Showing papers on "Buck converter published in 2002"

Z-source inverter

Abstract: This paper presents an impedance-source (or impedance-fed) power converter (abbreviated as Z-source converter) and its control method for implementing DC-to-AC, AC-to-DC, AC-to-AC, and DC-to-DC power conversion. The Z-source converter employs a unique impedance network (or circuit) to couple the converter main circuit to the power source, thus providing unique features that cannot be obtained in the traditional voltage-source (or voltage-fed) and current-source (or current-fed) converters where a capacitor and inductor are used, respectively. The Z-source converter overcomes the conceptual and theoretical barriers and limitations of the traditional voltage-source converter (abbreviated as V-source converter) and current-source converter (abbreviated as I-source converter) and provides a novel power conversion concept. The Z-source concept can be applied to all DC-to-AC, AC-to-DC, AC-to-AC, and DC-to-DC power conversion. To describe the operating principle and control, this paper focuses on an example: a Z-source inverter for DC-AC power conversion needed in fuel cell applications. Simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the new features.

LLC resonant converter for front end DC/DC conversion

Abstract: A new LLC resonant converter is proposed for front end DC/DC conversion in a distributed power system. Three advantages are achieved with this resonant converter. First, ZVS turn on and low turn off current of MOSFETs are achieved. The switching loss is reduced so we can operate the converter at higher switching frequency. The second advantage is that with this topology, we can optimize the converter at high input voltage. Finally, with this topology, we can eliminate the secondary filter inductor, so the voltage stress on the secondary rectifier will be limited to two times the output voltage, better rectifier diodes can be used and secondary conduction loss can be reduced. The converter utilizes leakage and magnetizing inductance of a transformer. With magnetic integration concept, all the magnetic components can be built in one magnetic core. The operation and characteristic of this converter is introduced and efficiency comparison between this converter and a conventional PWM converter is given which shows a great improvement by using this topology.

Optimized piezoelectric energy harvesting circuit using step-down converter in discontinuous conduction mode

Abstract: An optimized method of harvesting vibrational energy with a piezoelectric element using a step-down DC-DC converter is presented. In this configuration, the converter regulates the power flow from the piezoelectric element to the desired electronic load. Analysis of the converter in discontinuous current conduction mode results in an expression for the duty cycle-power relationship. Using parameters of the mechanical system, the piezoelectric element, and the converter an optimal duty cycle can be determined where the harvested power is maximized for a given frequency of mechanical excitation. It is shown that, as the magnitude of the excitation increases, the optimal duty cycle becomes essentially constant, greatly simplifying the control of the step-down converter. The expression is validated with experimental data showing that the optimal duty cycle can be accurately determined and maximum energy harvesting attained. A circuit is proposed which implements this relationship, and experimental results show that the converter increases the harvested power by approximately 325%.

Cascaded DC-DC converter connection of photovoltaic modules

Abstract: New residential scale photovoltaic (PV) arrays are commonly connected to the grid by a single DC-AC inverter connected to a series string of PV modules, or many small DC-AC inverters which connect one or two modules directly to the AC grid. This paper shows that a "converter-per-module" approach offers many advantages including individual module maximum power point tracking, which gives great flexibility in module layout, replacement, and insensitivity to shading; better protection of PV sources, and redundancy in the case of source or converter failure; easier and safer installation and maintenance; and better data gathering. Simple nonisolated per-module DC-DC converters can be series connected to create a high voltage string connected to a simplified DC-AC inverter. These advantages are available without the cost or efficiency penalties of individual DC-AC grid connected inverters. Buck, boost, buck-boost and Cuk converters are possible cascadable converters. The boost converter is best if a significant step up is required, such as with a short string of 12 PV modules. A string of buck converters requires many more modules, but can always deliver any combination of module power. The buck converter is the most efficient topology for a given cost. While flexible in voltage ranges, buck-boost and Cuk converters are always at an efficiency or alternatively cost disadvantage.

Voltage-based maximum power point tracking control of PV system

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) generators exhibit nonlinear v-i characteristics and maximum power (MP) points that vary with solar insulation. An intermediate converter can therefore increase efficiency by matching the PV system to the load and by operating the solar cell arrays (SCAs) at their maximum power point. An MP point tracking algorithm is developed using only SCA voltage information thus leading to current sensorless tracking control. The inadequacy of a boost converter for array voltage based MP point control is experimentally verified and an improved converter system is proposed. The proposed converter system results in low ripple content, which improves the array performance and hence a lower value of capacitance is sufficient on the solar array side. Simplified mathematical expressions for a PV source are derived. A signal flow graph is employed for modeling the converter system. Current sensorless peak power tracking effectiveness is demonstrated through simulation results. Experimental results are presented to validate the proposed method.

