Full-bridge Pulse Width Modulation Research Articles

Coupled-Inductor-Based Bidirectional Resonant Converter With Reduced Component Count and Load-Independent Voltage Gain

The bidirectional DC/DC converter (BDC) is a critical part to interface the DC-bus with energy storage system (ESS) in DC microgrid. This paper proposes a coupled-inductor based bidirectional resonant converter with center-aligned pulse width modulation (PWM) modulation method and reduced component count. The structure of dual half-bridges with coupled inductor makes the current analysis more complex than the full-bridge PWM resonant converter. Hence, a method of performance analysis based on the symmetrical pi model is proposed and the corresponding parameter design process is introduced. In addition, fixed switching frequency operation, load-independent voltage gain, full-load range zero-voltage-switching (ZVS), automatic bidirectional power transfer and bidirectional power limitation can be realized in the proposed PWM converter. An experimental prototype with rated power of 1000W is built to demonstrate the operation and performance of the proposed converter.

Close-Loop Current Control With Current-Sensing Resistor for Electromagnet Driven by Full-Bridge PWM Inverter

The full-bridge pulse-width-modulation (PWM) inverter is wildly applied to drive the electromagnet and enables advanced technologies, such as the active magnetic bearing (AMB) and the permanent-electro magnetic suspension (PEMS). However, the characteristic relationship between the current through the electromagnet and the duty cycle of the PWM signal has strong nonlinearity around the zero current. Moreover, the electromagnet possesses the induction that results in the time constant and significantly hinders the change of the current. Hence, the open-loop control of the full-bridge PWM inverter cannot accurately or timely tune the current through the electromagnet, especially around the zero current. This work proposes a closed-loop current control approach by three steps: (1) inserting a current-sensing resistor into the middle of the electromagnet, (2) obtaining the current signal with an analog signal-processing circuit, and (3) generating the PWM signal with the bang-bang control circuit. The proposed approach innovatively arranges the current-sensing resistor to take advantage of the symmetry and to minimize the influence from the high-frequency switching of the inverter, so that the measured current signal is comparable to the hall-effect current sensor. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed closed-loop current control approach, though the weak charging capability of the full-bridge PWM inverter still hinders its performance.

Electronic Nonlinearity of Full-Bridge PWM Inverter for Zero-Power PEMS System

The permanent-electro magnetic suspension (PEMS) technology takes advantage of the attractive magnetic force between the magnet and the iron core and reduces the power consumption eventually to zero. However, the active current in the electromagnet of the zero-power PEMS system fluctuates around zero due to external disturbances and suffers from the electronic nonlinearity of the driving circuit, such as the full-bridge pulse-width-modulation (PWM) inverter. This work presents that the 2 <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{s}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> turn-off delay ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">one electronic defect</i> ) of the integrated circuit L298N ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">one commercial full-bridge PWM inverter produced by STMicroelectronics</i> ) leads to the nonlinear current-duty cycle characteristic, which undermines the control stability and limits the PWM frequency of the zero-power PEMS system. Moreover, the nonlinear mechanism is experimentally and theoretically analyzed for the critical PWM frequency and the sensitivity transition with respect to the <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2~\mu \text{s}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> turn-off delay. Besides, the critical PWM frequency is of great significance for the energy efficiency and the dynamic performance of the high-speed PEMS transportation system.

Hybrid DC-DC Converter with Low Switching Loss, Low Primary Current and Wide Voltage Operation

A full-bridge converter with an additional resonant circuit and variable secondary turns is presented and achieved to have soft-switching operation on active devices, wide voltage input operation and low freewheeling current loss. The resonant tank is linked to the lagging-leg of the full bridge pulse-width modulation converter to realize zero-voltage switching (ZVS) characteristic on the power switches. Therefore, the wide ZVS operation can be accomplished in the presented circuit over the whole input voltage range and output load. To overcome the wide voltage variation on renewable energy applications such as DC wind power and solar power conversion, two winding sets are used on the output-side of the proposed converter to obtain the different voltage gains. Therefore, the wide voltage input from 90 to 450 V (Vin,max = 5Vin,min) is implemented in the presented circuit. To further improve the freewheeling current loss issue in the conventional phase-shift pulse-width modulation converter, an auxiliary DC voltage generated from the resonant circuit is adopted to reduce this freewheeling current loss. Compared to the multi-stage DC converters with wide input voltage range operation, the proposed circuit has a low freewheeling current loss, low switching loss and a simple control algorithm. The studied circuit is tested and the experimental results are demonstrated to testify the performance of the resented circuit.

