Theo Lamorelle

Bio: Theo Lamorelle is an academic researcher from University of Grenoble. The author has contributed to research in topics: Converters & Modular design. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 8 publications receiving 18 citations.

Design level power electronics building block: Industrial framework for DC-DC conversion

Abstract: This paper presents the design of DC-DC converters based on the Power Electronics Building Blocks (PEBB) concept at design level. These converters are created by the association of power electronics blocks in series/parallel and auxiliary functional blocks as control and communication. The article presents the way the blocks are defined and optimized. Several power converters can be designed by assembling these blocks as LEGO™. On1e of the possible converters is presented and its performances are shown. The power converter datasheet is specified as example of this design process concept.

DC-AC Isolated Power Converter Array. Focus on Differential Mode Conducted EMI

Abstract: This paper introduces the implementation of a DC–AC step up isolated converter from associations of bidirectional Conversion Standard Cells (CSCs). The designed multi-cell converter is an array of standardized converter cells. It is described and then compared to a reference converter with respect to differential mode conducted electro-magnetic interference (EMI). The paper outlines the motivation for developing a generic multi-cell approach before underlining the benefits from the point of view of conducted EMI when implementing power converter arrays (PCAs). In particular, it is shown that in PCAs, the differential mode (DM) EMI filter can advantageously utilize distributed CSCs, making it possible to use very low value AC inductors to filter the AC current ripple. Experimental results are provided to validate the analysis carried out in the paper.

Handling Differential Mode Conducted EMC in Modular Converters

Abstract: This paper presents the analysis and management of differential mode conducted EMI in modular converters made from associations of standard conversion cells. Two main configurations, ISOP and IPOS are studied with the objective to define a generic EMI management technique, independent from the number of conversion standard cells implemented. First, analysis is carried out from a theoretical point of view based on simplified models. Second filtering solutions are introduced and compared. Especially, centralized versus distributed filtering techniques are compared with the objective to find generic solutions. The results are compared and validated with practical characterizations.

Bidirectional AC to DC Isolated Multi-Cell Converter

Abstract: This paper presents the implementation of a bidirectional multi-level voltage inverter, isolated converter based on a multi-cell architecture for battery charger applications. Dual Active Bridge based DC to DC isolated converter cells are cascaded with H bridges which are then associated in series to implement a multi-level topology able to produce AC waves from DC source and vice versa. The operating principle is provided along with converter main advantages and drawbacks. A special attention is dedicated to the control part. The operation of the multi-level converter is validated with experimental results. A special care is applied to efficiency measurements. Efficiency and power densities are provided to highlight the interest of the converter.

Artificial neural network–based sensorless control of wind energy conversion system driving a permanent magnet synchronous generator:

Abstract: Due to the wind characteristic, wind speed measure requires more than one sensor. However, to track the maximum power point of the wind, knowing the wind speed or mechanical speed is necessary. So,...

A Novel Automated Design Methodology for Power Electronics Converters

Abstract: This work proposes a methodology for designing power electronic converters called “Automatic Design for Manufacturing” (ADFM). This methodology proposes creating Power Converter Arrays (PCAs) using standardized converter cells. The approach is greatly inspired by the microelectronics integrated circuit design flow, power electronics building blocks, and multicell converters. To achieve the desired voltage/current specifications, the PCA conversion stage is made from the assembly of several Conversion-Standard Cells (CSCs) in series and/or parallel. The ADFM uses data-based models to simulate the behavior of a PCA with very little computational effort. These models require a special characterization approach to maximize the amount of knowledge while minimizing the amount of data. This approach consists of establishing an experiment plan to select the relevant measurements that contain the most information about the PCA technology, building an experimental setup that is capable of acquiring data automatically and using statistical learning to train models that can yield precise predictions. This work performed over 210 h of tests in nine different PCAs in order to gather data to the statistical models. The models predict the efficiency and converter temperature of several PCAs, and the accuracy is compared with real measurements. Finally, the models are employed to compare the performance of PCAs in a specific battery charging application.

DC-AC Isolated Power Converter Array. Focus on Differential Mode Conducted EMI

Abstract: This paper introduces the implementation of a DC–AC step up isolated converter from associations of bidirectional Conversion Standard Cells (CSCs). The designed multi-cell converter is an array of standardized converter cells. It is described and then compared to a reference converter with respect to differential mode conducted electro-magnetic interference (EMI). The paper outlines the motivation for developing a generic multi-cell approach before underlining the benefits from the point of view of conducted EMI when implementing power converter arrays (PCAs). In particular, it is shown that in PCAs, the differential mode (DM) EMI filter can advantageously utilize distributed CSCs, making it possible to use very low value AC inductors to filter the AC current ripple. Experimental results are provided to validate the analysis carried out in the paper.

Analysis and Comparison of Series Resonant Converter With Embedded Filters for High Power Density DCX of Solid-State Transformer

Abstract: A series resonant converter (SRC) operating as a DC transformer (DCX) is a candidate for the isolated bidirectional DC/DC converters of solid-state transformers (SSTs). However, the input/output current ripple of the SRC is relatively high, which requires bulky parallel capacitors and low-pass filters such as C/LC filters. These additional components reduce the power density. In addition, to operate an SRC as a DCX, a small resonant inductance is desired to reduce the voltage gain variation and achieve a faster transient response. To resolve these problems, a SRC with embedded filters is studied. Adding a clamping capacitor between split transformers not only significantly reduces current ripples and the harmonic components of the input/output currents but also connects resonant inductors in parallel to reduce the equivalent resonant inductance. In addition, dividing the resonant current into two split windings reduces the RMS current of the transformer. This paper presents a detailed analysis, a design methodology, and a comprehensive comparison with the conventional half-bridge CLLC converter with C/LC filters. 1-kW prototypes with a 600-V input voltage and 200-V output voltage demonstrate the superiority of the proposed converter; the second harmonic of the output current was significantly suppressed by 19.3 dB compared with that of the conventional converter with the same power density. The loss breakdown showed the proposed converter mitigated copper loss by 9.47% and eliminated the losses of the filter and DC-link capacitors. The prototype of the proposed converter had the highest efficiency of 95.4% at full-load among prototypes.