Nowadays, power electronics is an enabling technology in the energy conversion development scenario [...

Musumeci S.

Energies

English

PORTO@iris (Publications Open Repository TOrino - Politecnico di Torino)

17 October 2023POLITECNICO DI TORINORepository ISTITUZIONALESpecial Issue “Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters” / Musumeci, S.. - In: ENERGIES. - ISSN1996-1073. - 15:4(2022). [10.3390/en15041565]OriginalSpecial Issue “Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters”Publisher:PublishedDOI:10.3390/en15041565Terms of use:Publisher copyright(Article begins on next page)This article is made available under terms and conditions as specified in the  corresponding bibliographic description inthe repositoryAvailability:This version is available at: 11583/2980029 since: 2023-07-07T11:45:28ZMDPICitation: Musumeci, S. Special Issue“Advanced DC-DC PowerConverters and SwitchingConverters”. Energies 2022, 15, 1565.https://doi.org/10.3390/en15041565Received: 7 February 2022Accepted: 11 February 2022Published: 20 February 2022Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutralwith regard to jurisdictional claims inpublished maps and institutional affil-iations.Copyright: © 2022 by the author.Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.This article is an open access articledistributed under the terms andconditions of the Creative CommonsAttribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).energiesEditorialSpecial Issue “Advanced DC-DC Power Converters andSwitching Converters”Salvatore MusumeciEnergy Department “Galileo Ferraris” (DENERG), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24,10129 Torino, Italy; salvatore.musumeci@polito.it1. IntroductionNowadays, power electronics is an enabling technology in the energy conversiondevelopment scenario. Furthermore, power electronics is strictly linked with several fieldsof technological growth, such as consumer electronics, IT and communications, electricalnetworks, utilities, industrial drives, robotics, transport system, and automotive. Moreover,the widespread use of power electronics enables cost savings and minimization of losses inseveral technology applications required for sustainable economic growth. The topologiesof DC-DC power converters and switching converters are under continuous developmentand deserve special attention to highlight the advantages for use increasingly orientedtowards green and sustainable development.DC-DC converter topologies are developed to achieve higher efficiency, reliable con-trol switching strategies, and fault-tolerant configurations. Switching converter topologiesare divided into isolated DC-DC converter and non-isolated DC-DC converter solutionsoperating in hard-switching and soft-switching conditions. Switching converters haveapplications in a broad range of power rate levels. The articles presented in the SpecialIssue titled “Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters” consoli-date the work on the investigation of the switching converter topologies considering thetechnological advances offered by innovative wide-bandgap devices and performanceoptimization methods in control strategies. Furthermore, the use of passive componentssuch as high-frequency isolation transformers is considered and deeper investigated.The articles addressing switching converters follow the general trend topics of thepower electronics applications and sustainable development such as:• New switching converter topologies;• Control and optimization of switching converter circuits;• Innovative power devices in switching converter applications;• Modelling of Advanced DC-DC and common switching converters;• Switching converters in smart grid applications and energy transmission systems;• Advanced switching converters for renewable energy conversion;• Innovative DC-DC converters for energy storage systems;• Switching converters in automotive and traction systems.From an overview of the articles presented, the issues of the role of converters in thegeneration of renewable energy and optimization in smart electricity grids, together withthe problems of recharging batteries for both microgrid energy storage systems, as well asin electric traction are predominant.In the paper contributions, arise also the key role of new wide-band-gap semiconductordevices in the advanced circuital topologies, that allow a significant impact on improvingthe power converters’ energy efficiency.Therefore, the topics covered in the articles described in the following section leadtoward the development of power electronic switching converters more and more efficiently,with reduced volume and acceptable costs for sustainable growth, in several areas of energyconversion, and storage, as well as of the electrical power systems.Energies 2022, 15, 1565. