Multifunctional Grid-Connected Multimodule Power Converters Capable of Operating in Single-Pulse and PWM Switching Modes

Pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) techniques equip power converters with unique features such as input-output linearity and control flexibility. Nevertheless, frequent switching of semiconductor switching devices causes considerable switching loss, and therefore makes traditional two-level PWM converters inappropriate for high-power applications. Two alternatives for building modular structures, namely multipulse and multimodule PWM converters were introduced to provide not only voltage and current sharing among the semiconductor switching devices, but also a high-quality output voltage at a much lower switching frequency. While multipulse converters offer minimal switching losses, low-order harmonic neutralization, and the best utilization of the inverter, multimodule PWM converters give control flexibility and power structure simplicity. This paper combines these two, and preserves the advantages of both multipulse and multimodule PWM converters. This not only provides an additional degree of freedom for voltage control, but also enables the converter to operate in PWM mode during transient and in single-pulse mode during the steady state. For the PWM switching mode, a special space vector strategy of 3 p.u. switching frequency is presented to maximize the voltage utilization and maintain a linear transfer characteristic. The power structure and control methods are analyzed, and validated by simulation and experimentally.     

Voltage and current stress reduction in single-stage power factorcorrection AC/DC converters with bulk capacitor voltage feedback

Single-stage power factor correction (PFC) AC/DC converters integrate a boost-derived input current shaper (ICS) with a flyback or forward DC/DC converter in one single stage. The ICS can be operated in either discontinuous current mode (DCM) or continuous current mode (CCM), while the flyback or forward DC/DC converter is operated in CCM. Almost all single-stage PFC AC/DC converters suffer from high bulk capacitor voltage stress and extra switch current stress. The bulk capacitor voltage feedback with a coupled winding structure is widely used to reduce both the voltage and current stresses in practical single-stage PFC AC/DC converters. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the bulk capacitor voltage feedback, including the relationship between bulk capacitor voltage, input current harmonics, voltage feedback ratio, and load condition. The maximum bulk capacitor voltage appears when the DC/DC converter operates at the boundary between CCM and DCM. This paper also reveals that only the voltage feedback ratio determines the input current harmonics under DCM ICS and CCM DC/DC operation. The theoretical prediction of the bulk capacitor voltage as well as the predicted input harmonic contents is verified experimentally on a 60 W AC/DC converter with universal-line input     

An improved family of ZVS-PWM active-clamping DC-to-DC converters

A new family of DC-to-DC converters featuring clamping action, PWM modulation and soft-switching (ZVS) in both active and passive switches, is proposed to overcome the limitations of clamped mode DC-to-DC converters. The new family of converters is generated and the new circuits are presented. As the resonant circuits absorb all parasitic reactances, including transistor output capacitance and diode junction capacitance, these converters are suitable for high-frequency operation. Principle of operation of the boost converter, theoretical analysis, simulation and experimental results are presented, taken from a laboratory prototype rated at 1600 W, input voltage of 300 V, output voltage of 400 V, and operating at 100 kHz. The measured efficiency at full load was 98%     

Cascaded Multilevel Inverter With Regeneration Capability and Reduced Number of Switches

Multilevel converters are a very interesting alternative for medium and high power drives. One of the more flexible topologies of this type is the cascaded multicell converter. This paper proposes the use of a single-phase reduced cell suitable for cascaded multilevel converters. This cell uses a reduced single-phase active rectifier at the input and an H-bridge inverter at the output side. This topology presents a very good performance, effectively controlling the waveform of the input current and of the output voltage and allowing operation in the motoring and regenerative mode. The results presented in this paper confirm that this medium voltage inverter effectively eliminates low frequency input current harmonics at the primary side of the transformer and operates without problems in regenerative mode.     

双槽结构模变换器的研究

为了能够有效地分析双槽结构模变换器的传输特性,建立了由一段波纹圆波导连接的2个对称模变换器的分析模型,分析了模变换器的等效导纳特性,并由其等效导纳特性优化选取了其槽深、槽宽,深入研究了入口半径、槽数等因素对模变换器传输性能的影响,总结了各因素对模变换器驻波性能影响的规律,优选了入口半径,给出了该模变换器实现TE11模向HE11模平稳过渡所需要的槽数,结论均可用于指导工程设计.     