Using Multilevel ZVZCS Converters to Improve Light-Load Efficiency in Low Power Applications

In this letter, the use of three-level (TL), zero-voltage-zero-current switching (ZVZCS) converters is investigated as a way of improving light-load efficiency in full-bridge converters with mosfet s . The general operation of an example TL-ZVZCS full-bridge converter is briefly explained and the basic principles as to how it can how improve light-load efficiency are discussed. Experimental results that compare the efficiency of a prototype of the example TL-ZVZCS converter to that of the conventional zero voltage switching (ZVS)-pulsewidth modulation full-bridge are presented to confirm the superior light-load efficiency of TL-ZVZCS converters.

Resonant Converter with Soft Switching and Wide Voltage Operation

A new DC/DC resonant converter with wide output voltage range operation is presented and studied to have the benefits of low switching losses on active devices and low voltage stresses on power diodes. To overcome serious reverse recovery losses of power diodes on a conventional full-bridge pulse-width modulation converter, the resonant converter is adopted to reduce the switching loss and increase the circuit efficiency. To extend the output voltage range in conventional half-bridge or full-bridge resonant converters, the secondary sides of two diode rectifiers are connected in series to have wide output voltage operation. The proposed converter can be either operated at one-resonant-converter mode for low voltage range or two-resonant-converter mode for high voltage range. Thus, the voltage rating of power diodes is decreased. Experiments with the design example are given to show the circuit performance and validate the theoretical discussion and analysis.

Analysis of a DC Converter with Low Primary Current Loss and Balance Voltage and Current

A dc/dc pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit was investigated to realize the functions of reduced primary current loss and balanced voltage and current distribution. In the presented dc/dc converter, two full bridge pulse width modulation circuits were used with the series/parallel connection on the high-voltage/low-voltage side. The flying capacitor was adopted on the input side to achieve voltage balance on input split capacitors. The magnetic coupling element was employed to achieve current sharing between two parallel circuits. A capacitor-diode passive circuit was adopted to lessen the primary current at the commutated interval. The phase-shifted duty cycle control approach was employed to regulate load voltage and implement soft switching characteristics of power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Finally, the experimental results using a 1.68 kW prototype converter were obtained to confirm the performance and feasibility of the studied circuit topology.

Analysis and Mitigation of Dead-Time Harmonics in the Single-Phase Full-Bridge PWM Converter With Repetitive Controllers

In order to prevent the power switching devices (e.g., an insulated-gate bipolar transistor, IGBT) from shoot-through in voltage-source converters during a switching period, the dead time is added either in the hardware driver circuits of the IGBTs or implemented in software in pulse width modulation (PWM) schemes. Both solutions will contribute to a degradation of the injected current quality. As a consequence, the harmonics induced by the dead time (referred to as “dead-time harmonics” hereafter) have to be compensated in order to achieve a satisfactory current quality, as required by standards. In this paper, the emission mechanism of dead-time harmonics in single-phase PWM inverters is, thus, presented considering the modulation schemes in detail. More importantly, a repetitive controller has been adopted to eliminate the dead-time effect in single-phase grid-connected PWM converters. The repetitive controller has been plugged into a proportional-resonant-based fundamental-frequency current controller so as to mitigate the dead-time harmonics and also to maintain the control of the fundamental-frequency grid current in terms of dynamics. Simulations and experiments are provided, which confirm that the repetitive controller can effectively compensate the dead-time harmonics and other low-order distortions, and also, it is a simple method without hardware modifications.

PV-Module-Integrated AC Inverters (AC Modules) With Subpanel MPP Tracking

For small scale roof-top systems, there is a trend towards module-integrated electronics. Module integrated ac inverters (ac modules) connect each photovoltaic (PV) module separately to the single-phase grid. They feature not only increased yield due to module-level maximum power point (MPP) tracking, but also further advantages such as reduced installation cost. This work investigates the concept of subpanel-level MPP tracking for ac modules, which allows us to increase yield thanks to reduced mismatching losses. Topology concepts to realize such a converter are systematically investigated and categorized. A topology comparison identifies two promising system concepts: first a single-stage converter with a three-port power balancer and second a two-stage topology with three paralleled dc–dc converters and a pulse width modulation full bridge. The later features the advantage of a small power-decoupling capacitor and is therefore further investigated. A model-based optimization of the investigated multi-input ac module is performed, applying high performing Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices and nanocrystalline core materials to increase efficiency. The built prototype confirms the accuracy of the model-based optimization. The performed efficiency study reveals an achievable efficiency of $\eta _{\text{EU}}$ = 94.5%. In order to compete with single-input ac modules, achieving typically an efficiency of 95.5%, the efficiency of multi-input ac modules must improve beyond the level achieved with the investigated two-stage ac-module topology. Given this result, the alternative system concept with a three-port power balancer in combination with a single-stage converter seems to be more promising, as it is conceptually similar to the high efficient single-input ac modules and may achieve the same high efficiency.

