Model-Based Control for Power Converters With Variable Sampling Time: A Case Example Using Five-Phase Induction Motor Drives

Abstract

Discrete-time control of power converters without modulation blocks have been considered in recent times in modern high-performance electromechanical drives, particularly with the appearance of model predictive control in its finite set version. The shortcomings produced by the fixed discretization of time used in this kind of control systems has been analyzed, and several methods have been put forward to deal with them. Most of the alternatives increase the complexity of the controller introducing different analytical modulation methods. However, a variable sampling time can be a simpler and more natural solution, at the expense of using a less-known paradigm for implementation. This paper introduces a new control approach based on a model of the system as in predictive controllers but using variable sampling time. It can be applied to modern power converters and drives, including conventional three-phase or advanced multiphase ones. Experimental results are provided to test the ability of the controller using a five-phase induction motor drive as a case example.