Showing papers on "Forward converter published in 2016"

A DC–DC Converter With High Voltage Gain and Two Input Boost Stages

Abstract: A family of nonisolated high-voltage-gain dc–dc power electronic converters is proposed. The suggested topologies can be used as multiport converters and draw continuous current from two input sources. They can also draw continuous current from a single source in an interleaved manner. This versatility makes them appealing in renewable applications such as solar farms. The proposed converters can easily achieve a gain of 20 while benefiting from a continuous input current. Such a converter can individually link a PV panel to a 400-V dc bus. The design and component selection procedures are presented. A 400-W prototype of the proposed converter with $V_{\text{in}} = 20$ and $V_{\text{out}} = 400$ V has been developed to validate the analytical results.

Generalized Structure for a Single Phase Switched-Capacitor Multilevel Inverter Using a New Multiple DC Link Producer With Reduced Number of Switches

Abstract: In this paper, initially a new dc/dc converter is proposed which can produce boosted multiple dc link voltages by using the novel switched-capacitor converter (SCC) and with reduced number of switches. In the proposed SCC, voltage of all capacitors is charged by binary asymmetrical pattern as self-balancing and without using any auxiliary circuits. The proposed SCC will boost the input dc power supply voltage without transformer by switching the capacitors in series and in parallel. Next, a new single phase switched-capacitor multilevel inverter (SCMLI) topology which uses the proposed SCC units as virtual dc links have been proposed. The proposed topologies reduce the number of power switches, diodes, isolated dc power supplies, size, and the cost of the system in comparison with conventional similar topologies. For example, by contribution of proposed SCMLI structure, 49 and 137 output voltage levels are made by only 14 and18 power switches and 3 and 4 isolated dc power supplies, respectively. To confirm the performance of proposed topology, various simulation results by PSCAD/EMTDC software and experimental tests are given.

A Review of Galvanically Isolated Impedance-Source DC–DC Converters

Abstract: Impedance-source converters, an emerging technology in electric energy conversion, overcome limitations of conventional solutions by the use of specific impedance-source networks. Focus of this paper is on the topologies of galvanically isolated impedance-source dc–dc converters. These converters are particularly appropriate for distributed generation systems with renewable or alternative energy sources, which require input voltage and load regulation in a wide range. We review here the basic topologies for researchers and engineers, and classify all the topologies of the impedance-source galvanically isolated dc–dc converters according to the element that transfers energy from the input to the output: a transformer, a coupled inductor, or their combination. This classification reveals advantages and disadvantages, as well as a wide space for further research. This paper also outlines the most promising research directions in this field.

The Alternate Arm Converter: A New Hybrid Multilevel Converter with DC-Fault Blocking Capability

Abstract: This paper explains the working principles, sup- ported by simulation results, of a new converter topology intended for HVDC applications, called the alternate arm converter (AAC). It is a hybrid between the modular multilevel converter, because of the presence of H-bridge cells, and the two-level converter, in the form of director switches in each arm. This converter is able to generate a multilevel ac voltage and since its stacks of cells consist of H-bridge cells instead of half-bridge cells, they are able to gen- erate higher ac voltage than the dc terminal voltage. This allows the AAC to operate at an optimal point, called the “sweet spot,” where the ac and dc energy flows equal. The director switches in the AAC are responsible for alternating the conduction period of each arm, leading to a significant reduction in the number of cells in the stacks. Furthermore, the AAC can keep control of the current in the phase reactor even in case of a dc-side fault and support the ac grid, through a STATCOM mode. Simulation results and loss calculations are presented in this paper in order to support the claimed features of the AAC.