Novel Current-Mode AC/AC Converters With High-Frequency AC Link

A novel circuit-topology family of the current-mode AC/AC converter with high-frequency AC link, based on a Flyback converter, is proposed. These circuit topologies, which can transfer one unregulated sinusoidal voltage with high total harmonic distortion (THD) into another regulated constant-frequency sinusoidal voltage with low THD, are composed of input cycloconverter, high-frequency storage transformer, and output cycloconverter. The circuit-topology family includes single four-quadrant power switch mode, push-pull mode, half-bridge mode, and full-bridge mode circuits. The single four-quadrant power switch mode and push-pull mode converters are suitable for low input voltage fields, but the half-bridge mode and full-bridge mode converters are suitable for high input voltage fields. The operational mode, steady principle, and transient voltage feedback control strategy of the kind of converter are investigated. The output characteristic curve, its relation to internal resistance, and the design criteria for the key circuit parameters are given. The theoretical analysis and the test result of the 500 VA 220 V 15% 50 HzAC/220 V 50 HzAC prototype have shown that the converters have advantages such as high-frequency galvanic isolation, simple topology, two-stage power conversion [low frequency alternating current (LFAC)/high frequency alternating current (HFAC)/LFAC], bidirectional power flow, high efficiency, high power density, low THD of the output voltage, strong adaptability to various loads, higher line power factor, low audio noise, etc.     

Adaptive pseudo-continuous conduction mode operation schemes and circuit designs for single-inductor multiple-output switching converters

As single-inductor multiple-output (SIMO) switching converters proliferate in integrated power management designs, pseudo-continuous conduction mode (PCCM) operation with freewheel switching has been well adopted owing to its effectiveness on cross-regulation, voltage ripple and switching noise issues, especially in heavy load scenarios. However, the technique faces a direct challenge in unbalanced loading conditions. Potential lengthy freewheel switching periods and high I _dc current levels could lead to conduction and switching power losses, degrading the efficiency of the converters. To alleviate this problem, this paper presents adaptive PCCM operation schemes with the respective distributed and unified freewheel switching schemes. The optimal freewheel switching durations are achieved in various load conditions by adaptively adjusting the phase durations and freewheel switching I _dc current level, thereby reducing the conduction and switching losses effectively. The switching power loss is further reduced by turning on/off the freewheel switch less frequently, without compromising the performance of operation. The proposed schemes have been implemented and verified in digital and analog-based SIMO power converters designed with 130?nm CMOS process.     

A Compensation Technique for Smooth Transitions in a Noninverting Buck–Boost Converter

With the advent of battery-powered portable devices and mandatory adoption of power factor correction, noninverting buck-boost converters are garnering lots of attention. Conventional two-switch or four-switch noninverting buck-boost converters choose their operation modes by measuring input and output voltage magnitude. The criterion for the selection of the operation mode can cause higher output voltage transients in the neighborhood, where input and output are close to each other. For the mode selection, due to the voltage drops raised by the parasitic components, it is not enough just to compare the magnitude of input and output voltages. In addition, the difference in the minimum and maximum effective duty cycles between controller output and switching device yields discontinuity at the instant of mode change. Moreover, the different properties of output voltage versus a given duty cycle of buck and boost operating modes contribute to the output voltage transients. In this paper, the effect of the discontinuity due to the effective duty cycle derived from the device switching time at the mode change is analyzed. A technique to compensate the output voltage transient due to this discontinuity is proposed. In order to attain additional mitigation of output transients and a linear input/output voltage characteristic in buck and boost modes, the linearization of DC gain of the large-signal model in boost operation is analyzed as well. Analytical, simulation, and experimental results are presented to validate the proposed theory.     

