Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Among the soft-switching techniques, the zero-voltage-transition (ZVT) technique has been accepted well by the industry due its attractive characteristics, such as simplicity, low losses in the auxiliary commutation circuit (ACC), operation with soft-switching for a wide load range, and closest operation to the PWM converter counterpart. In three-phase voltage-source inverters (multipole converters), a substantial diversity of ZVT topologies has been proposed to improve the performance of the converters, such as the ZVT circuits with six auxiliary switches, which meet the demand for high efficiency, low current and voltage stresses in semiconductor devices, and operation in high switching frequency. Aiming to make the ZVT multipole converter even more attractive to the industry, many topologies have been proposed to reduce the number of auxiliary switches and, consequently, the cost related to the ACC, by means of an integrated auxiliary circuit that provides conditions to commutate every semiconductor device of the multipole converter under zero-voltage condition. Regrettably, these structures introduce some restrictions on converter operation, such as the requirement for synchronized switching events in the PWM poles, resulting in more complex modulation techniques, with poorer power quality than the six auxiliary switch ZVT. To avoid these restrictions, simplified ACCs have been proposed, where the ACC is simplified individually per PWM pole. An important consequence of this approach is that the PWM poles can be modulated independently in multipole applications, allowing the application of any modulation strategy. However, the known simplified ZVT topologies were derived by multiple attempts due to the lack of a synthesis methodology, as had been proposed to integrated topologies. Thus, this work proposes a novel concept to generate simplified ZVT topologies to each bidirectional PWM pole. With the proposed methodology, the already known simplified ZVT topologies are systematized, as well as new topologies can be derived. Additionally, in order to address the benefits and constraints of integrated and simplified ZVT topologies, in this work a comparison is made between the concepts of integration and simplification of ZVT auxiliary circuits applied to bidirectional PWM poles, where the concepts of each approach are defined, recognizing their main advantages and limitations. So, the modulation strategies, the resulting losses in the main and auxiliary circuits and the harmonic content of the voltage synthesized by two selected topologies are theoretically and experimentally analyzed. Therefore, it is demonstrated that when the load demands a voltage with low harmonic content, the simplified ZVT topologies are indicated. However, when the number of components in the auxiliary circuit is the main concern, the integrated ZVT topologies can be employed. / Entre as técnicas de comutação suave propostas na literatura, a técnica de comutação transição sob tensão nula (Zero-Voltage-Transition ZVT) tem sido bem aceita pela indústria em função de suas características atrativas, como simplicidade, baixas perdas no circuito de auxílio à comutação (CAC), condições de comutação sob zero de tensão asseguradas para uma ampla faixa de cargas e operação próxima a do conversor equivalente dissipativo. Em aplicações com inversores trifásicos alimentados em tensão (conversores multipólos), uma grande variedade de topologias ZVT tem sido proposta no sentido de aprimorar o desempenho dos conversores, como as topologias ZVT com seis chaves semicondutoras auxiliares, as quais atendem a demanda por alta eficiência, baixos esforços de tensão e corrente sobre os dispositivos semicondutores, e operação em freqüências elevadas. Buscando tornar as topologias ZVT aplicadas a conversores multipólos ainda mais atrativas a aplicações industriais, inúmeras topologias ZVT integradas, as quais proporcionam condições de comutação sob zero de tensão a todos os dispositivos semicondutores do conversor por meio de um CAC com um número reduzido de chaves semicondutoras auxiliares, têm sido propostas. Infelizmente, essas estruturas introduzem restrições à operação do conversor, resultando em estratégias de modulação complexas, com um conteúdo harmônico nas tensões sintetizadas superior ao observado nas topologias contendo seis chaves auxiliares. Com o objetivo de evitar as restrições mencionadas, CACs simplificados têm sido propostos, onde o CAC é simplificado individualmente em cada pólo PWM do conversor. Como uma importante conseqüência dessa abordagem, os pólos PWM podem ser modulados independentemente, permitindo a aplicação de qualquer estratégia de modulação convencional. Entretanto, diferentemente das topologias ZVT integradas, para as quais a literatura apresenta propostas de metodologias de síntese, as topologias ZVT simplificadas são obtidas sem um procedimento definido. Assim, esse trabalho propõe um novo conceito para sintetizar topologias ZVT simplificadas aplicadas a cada pólo PWM bidirecional do conversor. Com a metodologia de síntese proposta, as topologias ZVT simplificadas já publicadas são sistematizadas, assim como novas topologias podem ser obtidas. Adicionalmente, com o objetivo de identificar os benefícios e as restrições inerentes às topologias ZVT integradas e simplificadas, esse trabalho propõe uma análise comparativa entre ambas as abordagens, onde os conceitos de cada abordagem são definidos, reconhecendo suas vantagens e limitações. Ainda, as estratégias de modulação, as perdas resultantes nos circuitos principal e auxiliar do conversor, e o conteúdo harmônico das tensões sintetizadas por duas topologias selecionadas são comparados teórica e experimentalmente. Assim, demonstra-se que quando a aplicação demanda um CAC com um reduzido número de componentes auxiliares, as topologias ZVT integradas são as indicadas. Por outro lado, quando a aplicação exige um baixo conteúdo harmônico nas variáveis de interesse, as topologias ZVT simplificadas são a alternativa, já que não comprometem os graus de liberdade na modulação do conversor.

