DC Converter Research Articles

A novel PWM plus phase shift modulation strategy for three‐level isolated dual‐active‐bridge DC–DC converters

AbstractA hybrid‐three‐level isolated dual‐active‐bridge (HTDAB) DC–DC converter is widely used for grid‐interactive power converters. However, a traditional extended‐phase‐shift (EPS) modulation scheme would cause voltage‐level‐disorder (VLD) problems in HDAB DC–DC converter system because the output voltage of HTDAB would be clamped at a high‐ or low‐level during power transmission when the inductor current changes directions. Thus, the zero voltage sequence of the HTDAB cannot be stably maintained under EPS control, which not only leads to a significant difference between the actual transmission power and the target output power but also seriously affects the stability of the system control. To address this limitation, the reasons leading to VLD are analysed in detail, that is, an inappropriate PWM switching sequence at the output zero voltage level would occur under EPS control. Then, a novel PWM plus phase shift (PPS) modulation strategy is proposed, which can eliminate VLD completely. Finally, an experimental prototype is built to verify the effectiveness of the proposed PPS modulation scheme. The experimental results demonstrate that the PPS modulation method proposed in this article can effectively eliminate level disturbances and improve system stability.

Implementation of Single-Phase Shift (SPS) and Extended Phase Shift (EPS) for Dual Active Bridge (DAB)

Objectives: To improve power transfer and efficiency in Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converters, this study compares and assesses the Single-Phase Shift (SPS) and Extended Phase Shift (EPS) control techniques. Methods: Using the Dual Active Bridge (DAB) arrangement, the research focuses on implementing SPS and EPS control methods to an Isolated Bidirectional Full-Bridge DC-DC Converter (IBDC). A comprehensive review of the IBDC's operating modes and the EPS's control concept is included in this study. Findings: In comparison with EPS, SPS control is limited by a smaller operating range, higher power loss, and higher circulating current. Conversely, EPS exhibits benefits such as decreased back power flow, increased Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) range, and decreased current stress. These conclusions are supported by the simulation results, which show that EPS control outperforms SPS in terms of operational stability, harmonics, and efficiency. Under the SPS control at different phase shift minimums, THD is 15.06%; whereas, for EPS it is 12.90%. Novelty: This study demonstrates how EPS outperforms SPS in DAB converters, providing better operational range, THD, and efficiency. Keywords: Isolated Bidirectional Full-Bridge DC–DC Converters (IBDCs), Dual Active bridge (DAB), Single Phase Shift (SPS), Extended Phase Shift (EPS), Current Stress, Power Transmission

Efficient DC–DC power converters for fuel‐cell electric vehicle: A qualitative assessment

AbstractThe general shift in vehicle propulsion systems from internal combustion engine (ICE) power‐train towards electric power‐train has led to the development of energy‐efficient and compact electric drivetrain for next‐generation automobiles such as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). As opposed to ICE, fuel cell vehicles operate with higher powertrain efficiency and are combustion‐less since the only byproduct is water. In light of developmental and environmental goals, fuel cell technology is consequently seen as the evolutionary step in vehicle technology. The electric drivetrain for FCEV consists of power converters, motors, and associated control systems. Direct connection of the fuel cell stack to the DC bus and other system components is inefficient. As a result, it becomes essential to regulate the high‐voltage DC bus connecting the fuel cell stack to other system elements like the motor and energy storage devices. Therefore, DC–DC converters are designed for main power unit to provide the desired and regulated voltage to the DC bus making the system efficient and reliable. High‐voltage step‐up DC–DC converters have undergone extensive research in recent years, which has increased their functionality, performance, and efficiency for FCEV. A survey of these converters, and evaluation of their performance and index parameters, could be very helpful in designing efficient converters and for the development of vehicular electric power‐train. This paper reviews the literature on electric drive‐train, fuel cell systems, and different DC–DC converter topologies for fuel cell electric vehicles. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing topologies, their applications, and comparative aspects, as well as works that haven't been covered in earlier reviews.

Dual mode variable voltage converter configuration using single topology: design and analysis

ABSTRACT This paper introduces an optimised design procedure for a DC–DC buck, boost and buck-boost configurations in a single circuit with an integrated dissipative snubber, aiming to enhance performance and efficiency. The conventional buck-boost converter’s versatility in adjusting the output voltage is complemented by a dissipative snubber, mitigating hard switching challenges in power semiconductors. Utilising advanced control techniques for seamless transitions between step-down and step-up modes, the proposed circuit ensures optimal operation across varying input voltages. The research delves into the snubber’s impact on limiting the maximum voltage stress across the switch, considering power losses in the snubber resistor. Simulation, analysis and experimental results validate the design’s effectiveness in meeting voltage regulation requirements, showcasing its adaptability to diverse electronic applications. This optimised design methodology holds promise for improving DC–DC converter efficiency in practical applications where mitigating switching losses and optimising voltage stress are critical considerations. Also this proposed converter provides output simultaneously for buck and boost configurations. The simulation and mathematical analysis are validated using the experimental prototype.