Maximum power point tracking method and device

Abstract: The output current value of a direct-current power source obtained by low-frequency, minute modulation of the input voltage of a switching converter is detected in a circuit having an amplification factor switching function that switches the amplification factor between definite magnitudes synchronizing with the modulation, and by using a signal obtained by demodulating in a discriminator circuit the output of this circuit synchronizing with the modulation to control the switching converter, the power point of the switching converter can be tracked to the maximum power point by following the change in state of the direct current power source.

A new matrix converter motor (MCM) for industry applications

Abstract: The trend in electrical drives is to integrate the frequency converter, the electrical motor, and even the gear or the pump into a single unit, in order to reduce the costs, to increase the overall efficiency and the equipment reliability. This paper presents the first integrated regenerative frequency converter motor for industry applications, based on a matrix converter topology. The low volume, the sinusoidal input current, the bidirectional power flow, and the lack of the bulky and limited-lifetime electrolytic capacitors recommend this topology for this application. This paper shows how the matrix converter disadvantages-the lack of bidirectional power devices, the lower voltage transfer ratio, and the overvoltages caused by the input filter during power-up-that have delayed the industrial implementation have been overcome. In order to demonstrate the validity of the solution, a 4-kW matrix converter motor prototype is built using a standard frequency converter motor enclosure for testing the requirements for an industrial drive. The tests demonstrate the good performance of the drive.

A new ZVT-PWM DC-DC converter

Abstract: In this paper, a new active snubber cell that overcomes most of the drawbacks of the normal "zero voltage transition-pulse width modulation" (ZVT-PWM) converter is proposed to contrive a new family of ZVT-PWM converters. A converter with the proposed snubber cell can also operate at light load conditions. All of the semiconductor devices in this converter are turned on and off under exact or near zero voltage switching (ZVS) and/or zero current switching (ZCS). No additional voltage and current stresses on the main switch and main diode occur. Also, the auxiliary switch and auxiliary diodes are subjected to voltage and current values at allowable levels. Moreover, the converter has a simple structure, low cost, and ease of control. A ZVT-PWM boost converter equipped with the proposed snubber cell is analyzed in detail. The predicted operation principles and theoretical analysis of the presented converter are verified with a prototype of a 2 kW and 50 kHz PWM boost converter with insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). In this study, a design procedure of the proposed active snubber cell is also presented. Additionally, at full output power in the proposed soft switching converter, the main switch loss is about 27% and the total circuit loss is about 36% of that in its counterpart hard switching converter, and so the overall efficiency, which is about 91% in the hard switching case, increases to about 97%.

Design of a digital PID regulator based on look-up tables for control of high-frequency DC-DC converters

Abstract: This paper describes design of a digital PID regulator based on look-up tables for high frequency DC-DC switching converters. The use of the took-up tables instead of multipliers enables a small. low-power implementation and operation at high switching frequencies. Design guidelines are given for the resolution and size of entries in the look-up tables. A design example and experimental results are presented for a digital controller IC used to control a 1 MHz, 2.7 V, 3 W buck converter.

Fast charger for high capacity batteries

Abstract: A highly efficient fast charger for high capacity batteries and methods for fast charging high capacity batteries. The fast charger preferably comprises a rectified AC input of single or preferably three phases, with an optional power factor corrected input, minimally filtered with high frequency, high ripple current capacitors, which is switched with a power switching circuit in the “buck” configuration into an inductor/capacitor output filter. Metallized film capacitors are employed, to minimize the rectified 360 Hertz AC component filtering while providing transient switch protection and ripple current requirements for the buck regulator, to provide a high current fast charger with substantially improved power factor. High power, high frequency switching with minimized output filter size provides a highly filtered DC output. The fast charger is adapted to be constructed in a modular design for simple maintenance.