abstract: The most important metrics considered for electric vehicles are power density, efficiency, and reliability of the powertrain modules. The powertrain comprises of an Electric Machine (EM), power electronic converters, an Energy Management System (EMS), and an Energy Storage System (ESS). The power electronic converters are used to couple the motor with the battery stack. Including a DC/DC converter in the powertrain module is favored as it adds an additional degree of freedom to achieve flexibility in optimizing the battery module and inverter independently. However, it is essential that the converter is rated for high peak power and can maintain high efficiency while operating over a wide range of load conditions to not compromise on system efficiency. Additionally, the converter must strictly adhere to all automotive standards. Currently, several hard-switching topologies have been employed such as conventional boost DC/DC, interleaved step-up DC/DC, and full-bridge DC/DC converter. These converters face respective limitations in achieving high step-up conversion ratio, size and weight issues, or high component count. In this work, a bi-directional synchronous boost DC/DC converter with easy interleaving capability is proposed with a novel ZVT mechanism. This converter steps up the EV battery voltage of 200V-300V to a wide range of variable output voltages ranging from 310V-800V. High power density and efficiency are achieved through high switching frequency of 250kHz for each phase with effective frequency doubling through interleaving. Also, use of wide bandgap high voltage SiC switches allows high efficiency operation even at high temperatures. Comprehensive analysis, design details and extensive simulation results are presented. Incorporating ZVT branch with adaptive time delay results in converter efficiency close to 98%. Experimental results from a 2.5kW hardware prototype validate the performance of the proposed approach. A peak efficiency of 98.17% has been observed in hardware in the boost or motoring mode. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Electrical Engineering 2018

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Este trabalho propÃe um conversor com capacitor chaveado para o acionamento de LEDS (Light Emitting Diodes) de potÃncia. Em contraste com circuitos de acionamento convencionais de corrente contÃnua, o pulso de corrente direcionado para os LEDs, à limitado pela potÃncia armazenada no capacitor chaveado. Neste circuito, o capacitor à carregado e descarregado atravÃs do circuito de saÃda e a direÃÃo do fluxo de corrente à controlada pelos interruptores. Baseado na anÃlise do controle de carga, os efeitos do comutaÃÃo no conversor proposto sÃo discriminados e avaliados. Os resultados experimentais demonstram a viabilidade tÃcnica de utilizar o conversor proposto para LEDs. / This paper proposes a switched-capacitor converter to drive power light emitting diodes (LEDs). In contrast to conventional constant dc current drivers, the current pulse is provided by this switched-capacitor LED driver. In the present driver, the capacitor is charged and discharged through of the output circuit and the current flow direction is controlled by switch. Based on the charge control analysis, the effects of switching devices on the proposed converter are discriminated and evaluated. The experimental results demonstrated the technical feasibility of using the proposed converter for LEDs.

Les Alimentations Sans Interruption sont utilisées pour assurer la qualité et la continuité de l'énergie fournie aux charges sensibles. Basées sur deux conversions d'énergie électrique, ces alimentations supportent en permanence la puissance de la charge, rendant crucial leur rendement. Cette thèse a exploré différentes voies d'amélioration du rendement du commutateur assurant la conversion : le choix des composants semi-conducteurs, celui de la structure de conversion et du mode de fonctionnement. Le filtrage a été pris en compte sans faire l'objet d'investigations poussées. La méthode d'estimation du rendement, exploitant des données des constructeurs, a permis de quantifier l'impact et les limites de chaque voie explorée. Plusieurs structures de conversion multi-niveaux en commutation douce ont été développées, utilisant un pôle résonant. Enfin, plusieurs expérimentations ont validé les modèles utilisés, le concept du pôle résonant et la réalisation d'un prototype fonctionnel de 125 kVA. / The Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are used to supply such critical load with a high level of quality and continuity. The topology based on two consecutive converters providing permanently the whole power leading to made the efficiency a key point of the UPS. To improve the efficiency of the semi-conductors part, three ways have been studied in this thesis: The semi-conductor area, the topology of the converter and the switching mode. The filter losses have been taken into account based on the state of the art. The estimation of the efficiency, based on the datasheet from manufacturers, allow quantifying each way. Some soft-switching multi-level topologies have been developped and patented. Finally, experimentations have been made to asses the relevance of the models, the working of new topologies and the efficiency of the proposed 125 kVA UPS.

