Power Devices Aging Equalization of Interleaved DC–DC Boost Converters via Power Routing

Abstract

Modular parallel-connected dc–dc converters with interleaved operation are a well-known solution for a wide-application range in order to achieve high-quality waveforms with reduced rate power devices. Usually, modular parallel-connected converters share equally the power achieving ideally an inherent aging equalization. However, hardware asymmetries or replacement of damaged modules after maintenance operations create an unavoidable aging mismatch between the power modules. In this article, a method to equalize the aging of the power modules of parallel-connected dc–dc converters is presented. The method is particularized for boost converters. It is based on the power routing concept forcing a nonequalized power sharing among the modules of the modular converter. The power routing technique improves the remaining useful lifetime of the converter reducing the maintenance costs. Experimental results are shown in order to show the good performance of the proposed method. The results are also supported by a statistical analysis based on a Monte Carlo approach to evaluate the robustness of the proposed solution.