High-Frequency-Link-Based Grid-Tied PV System With Small DC-Link Capacitor and Low-Frequency Ripple-Free Maximum Power Point Tracking

Abstract: This paper proposes a grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system consisting of modular current-fed dual-active-bridge (CF-DAB) dc–dc converter with cascaded multilevel inverter. The proposed converter allows a small dc-link capacitor in the three-phase wye-connected PV system; therefore, the system reliability can be improved by replacing electrolytic capacitors with film capacitors. The low-frequency ripple-free maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is also realized in the proposed converter. First of all, to minimize the influence resulting from reduced capacitance, a dc-link voltage synchronizing control is developed. Then, a detailed design of power mitigation control based on CF-DAB dynamic model is presented to prevent the large low-frequency voltage variation propagating from the dc-link to PV side. Finally, a novel variable step-size MPPT algorithm is proposed to ensure not only high MPPT efficiency, but also fast maximum power extraction under rapid irradiation change. A downscaled 5-kW PV converter module with a small dc-link capacitor was built in the laboratory with the proposed control and MPPT algorithm, and experimental results are given to validate the converter performance.

Analysis and Implementation of a Nonisolated Bidirectional DC–DC Converter With High Voltage Gain

Abstract: In this paper, a nonisolated bidirectional dc–dc converter is presented. The proposed converter consists of two boost converters to enhance the voltage gain. Four power switches with their body diodes are employed in the proposed converter. Also, two inductors and a capacitor are used as passive components. The input current is divided to the inductors which causes the efficiency to be high. The voltage gain of the proposed converter is higher than the conventional cascaded bidirectional buck/boost converter (CCBC) in step-up mode. Besides, the voltage gain in step-down mode is lower than CCBC. Besides, the efficiency of the proposed converter more than CCBC while the total stress on active switches are same. The simple structure of the proposed converter causes its control to be easy. The steady-state analysis of the proposed converter is discussed in this paper thoroughly. The stress on converters’ devices and the efficiency of the proposed converter and CCBC are compared in this paper. Finally, the proposed converter prototype circuit is implemented to justify the validity of the analysis.

Design and Analysis of a High-Efficiency DC–DC Converter With Soft Switching Capability for Renewable Energy Applications Requiring High Voltage Gain

Abstract: Renewable sources like solar photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cell stack are preferred to be operated at low voltages. For applications such as grid-tied systems, this necessitates high voltage boosting resulting in efficiency reduction. To handle this issue, this paper proposes a novel high voltage gain, high-efficiency dc–dc converter based on coupled inductor, intermediate capacitor, and leakage energy recovery scheme. The input energy acquired from the source is first stored in the magnetic field of coupled inductor and intermediate capacitor in a lossless manner. In subsequent stages, it is passed on to the output section for load consumption. A passive clamp network around the primary inductor ensures the recovery of energy trapped in the leakage inductance, leading to drastic improvement in the voltage gain and efficiency of the system. Exorbitant duty cycle values are not required for high voltage gain, which prevents problems such as diode reverse recovery. Presence of a passive clamp network causes reduced voltage stress on the switch. This enables the use of low voltage rating switch (with low “ on -state” resistance), improving the overall efficiency of the system. Analytical details of the proposed converter and its hardware results are included.

Design and Optimization of a 380–12 V High-Frequency, High-Current LLC Converter With GaN Devices and Planar Matrix Transformers

Abstract: Data centers demand high-current, high-efficiency, and low-cost power solutions. The high-voltage dc distribution power architecture has been drawing attention due to its lower conduction loss on cables and harnesses. In this structure, the 380–12 V high output current isolated converter is the key stage. This paper presents a 1-MHz 1-kW LLC resonant converter using GaN devices and planar matrix transformers that are designed and optimized for this application. The transformer design and the optimization of the output capacitor termination are performed and verified. Finally, this cost-effective converter achieves above 97% peak efficiency and 700-W/in $^{{{3}}}$ power density.

On-the-Fly Topology-Morphing Control—Efficiency Optimization Method for LLC Resonant Converters Operating in Wide Input- and/or Output-Voltage Range

Abstract: This paper presents a control method for efficiency improvement of the LLC resonant converter operating with a wide input-voltage and/or output-voltage range by means of topology morphing, i.e., changing of power converter's topology to that which is the most optimal for given input-voltage and/or output-voltage conditions. The proposed on-the-fly topology-morphing control maintains a tight regulation of the output during the topology transitions so that topology transitions are made without noticeable output-voltage transients. The performance of the proposed topology morphing method is verified experimentally on an 800-W LLC dc/dc converter prototype designed for a 100-V to 400-V input-voltage range.

