Development of a Three-Phase Universal Programmable Electronic Load (UPEL) Using Adaptive Sliding Pulse Width Modulation (ASPWM) for Enhanced Power Electronics Performance

This paper presents the development of a Three-phase Universal Programmable Electronic Load (UPEL) programmed as an unbalanced and distorted current source, highlighting its innovative control strategy and modulation approach. The core contribution is the implementation of Adaptive Sliding Pulse Width Modulation (ASPWM), a novel technique that combines Sliding Mode Control (SMC) with an Adaptive Hysteresis Band (AHB). This methodology eliminates the need for conventional Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), hybrid PI controllers, or cascade control structures, achieving superior robustness, faster response times, and a fixed switching frequency. The proposed ASPWM enhances energy quality by enabling precise control of active and reactive power, harmonic injection, and operation across multiple modes, including AC/DC rectification and DC/AC inversion. Simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of ASPWM in improving performance metrics, ensuring operational stability, and demonstrating adaptability for diverse scenarios. This study establishes ASPWM as a transformative control technique for advanced power electronics applications.