Output plane analysis of load-sharing in multiple-module convertersystems

This paper explores the origin of the DC current-sharing problem of parallel-converter systems and the dual problem of voltage sharing in series-converter systems. Both problems may be studied by examining the output plane (output current versus output voltage) of a particular converter. It is shown that strict current source behavior is unnecessary for good current sharing in parallel-converter systems. Furthermore, a broad class of converters whose output voltage is load-dependent, i.e., those that have a moderate value of output resistance, all exhibit good voltage- and current-sharing characteristics. Such converters are often suitable for a×b arrays of converters that can meet a large range of power-conversion requirements. The output planes of discontinuous mode PWM converters as well as conventional and clamped series resonant converters are examined in detail. A simple small-signal model of the modular converter system is developed. Experimental confirmation of load sharing and the small-signal model is given for the clamped series resonant converter and the series resonant converter for various configurations of four converters     

State-plane analysis of zero-current-switching resonant DC/DC powerconverters

The state-plane analysis for the buck, boost, buck/boost, and Cuk zero-current-switching resonant DC/DC power converters is presented. Simple visual criteria are introduced to determine whether the converter is operating in a mode producing voltage conversion. It is shown that the voltage conversion takes place within the converters if and only if both horizontal and vertical straight-line segments are present in the state-plane graph. The boundary of energy conversion is identified from the state plane by the evaporation of one or both straight-line segments. Formulas are found for the normalized switching frequency at this boundary that depend on the value of normalized switching voltage     

Adaptive current-threshold detector for an adaptive on-time Buck converter at light load

The adaptive on-time control technique has been tremendously utilized in DC–DC converters for its fast transient response, easier design and high efficiency at light load. In some applications the output voltage ripple of DC–DC converters has to be maintained within an acceptable level to achieve superior performance, which depends largely on the load current for adaptive on-time buck converters when operating in discontinuous conduction mode. This paper proposes an adaptive current-threshold detection method for reducing the output voltage ripple. An actual detector circuit is presented to implement the method. This circuit monitors the relationship between the peak inductor current and the load current at light load. Then it outputs a logic signal which controls the turn-on time of the main power MOSFET and hence the peak inductor current. Therefore, the magnitude of the output voltage ripple is controlled. The current-threshold detection method has been verified in an adaptive on-time buck converter by simulation and experimental results. The proposed method can also be used in other constant on-time converters.     

A Fast Transient Recovery Module for DC–DC Converters

This paper presents a novel fast transient recovery module to improve the transient response of dc–dc converters to meet the challenging power supply requirement of fast dynamic load changes. The current-pump module operates only at transient state to provide additional current injection and current drain for step-up and step-down loads, respectively. The dual-mode control is proposed to switch the voltage control mode of dc–dc converters to hysteretic control mode during transient. The measurement results show that the fast transient recovery module and dual-mode control can improve the recovery time of dc–dc converters by more than an order.      

Active voltage clamp in flyback converters operating in CCM mode under wide load variation

Active clamp topologies of low power dissipation have become a very attractive solution in order to limit overvoltages in flyback converters. Although many suitable topologies have been introduced for the case of discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), where the duty cycle value depends on the load level, in continuous conduction mode (CCM) it is more difficult to appropriately design such topologies so as to "sense" load changes-due to the small duty cycle divergence under wide load variation. Taking for granted that in order to achieve high power-factor correction in these converters, CCM is a more attractive mode of operation, a drastic solution for this case that will manage to eliminate voltage stresses under wide load changes has become very essential. For this purpose, this paper presents an active clamp topology with small power dissipation, suitable for flyback converters operating in CCM mode. Its main idea is the use of a load-dependent current source, consisting of an auxiliary converter operating in DCM mode. Experimental results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed topology under wide load changes, establishing it as an appropriate solution in order to develop flyback converters, even at the power range of 500 W.     

Buck型变换器的线性化小信号补偿前馈控制

为减小由输入电源扰动引起的输出电压工频纹波,改善DC/DC变换器动态性能,根据平均变量建模思想,为电压型PWM控制的Buck型变换器建立连续导电工作模式（CCM）下统一的平均变量等效电路。分析等效电路并根据前馈控制的不变性原理提出Buck型变换器针对输入电压扰动的线性化小信号补偿前馈控制原理及实现方法,采用该方法的Buck型变换器可快速补偿输入电压扰动,加快变换器在输入电压扰动时的动态调节过程,显著减小输出电压中包括工频在内的低频纹波,改善变换器的动态性能。仿真研究结果验证了文中线性化小信号补偿前馈控制原理、方法及其分析的正确性。     

