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Switching strategies for power electronic converters

Shivkumar Iyer

For a young engineer beginning to work on projects on power electronics, getting started with analysis and simulation of power converters can be challenging as there are not many resources that deal with practical power converters in detail with respect to analysis and simulations. This results in a great deal of frustration at the early stages thereby making progress towards more advanced topics slow and difficult. This lack of interesting and interactive educational materials in turn results in most electrical engineers not choosing power electronics as a specialization which in turn results in a scarcity of engineering talent in industry.

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For a young engineer beginning to work on projects on power electronics, getting started with analysis and simulation of power converters can be challenging as there are not many resources that deal with practical power converters in detail with respect to analysis and simulations. This results in a great deal of frustration at the early stages thereby making progress towards more advanced topics slow and difficult. This lack of interesting and interactive educational materials in turn results in most electrical engineers not choosing power electronics as a specialization which in turn results in a scarcity of engineering talent in industry.

This course is a detailed and interactive course that delves into the depths of power converters alone without any reference to applications. Students will learn how to analyze power converters and their capability through logic and reasoning, and with visual tools such as circuit conduction paths, switching tables and vector diagrams. Switching strategies will be introduced from the very basics by treating them as puzzles, thereby giving students the tools to formulate switching strategies for any converter that they may come across. The course features detailed simulations where students can simulate in parallel and analyze the results. The simulations will include every detail and will also address some of the challenges that may be faced while translating some of the switching strategies into a hardware implementation.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Pulse width modulation (pwm) from the basics
  • Understanding the capability of a power converter
  • Co-ordinating gating signals for converters with multiple power devices
  • Formulating pwm strategies as control code
  • Simulating power converters and pwm control code with python
  • Vector representation of power converter output voltages
  • Space vector pulse width modulation (svpwm) strategies
  • Implementing svpwm for two-level converters
  • Performing frequency analysis using fft with python

Syllabus

Introduction
Bidirectional power converters
Welcome
Target audience
Read more
Course requirements
Completing the course
How Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) results in efficient operation and converter design
Background from communications
Process of modulation
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
Preparing the simulation environment
Resources on Numpy and Matplotlib
Installing Numpy and Matplotlib
Simulating Amplitude Modulation (AM) - part 1
Simulating Amplitude Modulation (AM) - part 2
Analyzing the AM modulated waveform
Fourier Series
Fourier Transform
Performing DFT using Numpy
Using the fft method in the fft module
Normalizing the frequency range using fftfreq method
Performing DFT on a real signal using rfft method
Performing DFT on a noisy signal
Frequency Modulation (FM) and frequency response using DFT
Overview of power electronics
Rectangular approximation of a cosine waveform
DFT of the rectangular waveform
Introducing Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) in power electronics
Implementing PWM in Python
Analyzing the PWM output waveform
Performing DFT on the PWM output waveform
Closing discussions on PWM concept
Description of the buck converter
Installing Python Power Electronics
Starting with the buck converter simulation
Starting with the modulator for the buck converter
Analyzing the operation of the buck converter
Performing DFT on converter voltages
Conclusions
Co-ordination of PWM gating signals provided to power converters with two controllable power devices.
Simulation of full-bridge dc-dc converter with unipolar PWM - part 2
Expanding the buck converter to include boost functionality
Simulating the modified buck-boost converter - part 1
Simulating the modified buck-boost converter - part 2
The half-bridge module or the converter leg
Simulation of a bidirectional buck converter - part 1
Simulation of a bidirectional buck converter - part 2
Simulation of a bidirectional buck converter - part 3
Forbidden conduction modes of the half-bridge converter
Bidirectional buck-boost converter
Simulation of a bidirectional buck-boost converter - part 1
Simulation of a bidirectional buck-boost converter - part 2
Simulation of a bidirectional buck-boost converter - part 3
Dc-ac converter using a half-bridge module
Simulation of a dc-ac converter using a half-bridge - part 1
Simulation of a dc-ac converter using a half-bridge - part 2
Simulation of a dc-ac converter using a half-bridge - part 3
PWM strategies for the full-bridge converter with simulation examples
Computing the converter output voltages
The full-bridge converter
Bipolar PWM strategy
Commercial full-bridge Intelligent Power Modules (IPMs)
Simulation of full-bridge converter with bipolar PWM - part 1
Simulation of full-bridge converter with bipolar PWM - part 2
Simulation of full-bridge converter with bipolar PWM - part 3
Beyond bipolar PWM
Output voltage as a vector
Simulation of full-bridge dc-dc converter with unipolar PWM - part 1
Simulation of full-bridge dc-dc converter with unipolar PWM - part 3
Simulation of a full-bridge dc-dc converter with unipolar PWM - part 4
Simulation of a full-bridge dc-ac converter with unipolar PWM
Simulation of a full-bridge dc-dc converter with phase-shift PWM - part 1
Simulation of a full-bridge dc-dc converter with phase-shift PWM - part 2
Simulation of a full-bridge dc-dc converter with phase-shift PWM - part 3
Implement Space Vector PWM using Python
Overview of three-phase systems
Topology of three-phase converter
Simulation of three-phase converter with sine-triangle PWM - part 1
Simulation of three-phase converter with sine-triangle PWM - part 2
Remarks about sine-triangle PWM for three-phase converters
Vector representation of three-phase voltages
Computing converter pole voltages
Computing converter output voltage vectors
Generating vector diagrams with the quiver method
Using the quiverkey method to label vector diagrams
Defining references for the required output voltages
Plotting converter voltage vectors with required output voltage vectors
Analyzing PWM pulses for developing vector modulation strategy
Space Vector PWM (SVPWM)
Identifying converter voltage vectors - part 1
Identifying converter voltage vectors - part 2
Creating the vector sequence lookup table
Calculating time intervals for the converter vectors in the sequence
SVPWM simulation - part 1

