An Adaptive Interleaving Algorithm for Multi-Converter Systems

H. Tu, Y. Du, H. Yu, S. Lukic, P. Volgyesi, M. Metelko, Abhishek Dubey, G. Karsai

2018 9th IEEE International Symposium on Power Electronics for Distributed Generation Systems (PEDG) 2018

PDF DOI

Why This Matters

Multi-converter systems increasingly replace traditional single converters in renewable energy integration, but managing harmonic distortion across multiple converters is challenging, especially in distributed architectures where converters lack direct communication links. The work is innovative because it provides a decentralized algorithm requiring only local measurements that achieves millisecond-level synchronization accuracy, enabling safe parallel operation of converter units without centralized control.

What We Did

This paper proposes an adaptive interleaving algorithm for multi-converter DC systems that minimizes current harmonics at the switching frequency. The algorithm dynamically adjusts phase shifts between converter outputs based on measured current magnitudes to eliminate fundamental frequency components. Implementation on the RIAPS platform demonstrates end-to-end time synchronization across distributed nodes using both hardware-based PTP and software-based Precision Time Protocol.

Key Results

The proposed interleaving algorithm successfully reduced current harmonics by properly phase-shifting converter outputs based on current magnitudes. Real-time synchronization tests demonstrated sub-microsecond timing accuracy across BeagleBone Black boards using synchronized pulse generators. The RIAPS implementation proved capable of coordinating multiple converter controllers through distributed messaging, achieving stable multi-converter operation with synchronized switching patterns.

Full Abstract

Cite This Paper

@inproceedings{Tu2018a,
  author = {Tu}, H. and {Du}, Y. and {Yu}, H. and {Lukic}, S. and {Volgyesi}, P. and {Metelko}, M. and Dubey, Abhishek and {Karsai}, G.},
  booktitle = {2018 9th IEEE International Symposium on Power Electronics for Distributed Generation Systems (PEDG)},
  title = {An Adaptive Interleaving Algorithm for Multi-Converter Systems},
  year = {2018},
  month = {jun},
  pages = {1-7},
  abstract = {To integrate DC distributed generation (DG) with micro-source into the existing AC grid, a DC distribution bus can be used to couple on-site photovoltaics (PV), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and DC loads. If the converters connected to the DC bus are interleaved, the DC bus capacitor size could be minimized. In this paper, we propose an interleaving algorithm for multi-converter systems to minimize the current harmonics at switching frequency on the DC bus. The proposed algorithm is implemented using Resilient Information Architecture Platform for Smart Grid (RIAPS) platform. Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation results based on Opal- RT are presented to validate its performance. The influence of synchronization frequency on the proposed algorithm are also considered.},
  category = {conference},
  contribution = {minor},
  doi = {10.1109/PEDG.2018.8447801},
  file = {:Tu2018a-An_Adaptive_Interleaving_Algorithm_for_Multi-Converter_Systems.pdf:PDF},
  issn = {2329-5767},
  keywords = {DC converters, interleaving, harmonic reduction, time synchronization, distributed control, power electronics},
  project = {cps-middleware,cps-reliability,smart-energy},
  tag = {power},
  month_numeric = {6}
}
Quick Info
Year 2018
DOI 10.1109/PEDG.2018.8447801
Keywords
DC converters interleaving harmonic reduction time synchronization distributed control power electronics
Research Areas
middleware energy
Search Tags

Adaptive, Interleaving, Algorithm, Multi, Converter, Systems, DC converters, interleaving, harmonic reduction, time synchronization, distributed control, power electronics, middleware, energy, 2018, Tu, Du, Yu, Lukic, Volgyesi, Metelko, Dubey, Karsai