A Single-Switch High Step-Up DC–DC Converter Based on Quadratic Boost

Abstract: This paper proposes a novel high step-up nonisolated single switch dc–dc converter suitable for regulating dc bus in various microsources especially for photovoltaic (PV) sources. Quadratic boost and switched-capacitor technique are used as primary and secondary circuits, respectively. A coupled inductor is applied to make a connection between them, so a high dc voltage gain is achieved. High efficiency is yield where voltage stress on active switch is alleviated by clamped capacitor; consequently, smaller $\rm{R}_{\rm{DS(ON)}}$ for power switch is required. On the other hand, input current of the proposed converter is continued, hence stress on the input source is reduced. The operating principles and steady-state analyses are discussed in detail for both continuous and discontinuous conduction modes. Also, the boundary condition is computed. To verify the performance of the proposed converter and theoretical calculations, a 250-W prototype converter is implemented with an input voltage of 24 V and an output voltage of 400 V designed especially for PV sources in continuous conduction mode operation. Finally, simulation results are confirmed by experimental results; maximum efficiency is occurred at 150 W and full-load efficiency is 92.96%.

A review of LCC-HVDC and VSC-HVDC technologies and applications

Abstract: High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems has been an alternative method of transmitting electric power from one location to another with some inherent advantages over AC transmission systems. The efficiency and rated power carrying capacity of direct current transmission lines highly depends on the converter used in transforming the current from one form to another (AC to DC and vice versa). A well configured converter reduces harmonics, increases power transfer capabilities, and reliability in that it offers high tolerance to fault along the line. Different HVDC converter topologies have been proposed, built and utilised all over the world. The two dominant types are the line commutated converter LCC and the voltage source converter VSC. This review paper evaluates these two types of converters, their operational characteristics, power rating capability, control capability and losses. The balance of the paper addresses their applications, advantages, limitations and latest developments with these technologies.

High Step-Up/Step-Down Soft-Switching Bidirectional DC–DC Converter With Coupled-Inductor and Voltage Matching Control for Energy Storage Systems

Abstract: A soft-switching bidirectional dc–dc converter (BDC) with a coupled-inductor and a voltage doubler cell is proposed for high step-up/step-down voltage conversion applications. A dual-active half-bridge (DAHB) converter is integrated into a conventional buck-boost BDC to extend the voltage gain dramatically and decrease switch voltage stresses effectively. The coupled inductor operates not only as a filter inductor of the buck-boost BDC, but also as a transformer of the DAHB converter. The input voltage of the DAHB converter is shared with the output of the buck-boost BDC. So, PWM control can be adopted to the buck-boost BDC to ensure that the voltage on the two sides of the DAHB converter is always matched. As a result, the circulating current and conduction losses can be lowered to improve efficiency. Phase-shift control is adopted to the DAHB converter to regulate the power flows of the proposed BDC. Moreover, zero-voltage switching (ZVS) is achieved for all the active switches to reduce the switching losses. The operational principles and characteristics of the proposed BDC are presented in detail. The analysis and performance have been fully validated experimentally on a 40–60 V/400 V 1-kW hardware prototype.

Structure for multi-input multi-output dc–dc boost converter

Abstract: In this study, a new structure for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) dc-dc boost converter is proposed. The number of inputs and outputs of the converter are arbitrary and independent from each other. The proposed topology has the advantages of both dc-dc boost and switched-capacitor converters. This converter is proper to use in applications like photovoltaic or fuel cell systems. The main advantages of the proposed structure are possibility of using energy supplies with different voltage-current characteristics, continuous input current, high voltage gain without high duty cycle, and possibility of performing at high switching frequencies. First, the different operating modes of the proposed converter are explained. Then, the effect of equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the inductor and voltage drop of diodes and switches on the voltage gain is investigated. Finally, the correctness operation of the proposed converter is reconfirmed by the simulation and experimental results.

