Alternate forms of the PWM switch models

Vorperian's pulsewidth modulation (PWM) switch model consists of a PWM transformer and a nonlinear resistor. The recognition that any of the three transformer terminals can serve as the common terminal leads to two alternate PWM transformer models and the corresponding two alternate PWM switch models. For a given PWM dc-dc converter, one of the three PWM switch models is more “natural” for graphic-oriented analysis/design, e.g., it allows the idealized converter to be analyzed by inspection. Furthermore, all three PWM transformers may be used to graphically manipulate the converter circuit to a form that can be analyzed by inspection. The alternate forms of the PWM transformers and the PWM switch models are effective as graphic-oriented teaching and learning tools for PWM converters. This is demonstrated using examples based on the boost converter and the Cuk converter     

Improved ZCS-PWM commutation cell for IGBTs application

An improved zero-current-switching pulsewidth-modulated (ZCS-PWM) commutation cell is presented, which is suitable for high-power applications using insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) as the power switches. It provides ZCS operation for active switches and zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) operation for passive switches. Besides operating at constant frequency and reducing commutation losses, the proposed ZCS-PWM switch cell has no additional current stress and conduction loss in the main switch. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed ZCS-PWM commutation cell, it was applied to a boost converter. Operating principle, theoretical analysis, design guidelines, and a design example are described and verified by experiment results obtained from a prototype rated 1 kW and operating at 40 kHz. The PWM switch model and state-space averaging approach is also used to estimate and examine the steady-state and dynamic character of ZCS-PWM boost converter system. Finally, the application of the proposed soft-switching technique in the dc-dc nonisolated converters is presented.     

CIECA: Application to Current Programmed Switching Dc-Dc Converters

Sundstrand Advanced Technology Corporation The current injection equivalent circuit approach (CIECA) to modeling switching converter power stages is extended to model the current programmed converter power stages operating in fixed frequency, continuous inductor conduction mode. To demonstrate the method, modeling is carried out for the buck, boost, and buckboost converters to obtain small-signal linear equivalent circuit models which represent both input and output properties. The results of these analyses are presented in the form of linear equivalent circuit models as well as transfer functions. Though current programmed converters exhibit single-pole response, the addition of artificial ramp changes converters to exhibit well damped two-pole response. This has been investigated for the first time using CIECA. The results of these analyses are presented in the form of linear equivalent circuit models as well as transfer functions.     

Voltage-based maximum power point tracking control of PV system

Photovoltaic (PV) generators exhibit nonlinear v-i characteristics and maximum power (MP) points that vary with solar insulation. An intermediate converter can therefore increase efficiency by matching the PV system to the load and by operating the solar cell arrays (SCAs) at their maximum power point. An MP point tracking algorithm is developed using only SCA voltage information thus leading to current sensorless tracking control. The inadequacy of a boost converter for array voltage based MP point control is experimentally verified and an improved converter system is proposed. The proposed converter system results in low ripple content, which improves the array performance and hence a lower value of capacitance is sufficient on the solar array side. Simplified mathematical expressions for a PV source are derived. A signal flow graph is employed for modeling the converter system. Current sensorless peak power tracking effectiveness is demonstrated through simulation results. Experimental results are presented to validate the proposed method     

Tapped-inductor filter assisted soft-switching PWM DC-DC power converter

A novel high-frequency transformer linked full-bridge type soft-switching phase-shift pulsewidth modulated (PWM) controlled dc-dc power converter is presented, which can be used as a power conditioner for small-scale photovoltaic and fuel cell power generation systems as well as isolated boost dc-dc power converter for automotive ac power supply. In these applications with low-voltage large-current sources, the full-bridge circuit is the most attractive topology due to the possibility of using low-voltage high-performance metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and achieving high efficiency of the dc-dc power converter. A tapped-inductor filter including the freewheeling diode is newly implemented in the output stage of the full-bridge phase-shift PWM dc-dc converter to achieve soft-switching operation for the wide load variation range. Moreover, in the proposed converter circuit, the circulating current is effectively minimized without using additional resonant circuit and auxiliary power switching devices. The practical effectiveness of the proposed soft-switching dc-dc power converter was verified in laboratory level experiment with 1 kW 100 kHz breadboard setup using power MOSFETs. Actual efficiency of 94-97% was obtained for the wide duty cycle and load variation ranges.     