Efficient voltage control strategy: observability design for multistage DC–DC buck converter

This paper emphasizes the significance of implementing an effective control system to enhance the performance of a three-stage DC–DC buck converter (TDDC). Herein, we present the development of an observer controller (OC) for TDDC, where average modeling of the DC–DC converter was employed alongside an observer algorithm for the OC. The primary focus is on the adoption of an observation topology aimed at enhancing system responsiveness under various conditions, including variable input voltages, reference voltage changes, load fluctuations, integration with photovoltaics, and battery charging. This approach ensures improved stability and performance, addressing the dynamic challenges inherent in such systems. A comparative analysis was conducted on two distinct control topologies for the proposed TDDC system, namely proportional–integral (PI) and advanced OC. Simulink software was used to model and simulate the proposed system. The results demonstrate lower rising and settling times of the TDDC for the OC and PI implementations, respectively. Additionally, the system with the OC eliminates 20% of the overshoot, while the system with OC minimizes the output voltage oscillations from 13% to 2% compared to the PI system. The OC was integrated into the TDDC to enhance system stability and improve the control loops, particularly the third loop. These improvements make the TDDC with OC suitable for application to renewable energy systems, microgrids, telecommunication networks, and electric vehicles, where precise control and stability are essential.

Efficient Hybrid Electric Vehicle Power Management: Dual Battery Energy Storage Empowered by Bidirectional DC–DC Converter

ABSTRACTThis work offers a fuel cell power system with the ability to distribute power to the load from the electrical source and charge an auxiliary battery utilizing regenerative power flows created by the load. The approach is established on a bidirectional closed‐loop DC converter. A bidirectional DC–DC converter is presented as a means of achieving extremely high voltage energy storage systems (ESSs) for a DC bus or supply of electricity in power applications. This paper presents a novel dual‐active‐bridge (DAB) bidirectional DC–DC converter power management system for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The proposed system makes it possible to charge an additional battery with regenerative power flows and distributes power from the electrical source to the load efficiently. The two main stages of the DAB converter, which are the focus of this work, are an interleaved buck/boost converter on the battery and a three‐phase wye‐wye series resonating converter on the DC bus. Each switch's current stress is greatly reduced by this design, which lowers transmission losses and enhances thermal performance. The interleaved buck conversion on the battery allows for lesser current stress in each switch, resulting in lower transmission loss. The increasing complexity and power of automotive embedded electronic systems have made the use of more potent power electronic converters in automobiles necessary. In recent years, many dual volt (42 V/14 V) bidirectional inverter topologies for automotive systems have been presented. However, the majority of them are either inefficient or use a huge number of transistors and magnetic devices in both parallel and series arrangements. As a result, in this study, a bidirectional high‐efficiency inverter with fewer components is provided. The design, modes of operation, and performance metrics of the DAB converter are examined, emphasizing its ability to achieve zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS) throughout its operating range. The suggested system seeks to maximize EV power management, guaranteeing high dependability and efficiency. To test all of the aforementioned qualities, an evaluation version was created, with an average efficiency of 97.5%. This research could have a substantial impact on the advancement of power electronic converters for automotive applications, leading to better EV power management, increased system reliability, and increased overall efficiency.

Evaluation of an Infinite-Level Inverter Operation Powered by a DC–DC Converter in Open and Closed Loop

This paper evaluates the open- and closed-loop DC–DC converter operation within a DC coupling multilevel inverter architecture to obtain an infinite-level stepped sinusoidal voltage. Adding a cascade controller to the DC–DC converter should reduce the settling time and increase the number of levels in the output voltage waveform; it could decrease the speed error and phase shift concerning the sinusoidal reference signal. The proposed methodology consists of implementing an experimental multilevel inverter with DC coupling through a single-phase bridge inverter energized from a BUCK converter. Trigger signals for the two converters are obtained from a control circuit based in an ATMEGA644P microcontroller to explore its capabilities in power electronics applications. A digital controller is also implemented to evaluate the operation of the BUCK converter in open and closed loop and observe its influence in the stepped sinusoidal output voltage. The evaluation is performed to energize a resistive load with common output voltage in multilevel inverters, i.e., 3, 5, 7, 11, and infinity levels. Results show that during the design stage, fast dynamic elements, like the storage capacitor, can be used to obtain a minimum THD because the settling time is sufficiently fast, the speed error remains small, and there is no need for a controller. A digital controller requires processing time, and although in theory it can reduce the settling time to a minimum, the processor introduces latency in the control signals generation, producing the opposite effect. Controller complexity of the digital controller must be considered because it increases processing time and influences the efficiency of the closed-loop operation.

