A unified analysis of converters with resonant switches

Quasi-resonant converters are a recently introduced family of single-switch resonant converters featuring zero-current or zero-voltage switching. Recognition of the topological structure uniting these converters — and the PWM converters on which they are based — leads to general models of their dc and low-frequency ac behavior. An expression is derived that yields the dc conversion ratio of a quasi-resonant converter in terms of the well-known conversion ratio of the underlying PWM topology. A small-signal, low-frequency dynamic model is developed whose parameters also incorporate the PWM conversion ratio. The dc and ac models reveal that any quasi-resonant converter with a full-wave resonant switch has dc and low-frequency behavior identical to that of its PWM parent, with switching frequency control replacing duty ratio control. Converters with half-wave resonant switches act more like PWM converters under current programming or discontinuous conduction mode, exhibiting lossless damping in the small-signal model and output resistance at dc

Single-Switch Non-Isolated Resonant DC-DC Converter for Single-Input Dual-Output Applications

This paper describes a new configuration of Cuk and SEPIC (Single-Ended Primary Converter) ZVS-QR (zero-voltage switching quasi-resonant) combination DC-DC converter for bipolar output with a single switch. The proposed topology employs a single ground-referenced power switch, which simplifies the gate drive design with a single L-C resonant network and provides a bipolar output voltage with good regulation, acceptable efficiency and a step-down/up conversion ratio. This configuration provides dual-output voltage by switching the power switch to zero voltage, which is an interesting alternative for many applications where small size, light weight and high power density are very important aspects. In order to verify its performance, a SEPIC–Cuk Combination ZVS-QR prototype with a cost-effective commercial resonant controller was designed and tested. The experimental results show that the proposed combined topology is suitable for Single-Input Dual-Output (SIDO) applications

A general approach to synthesis and analysis of quasi-resonant converters

A method for systematic synthesis of quasi-resonant (QR) topologies by addition of resonant elements to a parent pulse-width modulation (PWM) converter network is proposed. It is found that there are six QR classes with two resonant elements, including two novel classes. More complex QR converters can be generated by a recursive application of the synthesis method. Topological definitions of all known and novel QR classes follow directly from the synthesis method and topological properties of PWM parents. The synthesis of QR converters is augmented by a study of possible switch realizations and operating modes. In particular, it is demonstrated that a controllable rectifier can be used to accomplish the constant-frequency control in all QR classes. Links between the QR converters and the underlying PWM networks are extended to general DC and small-signal AC models in which the model of the PWM parent is explicitly exposed. Results of steady-state analyses of selected QR classes and operating modes include boundaries of operating regions, DC characteristics, a comparison of switching transitions and switch stresses, and a discussion of relevant design trade-offs

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

A Single-Stage LED Driver Based on ZCDS Class-E Current-Driven Rectifier as a PFC for Street-Lighting Applications

This paper presents a light-emitting diode (LED) driver for street-lighting applications that uses a resonant rectifier as a power-factor corrector (PFC). The PFC semistage is based on a zero-current and zero-derivative-switching (ZCDS) Class-E current-driven rectifier, and the LED driver semistage is based on a zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) Class-D LLC resonant converter that is integrated into a single-stage topology. To increase the conduction angle of the bridge-rectifier diodes current and to decrease the current harmonics that are injected in the utility line, the ZCDS Class-E rectifier is placed between the bridge-rectifier and a dc-link capacitor. The ZCDS Class-E rectifieris driven by a high-frequency current source, which is obtained from a square-wave output voltage of the ZVS Class-D LLC resonant converter using a matching network. Additionally, the proposed converter has a soft-switching characteristic that reduces switching losses and switching noise. A prototype for a 150-W LED street light has been developed and tested to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The proposed LED driver had a high efficiency (>91%), a high PF (>0.99), and a low total harmonic distortion (THD i <; 8%) under variation of the utility-line input voltage from 180 to 250 V rms . These experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed LED scheme

A Soft Switched, Single-Switch Electrolytic Capacitor-less Step-Up Converter for Photovoltaic Energy Application