A comparative study of carrier-frequency modulation techniques for conducted EMI suppression in PWM converters

Abstract: A rigorous mathematical analysis and a comparative study of carrier-frequency modulation (CFM) techniques for the conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression in pulsewidth-modulated converters is presented. CFM techniques dither the switching period with a small amplitude variation around the nominal value, so that the harmonic power is redistributed over the spectrum of concern. Two types of dithering signals, including the periodic and random signals, are investigated in this paper. The operational characteristics as well as the input and output power spectra of the converters with the two modulating signals are compared. In particular, their characteristics in the low- and high-frequency harmonic power redistribution will be depicted. It is shown that random CFM (RCFM) gives a more effective way to disperse the harmonics around the switching frequency than the periodic CFM (PCFM) with the same frequency deviation. However, RCFM introduces higher low-frequency harmonics than the PCFM at the converter output. Furthermore, effects of the resolution filter bandwidth in the electromagnetic compatibility analyzer on conducted EMI measurement is discussed. The validity of the analyses is confirmed experimentally by using a dc/dc buck converter operating in continuous conduction mode.

Robust control of parallel DC-DC buck converters by combining integral-variable-structure and multiple-sliding-surface control schemes

Abstract: We develop a robust controller for parallel DC-DC buck converters by combining the concepts of integral-variable-structure and multiple-sliding-surface control. The advantages of the scheme are its simplicity in design, good dynamic response, robustness, ability to nullify the bus-voltage error and the error between the load currents of the converter modules under steady-state conditions, and ability to reduce the impact of very high-frequency dynamics due to parasitics on the closed-loop system. We describe a method for determining the region of existence and stability of the sliding manifolds for such parallel converters. The results show good steady-state and dynamic responses.

A novel resonant gate driver for high frequency synchronous buck converters

Abstract: This paper introduces a new resonant gate driver for both the top and bottom switches of a synchronous buck converter. A coupled inductor is used to reduce the size as well as to transfer energy between the top and bottom gate driving. A possible semiconductor integration approach is proposed for this resonant gate driver based on a self-adaptive control method. Theoretical analysis, simulation and experimental results prove that the proposed driver can greatly reduce the gate driving loss and that it is well suited to high-frequency applications.

A new soft switching technique for buck, boost and buck-boost converters

Abstract: A new soft switching technique for buck, boost and buck-boost converters using a coupled inductor is proposed in this paper. The principles of operation of these converters are analyzed in detail. An additional winding is added on the same core of the main inductor for the purpose of commutation. By using hysteresis current control, zero voltage switching (ZVS) conditions are ensured over wide load range. The main inductor current is kept in continuous conduction mode (CCM) with small ripple, which allows high output power and small filter parameters. Also, the switching frequency is kept constant when load changes. Prototypes of buck, boost, and buck-boost converters have been built to verify the proposed concept. The experimental results are presented and they verify the analysis.

A new green power inverter for fuel cells

Abstract: This paper presents a new grid connected inverter for fuel cells. It consists of a two stage power conversion topology. Since the fuel cell operates with a low voltage in a wide voltage range (25 V-45 V) this voltage must be transformed to around 350-400 V in order to invert this DC power into AC power to the grid. The proposed converter consists of an isolated DC-DC converter cascaded with a single phase H-bridge inverter. The DC-DC converter is a current-fed push-pull converter. A new dedicated voltage mode startup procedure has been developed in order to limit the inrush current during startup. The inverter is controlled as a power factor controller with resistor emulation. Experimental results of converter efficiency, grid performance and fuel cell response are shown for a 1 kW prototype. The proposed converter exhibits a high efficiency in a wide power range (higher than 92%) and the inverter operates with a near unity power factor and a low current THD.

Multiple energy-source power converter system

Abstract: A flexible integrated power converter system that connects various types of electrical power sources together and supplies a defined type of electrical energy to a load, such as a standard household mains voltage supply, is provided. Each of the electrical power sources is electrically isolated from the load, as well as each other. A respective input converter is coupled to each power source. Each input converter may include a small high-frequency transformer driven by an efficient soft-switched dc-dc converter. The voltages produced by each of the input converters are combined in parallel and delivered to a single output inverter. The output inverter converts the combined voltages to an ac voltage that may be delivered to a load.