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Switching strategies for power electronic converters with these activities:
Review Fourier Transform Concepts
Reviewing Fourier Transform concepts will help you better understand frequency analysis of PWM waveforms, a key component of this course.
Show steps
  • Review the definition of Fourier Transform.
  • Work through examples of calculating Fourier Transforms.
  • Practice using FFT libraries in Python.
Power Electronics: Converters, Applications, and Design
Reviewing this book will provide a solid foundation in power electronics fundamentals, complementing the course's focus on switching strategies.
View Power Electronics on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on basic converter topologies.
  • Study the sections on PWM control techniques.
  • Work through the example problems and simulations.
Simulate Basic Converter Topologies
Practicing simulations of basic converter topologies like buck, boost, and buck-boost will solidify your understanding of their operation before diving into more complex switching strategies.
Show steps
  • Set up simulation environment with Python Power Electronics.
  • Simulate a buck converter with different PWM schemes.
  • Simulate a boost converter and analyze its behavior.
  • Simulate a buck-boost converter and compare its performance.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Modern Power Electronics and AC Drives
Studying this book will provide a deeper understanding of advanced control strategies like space vector modulation, enhancing your knowledge of switching strategies.
View Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on space vector modulation.
  • Study the examples of AC drive control.
  • Compare different control techniques and their performance.
Create a PWM Visualization
Creating a visual representation of different PWM techniques will deepen your understanding of how they work and their impact on converter output.
Show steps
  • Choose a PWM technique (e.g., sine-triangle, space vector).
  • Write Python code to generate PWM signals.
  • Create a plot showing the PWM signal and its frequency spectrum.
  • Write a short explanation of the PWM technique and its characteristics.
Develop a Space Vector PWM Simulator
Developing a Space Vector PWM (SVPWM) simulator will provide hands-on experience with implementing this advanced control technique.
Show steps
  • Implement SVPWM algorithm in Python.
  • Simulate a three-phase converter with SVPWM control.
  • Analyze the output voltage and current waveforms.
  • Compare the performance of SVPWM with sine-triangle PWM.
Presentation on Switching Strategy Comparison
Creating a presentation comparing different switching strategies will help you synthesize your knowledge and communicate it effectively.
Show steps
  • Choose several switching strategies to compare (e.g., bipolar PWM, unipolar PWM, SVPWM).
  • Simulate each strategy and collect performance data.
  • Create slides summarizing the key features, advantages, and disadvantages of each strategy.
  • Prepare a presentation and present your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Switching strategies for power electronic converters will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Power Electronics Engineer
A Power Electronics Engineer designs, develops, and tests power electronic systems and components. This can include designing efficient power converters, inverters, and other power management circuits. This course is invaluable for anyone looking to become a Power Electronics Engineer, as it provides a detailed look at power converter analysis and simulation. The course particularly helps with the practical aspects of power converter design, including addressing challenges in hardware implementation. Furthermore, the coverage of Pulse Width Modulation and Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation helps build a solid foundation in converter control, which is essential for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Power Electronics Engineer
Control Systems Engineer
A Control Systems Engineer designs and implements control systems for various applications, often involving power electronics, robotics, or automation. This course is very useful for aspiring control systems engineers, especially those working with power converters. The course's emphasis on formulating Pulse Width Modulation strategies as control code and simulating power converters with Python directly translates to the practical skills needed in control systems design. The course gives the tools to analyze and design switching strategies for any converter, which is crucial for designing effective control algorithms for power electronic systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer
Motor Drive Engineer
A Motor Drive Engineer designs and develops motor control systems, which often involve power electronic converters. This course will be highly advantageous for those in this role. The course teaches how to analyze power converters, creates PWM strategies and covers Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation, which are crucial for effective motor control. The emphasis on real-world simulations and hardware implementation challenges also prepares the engineer to tackle practical problems in motor drive design.
See salaries and explore the career path for Motor Drive Engineer
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer develops embedded software that controls hardware devices. This course benefits Firmware Engineers working with power electronics, as it covers the implementation of Pulse Width Modulation strategies as control code. The simulation examples and discussions on translating switching strategies into hardware enable firmware engineers to write more efficient and reliable control algorithms for power converters. The focus on real-world challenges during hardware implementation can make this course an excellent choice.
See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer
Research and Development Engineer
A Research and Development Engineer conducts research and develops new technologies or improvements to existing ones. For Research and Development Engineers working in the field of power electronics, this course is highly relevant. The focus on analyzing power converters using logic and reasoning, along with simulation and the formulation of unique switching strategies can foster innovation. The course can also help researchers translate their ideas into practical implementations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research and Development Engineer
Hardware Engineer
A Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests physical components of computer systems and other devices. This course can be particularly helpful for Hardware Engineers involved in the design and testing of power electronic circuits. The course emphasizes simulation and addresses hardware implementation challenges, allowing hardware engineers to better understand the practical implications of different switching strategies and converter topologies. The detailed simulations and examples of constructing modulation strategies into code are highly relevant to a hardware engineer's responsibilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer
Power Systems Engineer
A Power Systems Engineer designs, maintains, and improves systems that generate, transmit, and distribute electrical power. The course is relevant for Power Systems Engineers who need a deeper understanding of power converter technology and control. The detailed analysis of switching strategies, along with simulations, provides an understanding of how power converters can be efficiently integrated into power systems. Furthermore, the simulation details and hardware implementation challenges discussed can aid in designing reliable and efficient power systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Power Systems Engineer
Electrical Engineer
An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical equipment and systems. This course may be helpful for Electrical Engineers who want to specialize in power electronics or need a deeper understanding of power converter operation. With a focus on analysis, simulation, and switching strategies, the course enables electrical engineers to tackle complex power electronics challenges effectively. The detailed simulations and practical insights from the course can considerably enhance an electrical engineer's competence in power electronics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Application Engineer
An Application Engineer provides technical support and expertise to customers using a company's products. The course provides valuable knowledge for Application Engineers who support power electronic converter products. The detailed analysis, simulation, and practical insights of the course enables these engineers to better understand the functionalities of converters and address customer inquiries effectively. The ability to formulate switching strategies and simulate power converters is an important part of this.
See salaries and explore the career path for Application Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineer
A Renewable Energy Engineer designs and develops renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power. Given that many renewable energy systems rely on power electronic converters to interface with the grid, this course may be beneficial. The course's coverage of Pulse Width Modulation and Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation can help Renewable Energy Engineers optimize the performance and efficiency of power converters in renewable energy applications. The course enables design and analysis of switching strategies for any converter that they may come across.
See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer
Test Engineer
A Test Engineer designs and implements tests to ensure that products meet required specifications. The course helps Test Engineers working with power electronic converters develop more effective test plans. The course focuses on understanding power converter operation, Pulse Width Modulation strategies, and simulation, which will enable the test engineer to identify potential failure modes and design comprehensive tests. The ability to analyze converter voltages will be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer
Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and tests robots and robotic systems. This course may be useful for Robotics Engineers who work on robots that use power electronic converters for motor control or power management. The learning objectives of this course, such as Pulse Width Modulation and Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation, can significantly help in designing efficient control systems for robotic applications. Also, the ability to simulate converter behavior using visual tools may also be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. Power electronics plays a crucial role in various aerospace applications, such as power distribution and motor control. Aerospace engineers may find this course interesting. This course covers power converters in detail with respect to analysis and simulations. Also, the ability to simulate converter behavior using visual tools may also be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer
Automotive Engineer
An Automotive Engineer designs, develops, and tests vehicles and their components. The course may be useful for Automotive Engineers working on electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), where power electronic converters are essential for battery charging, motor control, and other functions. The course is a detailed and interactive course that delves into the depths of power converters alone without any reference to applications. This may be valuable to Automotive Engineers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Engineer
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer focuses on the overall design and integration of complex systems. This course may be of use to Systems Engineers that are responsible for the design, development, and integration of power electronic systems. The course teaches simulation of power converters to create simulations in parallel and analyze the results. This would prove useful since the simulations include every detail and address the challenges translating switching strategies into hardware implementation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Switching strategies for power electronic converters.
Cover image
Power Electronics
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronic converters, covering various topologies and control techniques. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamental principles behind switching strategies. The book also delves into practical applications and design considerations, making it useful for both theoretical understanding and real-world implementation. It is commonly used as a textbook in power electronics courses.
Power Electronics
Paperback
Check
Power Electronics
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems and...
Save
Offers an in-depth exploration of power electronics and AC drives, including advanced control strategies like space vector modulation. It is particularly helpful for understanding the implementation of SVPWM in practical applications. While it may be more valuable as additional reading due to its advanced nature, it provides a deeper understanding of the topics covered in the course. This book is often used by industry professionals.
Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems and...
Kindle Edition
$$$$

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Effort
32.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Shivkumar Iyer
Language
English
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