Design of a Two-Stage Level-Two Bidirectional On-Board Battery Charger for Plugin Vehicles

Depletion of fossil fuel reserves, increasing awareness of air pollution levels and continuous rise in gasoline prices are some of the major drives that have been revolutionizing the automotive industry since the last decade. These factors combined are causing conventional automobiles with internal combustion engines (ICE) to be replaced with plugin vehicles. The on-board rechargeable battery packs in plugin vehicles can be recharged by connecting to the utility grid using a plug. The energy stored in the on-board battery packs has attractive benefits for grid support, and this promotes the idea of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). V2G power transactions allow energy from the on-board battery packs to be sent back to the utility grid for support in peak shaving and provide reactive power compensation. One natural consequence that arises with the introduction of V2G is a sharp increase in the need for high-performance power electronic interface between the utility grid and the battery pack. Therefore, research on bidirectional battery chargers for plugin vehicles is imperative in order to aid in the promotion of V2G. This thesis focuses on the design and development in a two-stage level-two on-board bidirectional battery charger

Topological issues in single-phase power factor correction

The equipment connected to an electricity distribution network usually needs some kind of power conditioning, typically rectification, which produces a nonsinusoidal line current due to the nonlinear input characteristic. With the steadily increasing use of such equipment, line current harmonics have become a significant problem. Their adverse effects on the power system are well recognized. They include increased magnitudes of neutral currents in three-phase systems, overheating in transformers and induction motors, as well as the degradation of system voltage waveforms. Several international standards now exist, which limit the harmonic content due to line currents of equipment connected to electricity distribution networks. As a result, there is the need for a reduction in line current harmonics, or Power Factor Correction - PFC. In this dissertation, we address several issues concerning the application to single-phase PFC of various high-frequency switching converter topologies. The inherent PFC properties of second-order switching converters operating in Discontinuous Inductor Current Mode - DICM are well known, and Boost converters are widely used. However, their output voltage is always higher than the amplitude of the rectified-sinusoid input voltage. In addition, it is expected that the level of the differential-mode EMI is much higher in DICM, as compared to the Continuous Inductor Current Mode - CICM. Therefore, we first investigated the requirements for the EMI filter for a PFC stage based on a Boost converter operating in DICM. The high-level of differential-mode EMI that is associated with DICM operation prompted our interest to investigate the application of two-switch fourth-order converters for PFC. The switching cell of these converters contains two inductors, which can operate in DICM or in CICM, and one capacitor, which can operate in Discontinuous Capacitor Voltage Mode - DCVM or in Continuous Capacitor Voltage Mode - CCVM. As a consequence, in these topologies several combinations of operating modes can be obtained, which have characteristics that otherwise cannot be obtained in second-order switching converters. We analyze three fourth-order topologies operating in DCVM and CICM, which have both an input current with reduced high-frequency content and an inherent PFC property. One of the converters, i.e. the Buck converter with an LC input filter, is then selected for a more detailed analysis. In addition, a fourth-order topology with galvanic isolation and operating in DCVM and CICM is presented and analyzed, as well. We also consider the operation in CCVM and CICM, which is analyzed for a fourth-order topology with step-down conversion ratio. The 'zero-ripple' technique is applied to obtain an input current having a very low high-frequency content, and average current mode control is used to shape the input current. Methods for improving the efficiency of the PFC stage are addressed, too. We compare several Boost-type topologies that have lower conduction losses than the combined diode bridge and Boost converter, as well as one fourth-order topology that is able to operate with bipolar input voltage, in other words it can perform direct AC/DC conversion. Finally, we propose a novel Zero Voltage Transition - ZVT topology, which reduces the switching losses by creating zero voltage switching conditions at the turn-on of the active switch. This topology can be used in a variety of converters, for DC/DC or PFC applications.reviewe

GaN-Based High Efficiency Transmitter for Multiple-Receiver Wireless Power Transfer

Wireless power transfer (WPT) has attracted great attention from industry and academia due to high charging flexibility. However, the efficiency of WPT is lower and the cost is higher than the wired power transfer approaches. Efforts including converter optimization, power delivery architecture improvement, and coils have been made to increase system efficiency.In this thesis, new power delivery architectures in the WPT of consumer electronics have been proposed to improve the overall system efficiency and increase the power density.First, a two-stage transmitter architecture is designed for a 100 W WPT system. After comparing with other topologies, the front-end ac-dc power factor correction (PFC) rectifier employs a totem-pole rectifier. A full bridge 6.78 MHz resonant inverter is designed for the subsequent stage. An impedance matching network provides constant transmitter coil current. The experimental results verify the high efficiency, high PF, and low total harmonic distortion (THD).Then, a single-stage transmitter is derived based on the verified two-stage structure. By integration of the PFC rectifier and full bridge inverter, two GaN FETs are saved and high efficiency is maintained. The integrated DCM operated PFC rectifier provides high PF and low THD. By adopting a control scheme, the transmitter coil current and power are regulated. A simple auxiliary circuit is employed to improve the light load efficiency. The experimental results verify the achievement of high efficiency.A closed-loop control scheme is implemented in the single-stage transmitter to supply multiple receivers simultaneously. With a controlled constant transmitter current, the system provides a smooth transition during dynamically load change. ZVS detection circuit is proposed to protect the transmitter from continuous hard switching operation. The control scheme is verified in the experiments.The multiple-reciever WPT system with the single-stage transmitter is investigated. The system operating range is discussed. The method of tracking optimum system efficiency is studied. The system control scheme and control procedure, targeting at providing a wide system operating range, robust operation and capability of tracking the optimized system efficiency, are proposed. Experiment results demonstrate the WPT system operation