In this thesis, a single switch, electrolytic capacitor-less quasi-resonant step-up DC/DC converter is proposed for solar energy applications. The proposed converter is an improved coupled-magnetic based topology that requires only a single switch. By operating the input inductor of the proposed converter in continuous conduction mode (CCM) the required input capacitance is reduced and hence, allows for a small sized film capacitor to be used. In addition, the proposed circuit is able to achieve a large step-up gain while minimizing the ratio between the peak switch voltage and the circuit output voltage. Two different modes of operation are presented and discussed for the proposed circuit which can achieve a very large gain and a very small peak switch voltage to circuit output voltage ratio simultaneously. A maximum power point tracking controller is also developed to work with the proposed step-up DC/DC converter through the use of variable frequency control scheme. Simulation and experimental results on a proof-of-concept, 35V/380V, 100W, 100kHz, hardware prototype are provided for both modes of operation for fixed and varying light intensities to highlight the merits and performance of the proposed converter

Analysis and design of a modular multilevel converter with trapezoidal modulation for medium and high voltage DC-DC transformers

Conventional dual active bridge topologies provide galvanic isolation and soft-switching over a reasonable operating range without dedicated resonant circuits. However, scaling the two-level dual active bridge to higher dc voltage levels is impeded by several challenges among which the high dv/dt stress on the coupling transformer insulation. Gating and thermal characteristics of series switch arrays add to the limitations. To avoid the use of standard bulky modular multilevel bridges, this paper analyzes an alternative modulation technique where staircase approximated trapezoidal voltage waveforms are produced; thus alleviating developed dv/dt stresses. Modular design is realized by the utilization of half-bridge chopper cells. Therefore, the analyzed converter is a modular multi-level converter operated in a new mode with no common-mode dc arm currents as well as reduced capacitor size, hence reduced cell footprint. Suitable switching patterns are developed and various design and operation aspects are studied. Soft switching characteristics will be shown to be comparable to those of the two-level dual active bridge. Experimental results from a scaled test rig validate the presented concept

Integration of an Active Filter and a Single-Phase AC/DC Converter with Reduced Capacitance Requirement and Component Count

Existing methods of incorporating an active filter into an AC/DC converter for eliminating electrolytic capacitors usually require extra power switches. This inevitably leads to an increased system cost and degraded energy efficiency. In this paper, a concept of active-filter integration for single-phase AC/DC converters is reported. The resultant converters can provide simultaneous functions of power factor correction, DC voltage regulation, and active power decoupling for mitigating the low-frequency DC voltage ripple, without an electrolytic capacitor and extra power switch. To complement the operation, two closed-loop voltage-ripple-based reference generation methods are developed for controlling the energy storage components to achieve active power decoupling. Both simulation and experiment have confirmed the eligibility of the proposed concept and control methods in a 210-W rectification system comprising an H-bridge converter with a half-bridge active filter. Interestingly, the end converters (Type I and Type II) can be readily available using a conventional H-bridge converter with minor hardware modification. A stable DC output with merely 1.1% ripple is realized with two 50-μF film capacitors. For the same ripple performance, a 900-μF capacitor is required in conventional converters without an active filter. Moreover, it is found out that the active-filter integration concept might even improve the efficiency performance of the end converters as compared with the original AC/DC converter without integration

PFC Topologies for AC to DC Converters in DC Micro-Grid

With increasing dominance of renewable energy resources and DC household appliances, the novelty of DC micro grid is attracting significant attention. The key interface between the main supply grid and DC micro grid is AC to DC converter. The conventional AC to DC converter with large output capacitor introduces undesirable power quality problems in the main supply current. It reduces system efficiency due to low power factor and high harmonic distortion. Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuits are used to make supply currents sinusoidal and in-phase with supply voltages. This paper presents different PFC topologies for single phase AC to DC converters which are analyzed for power factor (PF), total harmonic distortion (THD) and system efficiency by varying output power. Two-quadrant shunt active filter topology attains a power factor of 0.999, 3.03% THD and 98% system efficiency. Output voltage regulation of the presented active PFC topologies is simulated by applying a step load. Two-quadrant shunt active filter achieves better output voltage regulation compared to other topologies and can be used as grid interface

Power conditioning techniques

The technological developments required to reduce the electrical power system component weights from the state-of-the-art 2.0 kg/kW to the range of 0.1 to 0.2 kg/kW are discussed. Power level requirements and their trends in aerospace applications are identified and presented. The projected weight and launch costs for a 1MW power converter built using state-of-the-art technology are established to illustrate the need for reliable, ultralightweight advanced power components. The key factors affecting converter weight are given and some of the tradeoffs between component ratings and circuit topology are identified. The weight and launch costs for a 1MW converter using 0.1 kg/kW technology are presented. Finally, the objectives and goals of the Multi-Megawatt Program at the NASA Lewis Research Center, which is funded by the SDIO through the Air Force, are given