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9 pages, 237 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Energy Conversion Using Electronic Power Converters: Technologies and Applications

by Salvatore Musumeci

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3590; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083590 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1479

Abstract

Nowadays, energy conversion plays a crucial role in sustainable growth and development [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

Research

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27 pages, 5733 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Double-Switch SEPIC-Buck Topology for Renewable Energy Applications

by Walid Emar, Haitham Issa, Hasan Kanaker, Osama Fares and Hani Attar

Energies 2024, 17(1), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010238 - 02 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 694

Abstract

In addition to their conventional use in electric motor drives, DC-DC converters have a variety of other uses, such as energy storage, energy conversion, cyber security systems, uninterruptible power supplies, and renewable energy systems. An innovative DC-DC converter is suggested in this article. [...] Read more.

In addition to their conventional use in electric motor drives, DC-DC converters have a variety of other uses, such as energy storage, energy conversion, cyber security systems, uninterruptible power supplies, and renewable energy systems. An innovative DC-DC converter is suggested in this article. Designing a new, high-gain DC-DC converter scheme known as a double-switch SEPIC-buck converter (DSSB) is possible after making some adjustments to the SEPIC converter that is currently known in accordance with accepted techniques. The output voltage magnitude of the proposed converter is either larger than or less than the input voltage magnitude and is the same sign as the input voltage. According to the theoretical and analytical study that has been supported by the real-world application, high voltage gain, low switching stress, and low inductor current ripple are the main characteristics of the proposed DSSB converter. The related small-signal model was also used to build the closed-loop system. The frequency response and output voltage behavior were investigated when the input source voltage abruptly changed as a step function. Based on the comparison study with other DC-DC converters, the DSSB converter outperforms currently known DC-DC converters such as Buck, SEPIC, Boost, Buck-Boost, and other SEPIC converter topologies in terms of voltage gain, harmonic content, normalized current ripple, dynamic performance, and efficiency. Additionally, the frequency response and control of the proposed converter using an alternate current (AC), small-signal, analysis-based, current-mode control technique are both provided. Thus, the DSSB is regarded as safe in overcurrent situations because of the small-signal analysis with the current control strategy. As a result of the verification of the proposed control technique, the resistance to changes in the DSSB parameters, improved dynamic performance, and higher control accuracy are further advantages of current-mode control based on small-signal analysis over other control approaches (PI controllers). Finally, the experimental and simulation results from Simplorer 7 and MATLAB/Simulink are used to validate the findings of the analytical and comparative investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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17 pages, 7872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Simple and Economical System for Automatic Near-Field Scanning for Power Electronics Converters

by Sebastiano Grasso, Salvatore Bellinvia, Nunzio Salerno and Santi Agatino Rizzo

Energies 2023, 16(23), 7868; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16237868 - 01 Dec 2023

Viewed by 593

Abstract

Electromagnetic compatibility issues must be considered from the early steps in the design of electronic devices. A specific topic is the near-field emission generated by the device due to the traces on a printed circuit board and the specific routing. The analysis of [...] Read more.

Electromagnetic compatibility issues must be considered from the early steps in the design of electronic devices. A specific topic is the near-field emission generated by the device due to the traces on a printed circuit board and the specific routing. The analysis of near-field emission is essential to detect potential electromagnetic interference with nearby devices. This problem is crucial in high power density applications. Therefore, especially in these applications, it is necessary to optimize the circuit and the layout to minimize the generated noise. The design and construction of systems able to scan volumes to determine the spatial distribution of electrical E and/or magnetic B fields in the near-field region of a device under test is a very complex process. The realization of equipment that explores a given surface at a given distance from the device is easier. The main purpose of this paper is to show how it is possible to build a cheap two-dimensional scanner, starting from simple hardware not explicitly designed for near-field scan operations. The presented firmware and software solution can map, with good accuracy, the spatial distribution of fields B and E on a fixed plan close to the board. Finally, the developed system has been used in a GaN-based bi-directional DC/DC Converter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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22 pages, 12156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zero-Voltage-Switching Analysis Model of the Triple-Active-Bridge Converter

by Hyung-Jun Byun, Jung-Min Park, Junsin Yi and Chung-Yuen Won

Energies 2023, 16(23), 7763; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16237763 - 24 Nov 2023

Viewed by 704

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) region of a Triple-Active-Bridge (TAB) converter with five degrees of freedom. A TAB converter is an isolated converter derived from a dual-active-bridge (DAB) converter and composed of three full bridges (FBs) coupled to three winding [...] Read more.