Single- and Three-Phase Dual-Active-Bridge DC–DC Converter Comparison for Battery Electric Vehicle Powertrain Application

Dual-active-bridge (DAB) DC–DC converters are of great interest for DC–DC conversion in battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain applications. There are two versions of DAB DC–DC converters: single-phase (1p) and three-phase (3p) architectures. Many studies have compared these architectures, selecting the 3p topology as the most efficient. However, there is a gap in the literature when comparing both architectures when single-phase-shift (SPS) modulation is not used to drive the converter. The aim of this study was to compare 1p and 3p DAB DC–DC converters driven by optimal modulation techniques appropriate for BEV powertrain applications. Mathematical loss models were derived for both architectures, and their performances were compared. A case study of a 100 kW converter was considered as an example to visualize the overall efficiency of the converter for each layout. The 1p DAB DC–DC converter architecture outperformed the 3p layout in both its Y–Y and D–D transformer configurations. The higher performance efficiency, lower number of components, and reduced design complexity make the 1p DAB DC–DC converter topology a favorable choice for BEV powertrain applications.

A New Three‐Port DC–DC Converter: Analysis, Design, and Verification for Hybrid Energy Systems

ABSTRACTA research study on the three‐port DC–DC converters is done in this article. The proposed converter is a power electronic unit with a low‐voltage, high‐voltage, and battery port. The power of the input ports can be transferred to the output port simultaneously and individually. In this converter, the power can flow bidirectional. In other words, the battery can be charged not only by the low‐voltage port but also by the returned energy from the high‐voltage port. Hence, the proposed converter can operate in step‐up and step‐down modes. Continuous input current, the low voltage stress on semiconductors, and the low count of the devices are other advantages of the converter. These features and the benefits mentioned above make the proposed converter proper for hybrid energy systems. This converter is analyzed in continuous conduction mode, resulting in mathematical equations. To validate these theoretical analyses, a laboratory scale of the converter performs at 50 kHz, 200 W, and 115 V.

Enhanced High‐Gain Switched Capacitor DC–DC Converter Optimizing Renewable Energy Integration

ABSTRACTA novel high‐gain switched capacitor (HGSC) DC–DC converter for carbon neutral energy applications is presented in the scientific paper. It consists of two MOSFET switches, and utilization of a simultaneous switching approach for the switches enables simplified control. The switched capacitor (SC) technique is utilized to extract high gain from the proposed HGSC topology; the basic idea is periodic charging and discharging of the capacitor. The proposed HGSC topology operational mode is carried out in Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) along with the steady‐state analysis, and different switching stages are discussed in detail. Then, an analysis is carried out to demonstrate the proposed HGSC converter's special feature with other high‐gain converters. An averaging state‐space technique is used to determine the suggested converter's dynamics performance, and a small signal analysis is used to verify its stability. Furthermore, the HGSC topology is thoroughly analyzed in terms of power losses. For comparing the practical efficiency of the designed converter, nonidealities voltage gain is derived. The maximum efficiency of 96.7% is obtained at 150 W output power with the help of the dSPACE 1104 controller. Whenever the HGSC converter is fed with an input voltage supply of 20 V. It generates output voltages between 140 and 240 V. Extensive experimental investigation is carried out on a 200 W laboratory prototype model to verify the practicability and feasibility of HGSC DC–DC converter topology.

A High Step-up Partial Power Regulated DC–DC Converter with Zero Input Current Ripple and Wide Input Range

A High Step-up Partial Power Regulated DC–DC Converter with Zero Input Current Ripple and Wide Input Range

Three-Level Double LLC Resonant Converter with Ripple-Free Input Current for DC Microgrid Application

DC distribution systems have garnered interest in recent years due to their advantages over AC distribution systems, such as their high power conversion efficiency and lack of harmonic issues. An isolated DC-DC converter with low-input noise, high efficiency, and high-power density is required for DC microgrids within DC distribution systems. Although existing DC to DC converters have high efficiency and high power density, they still have input noise problems due to pulsating input currents. Thus, a large input filter should be inserted, which increases the cost and degrades the power density. In this study, a novel three-level double LLC resonant converter with zero-input-current ripple is presented for DC microgrid application with a high-voltage DC bus. The input-current ripple of the proposed converter theoretically decreases to zero without adding large input filters. Moreover, the voltage stress on each main switch is only half of the input voltage when using the modified three-level structure, which enables the use of low-voltage-rated power switches for high-voltage input applications. In addition, all the primary switches and secondary diodes are softly switched over a wide input voltage range. The experimental results of the prototype are presented to verify the performance of the proposed converter.