A novel tri-state boost converter with fast dynamics

Abstract: A challenging problem in the design of boost converters operating in continuous-conduction mode is posed by the dynamically shifting right-half-plane (RHP) zero in the converter's small-signal control-to-output transfer function. The paper proposes a novel tri-state boost converter without such a zero in the transfer function. The additional degree of freedom introduced in the converter in the form of a freewheeling interval has been exploited through an easy control technique to achieve this elimination. The absence of the RHP zero allows the control scheme to achieve larger bandwidth under closed-loop conditions, resulting in fast response. Analytical, simulation and experimental results of the tri-state boost converter have been presented and compared with those of the classical boost converter both under open-loop and under closed-loop operating conditions. The results clearly demonstrate the superior dynamic performance of the proposed converter. The proposed converter can be used in applications wherever fast-response boost action is needed.

High-voltage multilevel converter with regeneration capability

Abstract: This paper presents a multilevel converter with regeneration capability. The converter uses several power cells connected in series, each working with reduced voltage and with an active front end at the line side. This paper presents the following: (1) the control method of each cell; (2) the use of phase-shifting techniques to reduce the current and voltage distortion; and (3) criteria to select the connection of the cells. The converter generates almost sinusoidal currents at the load and at the input and works with very high power factor.

Frequency converter for different mains voltages

Abstract: The invention is directed to controlling an electric motor by means of a frequency converter. The frequency converter can be connected to one of several different mains voltages. According to the present invention, the maximum output power of the frequency converter, is limited when the actual mains voltage is lower than the maximum nominal mains voltage, for which the frequency converter is designed, and during the limitation the frequency converter controls the speed of the motor within a power range up to a limited maximum output power. This gives a genuine multi-voltage unit, which can be connected to a wide range of mains voltages.

Dual input AC and DC power supply having a programmable DC output utilizing single-loop optical feedback

Abstract: A dual input AC/DC power converter ( 10 ) having dual inputs ( 12,14 ) adapted to receive both an AC and DC input and provide a selectable DC voltage output ( 16 ) and a second DC output ( 18 ). The dual input AC/DC power converter ( 10 ) comprises a power converter circuit ( 20 ) having an AC-to-DC converter ( 22 ), a DC-to-DC booster converter ( 24 ), a feedback circuit ( 26 ), a filter circuit ( 25 ) and a DC-to-DC buck converter ( 28 ). Advantageously, the power converter ( 10 ) resolves many of the system management problems associated with carrying all of the different interface components necessary to power a wide variety of mobile products from either an AC or DC power supply. In addition, the feedback circuit ( 26 ) comprises single feedback loop having stacked photocouplers, one (PH 1 ) controlling the AC-to-DC converter ( 22 ) and the other (PH 3 ) controlling the DC-to-DC booster converter ( 24 ), to select the overall DC output voltage.

Multiphase clamp coupled-buck converter and magnetic integration

Abstract: Voltage regulation, transient response and efficiency of a voltage regulator module (VRM) is improved where short duty cycles are necessitated by large differentials of input and output voltage by including at least one clamping of a tap of an inductance in series with an output of each of a plurality of parallel branches or phases which are switched in a complementary fashion or providing coupling between inductors of respective phases. Such coupling between inductors is achieved in a small module with an integrated magnetic structure. Reduced component counts are achieved while deriving built-in input and output filters. Principals of the invention can be extended to isolation applications and push-pull forward converts, in particular. A lossless clamping circuit is also provided allowing spike currents to be suppressed while returning power to the output of the VRM.

Multiple output power supply having soft start protection for load over-current or short circuit conditions

Abstract: A protection circuit for a multiple output switching mode power converter protects against an over-current or short circuit failure condition. The protection circuit activates the soft-start circuit of the PWM control circuit upon detection of the over-current or short circuit condition. The soft-start circuit then shuts off operation of the power converter and restarts the power converter after a period of time defined by the soft-start circuit. The protection circuit is effective with any type of power converter topology (e.g., buck, boost, flyback, and forward converter), isolated or non-isolated, having dual or multiple outputs.

Power converter circuit arrangement for generators with dynamically variable power output

Abstract: A power converter circuit for wind power devices which feed into a high-voltage grid consisting of a power converter circuit arrangement to transform the variable frequency and variable voltage alternating current generated in the AC voltage generator into DC. The DC is chopped to again produce AC but with a fixed frequency and voltage. The power converter consists of a cascaded serial arrangement of several power converter cells. The power converter cells are made dynamically active or inactive by the master control unit, depending on the power being generated by the AC voltage generator. Each phase of each power converter cell supplies a primary winding of an output transformer.