This study aims to analyze the zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) region of a Triple-Active-Bridge (TAB) converter with five degrees of freedom. A TAB converter is an isolated converter derived from a dual-active-bridge (DAB) converter and composed of three full bridges (FBs) coupled to three winding transformers. To reduce the switching loss of the 12 active switches that compose 3 FBs, the ZVS operation is essential. However, owing to the numerous operation modes derived by five-phase shift ratios, ZVS analysis is complicated, particularly in the time domain. Therefore, this study presents the ZVS analysis model of the TAB converter based on the generalized harmonic approximation (GHA). Through the GHA of a TAB converter, the proposed model consists of unified formulas applicable to all operating ranges of the converter. Unified formulas consider all parameters, such as series inductance, port voltage, parasitic capacitance, transformer voltage, and turn ratio. In the proposed model, the ZVS area is confirmed using five-phase ratios with voltage modulation ratios as variables and verified using MATLAB and experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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19 pages, 20341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Dynamic Transition Algorithm Integrated with Hybrid Modulation for CLLC Resonant Converters

by Jiaxin Qian, Huipin Lin, Hongtao Tong, Mingyu Gao and Zhiwei He

Energies 2023, 16(20), 7173; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16207173 - 20 Oct 2023

Viewed by 761

Abstract

The CLLC resonant converter is a widely used bidirectional power converter known for its high energy transfer efficiency. To extend its operating range, the converter often employs a hybrid modulation strategy, which is valued for its simplicity and efficiency. However, at the critical [...] Read more.

The CLLC resonant converter is a widely used bidirectional power converter known for its high energy transfer efficiency. To extend its operating range, the converter often employs a hybrid modulation strategy, which is valued for its simplicity and efficiency. However, at the critical transition point between pulse frequency modulation and phase-shift modulation, instability in the output can be observed due to repetitive and unnecessary mode changes caused by noise. In order to address this issue, this paper introduces a dynamic transition algorithm integrated with hybrid modulation. This approach adaptively updates the controller parameters to mitigate oscillations resulting from improper initial parameter settings. Additionally, it incorporates error analysis and hysteresis comparison to prevent false triggers caused by noise, enabling intelligent mode adjustments. Finally, a 1 kW prototype is designed to conduct experiments, demonstrating an approximately 50% improvement in dynamic performance when the converter operates with the dynamic transition algorithm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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31 pages, 13172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LLC Resonant Converters as Isolated Power Factor Corrector Pre-Regulators—Analysis and Performance Evaluation

by Matteo Sucameli and Claudio Adragna

Energies 2023, 16(20), 7114; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16207114 - 16 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1111

Abstract

The power supply of many applications running off the power line is made up of an isolated dc-dc converter powered by a front-end power factor corrector (PFC) stage. The PFC stage ensures compliance with the electromagnetic compatibility regulations but does not usually provide [...] Read more.

The power supply of many applications running off the power line is made up of an isolated dc-dc converter powered by a front-end power factor corrector (PFC) stage. The PFC stage ensures compliance with the electromagnetic compatibility regulations but does not usually provide safety isolation since it is typically implemented with a boost converter. Lately, the increase in multi-output power supplies, especially in lighting and USB Power Delivery applications, has raised the need for an isolated PFC at power levels where currently there is not an industry standard solution. This isolated PFC is intended to power one or more non-isolated post-regulators to enable a substantial simplification of the overall architecture and a cost reduction. The usage of an LLC resonant converter as an isolated PFC has been considered and demonstrated only quite recently, raising the industry’s attention due to the favorable converter’s characteristics that have led to its success as a dc-dc converter. This paper provides two significant contributions. Firstly, it provides a quantitative assessment of the difference in the results obtained by designing an LLC-based PFC converter based on the first harmonic approximation analysis or the time-domain analysis by applying them to the design of the same converter. Secondly, it demonstrates that designing an LLC-based PFC converter to work also in the above-resonance region optimizes its performance by reducing the (magnetizing) reactive current in the resonant tank and, therefore, the rms currents on both the input and the output side and the related power loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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19 pages, 6438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Analysis of a Supercapacitor DC-Link in Photovoltaic Conversion Applications

by Fabio Corti, Antonino Laudani, Gabriele Maria Lozito, Martina Palermo, Michele Quercio, Francesco Pattini and Stefano Rampino

