Abstract

Three-phase active front end rectifiers are a widely used power topology in applications such as renewable energy interfaces and motor drives, among many others. Its control is usually performed by a cascade combination of linear controllers which must be properly tuned for correct operation, and which depend on the operating point and system parameters. These family of controllers place inherent limits on the system dynamic response. On the other hand, the predictive control approach has been proposed as an alternative technique for these converters due to its fast dynamic response, simple concept, flexibility, multiple objective capability, among other desirable properties. In the case of power converter applications, short prediction horizons are usually used due to computational limitations. However, when short horizons are considered, the non-minimum phase characteristic of the rectifier voltage response can introduce stability issues, as its direct inversion is not possible without jeopardizing it. Indeed, this may lead to voltage regulation loss, and in the worst case, overcurrents that could damage the converter. To overcome such problem, this paper proposes a new concept for a predictive horizon one voltage controller for grid-connected three-phase active front end rectifiers. The proposal is based on the minimum and non-minimum phase plant factorization concept and the use of different sampling periods, to prevent the direct inversion of the non-minimum phase voltage dynamic. Simulated and experimental results are included and show its correct operation, even with a horizon one predictive voltage controller, thus ensuring the fastest response of the system for a given sampling time.