Tutorials: Monday morning

Tutorials: Monday morning (provisional programme)

Tutorial N° 1
Morning
(9:30 – 13:00)

 Fundamentals to Understand Parasitic Capacitances in Magnetic Components

  •  Hongbo Zhao, Aalborg University, Denmark

Tutorial Objectives

The parasitic capacitance in magnetic components has been identified as significant challenges in modern power electronic converters, especially with wide-bandgap devices due to the fast switching and higher frequency. This tutorial aims to give a systematic review on the history (since 1910s), fundamental definitions, correct measurements, modeling methodologies and ongoing challenges. Very light mathematical derivations will be introduced during the tutorial, since the end goal aims to let more researchers/engineers be familiar with parasitic capacitance and know where/how to understand and analyze parasitic capacitance during the practical environments.

Tutorial N° 2
Morning
(9:30 – 13:00)

Design, Validation, and Embedded Deployment of AI-Based Virtual Sensor for Battery State-of-Charge (SOC) Estimation

  • Moubarak Gado, MathWorks, France
  • Daniele Sportillo, MathWorks, France

Tutorial Objectives

Virtual sensor (also known as soft sensor) modeling is a powerful technique for mimicking the behavior of a physical sensor when the signal of interest cannot be directly measured, or when a physical sensor adds too much cost and complexity to the design. When developing a Battery Management System (BMS) for electrified systems, having an accurate value of the Battery State-of-Charge (SOC) is a critical design element, and it is challenging to directly measure the SOC. Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques can be applied as alternatives or supplements to Kalman Filters and other well-known techniques. However, the AI models must be verified and tested with other parts of the overall system to ensure reliability and safety in operation. The AI models should also satisfy compute requirements when being deployed onto resource-constrained embedded devices.

This tutorial will use the example of SOC in BMS to demonstrate the integration of AI models into system-level design, the execution of validation and verification activities, and the trade-off management between different deployment objectives. You will learn the process that involves linking design to requirements and tests for full traceability, simulating the AI model within the larger system, and applying both simulation-based testing and formal neural network verification techniques. You will also learn about compressing the AI model, evaluating performance, memory, and accuracy tradeoffs, and automatically generating code for processor-in-the-loop (PIL) testing and production deployment on embedded systems, such as a microcontroller board.

The presented workflow in this tutorial will offer you a comprehensive view of an end-to-end solution for designing, training, validating and verifying, compressing, and deploying AI-based virtual sensor models to embedded processors with MATLAB and Simulink.

Tutorial N° 4
Morning
(9:30 – 13:00)

EV Charging Technologies: Power Electronics and Quality

  • Zian Qin, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
  • Lu Wang, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Tutorial Objectives

Electric vehicles have been booming for years. They are crucial for achieving the European Union’s CO2 emission goal by 2050, as well as bringing exciting driving experiences which in the past were only with luxury fossil fuel cars. EV chargers, as an interface between the electric grid and the power battery in the vehicles, influence both sides. On-board or off-board chargers are essentially power electronics systems, which bring a lot of flexibility and controllability to bridge the grids and batteries. Meanwhile, they can also create problems for both sides if not properly designed. This tutorial will discuss the latest power electronics technologies in EV charging, in terms of configurable topology design and advanced modulation schemes, to tackle the variable battery voltage during charging/discharging, and the supraharmonics injected into the grid. Additionally, the tutorial will focus on dynamic modelling and control of the EV chargers. Specifically, a grey-box impedance modelling approach without requiring control details of the chargers will be presented. It inherits the advantage of both analytical modelling and black-box measurement. Secondly, with the knowledge of the impedance model, a controller tuning approach will be presented to ensure the small-signal stability of EV chargers’ grid connection, no matter the high or low short circuit ratio (SCR). 

Tutorial N° 5
Morning
(9:30 – 13:00)

DC Transformers for DC Distribution and Transmission

  • Binbin Li, Harbin Institute of Technology, China
  • Yingzong Jiao, Harbin Institute of Technology, China
  • Ning Wang, Harbin Institute of Technology, China

Tutorial Objectives

With the increasing integration of renewable energy sources and the widespread use of power electronics, DC power systems are gaining renewed interest. In generation, sources like photovoltaic (PV), wind, and energy storage are inherently DC-based. For transmission, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology has become a viable solution for transmitting large amounts of power over long distances or through submarine and underground cables. In distribution, Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) systems are more capable of accommodating higher penetrations of renewable energy and are well-suited for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and data centers. Consequently, DC systems are drawing significant interest from both academia and industry. 

However, just as line-frequency transformers are essential in AC systems, DC systems also require devices to exchange power between networks at different voltage levels. Since DC circuits do not adhere to the law of electromagnetic induction, magnetic transformers cannot be used to directly convert DC voltage without the involvement of power electronics. Although DC/DC power-electronic converters have been extensively studied and applied in low-power applications, scaling these topologies to tens or hundreds of kilovolts and megawatt power levels presents significant challenges, including issues related to voltage stress, losses, costs, dv/dt, and volume of the passive filters. 