Energies 2023, 16(16), 5864; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16165864 - 08 Aug 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 734

Abstract

In this work, a dynamic analysis describing the charge and discharge process of a supercapacitor for the DC-link between a photovoltaic source and a constant power load is presented. The analysis results in a complete nonlinear and dynamic model that can be used [...] Read more.

In this work, a dynamic analysis describing the charge and discharge process of a supercapacitor for the DC-link between a photovoltaic source and a constant power load is presented. The analysis results in a complete nonlinear and dynamic model that can be used for simulation and control for DC–DC converters, achieving fast recharge times and accurate steady-state voltages in the DC link to avoid overcharging the supercapacitor during low power absorption scenarios. The proposed approach includes parasitic elements for the supercapacitor and efficiency effects on the conversion stage, proposing equations useful for design and control. Stability is also discussed for the charge process of the supercapacitor. Validation of the analytical model is performed by comparison with LTSpice simulation, confirming a good agreement between theory and simulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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25 pages, 10812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Boost Converter with Main Switch Possessing ZVT and ZCT and Auxiliary Switch Possessing ZCS

by Kuo-Ing Hwu, Zhi-Fan Lin and Pei-Ching Tseng

Energies 2023, 16(14), 5504; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145504 - 20 Jul 2023

Viewed by 638

Abstract

In this paper, a zero-voltage and zero-current transition (ZVZCT) boost converter is presented with a small number of auxiliary components, such as a resonant capacitor, a resonant inductor and an auxiliary power switch, to produce a main power switch with both zero-voltage switching [...] Read more.

In this paper, a zero-voltage and zero-current transition (ZVZCT) boost converter is presented with a small number of auxiliary components, such as a resonant capacitor, a resonant inductor and an auxiliary power switch, to produce a main power switch with both zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and zero-current switching (ZCS). Furthermore, the auxiliary power switch also has zero current switching. In addition, a look-up table is employed to implement an auto-tuning technique to regulate the trigger position and turn-on time of the auxiliary power switch, to further improve efficiency, especially at light load, thereby making the overall efficiency of the converter present a horizontal curve. Moreover, in terms of the system control, the digital controller is implemented directly from the z-domain, and the field programmable gate array (FPGA) is utilized as the system control kernel to achieve a fully digitalized control system. The simulated results are used to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed converter, whereas the experimental results are used to verify its effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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21 pages, 5892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of an Adaptive Method for Changing the Frequency Division of the Counter Clock Signal in a Frequency-to-Code Converter

by Dariusz Świsulski and Piotr Warda

Energies 2023, 16(14), 5399; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145399 - 15 Jul 2023

Viewed by 727

Abstract

Processing physical quantities into an indirect signal is a standard method of transferring information about the measured quantity to the master system, which analyzes the data obtained from the acquisition system. The intermediate signal is very often the voltage, but another transmission medium [...] Read more.

Processing physical quantities into an indirect signal is a standard method of transferring information about the measured quantity to the master system, which analyzes the data obtained from the acquisition system. The intermediate signal is very often the voltage, but another transmission medium can be the frequency of the output signal of the “physical quantity-to-frequency” converter. The article presents the implementation of the adaptive method of selecting the clock signal frequency of the counter working in the converter. The issue of selecting the clock signal frequency for the required processing range of the transducer is discussed in detail. The application of the method using the STM32L476RG microcontroller is presented. The principle of checking the processing range of the developed transducer model is discussed. The algorithms of transducer operation in basic and adaptive modes of measuring the period of the variable frequency signal are proposed. The results of operation, in both modes, of the transducer model of frequency processing are presented, along with the metrological analysis of the results. The influence of selected approximations used to reconstruct the measured quantity on the final presentation of the measurement result is discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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18 pages, 11953 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Family of Zero-Voltage-Transition Magnetic Coupling Bidirectional DC/DC Converters

by Shanshan Wang, Ming Gao and Jianjiang Shi

Energies 2023, 16(12), 4760; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16124760 - 16 Jun 2023

Viewed by 711

Abstract

In this paper, a family of zero-voltage-transition (ZVT) magnetic coupling bidirectional DC/DC converters (BDCs) is proposed. The coupling inductor has two functions: to serve as a filter; and to provide the auxiliary current. In addition, the phase-shifting control method is used to reduce [...] Read more.