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15041565 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/energiesEnergies 2022, 15, 1565 2 of 52. Overview of the ContributionsThe various topics-addressed by the articles included in this special issue-reflectsome of the current trends in place in the power electronics field. By narrowing the fieldto better classify the articles presented, they can be framed in the following three mainapplication topics:• Renewable Energy conversion;• Microgrid system and energy storage applications;• Automotive and sustainable transport areas.Some papers cover two of the above main topics considered. This shows how switch-ing converters are fundamental building bricks for the development of these technologicalareas belonging to the evolution of electrical energy conversion.The next subsections describe and specify the role of every article in advancing thestate of the art concerning the corresponding topic.2.1. Renewable Energy ConversionIn the field of renewable energy solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy conversiontechnologies lead to wide research opportunities in green energy source use.In the first paper, “Interleaved High Step-Up DC-DC Converter with Voltage-Lift andVoltage-Stack Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems” [1], the authors (Shin-Ju Chen et al.)describes an innovative topology of an interleaved high step-up DC-DC converter forapplications in PV generation systems. The topology configuration is composed of three-winding coupled inductors, voltage multiplier cells, and a clamp circuit. The operationconditions in steady-state conditions are presented and critically described. The advanceand drawbacks of the proposed converter solution are focused on the PV application.Furthermore, a reduced scale of an actual converter prototype (1kW of the power rate) ispresented to evaluate experimentally the operation and the effectiveness of the proposedconverter topology.In the paper “Computationally Efficient Modeling of DC-DC Converters for PV Appli-cations” by Fabio Corti et al. modeling of the PV system combined with the power converteris explored to allow a viable pre-design methodology with lowered computational effort.In the modeling approach described the one-diode model for photovoltaic (PV) devices iscombined with the converter model according to the state-space formulation. Furthermore,an accurate steady-state detection methodology is developed [2]. Moreover, the modelingprocedure is experimentally validated to demonstrate its accuracy and usefulness.The third contribution described is the article titled, “Evaluation of a Three-PhaseBidirectional Isolated DC-DC Converter with Varying Transformer Configurations Us-ing Phase-Shift Modulation and Burst-Mode Switching” by N.S. Mohd Sharifuddin et al.The paper describes a Three-Phase Bidirectional Isolated DC-DC Converter used mainlyin solid-state transformers (SST). Several high-frequency transformer configurations indifferent power transfer conditions in continuous and intermittent switching have beeninvestigated [3]. The topological structure of dual-active bridge (DAB) with Phase-Shiftmodulation, presented, can be included in all three macro-areas of the application fields.The Three-Phase Bidirectional Isolated DC-DC Converter (3P-BIDC) is an advantageoushigh-efficiency and volume-reduced interface between renewable source generation sys-tems with the power grid. Furthermore, the proposed 3P-BIDC converter is usefullyapplicable for energy storage applications in renewable energy systems.2.2. Microgrid System and Energy Storage ApplicationsMicrogrids and energy storage systems are increasingly receiving considerable atten-tion and interest due to their profitable characteristics for modern power systems with thepossibility of operating both in grid-connected mode and in a stand-alone mode. In thiswide and rapidly growing area of energy conversion, the development of power devicesand converter topologies is increasing the quality and quantity of applications. In the firstcontribution on this topic, the article “A Multi-Input-Port Bidirectional DC/DC ConverterEnergies 2022, 15, 1565 3 of 5for DC Microgrid Energy Storage System Applications”, by Binxin Zhu et al. a bidirectionalDC/DC converter with multi-input-port characteristics for the energy storage systems inDC microgrid is presented [4]. The converter topology solution is able to connect variousenergy storage batteries to the DC bus at the same time. The proposed converter systemfeatures the advantages of low switch voltage stress and high voltage conversion gain. Inthe paper contribution, a scaled two-input-port experimental prototype of low power rate(200 W) is tested to evaluate the correctness of the theoretical analysis of the describedmulti-port