High-frequency-link (HFL) power conversion systems (PCSs) are attracting more and more attentions in academia and industry for high power density, reduced weight, and low noise without compromising efficiency, cost, and reliability. In HFL PCSs, dual-active-bridge (DAB) isolated bidirectional dc-dc converter (IBDC) serves as the core circuit. This paper gives an overview of DAB-IBDC for HFL PCSs. First, the research necessity and development history are introduced. Second, the research subjects about basic characterization, control strategy, soft-switching solution and variant, as well as hardware design and optimization are reviewed and analyzed. On this basis, several typical application schemes of DAB-IBDC for HPL PCSs are presented in a worldwide scope. Finally, design recommendations and future trends are presented. As the core circuit of HFL PCSs, DAB-IBDC has wide prospects. The large-scale practical application of DAB-IBDC for HFL PCSs is expected with the recent advances in solid-state semiconductors, magnetic and capacitive materials, and microelectronic technologies.

Overview of Dual-Active-Bridge Isolated Bidirectional DC–DC Converter for High-Frequency-Link Power-Conversion System

The solid-state transformer (SST), which has been regarded as one of the 10 most emerging technologies by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Technology Review in 2010, has gained increasing importance in the future power distribution system. This paper presents a systematical technology review essential for the development and application of SST in the distribution system. The state-of-the-art technologies of four critical areas are reviewed, including high-voltage power devices, high-power and high-frequency transformers, ac/ac converter topologies, and applications of SST in the distribution system. In addition, future research directions are presented. It is concluded that the SST is an emerging technology for the future distribution system.

Review of Solid-State Transformer Technologies and Their Application in Power Distribution Systems

The variable output of a large wind farm presents many integration challenges, especially at high levels of penetration. The uncertainty in the output of a large wind plant can be covered by using fast-acting dispatchable sources, such as natural gas turbines or hydro generators. However, using dispatchable sources on short notice to smooth the variability of wind power can increase the cost of large-scale wind power integration. To remedy this, the inclusion of large-scale energy storage at the wind farm output can be used to improve the predictability of wind power and reduce the need for load following and regulation hydro or fossil-fuel reserve generation. This paper presents sizing and control methodologies for a zinc-bromine flow battery-based energy storage system. The results show that the power flow control strategy does have a significant impact on proper sizing of the rated power and energy of the system. In particular, artificial neural network control strategies resulted in significantly lower cost energy storage systems than simplified controllers. The results show that through more effective control and coordination of energy storage systems, the predictability of wind plant outputs can be increased and the cost of integration associated with reserve requirements can be decreased.

Optimal Energy Storage Sizing and Control for Wind Power Applications

Full-order continuous-time average modeling and dynamic analysis of bidirectional dc-dc dual active bridge (DAB) converters are studied. The transformer current in DAB converter is purely ac, making continuous-time modeling difficult. The proposed full-order continuous-time average model uses the dc terms and first order terms of transformer current and capacitor voltage as state variables, resulting in a third-order model, if capacitor equivalent series resistance (ESR) is not considered, and a sixth-order model if ESR is considered. A control-to-output-voltage transfer function is derived for DAB converters. Experimental results confirm that the proposed model correctly predicts the small-signal frequency response and an even more accurate prediction can be obtained if capacitor ESR is taken into account.

Generalized Average Modeling of Dual Active Bridge DC–DC Converter

This paper summarizes diverse concepts for the next generation of power distribution system. The objective is to bring distribution engineering more closely aligned to smart grid philosophy. Issues of design, operation, and control are discussed with regard to new system theoretic as well as component/materials advances. In particular, two transmission engineering techniques are modified for use in distribution engineering: state estimation, and locational marginal pricing. The impact of electronic control in distribution systems is discussed. Because education and training have a great impact on distribution engineering, these topics are discussed as well.

