Design and Validation of a Modular Control Platform for a Voltage Source Inverter

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Power Electronics
• Renewable Energy Systems

Background:

• Three-phase Voltage Source Inverters (VSIs) are crucial for integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
• Existing VSI control systems often use closed architectures, limiting customization for specific applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a modular and open-source hardware design for signal acquisition and control of a SEMIKRON SKS35F VSI converter.
• To enable personalized control strategies for VSIs in isolated or grid-connected renewable energy systems.

Main Methods:

• Development of a modular signal acquisition and control hardware system.
• Utilizing a Texas Instruments TMS320F28335 Digital Signal Processor (DSP).
• Providing detailed electronic printed circuit board (PCB) designs for implementation.

Main Results:

• The proposed open-architecture design facilitates the implementation of custom control algorithms.
• Experimental tests validated the correct functioning of the developed hardware and control scheme.
• The design offers adaptability for various renewable energy power generation scenarios.

Conclusions:

• The modular, open-source VSI control hardware design enhances flexibility and customization in renewable energy systems.
• This approach allows for tailored control solutions, overcoming limitations of closed-architecture commercial equipment.
• The validated design supports efficient integration of renewable sources into power grids.