 1) Electrical Circuits (implementation, measurement, and protection), 2) Power Electronics (Semiconductor-based control and operation), 3) Modeling and Controls (EMT simulation, Real-time control), 4) Digital Signal Processing, 5) Embedded Systems
Brief Project Description: The purpose of this project is to explore the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) technology, which has been used by the power industry for HVdc and STATCOM converters. The project has two main tasks: EMT simulation and PCB design. • The objective of the first task is to build a circuit and its switching and control system of a three-phase MMC converter for dc to three-phase ac conversion in EMT simulation environment. Students shall refer to USF SPS’ paper (Y. Ma, L. Fan and Z. Miao, "Integrated Control and Switching Strategy for a Grid-Connected Modular Multilevel Converter," IEEE PESGM 2015) and replicate circuit building, switching scheme design, and control design. • The second task is to realize single-phase dc to ac conversion through one-leg MMC bridge in PCB boards. This phase contains at least 4 modular switches (IGBT/ MOSFET), each using one PCB board. A team of 4 students will be allocated to work on: 1) EMT simulation modeling, 2) MMC modular PCB board design, 3) dSpace
Major system products expected from this project: 1) An EMT testbed of a single-phase MMC (half-bridge module) with switching schemes and controls, 2) an EMT testbed of three-phase MMC (half-bridge module) with switching schemes and control, 3) an EMT testbed of a single-phase (full-bridge module) with switching schemes and controls, 4) an EMT testbed of three-phase MMC (full-bridge module), 5) MMC board implemented in PCBs, 6) A testbed of MMC with dc source and ac loads (or grid) controlled by dSpace.
Parts of the project that “Engineering Design” is expected (e.g., mathematical calculations and/or verification simulations): 1) The implemented hardware testbed is expected to be capable of sending the same real/reactive power to the ac load or the power grid as mathematical analysis; 2) same dynamic responses or trends are expected for the hardware testbed to show as observed from step-by-step EMT simulations.
The level of support (Time: technical guidance, materials, computing, financial, etc.) for the project. If no financial support will be provided, please offer an estimate of the Materials Cost: 1) Technical guidance by Dr. Miao (weekly for 1 hours minimum); 2) Access for necessary EMT simulation software; 3) Access for Real-time measurement facilities and controller; 4) In case no financial support is not provided, some budget towards project implementation may be offered.