The Next Generation of Power Distribution Systems

The Solid State Transformer (SST) is one of the key elements proposed in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Generation-III Engineering Research Center (ERC) “Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management” (FREEDM) Systems Center. The SST is used to enable active management of distributed renewable energy resources, energy storage devices and loads. In this paper, the Generation-I SST single-phase 20kVA, based on 6.5kV Si-IGBT is proposed for interface with 12kV distribution system voltage. The SST system design parameters, overall system efficiency, high frequency transformer design, dual active bridge converter, auxiliary power supply and gate drives are investigated. Design considerations and experimental results of the prototype SST are reported.

Design and development of Generation-I silicon based Solid State Transformer

Solid state transformer (SST) exhibits good features such as high power density, small volume and weight, controlled power factor, voltage sag ride through, etc. compared with traditional line frequency transformer. The 7.2kV AC to 120V/240V AC 20kVA solid state transformer is a key component of the future renewable electric energy delivery and management (FREEDM) systems as the interface between the 7.2kV distribution grid and the low voltage residential micro-grid. Three cascaded 6.7kVA high-voltage high-frequency transformers operating at 3kHz are employed to convert voltage from 3800V high voltage DC link of each cascaded stage to 400V low voltage DC link. The transformer is required to withstand at least 15kV high frequency voltage insulation continuously. Transformer magnetic core materials were reviewed and compared. Winding layout alternatives for leakage, magnetizing inductance and insulation were compared. An insulation strategy based on split core and separate winding structure with inserted insulation layer between the C cores was proposed. One 6.7kVA high voltage high frequency transformer prototype was built and the test results were reported.

High-voltage high-frequency transformer design for a 7.2kV to 120V/240V 20kVA solid state transformer

This paper presents the design and hardware implementation and testing of 20kVA Gen-1 silicon based solid state transformer (SST), the high input voltage and high voltage isolation requirement are two major concerns for the SST design. So a 6.5kV 25A dual IGBT module has been customized packaged specially for this high voltage low current application, and an optically coupled high voltage sensor and IGBT gate driver has been designed in order to fulfill the high voltage isolation requirement. This paper also discusses the auxiliary power supply structure and thermal management for the SST power stage.

Design and hardware implementation of Gen-1 silicon based solid state transformer

Basic power topology for a Solid State Transformer (SST) with new 15kV SiC IGBT devices is discussed. It is difficult to build high efficient, light weight, magnetically isolated solid state transformer for high voltage (13.8 kV) grid connectivity with existing Si 6.5kV rated IGBTs and diodes. Existing state of the art high voltage (6.5kV), high speed power devices (IGBT) cause considerable amount of loss (switching and conduction loss). With the advent of SiC devices these limitations are largely mitigated and this provides the motivation for new power topologies. The targeted efficiency of the proposed SST is 98%.Simulation results for a 1 MVA proposed SST topology is presented.

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Transformer less Intelligent Power Substation design with 15kV SiC IGBT for grid interconnection

Silicon carbide (SiC) is more favorable than Silicon (Si) to build high voltage devices due its wider band-gap and higher critical field strength. Especially, the SiC MOSFETs are finding their niche in 1 kV range, which is currently dominated by Si IGBTs. This paper aims at demonstrating high power and high frequency operation of the SiC MOSFETs, as a means to evaluate the feasibility of using SiC MOSFETs for high power density applications. The sample devices chosen for this study are 1200 V, 20 A, SiC MOSFETs co-packed with 10 A JBS diodes — manufactured by the CREE Inc. A dual active bridge (DAB) converter has been built to validate the suitability of SiC devices for high power density converters. The design details of the DAB hardware, and the high frequency transformer used for interfacing both the bridges are given. Experimental results on the DAB at 100 kHz switching frequency are presented. Finally, the device switching waveforms up to 1 MHz are given.

Seunghun Baek

Papers

Design and development of Generation-I silicon based Solid State Transformer

High-voltage high-frequency transformer design for a 7.2kV to 120V/240V 20kVA solid state transformer

Design and hardware implementation of Gen-1 silicon based solid state transformer

Transformer less Intelligent Power Substation design with 15kV SiC IGBT for grid interconnection

High-frequency design considerations of dual active bridge 1200 V SiC MOSFET DC-DC converter