Current limiting technique for a switching power converter

Abstract: An improved technique for limiting current in a switching power converter. The switching power converter includes a soft-start circuit which slowly increases a switching duty cycle upon power-up. Once the converter is operating normally, the duty cycle is controlled to regulate the output voltage. In the event an excessive output current is detected, soft-start circuit is controlled to reduce the switching duty cycle. More particularly, a soft-start capacitor may be discharged during portions of a clock period used to control switching.

New two-inductor boost converter with auxiliary transformer

Abstract: A new, two-inductor, two-switch boost converter topology and its variations suitable for applications with a large difference between the input and output voltage are described. The output voltage regulation of the proposed converters is achieved in a wide load and input-voltage range with constant-frequency control by employing an auxiliary transformer that couples the current paths of the two boost inductors.

Accelerated commutation for passive clamp isolated boost converters

Abstract: An efficient and cost effective bidirectional DC/DC converter reduces switch voltage stress via accelerated commutation allowing use of a low-cost passive clamp circuit in boost mode. The converter includes a primary circuit, transformer and secondary circuit. The primary circuit takes the form of a “full bridge converter,” a “push-pull converter,” or an “L-type converter.”. The primary circuit may include a dissipator such as a snubber circuit or small buck converter. A secondary side of the transformer is momentarily shorted by the secondary circuit by, for example, turning on at least two switches in the secondary circuit simultaneously for a minimal calibratable period when a pair of primary circuit controllers turn off to protect the primary circuit switches from voltage spikes during switching conditions.

Investigation of candidate topologies for 12 V VRM

Abstract: With higher input voltages and lower output voltages, the most popular voltage regulator module (VRM) topology-the multiphase buck converter-operates at very small duty cycles. The influence of duty cycle on the performance of a multiphase buck converter is investigated and the results show that both the transient response and the efficiency suffer from the very small duty cycle. Alternative topologies with extended duty cycles are explored in order to improve the efficiency without comprising the transient response. The topologies under investigation are multiphase tapped-inductor buck converter, multiphase coupled-buck converter and improved multiphase coupled-buck converter with built-in filters.

Utility-connected power converter for maximizing power transfer from a photovoltaic source while drawing ripple-free current

Abstract: This paper presents a power converter for coupling photovoltaic arrays to the utility grid. The converter draws a programmable, ripple-free DC current from the photovoltaic array and injects power into the grid at unity power factor. The programmable input current feature makes this converter ideal for use with maximum power point tracking technology. The proposed converter has an additional unique feature in that the internal dc link carries a large (approximately 25%) ripple voltage. Allowing a large ripple on the DC link reduces the required size of the link capacitor. This paper includes basic system information, analysis of filter requirements, controller design and preliminary hardware results.

Control system for a power converter and method of controlling operation of a power converter

Abstract: A control system (20) for a power converter (22) designed to convert DC power from a source (30) such as a battery, flywheel or fuel cell into AC power. The control system includes an impedance current regulator (106) for providing an impedance current signal to a summing unit (110) where it may be combined with real and reactive current command signals provided from respective sources (62, 64). The resultant current signal provided by the summing unit is provided to a voltage correction unit (112) that uses the resultant current signal in developing a correction voltage signal provided to the power converter. The correction voltage signal contains information used by the power converter in adjusting the real and reactive currents in its output AC power based on the ability of the AC power network to accept changes in current. Multiple power converters having the control system of the present invention may be connected in parallel to a single AC load or multiple AC loads, without the need for a separate control system interconnecting the power converters. The control system may be advantageously incorporated into a distributed generation network and in uninterruptible power systems, whether or not such systems are included in a distributed generation network.

A megahertz switching DC/DC converter using FeBN thin film inductor

Abstract: A dual spiral sandwiched thin film inductor with a dimension of 5 mm /spl times/ 5 mm was fabricated by a LIGA-like micromachined process. FeBN magnetic films were used as a core material. The inductance and quality factor value of the inductor were measured approximately 1 /spl mu/H and 4 up to 5 MHz, respectively. Using the FeBN film inductor, a hybrid dc/dc converter (15 mm /spl times/ 12 mm /spl times/ 1.5 mm) was designed and fabricated. The circuit topology of the converter was a zero voltage switching clamp voltage (ZVS-CV) buck converter. An input of 3.6 V was bucked to 2.7 V at a switching frequency of 1.8 MHz. The maximum power was 1.5 W. The measured efficiency of the buck converter reached a maximum value of 80% and kept stable up to 300 mA of load currents at 1.8 MHz.