High-voltage power supply using series-connected full-bridge PWM converter for pulsed power applications

This paper presents a capacitor charging power supply (CCPS) using high-voltage dc/dc converter for pulsed power applications. For the main converter, it used full-bridge phase-shifted (FBPS) pulse-width modulation (PWM) converter. The proposed CCPS has modularity concept, and the output voltage was boosted by a high-voltage high-frequency (HVHF) transformer included in FBPS PWM converter. The control method is used a phase-shifted PWM to reduce the losses caused by switching. To solve the voltage unbalancing problem of the output capacitors, synchronization algorithm is selected. Also Thermal characteristics are analyzed by theoretical calculation and simulation. Experimental results of the single module and CCPS are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed system and it was carried out the 20-kV 160-kW prototype.

Improved zero‐voltage‐switching pulse width modulation full bridge converter with self‐regulating auxiliary current

An improved zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) phase-shift full-bridge converter with self-regulating auxiliary current is proposed. ZVS of lagging-leg switches can be achieved in whole conversion range because of the introduced active auxiliary circuit. Meanwhile, the auxiliary circuit that features simple control of the auxiliary switches has no effect on the main power transferring path and the auxiliary energy stored for ZVS of lagging-leg can be regulated by the load current without significantly increasing conduction loss over the entire load range. The operation principle of the proposed converter is discussed in detail and further simplification of the proposed topology is suggested. The design method of key parameters is carefully depicted. Finally, the operation and performance of the proposed converter are verified on a 1 kW/54 V, 100 kHz prototype.

Effect of Carrier Frequency and Circuit Resistance on Iron Loss of Electrical Steel Sheet Under Single-Phase Full-Bridge PWM Inverter Excitation

The pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter has been used for the control of a motor since the rotating speed can be changed efficiently and easily. In order to estimate the iron loss in an iron core with sufficient accuracy under a PWM inverter excitation, it is necessary to understand correctly the influence of operating condition and circuit parameter on iron losses. In this paper, we measured magnetic properties of the nonoriented electrical steel sheet excited by a single-phase full-bridge PWM inverter using a ring specimen that corresponds to a magnetic circuit of an actual motor core. The effect of the carrier frequency and circuit resistance on the iron loss and the behavior of minor loops was examined. It is shown that the iron loss is increased when the circuit resistance is increased due to the generation of minor loops. Therefore, the circuit resistance should be decreased in an actual motor system.

Behavior of Minor Loop and Iron Loss Under Constant Voltage Type PWM Inverter Excitation

The pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter is widely used for the control of motors. We showed that the iron loss under PWM inverter excitation is affected by the impedance of the excitation circuit. The dc voltage of PWM inverter, which is widely used, is constant and the control of motor is carried out by changing the modulation index. Therefore, the evaluation of iron loss under PWM excitation with constant dc voltage is necessary in order to investigate the behavior of iron loss in an actual motor. In this paper, we measured iron losses of non-oriented electrical steel sheets under the shingle-phase full-bridge PWM inverter excitation and examined the influence of modulation index m, carrier frequency fc and dc voltage Vdc on the iron losses. It is shown that the iron loss under PWM inverter excitation can be reduced when dc voltage Vdc is reduced and modulation index m is increased.

Effect of Carrier Frequency and Circuit Resistance on Iron Loss of Non-oriented Electrical Steel Sheet under Single-phase Full-bridge PWM Inverter Excitation

SUMMARY Because of the development of power electronics technology, pulse width modulation (PWM) inverters are now being used to drive motors in order to achieve precise and energy-efficient control. Precise estimation of the increase in iron loss due to the high harmonic components of flux, including the carrier frequency, is important in the design of motors excited by a PWM inverter. We measured the iron losses of non-oriented electrical steel sheets that were excited using a single-phase full-bridge PWM inverter, and examined the influence of the carrier frequency and circuit resistance on the iron loss. We showed that the iron loss increased because of the generation of minor loops when the circuit resistance was high. Therefore, the circuit resistance should be decreased in an actual motor system.

Control and Design of a Modular Multilevel Cascade BTB System Using Bidirectional Isolated DC/DC Converters

This paper discusses the control and design of the 6.6-kV back-to-back (BTB) system combining bidirectional isolated dc/dc converters and modular multilevel cascade pulsewidth modulation (PWM) converters. The system consists of multiple converter cells connected in cascade per phase at both front ends. Each converter cell consists of a bidirectional isolated medium-frequency dc/dc converter and two voltage-source H-bridge (single-phase full-bridge) PWM converters. Extremely low-voltage steps bring a significant reduction in harmonics and electromagnetic interference emissions to the BTB system. This paper designs, constructs, and tests a single-phase downscaled BTB system rated at 120 V and 3.3 kW to verify the viability and effectiveness, leading to the actual system.

