Xiaohua Li

Bio: Xiaohua Li is an academic researcher from Yanshan University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Voltage divider & Pulse-width modulation. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 3 publications receiving 141 citations.

Dual-Bridge LLC Resonant Converter With Fixed-Frequency PWM Control for Wide Input Applications

Abstract: This paper proposes a dual-bridge (DB) LLC resonant converter for wide input applications. The topology is an integration of a half-bridge (HB) LLC circuit and a full-bridge (FB) LLC circuit. The fixed-frequency pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) control is employed and a range of twice the minimum input voltage can be covered. Compared with the traditional pulse frequency modulation (PFM) controlled HB/FB LLC resonant converter, the voltage gain range is independent of the quality factor, and the magnetizing inductor has little influence on the voltage gain, which can simplify the parameter selection process and benefit the design of magnetic components as well. Over the full load range, zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and zero-current switching (ZCS) can be achieved for primary switches and secondary rectifier diodes, respectively. Detailed analysis on the modulation schedule and operating principle of the proposed converter is presented along with the converter performance. Finally, all theoretical analysis and characteristics are verified by experimental results from a 120-V to 240-V input 24 V/20 A output converter prototype.

An improved wide input voltage buck-boost + LLC cascaded converter

Abstract: An improved buck-boost + LLC (IBB LLC) cascaded converter appropriate for wide input voltage situation is presented in this paper, which can be used as a constant voltage source or a constant current source charger for battery. The control strategy of dual frequency PWM (DFPWM) is introduced. For the LLC converter, ZVS for MOSFETs and ZCS for diode are achieved. As a result, the switching loss is reduced and the converter can operate at higher switching frequency with high efficiency. The operation principle and characteristics of the presented converter are verified on a 200V-450V input 14V/80A output experimental prototype.

Analytical model for LLC resonant converter with variable duty-cycle control

Abstract: In LLC resonant converters, the variable duty-cycle control is usually combined with a variable frequency control to widen the gain range, improve the light-load efficiency, or suppress the inrush current during start-up. However, a proper analytical model for the variable duty-cycle controlled LLC converter is still not available due to the complexity of operation modes and the nonlinearity of steady-state equations. This paper makes the efforts to develop an analytical model for the LLC converter with variable duty-cycle control. All possible operation models and critical operation characteristics are identified and discussed. The proposed model enables a better understanding of the operation characteristics and fast parameter design of the LLC converter, which otherwise cannot be achieved by the existing simulation based methods and numerical models. The results obtained from the proposed model are in well agreement with the simulations and the experimental verifications from a 500-W prototype.

Overview of Modulation Strategies for LLC Resonant Converter

Abstract: In this article, based on the LLC resonant converter fundamental harmonic analysis model, the modulation strategies for LLC resonant converter can be categorized into the following three groups: 1) input voltage fundamental harmonic modulation; 2) resonant tank elements modulation; and 3) secondary equivalent impedance modulation. Operational principles and control diagrams for different modulation strategies are given. Comprehensive comparisons between these modulation strategies in terms of topology complexity, control complexity, and voltage gain range are presented with respect to the same system specifications. The advantages and disadvantages for each modulation strategy are summarized to provide guidance for engineers when analyzing and designing an LLC resonant converter. The hybrid modulation strategies are categorized into different groups based on the specific applications. Brief introductions of these hybrid modulation strategies are presented. Future trends regarding the modulation strategies of LLC resonant converters are presented.

A Novel Dual Full-Bridge LLC Resonant Converter for CC and CV Charges of Batteries for Electric Vehicles

Abstract: This paper introduces a novel concept for implementing constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) charges of batteries for electric vehicles using a dual full-bridge LLC (FBLLC) resonant converter, which shares its primary switches. In the proposed concept, the CC and CV charges are implemented using the inherent characteristics of an LLC converter as a current source and a voltage source. One FBLLC resonant converter operates with a fixed-resonant network whereas the other operates with a variable resonant network for the CC and CV charge operations. The proposed converter can achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) and nearly zero current switching (ZCS) for all of the primary switches in the CC charge operation, and ZVS for all of the primary switches in the CV charge operation, which lead to a high efficiency. In addition, fixed switching frequency operation is possible in both the CC and CV charges thanks to the variable resonant network. A 3.3-kW prototype converter is implemented to verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed converter and a maximum efficiency of 98% was achieved.

Modified High-Efficiency LLC Converters With Two Split Resonant Branches for Wide Input-Voltage Range Applications

Abstract: This paper proposes a novel modified LLC converter with two split resonant branches for wide input-range applications. It can operate in low-gain (LG) mode or medium-gain (MG) mode. The voltage gain of MG mode is 1.5 times that of LG mode, while they have same range of voltage gain $M_{{\rm{tank\_range}}}$ , i.e., the ratio of maximum voltage gain to minimum one. Therefore, the input voltage can be regulated in a wide range by operating the converter in different modes. To achieve the transition between modes, the required $M_{{\rm{tank\_range}}}$ of the proposed converter is as low as 1.5, resulting in lower magnetizing current and higher efficiency within the entire operation range. Smooth transition can be achieved by adjusting the duty cycles of switches gradually. The proposed LLC converter with primary dual-bridge is analyzed in detail as an example. To verify the theoretical analysis and performance of proposed solution, a 1-kW 400-V output prototype with input voltage ranging from 80 to 200 V is built, tested, and compared with two existing full-bridge LLC converters. Analysis and experimental results indicate that smaller volume of transformers, reduced rectifying diodes, and higher overall efficiency are achieved with the proposed converter.

A Frequency Adaptive Phase Shift Modulation Control Based LLC Series Resonant Converter for Wide Input Voltage Applications

Abstract: This paper presents an isolated LLC series resonant DC/DC converter with novel frequency adaptive phase shift modulation control, which suitable for wide input voltage (200–400 V) applications. The proposed topology integrates two half-bridge in series on the primary side to reduce the switching stress to half of the input voltage. Unlike the conventional converter, this control strategy increases the voltage gain range with zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) to all switches under all operating voltage and load variations. Adaptive frequency control is used to secure ZVS in the primary bridge with regards to load change. To do so, the voltage gain becomes independent of the loaded quality factor. In addition, the phase shift control is used to regulate the output voltage as constant under all possible inputs. The control of these two variables also significantly minimizes the circulating current, especially from the low-voltage side, which increases the efficiency as compared to a conventional converter. Experimental results of a 1-Kw prototype converter with 200–400-V input and 48-V output are presented to verify all theoretical analysis and characteristics.

Integrated Half-Bridge CLLC Bidirectional Converter for Energy Storage Systems

Abstract: This paper proposes an integrated half-bridge CLLC (IHBCLLC) resonant bidirectional dc–dc converter suitable as an interface between two dc voltage buses in various applications including energy storage systems. This converter is an integration of a half-bridge CLLC resonant circuit and a buck/boost circuit. Compared with the traditional pulse frequency modulation and phase-shift controlled CLLC resonant converter, for the proposed convertor, the high voltage gain can be obtained from pulse width modulation. Synchronous pulse width modulation is adopted for the converter, and the switching frequency is equal to the resonant frequency. The CLLC resonant circuit can help MOSFETs to achieve soft switching and high voltage gain. The simulation analysis of the modulation schedule and operating principle of the proposed converter prove that the converter is able to achieve zero-voltage switching or zero-current switching. Experimental results obtained from a 1-kW converter prototype confirm the theoretical analysis and the simulation results.