Photovoltaic to electrolysis off-grid green hydrogen production with DC–DC conversion

Green hydrogen (H2), being the product of water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources, is expected to be an energetic vector of major importance toward a more sustainable energy mix. In this context, photovoltaic (PV) -based H2 production is a key element, where power electronics technologies are critical to enable its development. In off-grid applications, designing DC–DC power electronics converters with high efficiency and high power density is really important since it can impact significantly the global performance of the H2 production system. In this work, a two-stage DC–DC power conversion system composed by an unregulated DCX converter and a regulated partial power converter is considered to increase the H2 production system efficiency. The DCX converter works in open-loop at resonant frequency with a high DC–DC conversion ratio. A partial power converter (PPC), which regulates only a fraction of the total power between its input and output terminals, represents a improvement in PV-to-H2 direct conversion, particularly since the PV panels do not require regulation from zero to nominal voltage, and in this work, is introduced for regulation of the DCX-based system, by optimizing the PV produced power through a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm along with the current control of the electrolyzer. A comparison with state-of-the-art converters show an important improvement of the proposed DCX with PPC regulated system. Compared to the solution with classical interleaved-buck pre-regulator, significant improvements in terms of efficiency for the whole range of operation are obtained, up to 2.5% higher with the proposed system. Experimental evaluation of the proposed PPC and DCX two stage converter for PV-powered electrolysis system is provided, validating its feasibility and interest for off-grid green hydrogen production application.

High-efficiency quad-band RF energy harvesting system with improved cross-coupled differential-drive rectifier

Abstract RF energy harvesting technology has garnered significant attention from researchers in recent years. This paper presents a high-efficiency quad-band RF energy harvesting (RFEH) system. It introduces an improved cross-coupled differential-drive rectifier designed for ambient wireless powering, capable of harnessing power from four distinct ambient RF sources: FM-100, DTV-600, GSM-1800, and WiFi-2400 frequency bands. The proposed RFEH system demonstrates notable advancements, achieving a high RF to DC conversion efficiency of over 80 % within an input power range of −5 dB m to +13 dB m, with a 5 kΩ resistance load. This power output is deemed sufficient for energizing low-power micro-devices autonomously, without reliance on external power sources. Notably, the DC output voltage of the proposed RFEH system exhibits a high level of stability against variations in input power, a characteristic not adequately addressed in existing systems.

Transformerless High Voltage Gain Y-Source DC–DC Converter with Switched Capacitor for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Applications

A high voltage gain DC–DC converter with a Y-source network is proposed in this paper for applications such as fuel cells and PV systems. The proposed converter topology is a combination of a Y-source module with a switched capacitor boost module. It is a single switch topology to produce high voltage gain at the load. The superiority of the proposed topology is the high voltage transfer ratio and continuous input current. The voltage gain of the converter can be achieved up to twenty times the input voltage at a duty cycle of 25% itself. The steady state analysis of the converter is carried out using mathematical equations and the working of the converter is explained. The design and analysis of the passive components in the circuit are explained. To illustrate the highlights of the converter, the proposed topology is compared with similar converters in the literature. The simulation of the converter is carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK. The circuit is verified in the laboratory using a 100[Formula: see text]W prototype.

Comprehensive Analysis and Reconstruction of Sensor Faults in Interleaved Buck Converters Using Sliding Mode Observers

This paper presents a fault signal reconstruction method for current sensors in an interleaved buck DC–DC converter, utilizing a sliding mode observer (SMO). A filter bank is used to design the observer within an extended-order system, effectively treating sensor faults as actuator faults, which enables precise estimation of the fault signal. Thus, the proposed approach allows for the identification of the faulty sensor and supports the implementation of fault-tolerant strategies. The paper provides an in-depth analysis of current sensor faults, verifies their impact on current balancing control, and demonstrates the challenge of achieving error-free current estimation in one phase using observers. A comprehensive set of simulation results is carried out, validating the method’s effectiveness and showing a strong correlation with theoretical principles.