Compact and high repetitive pulsed power modulator based on semiconductor switches

This paper describes the design of a compact and highly repetitive pulsed power modulator based on semiconductor switches. Output specifications of the proposed modulator are as follows: variable output pulse voltage, 1-10 kV; width, 1-10 μs; pulse repetition rate (PRR), 1-50,000 pps; and average output power, 10 kW. The proposed solid-state pulsed power modulator has two main parts: an IGBT stack that hasa gate drive circuit for the pulse output with a variable pulse width and repetition rate, and a capacitor charger that has a controllable output voltage. To connect all the storage capacitors in a series for high voltage pulses, a simple and reliable IGBT stack structure was proposed based on the Marx generator. In addition, the gate driver circuit, which supplies power and signals to all the IGBTs simultaneously, was introduced. This providesa superior protection function against the arc and the short. To charge the storage capacitors, a novel 10 kW (10 kV, 1 A) high voltage capacitor charger with the combined advantage of a series-loaded resonant converter and a ZVS (zero-voltage-switching) full-bridge pulse width modulation (PWM) converter was proposed and designed especially for the solid-state pulsed power modulator. Theexperiment results verified that the proposed scheme and structure can be used effectively for a high voltage pulsed power modulator that requires variable voltage, repetition rate, and pulse width, depending on the process of the applications.

Zero-Voltage-Switching PWM Full-Bridge Converter Employing Auxiliary Transformer to Reset the Clamping Diode Current

Introducing clamping diodes into the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) full-bridge (FB) converters can eliminate the voltage oscillation across the output rectifier diodes; however, the clamping diodes result in increase in conduction loss and suffer from serious reverse recovery at light load. In order to solve these problems, the clamping diode current should be reset rapidly. This paper proposes a scheme of resetting the clamping diode current over the full-load range by introducing an auxiliary transformer into the ZVS PWM FB converter. The operation principles of the proposed scheme under heavy-load and light-load conditions are analyzed in details. The design considerations of the introduced auxiliary transformer are also given. A performance comparison among the proposed scheme of resetting the clamping diode current and other ones are addressed. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the analysis and prove that the proposed converter has improved reliability and reduced conduction loss compared with the classical one.

Zero-Voltage Switching and Soft-Commutating Two-Transformer Full-Bridge PWM Converter Using the Voltage-Ripple

A zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and soft-commutating two-transformer full-bridge pulsewidth modulation converter using the voltage ripple is proposed in this paper. It is based on the phase-shift full-bridge with series-connected two transformers (TTFB) that act as an output inductor as well as a main transformer. Moreover, the TTFB converter achieves the ZVS of all the switches inherently even at a light load using the energy stored in the magnetizing inductance of each transformer. However, it has several drawbacks such as circulating energy during the freewheeling state, loss of duty cycle, and high voltage stress across the output rectifier diodes. To overcome these drawbacks, the proposed converter employs an output-voltage-doubler, allowing the output rectifier diode to softly commutate with less voltage stress, to reduce the freewheeling interval as well as the circulating energy. The operational principle, technical analysis, and design considerations are described. Finally, the experimental results from a 425 W, 385 Vdc /170 Vdc prototype are presented to confirm the operation, validity, and features of the proposed converter.

A New PWM ZVS Full-Bridge Converter

A soft-switched full-bridge (FB) converter that features zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) of the bridge switches over a wide output-load range is introduced. The proposed converter achieves ZVS with substantially reduced duty-cycle loss and circulating current. The control of the proposed converter can be implemented either with the phase-shift or pulsewidth modulated (PWM) technique. The performance of the proposed topology was verified on a 2-kW (48-V/40-A) experimental PWM FB converter prototype operating at 120 kHz from a 380-V dc input

Transformerless Inverter for Single-Phase Photovoltaic Systems

When no transformer is used in a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system, a galvanic connection between the grid and the PV array exists. In these conditions, dangerous leakage currents (common-mode currents) can appear through the stray capacitance between the PV array and the ground. In order to avoid these leakage currents, different inverter topologies that generate no varying common-mode voltages, such as the half-bridge and the bipolar pulsewidth modulation (PWM) full-bridge topologies, have been proposed. The need of a high-input voltage represents an important drawback of the half-bridge. The bipolar PWM full bridge requires a lower input voltage but exhibits a low efficiency. This letter proposes a new high-efficiency topology that generates no varying common-mode voltage and requires the same low-input voltage as the bipolar PWM full bridge. The proposed topology has been verified in a 5-kW prototype with satisfactory results