Showing papers on "Flyback 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%.

Multi-input DC/DC converter based on the multiwinding transformer for renewable energy applications

Abstract: A multi-input DC/DC power converter based on the flux additivity is proposed in this paper. Instead of combining input DC sources in the electric form, the proposed converter combines input DC sources in magnetic form by adding up the produced magnetic flux together in the magnetic core of the coupled transformer. With the phase-shifted pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) control, the proposed converter can draw power from two different DC sources and deliver it to the load individually and simultaneously. The operation principle of the proposed converter has been analyzed in detail. The output voltage regulation and power flow control can be achieved by the phase-shifted PWM control. A prototype converter with two different DC voltage sources has been successfully implemented. Computer simulations and hardware experimental results are presented to verify the performance of the proposed multi-input DC/DC power converter.

A zero-voltage and zero-current switching three-level DC/DC converter

Abstract: This paper presents a novel zero-voltage and zero-current switching (ZVZCS) three-level DC/DC converter. This converter overcomes the drawbacks presented by the conventional zero-voltage switching (ZVS) three-level converter, such as high circulating energy, severe parasitic ringing on the rectifier diodes, and limited ZVS load range for the inner switches. The converter presented in this paper uses a phase-shift control with a flying capacitor in the primary side to achieve ZVS for the outer switches. Additionally, the converter uses an auxiliary circuit to reset the primary current during the freewheeling stage to achieve zero-current switching (ZCS) for the inner switches. The principle of operation and the DC characteristics of the new converter are analyzed and verified on a 6 kW, 100 kHz experimental prototype.

Analysis and design considerations of a load and line independent zero voltage switching full bridge DC/DC converter topology

Abstract: The analysis and design of a zero voltage switching (ZVS) full bridge DC/DC power converter topology is presented in this paper. The converter topology presented here employs an asymmetrical auxiliary circuit consisting of a few passive components. With this auxiliary circuit, the full bridge converter can achieve ZVS independent of line and load conditions. The operating principle of the circuit is demonstrated, and the steady state analysis is performed. Based on the analysis, a criterion for optimal design is given. Experiment and simulation on a 350-400 V to 55 V, 500 W prototype converter operated at 100 kHz verify the design and show an overall efficiency of greater than 97% at full load.

A novel multicell DC-AC converter for applications in renewable energy systems

Abstract: This paper presents a novel DC-AC converter for applications in the area of distributed energy generation systems, e.g., solar power systems, fuel-cell power systems in combination with supercapacitor or battery energy storage. The proposed converter is realized using an isolated multicell topology where the total AC output of the system is formed by series connection of several full-bridge converter stages. The DC links of the full bridges are supplied by individual DC-DC isolation stages which are arranged in parallel concerning the dc input of the. total system. Therefore, all switching cells of the proposed converter can be equipped with modern low-voltage high-current power MOSFETs, which results in an improved efficiency as compared to conventional isolated DC-AC converters. Furthermore, the cells are operated in an interleaved pulsewidth-modulation mode which, in connection with the low voltage level of each cell, significantly reduces the filtering effort on the AC output of the overall system. The paper describes the operating principle, analyzes the fundamental relationships which are relevant for component selection, and presents a specific circuit design. Finally, measurements taken from a 2-kW laboratory model are presented.

A magnetic-less DC-DC converter for dual voltage automotive systems

Abstract: The automotive industry is moving toward 42 volt to meet the more electric needs. Several dual voltage (42 and 14 volt) architectures have been proposed for the transition and accommodation of 14-volt loads. A DC-DC converter that connects the 42 and 14 volt architectures is one key device in any dual voltage architecture. This paper presents a compact, efficient, magnetic-less bi-directional DC-DC converter for dual voltage (42/14 Volt) automotive systems. The DC-DC converter is based on the generalized multilevel converter topology having the ability to balance battery voltages, emit zero or low electromagnetic interference (EMI), and have low cost by using low-voltage metal oxide field effect transistors (MOSFETs). The main circuit of the DC-DC converter is analyzed and its control scheme is presented in the paper. A self-powered gate drive circuit is developed for the DC-DC converter to reduce costs, signal connections, and circuit complexity. A prototype has been built and experimental results are presented.