Advanced high frequency switched-mode power supply techniques and applications

This Thesis examines the operation and dynamic performance of a single-stage, single-switch power factor corrector, S4 PFC, with an integrated magnetic device, IM. Also detailed isthe development and analysis of a high power light emitting diode, HP LED, power factorcorrection converter and proposed voltage regulation band control approach.The S4 PFC consists of a cascaded discontinuous current mode, DCM, boost stage anda continuous current mode, CCM, forward converter. The S4 PFC achieves a high powerfactor, low input current harmonics and a regulated voltage output, utilising a singleMOSFET. A steady-state analysis of the S4 PFC with the IM is performed, identifying theoperating boundary conditions for the DCM power factor correction stage and the CCMoutput voltage regulation stage. Integrated magnetic analysis focuses on understanding theperformance, operation and generated flux paths within the IM core, ensuring the device doesnot affect the normal operation of the converter power stage. A design method for the S4 PFCwith IM component is developed along with a cost analysis of this approach. Analysis predictsthe performance of the S4 PFC and the IM, and the theoretical work is validated by MATLABand SABER simulations and measurements of a 180 W prototype converter.It is not only the development of new topological approaches that drives theadvancement of power electronic techniques. The recent emergence of HP LEDs has led to aflurry of new application areas for these devices. A DCM buck-boost converter performs thepower factor correction and energy storage, and a cascaded boundary conduction current modebuck converter regulates the current through the LED arrays. To match the useful operatinglifetime of the HP LEDs, electrolytic capacitors are not used in the PFC converter. Analysisexamines the operation and dynamic characteristics of a PFC converter with low capacitiveenergy storage capacity and its implications on the control method. A modified regulationband control approach is proposed to ensure a high power factor, low input current harmonicsand output voltage regulation of the PFC stage. Small signal analysis describes the dynamicperformance of the PFC converter, Circle Criterion is used to determine the loop stability.Theoretical work is validated by SABER and MATLAB simulations and measurements of a180 W prototype street luminaire.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServicePSU DesignsDialight LumidrivesGBUnited Kingdo

Técnicas de control robusto basado en modelo de referencia e inyección de la corriente de carga aplicadas a rectificadores monofásicos con corrección activa del factor de potencia

La proliferación en los últimos años de equipos electrónicos conectados a redes de distribución eléctrica, ha provocado la aparición de standards internacionales, como por ejemplo la norma EN 68000-3-2, que regulan la distorsión armónica de baja frecuencia que dichos equipos pueden introducir en la red. En este contexto, los rectificadores con alto factor de potencia constituyen una de las soluciones más adecuadas para reducir la distorsión armónica de la corriente consumida de la red eléctrica. En su versión monofásica y cuando no se requiere devolver energía a la red, los rectificadores con alto factor de potencia suelen implementarse mediante la asociación en cascada de un rectificador pasivo (diodos) y un convertidor dc-dc de tipo boost. Un lazo de regulación de corriente se encarga de mantener la distorsión de la corriente de entrada próxima a cero, recibiendo una señal de consigna de un lazo de regulación de la tensión de salida. Este último lazo se encarga de mantener la tensión de salida cercana a un cierto valor de referencia. El problema más documentado en la literatura al respecto es la pobre respuesta dinámica del lazo de regulación de tensión, debido a que dicho lazo debe ser extremadamente lento para no producir distorsión en la corriente de entrada. En esta tesis se propone la aplicación de las técnicas de control Robust Model Following (RMF) y Load Injection Current (LI2) al diseño del lazo de regulación de la tensión de salida. Dichas técnicas permiten reducir considerablemente la impedancia de salida del convertidor en lazo cerrado, sin que se requiera aumentar la velocidad de respuesta del lazo de tensión. En consecuencia, mejoran de forma notable la respuesta dinámica del convertidor sin distorsionar la corriente de entrada. Una ventaja adicional de las técnicas propuestas es su bajo coste de implementación, lo que las convierte en una alternativa muy interesante para ser implementadas en equipos industriales.Benavent García, JM. (2010). Técnicas de control robusto basado en modelo de referencia e inyección de la corriente de carga aplicadas a rectificadores monofásicos con corrección activa del factor de potencia [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/8684Palanci