In this paper, a family of zero-voltage-transition (ZVT) magnetic coupling bidirectional DC/DC converters (BDCs) is proposed. The coupling inductor has two functions: to serve as a filter; and to provide the auxiliary current. In addition, the phase-shifting control method is used to reduce the conduction loss of the auxiliary circuit. The auxiliary switches are all working under zero-current-switching (ZCS) conditions; thus, all the switches have no switching loss. Furthermore, compared with the traditional ZVT implementation method based on the coupled inductor, this topology avoids the input source current notch and has a smaller ripple. Finally, a prototype of 800 W BDC is built to verify the feasibility of the proposed topology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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14 pages, 3898 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quasi-Resonant Single-Switch High-Voltage-Gain DC-DC Converter with Coupled Inductor and Voltage Multiplier Cell

by Giordano Luigi Schiavon, Eloi Agostini, Jr. and Claudinor Bitencourt Nascimento

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3874; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093874 - 03 May 2023

Viewed by 1220

Abstract

This paper introduces a quasi-resonant high-efficiency high-step-up DC–DC converter requiring a reduced number of components. The proposed circuit uses a coupled inductor associated with voltage multiplier cells to ensure high-voltage-gain operation without the necessity of an extremely high number of turns ratio. Quasi-resonant [...] Read more.

This paper introduces a quasi-resonant high-efficiency high-step-up DC–DC converter requiring a reduced number of components. The proposed circuit uses a coupled inductor associated with voltage multiplier cells to ensure high-voltage-gain operation without the necessity of an extremely high number of turns ratio. Quasi-resonant operation guarantees zero current switching (ZCS) for some diodes of the converter. A detailed steady-state analysis is carried out aiming at the adequate design of the circuit. Experimental results taken from the testing of a 400 W prototype operating in closed loop with an input voltage range of 25–48 V, output voltage of 400 V and switching frequency of 100 kHz validate the analysis carried out and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed converter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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17 pages, 7019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A High Frequency Multiphase Modular Hybrid Transformerless DC/DC Converter for High-Voltage-Gain High-Current Applications

by Hu Xiong, Jiayuan Li, Bin Xiang, Xiaoguang Jiang and Yuan Mao

Energies 2023, 16(6), 2518; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16062518 - 07 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1128

Abstract

In order to meet the demands of desirable efficiency, transformerless DC/DC equipment with great voltage step-down are inevitable needed. This research offers a unique type of high-frequency, high-voltage-gain DC/DC converter, which comprises a switched capacitor (SC) converter and a buck converter. Thanks to [...] Read more.

In order to meet the demands of desirable efficiency, transformerless DC/DC equipment with great voltage step-down are inevitable needed. This research offers a unique type of high-frequency, high-voltage-gain DC/DC converter, which comprises a switched capacitor (SC) converter and a buck converter. Thanks to the transformation of a two-stage converter to a single-stage converter, it has a considerable ratio of step-down voltage transformation and a reasonable duty cycle. In addition, it can permit low voltage stress on the switches. The simple control method and easy driving circuit implementation makes it scalable for high-power-level devices. Low cost can be realized as fewer components are needed. Under all operational circumstances, total soft-charging and low equipment voltage stresses are accomplished. Compared to those classic high-voltage-gain converters, the proposed converter exhibits merits of higher efficiency, higher flexibility, lower ripples, and lower costs. A comprehensive analysis is carried out for the converter’s steady-state operations. With a 1 MHz switching frequency, a 900 W prototype of a 20-time converter is constructed, with a peak efficiency of 92.5%. Simulations and experiments verify the effectiveness of the theoretical investigation of the converter’s operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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19 pages, 9087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Steady-State Analysis and Optimal Design of an LLC Resonant Converter Considering Internal Loss Resistance

by Jeong-Sang Yoo, Yong-Man Gil and Tae-Young Ahn

Energies 2022, 15(21), 8144; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15218144 - 01 Nov 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1784

Abstract

In this paper, a steady-state model of an LLC resonant half-bridge converter with internal loss resistance is proposed, in order to maximize power conversion efficiency, and steady-state characteristic equations of DC voltage gain and input impedance are derived for the optimal design of [...] Read more.