A DC link capacitor minimization method through direct capacitor current control

Abstract: If we make the converter side DC link current the same as the inverter side DC link current in a PWM converter-inverter system, no current will flow through the DC link capacitor and as a result, no DC link voltage variation occurs. This leads to the possibility of significantly reducing the size of DC link capacitors which are expensive, bulky and have a lifetime limit, if we can manage to match inverter and converter currents at the DC link. However, a converter inherently involves a delay in supplying the required current. Therefore, matching the converter current to the inverter current necessitates the use of a differentiator to meet the requirements of a fast dynamic response. But in practice, differentiating the measured value is almost impossible. In this paper, the authors propose a new differentiation method that utilizes a one-step predictor developed from converter and inverter dynamics. In the model, the DC link voltage is regarded a variable. Since the inverter current compensation term is applied in terms of voltage, the response is fast. Simulation and experiments are performed with only 40 /spl mu/F DC link capacitance for a 9 kW motor, and the results support the validity of the proposed scheme.

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%.

The forward converter: from the classic to the contemporary

Abstract: The evolution of the forward power converter is first reviewed, in a tutorial fashion, from the classic to the contemporary. Salient features are then discussed and results are compiled to form practical design guidelines. Performance parameters are discussed, including operating principle, voltage conversion ratio, efficiency, device stresses, small-signal dynamics, noise and EMI and parts count. The extension of each converter to a synchronous rectifier and/or to a current doubler is also discussed.

Voltage and current stress reduction in single-stage power factor correction AC/DC converters with bulk capacitor voltage feedback

Abstract: Single-stage power factor correction (PFC) AC/DC converters integrate a boost-derived input current shaper (ICS) with a flyback or forward DC/DC converter in one single stage. The ICS can be operated in either discontinuous current mode (DCM) or continuous current mode (CCM), while the flyback or forward DC/DC converter is operated in CCM. Almost all single-stage PFC AC/DC converters suffer from high bulk capacitor voltage stress and extra switch current stress. The bulk capacitor voltage feedback with a coupled winding structure is widely used to reduce both the voltage and current stresses in practical single-stage PFC AC/DC converters. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the bulk capacitor voltage feedback, including the relationship between bulk capacitor voltage, input current harmonics, voltage feedback ratio, and load condition. The maximum bulk capacitor voltage appears when the DC/DC converter operates at the boundary between CCM and DCM. This paper also reveals that only the voltage feedback ratio determines the input current harmonics under DCM ICS and CCM DC/DC operation. The theoretical prediction of the bulk capacitor voltage as well as the predicted input harmonic contents is verified experimentally on a 60 W AC/DC converter with universal-line input.

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.

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.

Data processor controlled DC to DC converter system and method of operation

Abstract: A flexible, reliable and economical DC to DC power converter system includes a plurality of DC to DC converter units, a pulse width modulation current share bus interconnecting the DC to DC converter units and a synchronization signal connected to each of the DC to DC converter units to synchronize each of the DC to DC converter units to the same frequency. Each DC to DC converter unit includes a power section, a controller and a standard universal interface connecting the power section to the controller such that the power section can be changed to accommodate different input voltages, output voltages and current loads without making significant hardware changes in the controller. The controller includes a digital signal processor having a calibration table matching control parameters to the specific circuit characteristics of the power section. The digital signal processor has a clock signal synchronized to the synchronization signal, resolves master/slave contention for controlling the output voltage in response to signals sent and received over the current share bus and generates pulse width modulation power switch control signals controlling the power section to operate in either dual or single converter mode at different frequencies in response to varying system output current demands.