Challenges of Inductive Electric Vehicle Charging Systems in both Stationary and Dynamic Modes

Inductive power transfer as an emerging technology has become applicable in wide power ranges including Electric Vehicle, Electric Aircraft, wheelchair, cellphone, scooter and so on. Among them, inductive Electric Vehicle (EV) charging has gained great interest in the last decade due to many merits namely contactless technology, more convenience, full automotive charging process. However, inductive EV charging systems could bring about so many issues and concerns which are addressed in this dissertation. One of the critical challenges addressed in this dissertation is a virtual inertia based IPT controller to prevent the undesirable dynamics imposed by the EVs increasing number in the grid. Another adverse issue solved in this dissertation is detecting any metal object intrusions into the charging zone to the Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) systems before leading to heat generation on the metal or risk of fire. Moreover, in this dissertation, a new self-controlled multi-power level IPT controller is developed that enables EV charging level regulation in a wide range of power; suitable for different applications from golf-cart charging system (light duty EV) to truck (heavy duty EV). The proposed controller has many merits including easy to be implemented, cons-effective, and the least complexities compared to conventional PWM methods. Additionally, in this dissertation, the online estimation of IPT parameters using primary measurement including coupling factor, battery current and battery voltage is introduced; the developed method can find immediate applications for the development of adaptive controllers for static and dynamic inductive charging systems. Finally, the last objective of this research is physics-based design optimization techniques for the magnetic structures of inductive EV charging systems for dynamic application (getting charged while in motion). New configuration of IPT transmitting couplers with objective of high-power density, low power loss, low cost and less electromagnetic emission are designed and developed in the lab

Power Quality

Electrical power is becoming one of the most dominant factors in our society. Power generation, transmission, distribution and usage are undergoing signifi cant changes that will aff ect the electrical quality and performance needs of our 21st century industry. One major aspect of electrical power is its quality and stability – or so called Power Quality. The view on Power Quality did change over the past few years. It seems that Power Quality is becoming a more important term in the academic world dealing with electrical power, and it is becoming more visible in all areas of commerce and industry, because of the ever increasing industry automation using sensitive electrical equipment on one hand and due to the dramatic change of our global electrical infrastructure on the other. For the past century, grid stability was maintained with a limited amount of major generators that have a large amount of rotational inertia. And the rate of change of phase angle is slow. Unfortunately, this does not work anymore with renewable energy sources adding their share to the grid like wind turbines or PV modules. Although the basic idea to use renewable energies is great and will be our path into the next century, it comes with a curse for the power grid as power fl ow stability will suff er. It is not only the source side that is about to change. We have also seen signifi cant changes on the load side as well. Industry is using machines and electrical products such as AC drives or PLCs that are sensitive to the slightest change of power quality, and we at home use more and more electrical products with switching power supplies or starting to plug in our electric cars to charge batt eries. In addition, many of us have begun installing our own distributed generation systems on our rooft ops using the latest solar panels. So we did look for a way to address this severe impact on our distribution network. To match supply and demand, we are about to create a new, intelligent and self-healing electric power infrastructure. The Smart Grid. The basic idea is to maintain the necessary balance between generators and loads on a grid. In other words, to make sure we have a good grid balance at all times. But the key question that you should ask yourself is: Does it also improve Power Quality? Probably not! Further on, the way how Power Quality is measured is going to be changed. Traditionally, each country had its own Power Quality standards and defi ned its own power quality instrument requirements. But more and more international harmonization efforts can be seen. Such as IEC 61000-4-30, which is an excellent standard that ensures that all compliant power quality instruments, regardless of manufacturer, will produce of measurement instruments so that they can also be used in volume applications and even directly embedded into sensitive loads. But work still has to be done. We still use Power Quality standards that have been writt en decades ago and don’t match today’s technology any more, such as fl icker standards that use parameters that have been defi ned by the behavior of 60-watt incandescent light bulbs, which are becoming extinct. Almost all experts are in agreement - although we will see an improvement in metering and control of the power fl ow, Power Quality will suff er. This book will give an overview of how power quality might impact our lives today and tomorrow, introduce new ways to monitor power quality and inform us about interesting possibilities to mitigate power quality problems. Regardless of any enhancements of the power grid, “Power Quality is just compatibility” like my good old friend and teacher Alex McEachern used to say. Power Quality will always remain an economic compromise between supply and load. The power available on the grid must be suffi ciently clean for the loads to operate correctly, and the loads must be suffi ciently strong to tolerate normal disturbances on the grid