A worldwide awareness of the environment is accelerating fuel cell vehicle development. With respect to power electronics, special requirement is on the development of high efficiency, high voltage ratio bi-directional DC/DC converter for fuel cell energy system management. In this paper, two bi-directional DC/DC converters, which are developed for Ford Motor Company’s fuel cell vehicle, are compared from different aspects. Comparison is concentrated on the circuit topology and EMI performance. Emphasis is placed on soft-switch, hard-switch, synchronized rectification, auxiliary start-up winding and their effect on EMI performance in this kind of isolated bi-directional converter. Comparison includes circuits analysis and test result. The EMI test setup is described. EMI measurements are given and explained. EMI solutions for bi-directional DC/DC converter are discussed. An EMI filter is designed and final test result is given. / Master of Science

For many decades, engineers and students have heavily depended on simulation packages such as Pspice to run transit and steady-state simulation for their circuits. The majority of these circuits, such as soft switching cells, contain complicated modes of operations that require the Pspice simulation to run for a long time and, finally, it may not reach a convergent solution for these kinds of circuits. Also, there is a need for an educational tool that provides students with a better understanding of circuit modes of operation through state-plan figures and steady-state switching waveforms. The unified steady-state computer aided model proposes a simulation block that covers common unified soft-switching cells operations and can be used in topologies simulation. The simulation block has a simple interface that enables the user to choose the switching cell type and connects the developed simulation model in the desired topology configuration. In addition to the measured information that can be obtained from the circuitry around the unified simulation model, the simulation block includes some additional nodes (other than the inputs and outputs) that make internal switching cell information, such as switching voltages and currents, easy to access and debug. The model is based on mathematical equations, resulting in faster simulation times, smaller file size and greatly minimized simulation convergence problems. The Unified Model is based on the generalized analysis: Chapter 1 discusses the generalized equation concept along with a detailed generalization example of one switching cell, which is the zero current switching quasi-resonant converter ZCS-QRC. Chapter 2 presents a detailed discussion of the unified model concept, the unified model flow chart and the unified model implementation in Pspice. Chapter 3 presents the unified model applications; generating the switching cell inductor current and the switching cell capacitor voltage steady-state waveforms, the State-Plane Diagram , the feedback design using the unified model, and the chapter concludes with how the model can be used with different topologies. Finally, chapter 4 presents the summary and the future work

To relieve energy shortage and environmental pollution issues, renewable energy, especially PV energy has developed rapidly in the last decade. The micro-inverter systems, with advantages in dedicated PV power harvest, flexible system size, simple installation, and enhanced safety characteristics are the future development trend of the PV power generation systems. The double-stage structure which can realize high efficiency with nice regulated sinusoidal waveforms is the mainstream for the micro-inverter. This thesis studied a double stage micro-inverter system. Considering the intermittent nature of PV power, a PFC was analyzed to provide additional electrical power to the system. When the solar power is less than the load required, PFC can drag power from the utility grid. In the double stage micro-inverter, the DC/DC stage was realized by a LLC converter, which could realize soft switching automatically under frequency modulation. However it has a complicated relationship between voltage gain and load. Thus conventional variable step P&O MPPT techniques for PWM converter were no longer suitable for the LLC converter. To solve this problem, a novel MPPT was proposed to track MPP efficiently. Simulation and experimental results verified the effectiveness of the proposed MPPT. The DC/AC stage of the micro-inverter was realized by a BCM inverter. With duty cycle and frequency modulation, ZVS was achieved through controlling the inductor current bi-directional in every switching cycle. This technique required no additional resonant components and could be employed for low power applications on conventional full-bridge and half-bridge inverter topologies. Three different current mode control schemes were derived from the basic theory of the proposed technique. They were referred to as Boundary Current Mode (BCM), Variable Hysteresis Current Mode (VHCM), and Constant Hysteresis Current Mode (CHCM) individually in this paper with their advantages and disadvantages analyzed in detail. Simulation and experimental iv results demonstrated the feasibilities of the proposed soft-switching technique with the digital control schemes. The PFC converter was applied by a single stage Biflyback topology, which combined the advantages of single stage PFC and flyback topology together, with further advantages in low intermediate bus voltage and current stresses. A digital controller without current sampling requirement was proposed based on the specific topology. To reduce the voltage spike caused by the leakage inductor, a novel snubber cell combining soft switching technique with snubber technique together was proposed. Simulation and experimental waveforms illustrated the same as characteristics as the theoretical analysis. In summary, the dissertation analyzed each power stage of photovoltaic micro-inverter system from efficiency and effectiveness optimization perspectives. Moreover their advantages were compared carefully with existed topologies and control techniques. Simulation and experiment results were provided to support the theoretical analysis.