AC/DC cascaded power converters having high DC conversion ratio and improved AC line harmonics

Abstract: AC/DC cascaded power converters having high DC conversion ratio and improved AC line harmonics provide low input harmonic currents, high power factor and efficient operation for low voltage DC outputs when coupled directly to a source of unfiltered rectified AC voltage. The power converter incorporates an intermediate storage element that provides most or all of the energy storage capacitance within the power converter and a blocking device that enables continuous energy transfer from AC line to output to achieve unity power factor and regulated output while maintaining low AC input current ripple.

Full bridge ZCS PWM converter for high-voltage high-power applications

Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive study of a full bridge (FB) zero-current switched (ZCS) PWM converter which is suitable for high-voltage and high-power DC application that achieves ZCS for all active switches, and zero-voltage-switched (ZVS) operation for all diodes on the high voltage side. The given converter utilizes component parasitic parameters, particularly for the high-voltage transformer, and employs fixed-frequency phase-shift control to implement soft-switching commutations. Detailed steady state analysis of the converter power stage is presented for the first time and the major features of the converter's power stage are discussed. Small-signal characteristics are also presented and accompanied by a discussion of the controller design and implementation. A design example is also presented based on the steady state analysis and is validated by simulation. Theoretical and simulated results are in good agreement.

Adaptive off-time control for variable-frequency, soft-switched flyback converter at light loads

Abstract: The soft switching of a flyback converter can be achieved by operating the circuit in the critical conduction mode. However, the critical-mode operation at light loads cannot be maintained due to a very high switching frequency and the loss of the output voltage regulation. A control which regulates the output down to the zero load and maintains soft switching at light loads is proposed. The proposed control scheme was implemented in the 380 V/19 V, 65 W flyback DC/DC converter.

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.

A ZVZCS PWM FB DC/DC converter using a modified energy-recovery snubber

Abstract: The conventional high-frequency phase-shifted zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) full-bridge DC/DC converter has a disadvantage, in that a circulating current flows through transformer and switching devices during the freewheeling interval. Due to this circulating current, RMS current stress, conduction losses of the transformer and switching devices are increased. To alleviate this problem, this paper proposes an improved zero-voltage zero-current switching (ZVZCS) phase-shifted full-bridge (FB) DC/DC converter with a modified energy-recovery snubber (ERS) attached at the secondary side of transformer. Also, the small signal model of the proposed ZVZCS FB DC/DC converter is derived by incorporating the effects introduced by a transformer leakage inductance and an ERS to achieve ZVZCS. Both analysis and experiment are performed to verify the proposed topology by implementing a 7-kW (120 VDC, 58 A) 30-kHz insulated-gate-bipolar-transistor-based experimental circuit.

Multi-phase converter with balanced currents

Abstract: A multi-phase DC/DC converter having an output voltage and including a plurality of converter channels. Each converter channel includes a converter channel input and a converter channel output. Each converter channel is configured for generating a converter channel current and for adjusting said converter channel current in response to a control signal electrically connected to each converter channel input. A control circuit generates an error signal representative of a comparison of the converter output voltage to a reference voltage. The control circuit includes a plurality of control circuit channels, each of which correspond to a converter channel. Each control circuit channel generates a channel current signal representative of a corresponding converter channel current, and generates a differential channel current signal representative of a comparison of the channel current signal to an average current signal. The average current signal is representative of an overall average current for the converter channels. Each control circuit channel generates a differential error signal representative of a comparison of the error signal to the differential channel current signal. Each control circuit channel includes a pulse width modulator having a ramp input and a control input. The control input is electrically connected to the differential error signal. The pulse width modulator generates the control signal based upon the differential error signal. The control signal is electrically coupled to a corresponding converter channel input. The control circuit generates the average current signal.

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.

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.

