Gerador de impulsos de tensão usando um conversor boost em cascata para inspeção de sistemas de aterramento

Abstract

This paper presents the study and development of a voltage impulse generator using a cascaded boost converter topology operating in Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM) which will be used for the inspection of grounding systems used by electric power companies. The output voltage of the converter is applied to the grounding system which behaves as a load. The signal applied to the ground was measured by the data acquisition system and analyzed by an intelligent algorithms software. The voltage has the characteristics of a double exponential waveform which is a mathematical model used for study of lightning. Furthermore, the impulse generator has the option to produce a square waveform output voltage. Unlike, the traditional impulse generator with spark gaps, which was disadvantages of poor lifetime and the need of external system to operating the same, the developed generator uses only semiconductor devices in its construction. A theoretical study was carried out through qualitative and quantitative analyzes moreover, the switching process and the losses in the converter components were studied. In this work was performed the design of a cascaded boost converter for evaluating grounding systems with approximated 156 W, input voltage of 110 Vac rms and an output peak voltage of approximately 880 VDC, which correspond to the sum each voltage capacitor of the boost converter, when they are connected in series. A prototype with the indicated specifications was implemented and experimentally tested in the laboratory and real conditions using four grounding systems configurations. Tests were performed considering that the grounding impedance is resistive. The obtained experimental and simulation results are used to validate the theoretical analysis and the designed converter