Model Predictive Control for Single Phase Inverters

Yecheng Lv, Ningxiang Xie, and Kai Wang

School of Electric Engineering,

Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
lyc0516@163.com,
dianqikeyan@126.com,
451641980@qq.com

Abstract. Tracking control for inverters are commonly used in load flow con-
trol, adjustable speed motor and smart grid. In this paper the model predict con-
trol (MPC) technique is introduced and then used in the current control of single
phase full-bridge inverters. To conquer the inherent time delay of MPC, an
improvement is made. Finally, with several simulation results, the method
proves to enjoy the characteristics of quick response, small overshoot and high
accuracy.

Keywords: Model Predict Control, current tracking, inverters.

1 Introduction

Inverters are playing an increasingly important role in areas such as Direct Current
Transmission, Uninterruptible Power Supply and distributed generation [1]. The evo-
lution of switching devices has greatly promoted the research of the inverter control
technology. On the other hand, the rapid development of computer technology has
enabled the implementation of more complex control strategies. Some of these strate-
gies are Immune Genetic Algorithm [2], BP neural network algorithm and predictive
control [3]. The latter is gradually becoming popular for it’s simplicity in implementa-
tion. Paper [4] introduced the principles, classification, development and applications
of Predictive Control and Paper [5] introduced an application of Predictive Control in
power system.
A main branch of predictive control is Model Predictive Control (MPC) [6].
In MPC, a model of the system is established. Based on the model, the future value
of the variables can be predicted. According to the comparison of the predicted
value and the desired reference value, the control action at the present time is
determined.
MPC can be conveniently applied to the control of single phase inverters for the
structure of which is very simple for modeling. The switching patterns of the inverter
are finite so the prediction can be made based only on the possible switching patterns
[7]. And this makes the calculation of predicting can be completed during a very brief
time.

M. Ma (Ed.): Communication Systems and Information Technology, LNEE 100, pp. 419–425.
springerlink.com © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011
420 Y. Lv, N. Xie, and K. Wang

2 Model Predictive Control

The control process is illustrated in Fig. 1, in which the predictive model is con-
structed according to the physical characteristics and situation of the controlled ob-
ject. The generic form of the predictive model is
x(k+1)=Ax(k)+Bu(k) (1)

y(k)=Cx(k) (2)
The optimality criterion and cost function are also decided in terms of the
controlled object.

UN FRVW RSWLPDOLW\ FRQWUROOHG FN

IXQFWLRQ FULWHULRQ REMHFW
\N
SUHGLFWLYH
PRGHO

Fig. 1. MPC system chart

3 The Application of MPC in Current Tracking Control

Fig. 2 shows the circuit topology of single phase full-bridge inverter, the load is rep-
resented as a series connection of a resistance and an inductance. From Fig. 2, the
equation of the inverter can be derived as follows:

input1

input2
C

C
g

VD1 VD2 Scope

+
v
m

m
E

i
i RL
E +
-

RL
C

C
g

VD3 VD4
m

m
E

Fig. 2. The topology of single phase full-bridge inverter