Continuous Operation of Radial Multiterminal HVDC Systems Under DC Fault

Abstract: For a large multiterminal HVDC system, it is important for a dc fault on a single branch to not cause significant disturbance to the operation of the healthy parts of the dc network. Some dc circuit breakers (DCCBs), for example, mechanical type, are low cost and have low power loss, but have been considered unsuitable for dc fault protection and isolation in a multiterminal HVDC system due to their long opening times. This paper proposes the use of additional dc passive components and novel converter control combined with mechanical DCCBs to ensure that the healthy dc network can continue to operate without disruption during a dc fault on one dc branch. Two circuit structures, using an additional dc reactor, and a reactor and capacitor combination, connected to the dc-link node in a radial HVDC system, are proposed to ensure that overcurrent risk at the converters connected to the healthy network is minimized before the isolation of the faulty branch by mechanical DCCBs. Active control of dc fault current by dynamically regulating the dc components of the converter arm voltages is proposed to further reduce the fault arm current. Simulation of a radial three-terminal HVDC system demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Effective Voltage Balance Control for Bipolar-DC-Bus-Fed EV Charging Station With Three-Level DC–DC Fast Charger

Abstract: The development of high-power charging stations with fast chargers is a promising solution to shorten the charging time for electric vehicles (EVs). The neutral-point-clamped (NPC) converter-based bipolar-dc-bus-fed charging station brings many merits, but it has inherent voltage balance limits. To solve this issue, a voltage balance control (VBC) method based on a new modulation together with three-level (TL) dc–dc converter-based fast charger is proposed. Additionally, an effective VBC coordination between the TL dc–dc converter and the NPC converter is formulated. Through the proposed VBC coordination, the controllable balancing region is extended so that additional balancing circuits are eliminated. Meanwhile, the quality of the grid-side currents is improved as the NPC converter has more freedom to control currents. The low-frequency voltage fluctuations in dc buses are removed because the TL dc–dc converter performs most of the balancing tasks. Faster VBC perturbation performance is achieved due to higher available balancing current at TL dc–dc converter side. In addition, the voltage balance limits of both the TL dc–dc converter and the NPC converter are explored. The voltage balancing performances are compared when VBC is located at different sides. Simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the proposed VBC and the VBC coordination.

Grid-Connected PV-Wind-Battery-Based Multi-Input Transformer-Coupled Bidirectional DC-DC Converter for Household Applications

Abstract: In this paper, a control strategy for power flow management of a grid-connected hybrid photovoltaic (PV)–wind-battery-based system with an efficient multi-input transformer-coupled bidirectional dc–dc converter is presented. The proposed system aims to satisfy the load demand, manage the power flow from different sources, inject the surplus power into the grid, and charge the battery from the grid as and when required. A transformer-coupled boost half-bridge converter is used to harness power from wind, while a bidirectional buck-boost converter is used to harness power from PV along with battery charging/discharging control. A single-phase full-bridge bidirectional converter is used for feeding ac loads and interaction with the grid. The proposed converter architecture has reduced number of power conversion stages with less component count and reduced losses compared with existing grid-connected hybrid systems. This improves the efficiency and the reliability of the system. Simulation results obtained using MATLAB/Simulink show the performance of the proposed control strategy for power flow management under various modes of operation. The effectiveness of the topology and the efficacy of the proposed control strategy are validated through detailed experimental studies to demonstrate the capability of the system operation in different modes.