A unified analysis of PWM converters in discontinuous modes

Three discontinuous operating modes of PWM (pulsewidth modulated) converters are considered: the discontinuous inductor current mode (DICM), the discontinuous capacitor voltage mode (DCVM), and a previously unidentified mode called the discontinuous quasi-resonant mode (DQRM). DC and small-signal AC analyses are applicable to all basic PWM converter topologies. Any particular topology is taken into account via its DC conversion ratio in the continuous conduction mode. The small-signal model is of the same order as the state-space averaged model for the continuous mode, and it offers improved predictions of the low-frequency dynamics of PWM converters in the discontinuous modes. It is shown that converters in discontinuous modes exhibit lossless damping similar to the effect of the current-mode programming     

Extending the tapped-inductor DC-to-DC converter family

Two new members of the family of switched mode converters employing tapped inductors are identified. The input to output voltage ratio for buck, boost and buck-boost converters with all possible tapping arrangements are analysed in terms of the tap position and switch duty cycle. Practical test results for the new converters are presented     

The uni-polarity phase-shifted controlled voltage mode AC-AC converters with high frequency AC link

A circuit configuration and circuit topological family of voltage mode ac-ac converters with high frequency ac links, which are based on forward converters, and a uni-polarity phase-shifted control strategy are proposed and deeply investigated. These kinds of converters consist of a input cycloconverter, a high frequency transformer, an output cycloconverter, input and output filters, and can transfer an unsteady ac voltage with a high harmonic into steady same-frequency ac sinusoidal voltage with a low harmonic. By using uni-polarity phase-shifted control strategy, output filtering inductance current is naturally commutated, and zero voltage switching of the output cycloconverter is realized. The converters' averaging model, the output characteristic curve, and design criteria for the key circuit parameters are given. The theoretical analysis and test result of 1kVA 220V /spl plusmn/ 10% 50Hzac/110V 50Hz ac prototype have shown that the converters have such advantages as high frequency electrical isolation, simple topology, two-stage power conversion (LFAC/HFAC/LFAC), bidirectional power flow, uni-polarity synchronized pulsewidth modulation waveform, high efficiency, high power density, high steady precision, low total harmonic distortion of the output voltage, strong adaptability to various loads, high line power factor, and low audio noise etc.     

Design and analysis of switched-capacitor-based step-up resonant converters

A switched-capacitor-based step-up resonant converter is proposed. The voltage conversion of the converters is in step-up mode. By adding a different number of switched-capacitor cells, different output voltage conversion ratios can be obtained. The voltage conversion ratio from 2 to any whole number can therefore be generated by these switching-capacitor techniques. A resonant tank is used to assist in zero-current switching hence the current spike, which usually exists for classical switched-capacitor can be eliminated. Both high-frequency operations and high efficiency are possible. Generalized analysis and design method of the converters are also presented. Experimental results verified the theoretical analysis.     

频率调制抑制DC／DC变换器EMI的研究

开关电源是采用高速半导体器件来进行电能转换的,开关切换过程中产生的电压电流尖峰造成了严重的EMI问题。常规的DC／DC变换器工作在频率固定的PWM模式下,频谱是离散的,开关频率和低次谐波的能量尖峰很高。文章研究了频率调制技术抑制DC／DC变换器EMI噪声的效果,通过对一台Boost变换器样机进行周期频率调制,证明了频率调制技术对抑制DC／DC变换器EMI的有效性。     

Power factor correction based on diode clamped rectifier

Multilevel converters are recent alternative ways of implementing high power medium voltage applications compared with two-level converters. This paper presents a three-level pulse-width modulation scheme based on the diode clamped rectifier for power factor correction. Eight power switches are employed in the adopted switching mode rectifier. The voltage stress of each power switch is only half of the dc-link voltage. This advantage allows the low voltage stress semiconductor to be used in the high voltage applications. The control scheme is based on a look-up table to achieve high power factor and low current harmonics to meet the harmonic limits of International Electrotechnical Commission standard 1000-3-2. The neutral point voltage balance problem is overcome by using a voltage compensator to reduce the voltage variation under the unbalanced load condition. The proposed control technique illustrates its validity and effectiveness through simulations and experiments.