Zero-voltage-switching buck converter with low-voltage stress using coupled inductor

This study presents a new zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) buck converter. The proposed converter utilises a coupled inductor to implement the output filter inductor as well as the auxiliary inductor which is commonly employed to realise ZVS for switches. Additional magnetic core for the auxiliary inductor in traditional ZVS converters is eliminated and hence reduced cost is achieved. Moreover, thanks to the series connection between the input and output, the switch voltage stress in the steady state is reduced and thus the ZVS operation can be easier achieved. Then the leakage inductor current circulating in the auxiliary switch is decreased, contributing to reduced conduction losses. In particular, low-voltage rating devices with low on-state resistance can be adopted to further improve efficiency in applications with non-zero output voltage all the time, such as the battery charger. Furthermore, the reverse-recovery problem of the diode is significantly alleviated by the leakage inductor of coupled inductor. In the study, operation principle and steady-state analysis of the proposed converter are presented in detail. Meanwhile, design considerations are given to obtain circuit parameters. Finally, simulations and experiments on a 200 W prototype circuit validate the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed converter

Power loss investigation in HVDC for cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverters (CHB-MLI)

In the last decade, the use of voltage-source multilevel inverters in industrial and utility power applications has been increased significantly mainly due to the many advantages of multilevel inverters, compared to conventional two level inverters. These advantages include: 1) higher output voltage at low switching frequency, 2) low voltage stress (dv/dt), 3) lower total harmonic distortion (THD), 4) less electro-magnetic interference (EMI), 5) smaller output filter, and 6) higher fundamental output. However, the computation of multilevel inverter power losses is much more complicated compared to conventional two level inverters. This paper presents a detailed investigation of CHB-MLI losses for HVDC. Different levels, and IGBT switching devices have been considered in the study. The inverter has been controlled using selective harmonic elimination in which the switching angles were determined using the Genetic Algorithm (GA). MATLAB-SIMULINK is used for the modelling and simulation. This investigation should result in a deeper knowledge and understanding of the performance of CHB-MLI using different IGBT switching devices

Precise modelling of switching and conduction losses in cascaded h-bridge multilevel inverters

Nowadays, voltage source multilevel inverters are being used extensively in industry due to its many advantages, compared to conventional two level inverters, such as higher output voltage at low switching frequency, low voltage stress(dv/dt), lower total harmonic distortion (THD), less electro-magnetic interference (EMI), smaller output filter and higher fundamental output. However, the evaluation of multilevel inverter losses is much more complicated compared to two level inverters. This paper proposes an on-line model for precise calculation of conduction and switching losses for cascaded h-bridge multilevel inverter. The model is simple and efficient and gives clear process of loss calculation. A singlephase 7-level cascaded h-bridge with IGBT's as switching devices has been used as a case study of the proposed model. The inverter has been controlled using selective harmonic elimination in which the switching angles were determined using the Genetic Algorithm (GA). MATLAB-SIMULINK is used for the modelling and simulation

Quasi Z-source NPC inverter for PV application

This paper presents the operating principles and modified space vector modulation strategy for a three-phase quasi Z-source neutral point clamped inverter for solar photovoltaic applications. This topology combines the advantages of the neutral point clamped and quasi Z-source inverters. These advantages include single-stage buck-boost power conversion, continuous input current, and low voltage stress of switches. Simulation results are presented to verify the presented concepts

isolated soft switched boost dc dc converter with low voltage stress and high step up ratio

This study presents a novel soft-switched isolated boost converter which can provide a high-step-up ratio and high efficiency with low-voltage stress for portable application as well as a photovoltaic-assisted converter system. A lossless active clamp snubber circuit helps in achieving zero-voltage-switching turn-off and zero-current-switching (ZCS) turn-on of the main switch and ZCS turn-off of diodes that reduce switching losses. An auxiliary switch with an energy recovery circuit helps to increase power conversion efficiency and reduces switching stress across the main switch. The proposed idea is simulation through computer-assisted software PSIM 9.1.1 and validated experimentally through a designed prototype 250 W direct current (DC)–DC converter

A wide input-voltage range quasi-Z source boost DC-DC converter with high voltage-gain for fuel cell vehicles

A quasi-Z-source Boost DC-DC converter which uses a switched-capacitor is proposed for fuel cell vehicles. The topology can obtain a high voltage gain with a wide input-voltage range, and requires only a low voltage stress across each of the components. The performance of the proposed converter is compared with other converters which use Z-source networks. A scaled-down 400V/400W prototype is developed to validate the proposed technology. The respective variation in the output voltage is avoided when the wide variation in the input voltage happens, due to the PI controller in the voltage loop, and a maximum efficiency of 95.13% is measured

Performance Enhancement of High Step-up DC-DC Converter to Attain High Efficiency and Low Voltage Stress

This study proposes a new high voltage gain and high-efficiency DC-DC converter to interface renewable energy resources into dc nanogrid. The proposed topology is formed by a coupled inductor to achieve high voltage gain and low stress on the active switch. The switch voltage stress is significantly low compared to the output voltage. Thus, efficiency is improved by utilizing a low voltage rating MOSFET. Furthermore, the utilization of couple inductor eliminated the reverse recovery losses of diodes. The converter consists of the least number of components that decrease the overall system cost. The steady-state operation and analysis of the proposed converter are discussed comprehensively. The experimental performance is verified by building and testing a prototype in the laboratory. The experimental results prove the consistency with the theoretical analysis. The converter depicts a peak efficiency of 97.10% in the laboratory

Single-stage single-switch isolated PFC regulator with unity power factor, fast transient response, and low-voltage stress

Author name used in this publication: Chi K. TseVersion of RecordPublishe

Electrical instability of A-Si:H/SiN thin film transistors : a study at room temperature and low voltage stress

The thesis shows the results of four years of research into the electrical stability of a-Si:H/SiN TFTs. Various methods of investigation of a-Si:H/SiN TFTs have been carried out in this thesis towards understanding the causes of degradation that shortens the transistor lifetime and narrows the transistor application area. The research aims to cast light on the mechanism responsible for a-Si:H/SiN TFTs degradation during short and long period of voltage stress at room temperature