Second-Order Sliding-Mode Controlled Synchronous Buck DC–DC Converter

Abstract: In this paper, second-order sliding-mode (SOSM) control approach is applied to synchronous buck dc–dc converters. The proposed SOSM controller can stabilize synchronous buck dc–dc converters using a simple digital state-machine structure, without requiring current sensing or an integral term in the control loop. The SOSM controller results in fast step-load and start-up transient responses, and is robust against parameter uncertainties. Fast transients and current limitation during start up can be accomplished by adjusting one controller parameter. Furthermore, a hysteresis method is introduced to control the switching frequency. The proposed approach is verified by experimental results on a 1.25-V 10-A prototype.

High-Frequency-Link DC Transformer Based on Switched Capacitor for Medium-Voltage DC Power Distribution Application

Abstract: This paper proposes a practical solution of high-frequency-link dc transformer based on switched capacitor (SCDCT) for medium-voltage dc (MVDC) power distribution application. Compared to the traditional dc transformer scheme, the proposed SCDCT can disconnect from MVDC distribution grid effectively as a dc breaker when a short fault occurs in the distribution, can enhance power transfer capacity, and always ensures high-frequency-link voltage match to improve current impact and efficiency performances, and the redundancy design can be achieved when some submodules fail to improve the reliability. In the paper, the topology, voltage and power characterization, control strategy, startup, and fault solution of SCDCT are presented and analyzed comprehensively. At last, an SCDCT prototype is built and the experimental results verify the correctness and effectively of the proposed solution.

Wireless Power Transfer With Automatic Feedback Control of Load Resistance Transformation

Abstract: This paper proposes a wireless power transfer with automatic feedback control of load resistance transformation to maintain high efficiency over wide variations of coupling current and load current. The receiver (Rx) first determines the desired current level of transmitter (Tx) coil such that the receiver-side converter can transform the load resistance into optimum effective resistance, based on load current and Tx-to-Rx distance information. The determined Tx coil current data are sent to the transmitter, which then adjusts the Tx coil current accordingly. In this way, the effective resistance transformed by the receiver-side converter remains optimum under the variations of distance and load current. One of the advantages of the proposed automatic feedback control is faster response and simple hardware because it does not use operating point sweep and observation. The receiver-side switching converter also incorporates the ability to send data from receiver to transmitter by modulating the duty cycle of converter at data frequency, eliminating the need for separate RF communication hardware. This proposed communication does not require shunt current dissipation from dc output to ground, resulting in low loss. Experimental result demonstrates that the system maintains high efficiency under wide variations of coupling and load current.

A Novel Five-Level Voltage Source Inverter With Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulator for Medium-Voltage Applications

Abstract: This paper proposes a new five-level voltage source inverter for medium-voltage high-power applications. The proposed inverter is based on the upgrade of a four-level nested neutral-point clamped converter. This inverter can operate over a wide range of voltages without the need for connecting power semiconductor in series, has high-quality output voltage and fewer components compared to other classic five-level topologies. The features and operation of the proposed converter are studied and a simple sinusoidal PWM scheme is developed to control and balance the flying capacitors to their desired values. The performance of the proposed converter is evaluated by simulation and experimental results.

Integration of an Active Filter and a Single-Phase AC/DC Converter With Reduced Capacitance Requirement and Component Count

Abstract: Existing methods of incorporating an active filter into an AC/DC converter for eliminating electrolytic capacitors usually require extra power switches. This inevitably leads to an increased system cost and degraded energy efficiency. In this paper, a concept of active-filter integration for single-phase AC/DC converters is reported. The resultant converters can provide simultaneous functions of power factor correction, DC voltage regulation, and active power decoupling for mitigating the low-frequency DC voltage ripple, without an electrolytic capacitor and extra power switch. To complement the operation, two closed-loop voltage-ripple-based reference generation methods are developed for controlling the energy storage components to achieve active power decoupling. Both simulation and experiment have confirmed the eligibility of the proposed concept and control methods in a 210-W rectification system comprising an H-bridge converter with a half-bridge active filter. Interestingly, the end converters (Type I and Type II) can be readily available using a conventional H-bridge converter with minor hardware modification. A stable DC output with merely 1.1% ripple is realized with two 50-μF film capacitors. For the same ripple performance, a 900-μF capacitor is required in conventional converters without an active filter. Moreover, it is found out that the active-filter integration concept might even improve the efficiency performance of the end converters as compared with the original AC/DC converter without integration.