converter.In continuity with the previous contribution, the article “From Non-Modular to Modu-lar Concept of Bidirectional Buck/Boost Converter for Microgrid Applications” by MichalFrivaldsky et al. shows an extensive comparative study on DC/DC converters bidirectionalbuck/boost (bi-BB) of both modular (or multiport) and non-modular types [5]. Variousaspects related to applications in microgrids are analyzed and compared. In addition, anin-depth characterization for SiC and GaN technology-based converters (modular lowvoltage GaN-based non-modular high voltage SiC-based dual-interleaved converter) iscarried out. In the comparative study, the main factors are taken into consideration such asthe efficiency, the overall volume of the system, the ripple of the output voltage, and theripple of the input current, as well as the costs. These parameters characterize the qualityand applicability of modern converters for microgrid systems.Electronic power converters are beginning to replace many traditional electrical andelectromagnetic devices such as power switches, transformers, and synchronous generatorsfor power grid stabilization. As already described in the previous paragraph, DABs topolo-gies with high-frequency transformers can be used in modern. SST arrangement. The SSTcompared with the traditional magnetic transformer operating at industrial frequency, fur-nished accessible DC buses, and is possible to adjust the AC ports voltages independentlyas reported in [3].Furthermore, Virtual Synchronous Machines (VSM) is a developing topic to achievea novel approach for emulating the inertia effect of traditional synchronous machines.In modern power systems, the advanced and emerging control techniques for grid-tiedconverters are addressed to investigate some regulation arrangements such as cascadedcontrollers (e.g., voltage and current) and virtual synchronous generators (VSGs). TheVSG is a type of device in the broader group of VSM. In this emerging topic, in the article“State-Space Modeling Techniques of Emerging Grid-Connected Converters”, by FabioMandrile et al. a survey of the requirements of power electronics modeling in powersystems are carried out. In this deep investigation, the converter model is based on theComponent Connection Method (CCM). The CCM procedure is explained in detail and isapplied to achieve an accurate VSG model. The obtained model is validated experimentallyto demonstrate the practical accuracy of such used approach [6].2.3. Automotive and Sustainable Transport AreasElectric vehicles are now a rapidly developing actual technological system in sustain-able mobility. This technological evolution is an unavoidable and effective transition togreen growth. Indeed, the electrification transition is permeating every transport sectorsuch as the naval and aviation. In this section, the articles explore some topics on this wideinnovative scenario. In the first paper, “SiC-MOSFET and Si-IGBT-Based dc-dc InterleavedConverters for EV Chargers: Approach for Efficiency Comparison with Minimum Switch-ing Losses Based on Complete Parasitic Model-ing”, the authors (Jelena Loncarski et al.)investigate the improvement aspect of power device technology in power converters de-voted to the EV energy storage management, highlighting the impact on efficiency anddynamic characteristic. Silicon Car-bide advanced MOSFET (SiC-MOSFET) and pure Sili-con (Si) IGBT performance is compared in interleaved DC-DC topology for the EV chargingsystem. The analysis is carried out in a wide range of switching frequency and outputinductances. The several benefits of SiC-MOSFET in the used converter on the wide testrange considered are clearly demonstrated [7].Energies 2022, 15, 1565 4 of 5In the second paper, “A Tool for Evaluating the Performance of SiC-Based BidirectionalBattery Chargers for Automotive Applications”, by Giuseppe Aiello et al. a procedureto simulate an electronic power converter for control design and optimization purposesin bidirectional battery chargers’ application is proposed. The SiC-MOSFETs are used asswitches in the power converter system [8].The bidirectional battery chargers considered are composed of two power stages.The first stage consists of a single-phase AC/DC power factor correction synchronousrectifier to connect the charger to the grid. The second stage is a phase shift DC/DCdual active bridge. The power converter presented is considered to manage bidirectionalpower flows.The converter development based on a model-based simulation approach discussedin the paper is crucial to simplifying and making effective the different converter designphases for these strategic applications in the field of energy storage in automotive.The third article, “Power Scalable Bi-Directional DC-DC Conversion Solutions forFuture Aircraft