Nonlinear Control and Application of Power Electronics Boost Converters

In this thesis, we investigate the development of novel control schemes for single and three phase boost converters operated in different modes of conduction. Study is conducted on development of controllers based on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the converters and characteristics such as nonminimum phase behavior in boost converters that give rise to control challenges. The control strategies are further applied to certain areas in sustainable energy systems including maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic panels, load current control of power converters, and energy regenerative suspension in vehicular systems. To this end, the analytical behavior of a boost converter is studied and utilized to design nonlinear controllers to control the input resistive behavior of the converter. The performance of proposed controllers are verified through simulations and experiments on single stage converters. Finally, the design of a feedback control system for input resistance control of a three-phase bidirectional converter is studied. A sliding mode controller is utilized in an application involving energy regeneration for a mechanical suspension system. A permanent magnet machine and a linear vibration generator are utilized along with the proposed control strategy to achieve regenerative damping in a proof-of-concept suspension system. The simulation and experimental results verify that the proposed controller can successfully provide desired damping for mechanical vibrations while storing the vibration energy in battery.