Soft-Switching Operation of Isolated Modular DC/DC Converters for Application in HVDC Grids

Abstract: High-voltage dc/dc converters play an important role in HVDC grids. Isolated modular dc/dc converters (IMDCCs) based on modular multilevel converter technology provide a good solution to high-voltage applications. In order to reduce the size of the system, the IMDCC is required to be operated with a high ac-link frequency, but this will lead to increased switching loss and thus degraded efficiency. This paper proposes a soft-switching operation scheme for such an IMDCC. In this scheme, a quasi-square-wave (QSW) modulation method is employed, where the chain-links generate quasi-square terminal voltages with reduced dv / dt . With such chain-link terminal voltages, the arm currents which provide good condition for the soft-switching operation of the QSW-IMDCC can be obtained. Since soft switching can be achieved for the power switches, the proposed scheme will suffer less switching loss, thus improving the efficiency of the converter. Moreover, a capacitor voltage-balancing control strategy is proposed. This strategy does not need any arm current sensors, thus reducing the cost. The proposed soft-switching operation scheme and capacitor voltage-balancing control strategy are verified by the simulation results.

High-frequency operation of a dc/ac/dc system for hvdc applications

Abstract: Voltage ratings for HVdc point-to-point connections are not standardized and tend to depend on the latest available cable technology. DC/DC conversion at HV is required for interconnection of such HVdc schemes as well as to interface dc wind farms. Modular multilevel voltage source converters (VSCs), such as the modular multilevel converter (MMC) or the alternate arm converter (AAC), have been shown to incur significantly lower switching losses than previous two- or three-level VSCs. This paper presents a dc/ac/dc system using a transformer coupling two modular multilevel VSCs. In such a system, the capacitors occupy a large fraction of the volume of the cells but a significant reduction in volume can be achieved by raising the ac frequency. Using high frequency can also bring benefits to other passive components such as the transformer but also results in higher switching losses due to the higher number of waveform steps per second. This leads to a tradeoff between volume and losses which has been explored in this study and verified by simulation results with a transistor level model of 30- MW case study. The outcome of the study shows that a frequency of 350 Hz provides a significant improvement in volume but also a penalty in losses compared to 50 Hz.

ZVS–ZCS High Voltage Gain Integrated Boost Converter for DC Microgrid

Abstract: A nonisolated soft-switched-integrated boost converter having high voltage gain is proposed for the module-integrated PV systems, fuel cells, and other low voltage energy sources. Here, a bidirectional boost converter is integrated with a resonant voltage quadrupler cell to obtain higher voltage gain. The auxiliary switch of the converter, which is connected to the output port acts as an active clamp circuit. Hence, zero voltage switching turn-on of the MOSFET switches are achieved. Coupled inductor's leakage energy is recycled to the output port through this auxiliary switch. In the proposed converter, all the diodes of the quadrupler cell are turned off with zero-current switching (ZCS). This considerably reduces the high-frequency turn-off losses and reverse recovery losses of the diodes. ZCS turn-off of the diodes also remove the diode voltage ringing caused due to the interaction of the parasitic capacitance of the diodes and the leakage inductance of the coupled inductor. Hence, to protect the diodes from the voltage spikes, snubbers are not required. The voltage stress on all the MOSFETs and diodes are lower. This helps to choose switches of low voltage rating (low $R_{\text{DS}}(\text{ON})$ ) and, thus improve the efficiency. Design and mathematical analysis of the proposed converter are made. A 250-W prototype of the converter is built to verify the performance.