Computer Simulations of Optimum Boost and Buck-Boost Converters

The development of mathematical models suitable for minimum weight boost and buck-boost converter designs are presented. The facility of an augumented Lagrangian (ALAG) multiplier-based nonlinear programming technique is demonstrated for minimum weight design optimizations of boost and buck-boost power converters. ALAG-based computer simulation results for those two minimum weight designs are discussed. Certain important features of ALAG are presented in the framework of a comprehensive design example for boost and buck-boost power converter design optimization. The study provides refreshing design insight of power converters and presents such information as weight and loss profiles of various semiconductor components and magnetics as a function of the switching frequency.     

Stability analysis of parallel DC-DC converters

We develop analytic methodologies for stability analyses (using nonlinear and linear methodologies) of parallel dc-dc converters (under unsaturated and saturated operating conditions) using their switching model, discrete model (based on nonlinear map), and averaged model. We describe the approach for investigating the behavior of the stable and unstable equilibrium solutions of a parallel dc-dc converter under parametric variations and illustrate the methodology using a load-sharing dc-dc buck converter. For unsaturated operating condition, using bifurcation analysis and Floquet theory, we predict the stability boundary of the nominal solution, determine its postinstability dynamics, and investigate the dependence of the converter dynamics on its initial conditions. Subsequently, we demonstrate the differences in the predictions of the instabilities and instability boundaries using (conventional) linearized averaged (small-signal) and discrete and switching models.     

New ZVT-PWM DC/DC converters using active snubber

A novel active snubber soft switching method is proposed. The unique location of the resonant inductor and capacitor ensures low current and voltage stresses in the converter. An analytical study of a boost dc-dc converter with the proposed active snubber method is presented in detail to illustrate its operation principles and design considerations. By simple modification, this soft switching method is also suitable for ac-dc boost topology, especially for high power-factor-correction (PFC) universal interface applications. A 500 W prototype system has been made to simulatively and experimentally verify the performance of the soft switching.     

A Large-Signal Dynamic Simulation for the Series Resonant Converter

A simple nonlinear discrete-time dynamic model for the series resonant dc-dc converter is derived using approximations appropriate to most power converters. This model is useful for the dynamic simulation of a series resonant converter using only a desktop calculator. The model is compared with a laboratory converter for a large transient event.     

An efficient active ripple filter for use in DC-DC conversion

When low ripple is required from a switched mode dc-dc converter, dissipative active filters offer an alternative to passive LC and coupled inductor filters. Analytical and experimental results are presented for a simple active ripple filter. The filter employs a pair of current transformers as sensors for feedforward and feedback control and two metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) as cancellation current drivers. Measurements demonstrate good ripple attenuation up to 5 MHz, more than 70 dB being obtained at 100 kHz, the switching frequency of a test converter. The overall efficiency was measured as 95%, with room for further improvement. The filter is suitable for input and output smoothing in dc-dc converters for aerospace and other critical applications     

Modeling of a new ZVS bi-directional dc-dc converter

A dual half-bridge (DHB) bidirectional dc-dc converter is a new proposed topology that has the advantages of decreased number of devices, soft-switching implementation, low cost, and high efficiency. Typical applications of this converter are the auxiliary power supply in fuel cell vehicles and battery charging and discharging systems where the power density, cost, weight, and reliability are critical factors. A switching-frequency-dependent state-space averaged model of the converter is developed here for either direction of power flow. This averaged model can be used to derive the steady-state characteristics and small signal dynamics of the proposed topology. It also provides a fast simulation tool to investigate the transient response of the converter. The simulated waveforms of the mathematical model are compared with the detailed circuit simulation to verify the accuracy of the modeling.     

Low-Frequency Characterization of Switched dc-dc Converters

Averaging techniques are developed to represent buck, boost, and buck-boost types of switched dc-dc converters by approximate continuous models. Simple analytical expressions in terms of the circuit components are derived for the characteristic transient and frequency responses of time-average(continuous) power-stage models for use in designing and understanding the behavior of corresponding switched power stages. Novel conclusions include the dependence of effective circuit component values upon switch duty ratio and the existence of a real positive zero in certain transfer functions. Responses from analog computer simulations of the switched and averaged powerstages agree well and, in turn, confirm the analytic predictions. High-order systems can be analyzed by the averaging technique without a commensurate increase in complexity.     

Suitability of pulse train control technique for BIFRED converter

Pulse Train/spl trade/ control scheme is presented and applied to a boost integrated flyback rectifier/energy storage dc-dc (BIFRED) converter operating in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), which avoids the light-load high-voltage stress problem. In contrast to the conventional control techniques, the principal idea of Pulse Train technique is to regulate the output voltage using a series of high and low energy pulses generated by the current of the inductor. The applicability of the proposed technique to both the input and magnetizing inductances of BIFRED converter is investigated. Analysis of BIFRED converter operating in DCM as well as the output voltage ripple estimation is given. Experimental results on a prototype converter are also presented.     

