GaN-based step-down power converter and control strategy for hydrogen energy systems

Abstract

The conventional Si-based semiconductors suffer from low switching frequency, high conduction loss and low efficiency. These shortcomings hinder the improvement of power electronic power converter performance. An attractive solution is to replace Si-based semiconductor devices with the wide-bandgap semiconductors based on gallium-nitride material. In terms of the step-down converters which are used for hydrogen energy systems, it is difficult for the traditional buck circuit to eliminate the output current ripple and achieve fault-tolerant operation. Therefore, topologies of the step-down power converter also need improvement. In this paper, a GaN-based step-down power converter and control strategy for hydrogen energy systems is presented. Firstly, the mathematical analysis of the conventional buck converter is done to clarify why it has limitations regarding the reliability and current ripple. Another alternative solution is discussed but still suffers from ripples. In order to eliminate the current ripple and enhance the fault-tolerant ability, a novel GaN-based solution is given and both analysis and design are provided. The current ripple can be perfectly cancelled and fault-tolerant operation can be fully achieved. The comparison is carried out with the existing solutions. The time-domain simulation tests are carried out. And the experimental prototype is established based on the enhancement mode GaN transistor. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of proposed design regarding the current ripple cancellation and dynamic performance.