In the field of renewable energy, solar photovoltaic is growing exponentially. Grid-tied PV micro-inverters have become the trend for future PV system development because of their remarkable advantages such as enhanced energy production due to MPPT implementation for each PV panel, high reliability due to redundant and distributed system architecture, and simple design, installation, and management due to its plug-and-play feature. Conventional approaches for the PV micro-inverters are mainly in the form of single-phase grid connected and they aim at the residential and commercial rooftop applications. It would be advantageous to extend the micro-inverter concept to large size PV installations such as MW-class solar farms where threephase AC connections are used. The relatively high cost of the three-phase micro-inverter is the biggest barrier to its large scale deployment. Increasing the switching frequency may be the best way to reduce cost by shrinking the size of reactive components and heat-sink. However, this approach could cause conversion efficiency to drop dramatically without employing soft switching techniques or using costly new devices. This dissertation presents a new zero voltage switching control method that is suitable for low power applications such as three-phase micro-inverters. The proposed hybrid boundary conduction mode (BCM) current control method increases the efficiency and power density of the micro-inverters and features both reduced number of components and easy digital implementation. Zero voltage switching is achieved by controlling the inductor current bidirectional in every switching cycle and results in lower switching losses, higher operating frequency, and reduced size and cost of passive components, especially magnetic cores. Some iv practical aspects of hybrid control implementation such as dead-time insertion can degrade the performance of the micro-inverter. A dead-time compensation method that improves the performance of hybrid BCM current control by decreasing the output current THD and reducing the zero crossing distortion is presented. Different BCM ZVS current control modulation schemes are compared based on power losses breakdown, switching frequency range, and current quality. Compared to continuous conduction mode (CCM) current control, BCM ZVS control decreases MOSFET switching losses and filter inductor conduction losses but increases MOSFET conduction losses and inductor core losses. Based on the loss analysis, a dual-mode current modulation method combining ZVS and zero current switching (ZCS) schemes is proposed to improve the efficiency of the micro-inverter. Finally, a method of maintaining high power conversion efficiency across the entire load range of the three-phase micro-inverter is proposed. The proposed control method substantially increases the conversion efficiency at light loads by minimizing switching losses of semiconductor devices as well as core losses of magnetic components. This is accomplished by entering a phase skipping operating mode wherein two phases of an inverter are disabled and three inverters are combined to form a new three-phase system with minimal grid imbalance. A 400W prototype of a three-phase micro-inverter and its hybrid control system have been designed and tested under different conditions to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller, current modulation scheme, and light load efficiency enhancement method.

The scope of this work can be summarized by three main aspects of DC-DC power converters. The first aspect is soft switching topologies to improve conversion efficiency for On-Board Converters or Point of load (POL) converters, the second aspect is load adaptive control techniques to improve all load efficiency for battery powered DC-DC converters that are applied to mobile devices, and the third aspect is dynamic performance improvement techniques to improve load transient in voltage regulators. Topologies and control techniques for DC-DC converters are presented after reviewing loads powering requirements and steady-state and transients design challenges.

In the field of power electronics there is always a push to create smaller and more efficient power conversion systems. This push is driven by the industry that uses the power systems, and can be realized by new semiconductor devices or new techniques. This examination describes a novel technique for a small and highly efficient method of converting relatively high DC voltage to a very low voltage for use in the telecommunications industry. A modification to the standard Forward Resonant converter results in improvements in component stress, system efficiency, response time, and control circuitry. This examination describes background information needed to understand the concepts in DC to DC power systems, "soft-switching" topologies, and control methods for these systems. The examination introduces several topologies that are currently being used, and several types that have been previously analyzed, as a starting point for the detailed analysis of the proposed converter topology. A detailed analytical analysis is given of the proposed topology, including secondary effects, and component stresses. This analysis is compared to the results found from both Pspice simulation, and a working DC to DC converter. Finally, the topology is examined for potential improvements, and possible refinements to the model described.