Current Injected Equivalent Circuit Approach to Modeling Switching DC-DC Converters

A new current injected equivalent circuit approach (CIECA) to modeling switching dc-dc converter power stages is developed, which starts with the current injected approach and results in either a set of equations which completely describe input and out-put properties or an equivalent linear circuit model valid at small signal, low frequency levels. This approach to modeling switching dc-dc converter power stages has the merits but not the demerits of both the electronic equivalent circuit state space average approach and the current injected control type approach, namely, 1) the modeling is very clear and is simple whether the converter operates in continuous or discontinuous inductor conduction modes, 2) the modeling results in an equivalent circuit which is very close to the actual converter, and 3) the equivalent circuit can be used directly in the computer for theoretical predictions like SPICE, etc.     

A New Resonant Mode Amplifier Produces Clean AC Power

A new resonant mode power amplifier design is described which has a number of advantages over the power amplifiers available today. In particular, it has low or no EMI because of the nature of its operation. The new amplifier design is based upon a resonant mode dc-dc converter used in a push-pull configuration. All the advantages of the resonant mode power converters, such as high efficiency, small size and weight, excellent dynamic performance, low or no EMI (compared to PWM switch mode power converter), etc., are present in this new design.     

Zero dynamics-based design of damping networks for switching converters

A new design technique of the input filter damping network for dc-to-dc switching converters of buck type is presented. This technique is derived by means of zero dynamics analysis of the switching converter and yields equivalent results to those obtained using the classical approach based on minimizing the filter output impedance. The new method can be applied in converters of buck type with two inductors, boost with two inductors and dual SEPIC. Simulation and experimental results corresponding to a boost converter with two inductors illustrate the procedure.     

Battery charger design for the Columbus MTFF power system

A novel pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) dc-dc converter topology is proposed for the battery charge regulator (BCR) of the Columbus Man-Tended Free-Flyer (MTFF) power system. The system is a regulated bus system. Bus voltage control is implemented at the input of the BCR. The use of a conventional buck topology with PWM conductance control at the input results in a second-order behavior. A study of new PWM dc-dc converter topologies has been made to attain a suitable topology. The proposed converter topology is designed and a breadboard including the control loop has been built and tested. The experimental results show that the converter operates according to the design constraints.     

Single-phase power distribution system power flow and faultanalysis

Alternative methods for power flow and fault analysis of single-phase distribution systems are presented. The algorithms for both power flow and fault analysis utilize a generalized approach to network modeling. The generalized admittance matrix, formed using elements of linear graph theory, is an accurate network model for all possible single-phase network configurations. Unlike the standard nodal admittance matrix formulation algorithms, the generalized approach uses generalized component models for the transmission line and transformer. The standard assumption of a common node voltage reference point is not required to construct the generalized admittance matrix. Therefore, truly accurate simulation results can be obtained for networks that cannot be modeled using traditional techniques     

Power factor correction circuits with robust current control technique

A dynamically robust current control method to synthesize a sinusoidal input current for AC-to-DC converters with boost type topology is presented. Under this control strategy, the inductor current and the diode current of the boost converter are fed back and combined in a special way which makes the input current of the AC-to-DC converter stable and robust. The input current is solely determined by the reference current. When the reference current signal is derived from the sinusoidal input voltage, the input current is sinusoidal and in phase with the input voltage. Theoretical analysis is first provided. Small signal analysis shows that the current loop is inherently stable and has a fast dynamic response. Large signal analysis reveals that the control system is not affected by large disturbances in supply voltage or output load. Computer simulations have been carried out and experimental prototype models have been built to verify the analysis and demonstrate the feasibility of the control strategy. A power factor of 0.998 and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of 3.18% are measured.     

State-plane analysis of zero-voltage-switching resonant DC/DCconverters

The state-plane analysis technique is established for the zero-voltage-switching resonant DC/DC power converter family of topologies, namely the buck, boost, buck-boost, Cuk, sepic, and dual-sepic converters. The state plane provides a compression of information, which allows the designer to examine the nonlinear dynamics of resonant converter operation. Utilizing the state plane, modes of resonant converter operation are examined. Expressions are derived for the switching frequencies at the boundaries between these modes and at the boundary of energy conversion