This tutorial systematically reviews the latest advancements in high-power DC transformer technologies. The tutorial begins with an introduction to the applications of high-power DC transformers, followed by a review of the basic concepts and widely used DC converter solutions. It then focuses on three main themes: 

1) DC Transformers for DC Distribution and Collection: This section will provide a comparative review of state-of-the-art dual-active bridge (DAB) and series resonant converters (SRC) based modular solutions. It will also cover their advanced control and design considerations in DC distribution, renewable DC collection, and dc energy storage, with practical industry applications highlighted to demonstrate the versatility and implementation of these converters. 

2) DC Transformers for HVDC Interconnection: Solutions for efficiently managing HVDC voltage levels and integrating HVDC circuit breakers within the DC transformers will be explored. The capacitive energy transfer principle for HVDC conversion will be introduced. 

3) DC Transformers for Interconnecting MVDC & HVDC Systems: This section will present a novel converter solution that combines thyristor technology with cascaded submodule topologies. The converter’s enhancements for applications in all-DC offshore wind farms will also be discussed. 

The tutorial will conclude with a summary and outlook on future developments in this field. Attendees will gain insights into various converter topologies, their operational principles, and related demonstration projects, supported by both simulation and experimental examples. 

Tutorial N° 7
Morning
(9:30 – 13:00)

System Level Modelling and Simulation of MVDC Distribution Grids featuring Solid State Transformers

  • Daniel Siemaszko, Hitachi Energy Ltd, Switzerland

Tutorial Objectives

The rapid development of Solid-State Transformers (SST) enables a future for microgrids that features the connection of various sources, loads, and storage elements to a common MVDC bus. The simulation of such systems present various challenges due to their growing complexity caused by the large amount of connected power converters and diversification of sources and loads. Quick benchmarking in booming MVDC areas require simulation models that feature superior speed with a dynamic response that fits real hardware. Within this context and objective in mind, a simulation tool has been developed with system level average models of elementary SST cells for DC grids. The implemented models are built with controlled current/voltage sources which embody dynamic behaviors of real SST systems. They may be arranged in various modular configurations, and they feature a basic failure mechanism that allows bypass of failed cells to study their impact on the full power system. 

This tutorial aims to give both intuitive and practical understanding on the issues related to the control MVDC grids featuring modular SST with various loads and storage elements. The implementation of dedicated control on the power converter side together with a careful identification of possible perturbations is subject to design and simulation examples supported by industrial experience and academic approach. 

The Tutorial will be composed half/half with traditional slides and practical demonstrations that the audience can follow and redo on their own computers. Both aspects will allow interactive discussions and parameter modelling. The models are built and demonstrated with Simba, a simple and powerful simulation environment that is free for academics and that allows Python automated scripting and a so-called pseudo-real time simulation approach. 

Tutorial N° 10
Morning
(9:30 – 13:00)

Power Quality and Operability of Distributed Power Generation Systems: Advanced and Intelligent Control

  • Nick Papanikolaou, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
  • Yongheng Yang, Zhejiang University, China
  • Chi-Seng Lam, University of Macau, China

Tutorial Objectives

Power electronics play a crucial role in enabling green and sustainable energy generation, distribution and utilization across various electric systems (e.g., AC, DC, hybrid, grid-tied, standalone etc.). Their applications extend to residential, industrial and commercial systems, as well as to distributed power generation systems (DPGS). Thanks to advancements in power electronics and intelligent control, DPGS are increasingly driving the adoption of renewables, accelerating transportation electrification, promoting Smart Grid development, and facilitating Zero Energy Buildings. However, they face challenges in ensuring uninterruptible, high-quality power supply, adhering to international standards. Hence, the development of advanced control systems, capable of maintaining power quality and smart management in dynamic environments is imperative. In this light, this tutorial addresses technological challenges associated with the mass adoption of power electronics-based DPGS. It offers a step-by-step guide to designing key power electronic systems that meet stringent regulatory standards. The primary objective is to provide practical insights into enhancing power quality, operational efficiency, and compliance with grid regulations. Additionally, the tutorial explores the integration of advanced control technologies, including AI, to develop sustainable, grid-friendly, and cost-effective DPGS. By the end of the session, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how power electronics can improve DPGS sustainability, enhance decision-making capabilities, and contribute to the broader target of reducing energy costs while meeting regulatory demands. 

Tutorial N° 11
Morning
(9:30 – 13:00)

Power Converters for Electrolyser Systems: State-of-the-Art and Prospects

  • Bikash Sah, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences & Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE, Germany
  • Marco Jung, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences & Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE, Germany

Tutorial Objectives

The objective of this tutorial is to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of hydrogen as a key element for decarbonisation and its large-scale industrial applications. It aims to review the complexities of AC grids, the requirements for GW-scale electrolyser parks, and the different types of electrolyser cells. Additionally, the tutorial will delve into system configurations and power converter topologies, equipping attendees with the knowledge to design efficient electrolyser systems. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid grasp of the technical, operational, and regulatory aspects of integrating electrolysers into modern power grids.