Grid current control for active-front-end electric propulsion systems in AC ship microgrids

Abstract

This article proposes a finite control set (FCS) current controller for grid-tied converters, specifically tailored to meet the characteristics of ac ship microgrids in all-electric ships (AESs). Contrary to a pulsewidth modulator (PWM)- based design, which often employs an LCL filter, the proposal is able to meet applicable harmonic regulations using an L filter with the same total inductance as the LCL filter and the same switching frequency required by PWM-based solutions. Moreover, the proposed design provides a low sensitivity in a wide frequency range from dc to the switching frequency of the power converter. This low sensitivity permits to quickly attenuate low-order disturbances and it is particularly convenient in marine applications with a weak grid, where the frequent connection and disconnection of high power nonlinear loads can significantly affect the voltage waveform quality