THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL APPLICATION TO POWER ELECTRONICS

You are invited to join IEEE PELS  to celebrate the 40th anniversary of model predictive control application to power electronics (MPC_PEL@40) with the Keynote webinars #MPC40PEL.

General Schedule

• May 2, 2024 Ralph Kennel, Technical University of Munich, Germany

• May 21, 2024 Zhenbin Zhang, Shandong University, China

• May 30, 2024  Cristian Garcia and Jose Rodriguez, Universidad de Talca, Chile & Universidad San Sebastian, Chile 

• June 13, 2024 Tobias Geyer, ABB System Drives, Switzerland

This Webinar series is sponsored through IEEE-PELS Technical Committee 1 (TC1): Control and Modeling of Power Electronics. 

Talk 1

May 2, 2024 (10 AM, ET): Ralph Kennel, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Webinar Title: Predictive Control of Power Electronics – Basic Principles and Possible Achievements 

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Abstract: 

Model Predictive Control (MPC) is a conceptually simple yet powerful methodology to control power converters, electric drives, and large systems, such as electrical power grids. MPC provides many advantages in comparison to traditional controllers including the capability to intuitively handle a large variety of control problems by considering different modes of operation and directly incorporating system constraints and additional requirements. Furthermore there is no need to linearize the models – whatever is known from the system to be controlled, can be used for the model – even tables. The underlying concepts are intuitive, the resulting controllers are inherently stable and, once calculated, easy to implement.

Research works have demonstrated that it is possible to use Predictive Control to control electrical energy with the use of power converters, without using modulators and linear controllers. This keynote will introduce the basic principles of MPC, and it is going to point out in which areas further progress of MPC is necessary. Meanwhile, the circumstances under which MPC is superior to conventional (linear) control and the possibilities for the future of MPC will also be discussed.

Talk 2

May 21, 2024 (9AM, ET): Zhenbin Zhang, Shandong University, China. 

Webinar Title: Recent development of predictive encoderless control for AC motor drives

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Abstract: 

Encoderless control for AC motor drives is an important technique to improve system reliability and reduce hardware cost. In recent years, fundamental/high frequency model-based observers, accompanied with vector control technique, has accomplished numerous advances and has been partially applied in industry areas. However, a single fundamental/high frequency model-based method cannot achieve full speed operation, requiring the combination of two methods. Recent studies have shown that predictive control has the potential to replace additional pulse-signal injection because it can accurately determine the output voltage pulse sequences, which can obtain the position information of the salient pole motor by detecting the current slope. This keynote aims to introduce the recent development of predictive encoderless control for AC motor drives. In addition to the expected combination of predictive control and pulse signal injection method, the combined predictive control with fundamental frequency model method will also be introduced.

Talk 3

May 30, 2024 (10 AM, ET): Cristian Garcia and Jose Rodriguez (Joint presentation), Universidad de Talca, Chile / Universidad San Sebastian, Chile 

Webinar Title: Advanced Topics of Model Predictive Control in Power Electronics

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Abstract: 

Model Predictive Control (MPC) emerged few decades ago as an attractive control strategy for power electronics systems. Main advantages of MPC are the simple concept, the capability to include easily different control objectives and the high dynamic performance. On the contrary, like any new strategy, it also has disadvantages such as dependence on the mathematical model, dependence on the parameters and a variable frequency spectrum. However, thanks to the work carried out by the scientific community, each of these disadvantages has been resolved. The progress of MPC over the past few years has seen a transition from a novel strategy to a commercial product by the ABB company. This tutorial aims to introduce the audience to MPC and show them its evolution and applications. It is for this reason that this webinar is organized into three main sections: i) provide the basic concepts of MPC operation; ii) show the main MPC applications in drives; iii) Finally, the objective is to show the audience the most relevant trends of MPC. In this way, it is expected that the audience will be able to obtain in this webinar an overview of MPC, observe the main developments according to the various applications of power electronics and will obtain an overview of the progress of MPC and how they have been resolved to improve the strategy.

Talk 4

June 13, 2024: Tobias Geyer, ABB System Drives, Switzerland

Webinar Title: Model predictive control in power electronics and drives: 40 years of research, recent industrial successes and a path forward

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Abstract: 

This lecture explores the exciting history and evolution of model predictive control (MPC) in power electronics and drives. MPC was conceived in the process industry in the 1970s to optimally control highly nonlinear systems with hundreds of state variables and numerous hard constraints. The basic MPC principle was re-imagined in power electronics in the 1980s. Finite control set MPC, which is typically formulated as a discrete deadbeat controller, followed in the early 2000s.

Recently, advanced MPC methods have started to revolutionize high-power converters by increasing their rated power, lowering their cost and ensuring their safe operation in the presence of grid disturbances and faults. In particular model predictive pulse pattern control (MP3C) fully exploits the performance potential of high-power converters by combining the benefits of MPC with the optimal steady-state performance of optimized pulse patterns. For load commutated inverters, model predictive torque control (MPTC) increases the drive's efficiency and robustness to grid disturbances.

The lecture concludes with an assessment of the MPC methods available today. The necessity for sophisticated MPC methods that maximize the converter and drive performance will be discussed, and exciting research opportunities for academics and business opportunities for industry will be pointed out.