High Gain DC–DC Converter Based on the Cockcroft–Walton Multiplier

Abstract: Recent advancements in renewable energy have created a need for both high step-up and high-efficiency dc–dc converters. These needs have typically been addressed with converters using high-frequency transformers to achieve the desired gain. The transformer design, however, is challenging. This paper presents a high step-up current fed converter based on the classical Cockcroft–Walton (CW) multiplier. The capacitor ladder allows for high voltage gains without a transformer. The cascaded structure limits the voltage stresses in the converter stages, even for high gains. Being current-fed, the converter (unlike traditional CW multipliers) allows the output voltage to be efficiently controlled. In addition, the converter supports multiple input operation without modifying the topology. This makes the converter especially suitable for photovoltaic applications where high gain, high efficiency, small converter size, and maximum power point tracking are required. Design equations, a dynamic model, and possible control algorithms are presented. The converter operation was verified using digital simulation and a 450-W prototype converter.

A Digital Predictive Current-Mode Controller for a Single-Phase High-Frequency Transformer-Isolated Dual-Active Bridge DC-to-DC Converter

Abstract: This paper presents predictive current-mode control for a single-phase high-frequency transformer-isolated dual-active bridge dc-to-dc converter. The predictive control algorithm increases the bandwidth of the current loop of the converter which enables tracking of the current reference within one switching cycle. The paper further demonstrates that the application of the predictive control algorithm can remove transient dc offset from the current in high-frequency isolation transformer within one switching cycle. Direct control of the converter current protects the transformer from saturation even at transient conditions. The control algorithm has been implemented on an experimental setup and transient tests have been performed to validate controller performance. Since the predictive control algorithm is dependent on the measured value of the leakage inductance of the transformer, a compensator has been implemented to improve the parameter insensitivity of the proposed controller.

Three-Phase LLC Series Resonant DC/DC Converter Using SiC MOSFETs to Realize High-Voltage and High-Frequency Operation

Abstract: SiC MOSFETs are applied to constitute a three-phase, 5-kW LLC series resonant dc/dc converter with isolation transformers. A switching frequency of around 200 kHz for the transistors successfully reduces the volume of these isolation transformers, whereas insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) are not capable of achieving such a high switching speed. The high-voltage tolerance of SiC MOSFETs, 1200 V, enables increasing the input voltage up to 600 V. High-voltage tolerance, on the other hand, is not compatible with low on-resistance for Si MOSFETs. A three-phase circuit topology is used to achieve up to 5 kW of power capacity for the converter and reduce per-phase current at the same time. Current-balancing transformers among these three phases effectively suppress a maximum peak current from arising in the circuit, a technique that miniaturizes the input and output capacitances. The conversion efficiency of the converter reaches 97.6% at 5-kW operation.

Hybrid PWM-Resonant Converter for Electric Vehicle On-Board Battery Chargers

Abstract: A novel hybrid pulse-width-modulation resonant converter is presented in this paper for electric vehicle (EV) 3.3-kW on-board battery chargers (OBCs). While the proposed converter has all the benefits of the earlier developed hybrid converters for OBCs, the proposed converter has fewer components and achieves much lower voltage stress in the rectifying diodes compared to the earlier hybrid converters. As a result, it is possible to employ superior diodes such as Schottky barrier diodes below 300 V featuring low forward-voltage drop and better reverse-recovery for EV 3.3-kW OBC applications. In addition, the proposed converter achieves much better transformer utilization compared to the earlier hybrid converters. Due to this, the proposed converter can achieve more optimal efficiency over the overall battery charging profile. The effectiveness of the proposed converter has been verified with the experimental results under an output voltage range of 250–420-V dc at 3.3 kW.

Fast and robust voltage control of DC–DC boost converter by using fast terminal sliding mode controller

Abstract: In this study, a fast terminal sliding-mode control scheme is proposed as a new approach for the voltage tracking control of the DC-DC boost converter affected by disturbances, such as the variations in the input voltage and the load resistance. Some experiments are performed on a test bench to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The fast reference tracking capability with small overshoot and robustness to the disturbances of the designed controller is verified by the experimental results. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the proposed controller has a better performance related to conventional sliding mode and proportional-integral controllers in terms of the settling time and robustness to the disturbances.