Applications” focuses on an interesting topic concerning an innovativeaspect of the use of electrification in-flight systems. The starting point for the investigationbegins from the consideration that in future on-board energy distribution networks, theso-called high voltage DC power supplies (typically +/−270 V) will be introduced.Future aircraft power distribution systems will most likely also include energy storagedevices (possibly batteries) for emergency backup and engine starting. As a result, newDC-DC conversion solutions are needed, capable of interfacing the traditional low voltage(28V) DC bus with the new 270 V bus.The authors, Antonio Lamantia et al. deal with the design and testing of bidirectionalDC-DC converters to interconnect and manage the power transfer between the two buslevels, also allowing for the addition of energy storage devices. The converter designconstraints depend on the need for reduced volume, high efficiency, and reliability as wellas the requirement for a considerable degree of flexibility in the power transfer capabilities,and several numbers of inputs/outputs. Additionally, the paper investigates the use ofadvanced wide-band-gap (WBG) solid-state technology, particularly silicon carbide, for useas high-frequency switches within the bi-directional converter on the high-voltage side [9].3. ConclusionsThe collection of articles in this Special Issue provides indications on some directionsof development of the current research in the field of advanced DC-DC power convertersand switching converters. The electrical energy conversion for sustainable developmentis the fil rouge that links the nine articles. Three macro-areas are identified to collect thepapers presented• Renewable Energy conversion;• Microgrid system and energy storage applications;• Automotive and sustainable transport areas.Energy conversion via switching converters plays a crucial role in the development ofthese necessary technological areas related to the growth of the human community.In these progress scenarios, the articles contribute to offering a clear and competentpoint of view that allows the growth of new ideas to continue the tireless work of appliedresearch, fundamental for technological development.Finally, the analysis and results presented, while not exhaustive, move in the directionof a further step towards continuous improvement to which we are all called in ourresearch work.Each small research contribution acts in the growth of the quality of life for the well-being of present and especially future generations.Funding: This research received no external funding.Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.Energies 2022, 15, 1565 5 of 5References1. Chen, S.-J.; Yang, S.-P.; Huang, C.-M.; Chen, Y.-H. Interleaved High Step-Up DC–DC Converter with Voltage-Lift and Voltage-StackTechniques for Photovoltaic Systems. Energies 2020, 13, 2537. [CrossRef]2. Corti, F.; Laudani, A.; Lozito, G.M.; Reatti, A. Computationally Efficient Modeling of DC-DC Converters for PV Applications.Energies 2020, 13, 5100. [CrossRef]3. Mohd Sharifuddin, N.S.; Tan, N.M.L.; Akagi, H. Evaluation of a Three-Phase Bidirectional Isolated DC-DC Converter withVarying Transformer Configurations Using Phase-Shift Modulation and Burst-Mode Switching. Energies 2020, 13, 2836. [CrossRef]4. Zhu, B.; Hu, H.; Wang, H.; Li, Y. A Multi-Input-Port Bidirectional DC/DC Converter for DC Microgrid Energy Storage SystemApplications. Energies 2020, 13, 2810. [CrossRef]5. Frivaldsky, M.; Kascak, S.; Morgos, J.; Prazenica, M. From Non-Modular to Modular Concept of Bidirectional Buck/BoostConverter for Microgrid Applications. Energies 2020, 13, 3287. [CrossRef]6. Aiello, G.; Cacciato, M.; Gennaro, F.; Rizzo, S.A.; Scarcella, G.; Scelba, G. A Tool for Evaluating the Performance of SiC-BasedBidirectional Battery Chargers for Automotive Applications. Energies 2020, 13, 6733. [CrossRef]7. Mandrile, F.; Musumeci, S.; Carpaneto, E.; Bojoi, R.; Dragičević, T.; Blaabjerg, F. State-Space Modeling Techniques of EmergingGrid-Connected Converters. Energies 2020, 13, 4824. [CrossRef]8. Loncarski, J.; Monopoli, V.G.; Cascella, G.L.; Cupertino, F. SiC-MOSFET and Si-IGBT-Based dc-dc Interleaved Converters for EVChargers: Approach for Efficiency Comparison with Minimum Switching Losses Based on Complete Parasitic Modeling. Energies2020, 13, 4585. [CrossRef]9. Lamantia, A.; Giuliani, F.; Castellazzi, A. Power Scalable Bi-Directional DC-DC Conversion Solutions for Future AircraftApplications. Energies 2020, 13, 5470. [CrossRef]

Special Issue “Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters”

Salvatore Musumeci

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Special Issue “Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters”

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