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The third generation wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor materials exhibit a prominent role in various applications such as adapters, uninterrupted power supplies, smart grids, and electric vehicles (EVs). They have the phenomenal properties such as high critical breakdown field, WBG, and high-saturated drift velocity as compared to the silicon (Si). This article throws a light on the classification and recent advancements of the GaN-based power devices along with their structural features. Moreover, it explores the critical issues that degrade the device performance and also various methods to improve their performance. The recently developed commercial GaN devices are enumerated with their figure of merits (FOMs) comparison with the Si and SiC devices. The outrageous features of GaN devices are well utilized for realizing the high power density and high efficiency power converters in case of EV applications. The updated survey of various GaN devices-based ac-dc, dc-dc, and dc-ac converters is presented along with their salient features. This article also emphasizes the approaches for resolving the power module issues such as parasitics, layout, and thermal design other than the power converters. This review is ultimately helpful for the design engineers to abridge the technical gaps arising due to the power electronics barriers.

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This paper presents a detailed discussion about single stage inverter to drive the multi-phase V/F induction motor to propel boat fed from stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system, increases compactness, reliability and economical features to the entire system. To drive the boat using non-linear multi-phase induction motor from a non-linear PV source, under maximum power point condition is a tedious task. Though, single stage systems seem to simple, obtaining various control functionalities such as MPPT operation, model reference speed estimation, V/F speed control methods along with controller design and modulator functions from only one power electronics converter increases the design complexity to the designer. While performing MPPT and speed estimation operations in closed loop, re-checking ability is integrated to the inverter fed V/F control induction motor initiative for superior exactness results improves the dynamic performance, and also energy saving to end-user. Closed-loop (CL) boat sailing operation with load torque and model reference adaptive based speed estimation using multi-phase induction motor model along with the MPPT P&O algorithm, is used to generate reference command to the controller, and designed controller ensure to track this reference by producing controller voltage to modulator. Simple Sine PWM is adopted for the generation PWM pulses to the inverter in this drive to enhance the design simplicity. Proposed method is simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK and closed loop solution at both different irradiations and load torque conditions presented. The simulation marks illustration that planned method is inexpensive, efficient, performance is reliable and superior.

Background: For controlling a back-to-back three-level (3L) Neutral-Point-Clamped (NPC) converter of a Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) based Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS), a Refined Model Predictive Control (RMPC) strategy is presented in this paper. Methods: The RMPC strategies of PMSG-side and network-side converters aim at prevention of the high jumps in line and pole voltages of both the converters. A suitable subset of Switching States (SSs), which can prevent these high jumps, is predetermined for each SS. In each control cycle, the RMPC algorithm determines an optimal switching state from an appropriate candidate set of SSs. Results: The functioning of the RMPC algorithms is checked with simulation tests. The effect of parameter uncertainty on the functioning of the RMPC algorithm is also studied. Conclusion: The test results indicate that the RMPC scheme can block high jumps in pole and line voltages while extracting maximal power from wind, controlling network side reactive power, and balancing the capacitor’s voltage.