Xinmin (Cindy) ZHANG

(PhD candidate)


418 Dana Research Center
Dept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Northeastern University
Boston, MA 02115

zhang.xinmi@husky.neu.edu

About Me:

I received my B.S. degree from Hunan University, Changsha, China, and the M.S. degree from Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, in 2011 and 2014, respectively, both in electrical engineering. I am currently working toward the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering at Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.

Research Interests:

PV Inverters, Universal Converters, Machine Learning-based PV Power Forecasting, Linear-type Motors (Electromagnetic and Thermal Analysis)

Ongoing Projects:

Project: Universal Converter Design (Funded by ARPA-E, US DOE), Dec. 2017 - Present
Description: Design a new series-link universal converter using SiC switches: 1) able to interface any type of source and any type of load, e.g., DC, 1phase AC, 3phase AC; 2) applications: PV inverter, micro-grid, motor drive, wind generator, etc.; 3) advantages: high efficiency (>97%), long lifespan (>30 years), low EMI noise (meeting CISPR 11 EMI/EMC Standard), high power quality (grid current THD meeting IEEE STD 519-1992), high power density (>5kW/kg).

Completed Projects: Long-Lifespan PV Micro-inverter Design (Funded by MassCEC), Sept. 2016-Dec. 2017
Description: Developed a new generalized swinging bus controller 1) manage input and output power mismatch by using only a small film capacitor (long lifespan, low cost); 2) one-stage conversion (high efficiency); 3) reactive power capability (high power quality); 4) suitable for various existing single-phase inverter topologies. Proposed a new micro-inverter topology (lower cost, higher power density) to extend the application of the proposed swinging bus controller.

Completed Projects: PV Power Generation Forecast in New England Area (Funded by IBM and NREL, US DOE), Sept. 2015-Dec. 2016
Description: Proposed a new solar time-based analog ensemble method for day-ahead regional PV power forecasting. Forecast error has been reduced by 13.80% to 61.21% when compared with three tested baselines (PSS, SAM, SVM).

Publications

Journal Papers

[1] Xinmin Zhang, Yuan Li, Brad Lehman, et al., "A Solar Time-based Analog Ensemble Method for Regional Solar Power Forecasting," IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, May. 2018.

[2] Xinmin Zhang, Mahshid Amirabadi, Brad Lehman, "A Three-State Switching (TSS) Operation and Control Strategy for Minimizing the Link Bus Capacitance in Single-Phase PV Inverters," IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics. (Submitted)

[3] Xinmin Zhang, Mahshid Amirabadi, Brad Lehman, "A Simulation-Based Multi-Functional DM and CM Filter Design Method for Universal Converters," IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics, 2019. (Accepted)

[4] Qinfen Lu, Xinmin Zhang et al., "Modeling and Investigation of Thermal Characteristics of a Water-cooled Permanent Magnet Linear Motor," IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Oct, 2014.

[5] Qinfen Lu, Xinmin Zhang et al., "Optimal Design of Shifted Type Double-sided Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Motors," Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, vol.28, no.11, 2013.

[6] Xinmin Zhang, Qinfen Lu et al., "Magnetic and Thermal Analysis of a Water-cooled Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Motor," Journal of International Conference on Electrical Machines and Systems, vol.1, no.4, pp. 102-108, Dec, 2012.

Conference Papers

[1] Xinmin Zhang, Mahshid Amirabadi, Brad Lehman, "A Long-Lifespan Single-Phase Single-Stage Multi-Module Inverter for PV Application," IEEE IECON, October 21-23, 2018.

[2] Xinmin Zhang, Mahshid Amirabadi, Brad Lehman, "A Single-Phase PV Inverter with Swinging Bus Controller to Eliminate Electrolytic Capacitor and Achieve Reactive Power Generation Capability," IEEE ECCE, September 29-October 3, 2019

[3] Xinmin Zhang, Mahshid Amirabadi, Brad Lehman, "A Generalized Simulation-Based Multi-Functional Differential Mode and Common Mode LCL Filter Design Method," IEEE COMPEL, June 17-20, 2019.

[4] Xinmin Zhang, Mahshid Amirabadi, Brad Lehman, "A Generalized Controller for PV Micro-Inverters to Eliminate Electrolytic Capacitor and Achieve Reactive Power Compensation," IEEE APEC, 2020. (Accepted)

[5] Xinmin Zhang, Qinfen Lu et al., "Thermal Characteristics Study of a Water-cooled Permanent Magnet Linear Motor," IEEE EVER, March 25-27, 2014.

[6] Xinmin Zhang, Qinfen Lu et al., "Design and Electromagnetic Analysis of a Double-sided Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Motor," The Ninth International Symposium on Linear Drives for Industry Applications (LDIA), July 7-10, 2013.

[7] Xinmin Zhang, Qinfen Lu et al., "Thrust Optimization and Heat Transfer Analysis of a Water-cooled Double-sided Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Motor," LDIA, July 7-10, 2013.

Awards

Chair’s Fellowship of ECE, Northeastern University, 2015

Graduate Research Assistantship Scholarship, Northeastern University, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

Outstanding Graduates of Zhejiang Province (top 2%), Education Department of Zhejiang, 2014

Postgraduate National Scholarship (top 3%), The Ministry of Education of China, 2013

First-class Scholarship for postgraduates (top 5%), Zhejiang University, 2012

Outstanding Graduates of Hunan Province (top 2%), Education Department of Hunan, 2011

National Scholarship (top 3%), The Ministry of Education of China, 2008, 2009, 2010

Pacemaker to Merit Student (top 0.2%), Hunan University, 2009, 2010

Affiliations