Neural Network-Based Design of a Buck Zero-Voltage-Switching Quasi-Resonant DC–DC Converter

In this paper, a design method using a neural network of a zero-voltage-switching buck quasi-resonant DC–DC converter is presented. The use of this innovative approach is justified because the design of quasi-resonant DC–DC converters is more complex compared to that of classical DC–DC converters. The converter is a piecewise linear system mathematically described by Kirchhoff’s laws and represented through switching functions. In this way, a mathematical model is used to generate data on the behavior of the state variables obtained under various design parameters. The obtained data are appropriately normalized, and a neural network is trained with them, which in practice serves as the inverse model of the device. An example is considered to demonstrate how this network can be used to design the converter. The key advantages of the proposed methodology include reducing the development time, improving energy efficiency, and the ability to automatically adapt to different loads and input conditions. This approach offers new opportunities for the design of advanced DC–DC converters in industries with high efficiency and performance requirements, such as the automotive industry and renewable energy sources.

КЕРУВАННЯ ДИНАМІКОЮ ІМПУЛЬСНОГО ПЕРЕТВОРЮВАЧА З М’ЯКИМ ПЕРЕМИКАННЯМ, ЩО ПРАЦЮЄ НА ДУГОВЕ НАВАНТАЖЕННЯ

Issues of design and research of energy-efficient and reliable semiconductor DC voltage converters for wide application in power supply devices of arc plasmatrons used in plasma metal cutting installations are considered. An estimated structural dynamic model of a soft-switching DC converter with a closed-loop control system combining the power part and the control system, intended for use as part of the latter as a digital module, was built. A technique is proposed and methods of controlling the converter are found, which provide the specified duration of transient processes, the permissible value of load current pulsations in a quasi-steady mode and the astatism of the output current, which confirms the correctness of the proposed technique. A prototype of a pulse stabilizer with digital control was made. The results of experimental studies of the sample confirm the effectiveness of the developed control device, namely the achievement of the specified duration of transient processes caused by a step change in the load current, close to 10-12 periods of conversion and astatism of the output current. It is shown that the application of a pulse stabilizer, in which a digital control loop is used, has significant advantages compared to analog options and has the advantages of a strategic plan. The use of combined control allows you to significantly reduce the requirements for the overall gain of the main control channel, which greatly facilitates the choice of sequential digital correction. Research results may be of interest to specialists in the field of power electronics, power supply systems of autonomous objects and control systems. References 14, figures 11. Key words: automatic control system, digital controller, external disturbance, plasma, robustness, optimization.

Current Stress Minimization Based on Particle Swarm Optimization for Dual Active Bridge DC–DC Converter

Under extended-phase-shift (ESP) control, the current stress of the dual active bridge converter (DAB) is relatively high, which reduces the efficiency of the converter. To solve this problem, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm based on minimizing the current stress is proposed in this paper. The optimal phase-shift ratio of the DAB converter with ESP control is obtained by using the algorithm’s optimization characteristic. This approach ensures that the converter achieves minimal current stress, thereby enhancing the steady-state performance of the DAB converter. Moreover, in terms of dynamic performance, traditional PI control has poor dynamic response ability when there are sudden changes in load and input voltage. To solve this problem, the voltage dynamic matrix control (DMC) algorithm is introduced to combine with the PSO algorithm to minimize the current stress of the DAB converter under EPS control while enhancing the dynamic response capability of the DAB converter. A simulation model was constructed for comparative validation on MATLAB/Simulink 2019, demonstrating the correctness and effectiveness of the improved control method.

A soft switching non‐isolated bidirectional DC–DC converter with improved voltage conversion ratio and minimum number of switches

AbstractA soft switching non‐isolated bidirectional DC–DC converter with an improved voltage conversion ratio without any additional auxiliary switch is presented in this paper. In the proposed converter, improved step‐up/step‐down gain conversion is achieved by employing the coupled inductors method. Also, the auxiliary circuit provides soft switching conditions for all the semiconductor elements, regardless of the power flow direction and without any extra voltage stress. The other switch helps provide soft switching conditions for the main switch. Moreover, the switch used for providing soft switching conditions operates as a synchronous rectifier as well. The additional circuit added to attain soft switching is composed of an inductor, coupled with the converter's main inductor, and two auxiliary diodes. The auxiliary diodes benefit from zero‐current‐switching conditions. Fully soft switching conditions for all semiconductor devices, removing the reverse recovery problem, and a low number of components have led to mitigating switching losses and improving efficiency. Detailed operating principles and a theoretical analysis of the proposed converter are presented. Also, the experimental results of a 220 W prototype circuit are provided to confirm the validity of the proposed topology.