In this paper, a steady-state model of an LLC resonant half-bridge converter with internal loss resistance is proposed, in order to maximize power conversion efficiency, and steady-state characteristic equations of DC voltage gain and input impedance are derived for the optimal design of the converter. First, to confirm the validity of the steady-state characteristic equation and the optimal design process, a prototype converter with a maximum output of 2 kW was designed. Through comparison of simulation, calculation, and experimental results obtained from the prototype test, it is shown that the calculation results proposed in this paper were closer to the experimental results than the calculation results obtained under the lossless condition. In addition, the relationship between the switching frequency and the load current of the prototype was compared, in order to determine the operating range of the switching frequency, which is important in the converter design stage. In this case, it was confirmed that the calculated value reflecting the internal loss showed a close result. In conclusion, we confirm the usefulness of the analysis results reflecting the internal loss resistance proposed in this paper and the optimal design process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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13 pages, 1854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature Characteristic Analysis of the Output Intrinsically Safe Buck Converter and Its Design Consideration

by Yan Li, Shulin Liu, Zhenqin Liang, Yuqing Zhang and Yijun Shen

Energies 2022, 15(19), 7308; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15197308 - 05 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1122

Abstract

Aiming at the unreliability resulting from ignoring the temperature effect and randomness of switching frequency in the traditional design method of an intrinsically safe Buck converter, a reliable design method based on the minimum frequency and considering the temperature characteristic is proposed. The [...] Read more.

Aiming at the unreliability resulting from ignoring the temperature effect and randomness of switching frequency in the traditional design method of an intrinsically safe Buck converter, a reliable design method based on the minimum frequency and considering the temperature characteristic is proposed. The theoretical design range of capacitance is deduced according to the maximum output ripple voltage and output intrinsic safety performance requirements. Considering the temperature characteristics of the capacitor, the actual maximum and minimum capacitances are obtained corresponding to the theoretical design capacitance within a given temperature range. It is pointed out that the actual minimum capacitance increases with the decrease of switching frequency, while the actual maximum capacitance is independent of frequency. Therefore, it can be deduced that there exists a minimum frequency which can meet the requirements of both output ripple voltage and intrinsically safe performance. When the actual maximum capacitance equals the actual minimum capacitance, the analytic expression of the minimum frequency is obtained. Assuming a capacitance adjustment, the actual working frequency of the converter corresponding to the minimum frequency is deduced. The design flow of an intrinsically safe Buck converter based on the minimum switching frequency considering the temperature characteristic is presented. The correctness of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the proposed design method are verified by experimental results. This design method can also be applied to other types of intrinsically safe converters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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Other

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18 pages, 3693 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperPerspective

Gallium Nitride Power Devices in Power Electronics Applications: State of Art and Perspectives

by Salvatore Musumeci and Vincenzo Barba

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3894; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093894 - 04 May 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4696

Abstract

High-electron-mobility transistors based on gallium nitride technology are the most recently developed power electronics devices involved in power electronics applications. This article critically overviews the advantages and drawbacks of these enhanced, wide-bandgap devices compared with the silicon and silicon carbide MOSFETs used in [...] Read more.

High-electron-mobility transistors based on gallium nitride technology are the most recently developed power electronics devices involved in power electronics applications. This article critically overviews the advantages and drawbacks of these enhanced, wide-bandgap devices compared with the silicon and silicon carbide MOSFETs used in power converters. High-voltage and low-voltage device applications are discussed to indicate the most suitable area of use for these innovative power switches and to provide perspective for the future. A general survey on the applications of gallium nitride technology in DC-DC and DC-AC converters is carried out, considering the improvements and the issues expected for the higher switching transient speed achievable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters II)

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