Analysis and design of asymmetrical half bridge flyback converter

Abstract: The detailed circuit behaviour of the asymmetrical half bridge flyback converter is analysed. The specific relationships between the duty cycle and the different types of energy in the energy storage elements are thoroughly investigated. From the analytical results, the maximum duty cycle is not bounded by 50%, which means that the converter can now be optimally used for the different applications. The zero voltage switching (ZVS) conditions of the power switches are derived. Mathematical equations and design considerations are also given. According to the presented design guidelines, the ZVS operations of the power switches can be maintained from no-load to full-load conditions. A 5V/20A prototype has been built to verify the analytical results under real life conditions.

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.

Power supply apparatus and methods with power-factor correcting bypass mode

Abstract: A power supply apparatus, such as an uninterruptible power supply, includes an AC input configured to be coupled to an AC power source and an AC output. The apparatus also includes an AC/DC converter circuit, e.g., a boost rectifier circuit, with an input coupled to the AC input. The apparatus further includes a DC/AC converter circuit, e.g., an inverter circuit, configured to be coupled between an output of the AC/DC converter circuit and the AC output. A bypass circuit is operative to establish a coupling between the AC input to the AC output in a first (e.g., bypassed) state and to interrupt the coupling in a second (e.g., “on line”) state. The AC/DC converter circuit is operative to control current at the AC input when the bypass circuit is in the first state. For example, the AC/DC converter circuit may be operative to control current at the AC input to correct a power factor at the AC input port when bypassed, such that the AC/DC converter circuit may act as a line conditioner in the bypassed state.

Reduced capacitance AC/DC/AC power converter

Abstract: An AC/DC/AC power converter is constructed without using any electrolytic capacitor, such that it is more compact, durable and reliable. This converter only required a small capacitance for its DC link and this capacitor can be easily obtainable with other types of capacitors such as film or ceramic type. The system further includes means to disconnect both input and output to this DC bus capacitor. A controller capable of fast monitoring the DC bus voltage is also able of quickly disconnecting the capacitor out of either input or output energy path to prevent the capacitor from being charged to over-voltage. The controller also possesses capability of re-connecting the disrupted energy path once the DC bus voltage returns to normal.

A wide input voltage and load output variations fixed-frequency ZVS DC/DC LLC resonant converter for high-power applications

Abstract: This paper presents a fixed-frequency zero-voltage-switching three-level DC/DC resonant converter By applying phase-shift control between the primary and secondary sides of the transformer, the converter can operate at a fixed switching frequency The converter can achieve ZVS operation in the entire load range by using the magnetizing inductance of the transformer In addition, the converter can operate with wide input-voltage variations without penalizing the efficiency Therefore, the converter is suitable for applications in which high efficiency and high power density are required The principle of operation for the converter is analyzed and verified on a 275 kW, 775 kHz experimental prototype

Grid connected PV system using two energy processing stages

Abstract: In this work a simple and robust system to be used with electrical energy generated by photovoltaic modules is proposed. Through this system, the produced energy is directly injected into the electric grid utility. It does not need batteries since it operates connected to the grid. The energy supply occurs in periods where the sunlight is present, with the system in standby when light is not supplied. The adopted control strategy allowed the production of a current with little harmonic distortion, simplifying and reducing the size and the number of components, both in the control as well as in the output filter. The high frequency operation permitted the size reduction of the magnetic components and the capacitors. The system is composed by two stages: a flyback converter and a full-bridge voltage inverter. This system operates with commercially available modules being necessary no adaptation of these to be connected. Design procedure and experimental results are shown.

Apparatus for generating and distributing electrical power to loads in a vehicle

Abstract: An apparatus for generating and distributing electrical power in a vehicle which has at least one electric drive motor connected via a converter to a fuel cell unit, with the fuel cell unit being connected to at least one first, one second and one third voltage network, and with each voltage network having at least one associated electrical load and/or at least one associated energy store. The first voltage network is formed by the fuel cell voltage network and is connected via a first bidirectional DC/DC converter to the second voltage network and the first bidirectional DC/DC converter provides DC isolation between the first voltage network and the second voltage network. The second voltage network is connected via a second bidirectional converter to the third voltage network.