[SYP Webinar] Optimized Pulse Patterns for High-Power Converter: From Offline to Online Computation
Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 2:00 PM CET, 8:00 AM ET, 10:00 PM AET
By Tobias Geyer (ABB Switzerland), and Ellis Tsekouras (Sydney University of Technology)
Register now using the link below:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5329242054774405213
Abstract:
Optimized pulse patterns (OPP) are the modulation method of choice to maximize the hardware capability of high-power converters and drives. OPPs achieve inverter-friendly operation by constraining the semiconductor junction temperatures and load-friendly operation by meeting harmonic grid codes or minimizing motor losses. Model predictive control methods, such as model predictive pulse pattern control (MP3C), achieve closed-loop control of OPPs with superior dynamic performance.
Traditionally, OPPs have been computed offline based on assumptions of the operating conditions. Particularly when operating grid-connected converters, the harmonics present at the point of common-coupling are unknown. These unknown grid voltage harmonics often deteriorate the harmonic performance of the converter. The next frontier in OPPs is, therefore, the online computation of tailor-made OPPs to the operating conditions at hand.
This webinar will introduce high-power converters and their applications, discuss traditional OPPs and MP3C and showcase a breakthrough in online computed OPPs. As an example, real-time OPPs (RT-OPPs) that account for unknown and time-varying grid voltage harmonic disturbances will be presented.
Presenters’ bio:
Tobias Geyer is a Corporate Executive Engineer at ABB in Switzerland and R&D platform manager of the ACS6000 and ACS6080. His research interest are high-power converters and drives, optimized pulse patterns and model predictive control. Dr. Geyer received the M.Sc. in electrical engineering, the Ph.D. in control theory and the Habilitation degree in power electronics from ETH Zurich in 2000, 2005 and 2017, respectively. He was appointed as an extraordinary professor at Stellenbosch University in 2017 and has been teaching a course at ETH Zurich since 2016. He has received six IEEE prize paper awards, filed about 90 patents and co-authored more than 170 peer-reviewed publications. He has co-supervised more than 25 students, among them 8 Ph.D. students. He is a former distinguished lecturer of the IEEE Power Electronics Society and a former associate editor of the IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics. Dr. Geyer is a Fellow of the IEEE.
Ellis G. Tsekouras received his certificate III, diploma and advanced diploma in electrotechnology at TAFE NSW Australia, in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. From there, he received his B.Eng (Honours) degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Technology Sydney in 2021 and was awarded the University Medal. As of 2023, he has been pursuing his Ph.D degree in electrical engineering at the same university as a recipient of their Research Excellence scholarship. His research interests are focused on model predictive control and optimized pulse patterns for power converters. Outside of academia, he is a senior electrical engineer at Resmed and designs motor drive control systems for sleep and respiratory care medical devices.