• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.926-936
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• 2014

A simplified and effective space vector pulse-width modulation (SVPWM) algorithm with two and three levels for three-phase voltage-source converters is proposed in this study. The proposed SVPWM algorithm only uses several linear calculations on three-phase modulated voltages without any complicated trigonometric calculations adopted by conventional SVPWM. This simplified SVPWM also avoids choosing the vector sector required by conventional SVPWM. A two-level overmodulation scheme is integrated into the proposed two-level SVPMW to generate the output voltage that increases from a linear region to a six-step state with a smoothly linear transition characteristic and a simple overmodulation process without a lookup table and complicated nonlinear functions. The three-level SVPWM with a proportional-integral controller effectively balances the neutral point potential of the neutral point clamped converter. Results from the simulation in MATLAB/Simulink and the experiment based on a digital signal processor are provided to clearly demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed strategies.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.944-955
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• 2019

In this paper, the three-level T-type neutral-point-clamped indirect matrix converter topology and the relative space vector modulation methods are introduced to improve the voltage transfer ratio and output voltage performance. The presented converter topology is based on combinations of cascaded-rectifier and three-level T-type neutral-point-clamp inverter. It can overcome the limitation of voltage transfer ratio of the conventional matrix converter and the high voltage rating of power switches of conventional matrix converter. Two SVPWM strategies for proposed converter are described in this paper to achieve the advantages features such as: sinusoidal input/output currents and three-level output voltage waveforms. Results from Psim 9.0 software simulation are provided to confirm the theoretical analysis. Hence, a laboratory prototype was implemented, and the experimental results are shown to validate the simulation results and to verify the effectiveness of the proposed topology and modulation strategies.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.128-137
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• 2015

A novel parallel three-level zero voltage switching (ZVS) DC converter is presented for medium voltage applications. The proposed converter includes three sub-circuits connected in parallel with the same power switches to share load current and reduce the current stress of passive components at the output side. Thus, the size of the output chokes is reduced and the switch counts in the proposed converter are less that in the conventional parallel three-level DC/DC converter. Each sub-circuit combines one half-bridge converter and one three-level converter. The transformer secondary windings of these two converters are connected in series in order to reduce the size of output inductor. Due to the three-level circuit topology, the voltage stress of power switches is equal to $V_{in}/2$. Based on the resonant behavior by the output capacitance of power switches and the leakage inductance (or external inductance) at the transition interval, each switch can be turned on under ZVS. Finally, experiments based on a 2 kW prototype are provided to verify the performance of the proposed converter.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.70-76
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• 2013

For high power high step-down dc-dc conversion applications, conventional three-level dc-dc converters are subject to extreme duty cycles or increased volume and cost due to the use of transformers. In this paper, a transformerless three-level dc-dc buck converter with a high step-down conversion ratio is proposed. The converter comprises two asymmetrical half bridges, which are of the neutral point clamped structures. Therefore, the output pulse voltage of the converter can be obtained in terms of the voltage difference between the two half bridges. In order to realize harmonious switching of the converter, a modulation strategy with capacitor voltages self balance is presented. According to the deduced output dc voltage function, transformerless operation without extreme duty cycles can be implemented. Experimental results from a 1kW prototype verify the validity of the proposed converter. It is suitable for ship electric power distribution systems.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.478-487
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• 2014

This study presents a new interleaved three-level zero-voltage switching (ZVS) converter for high-voltage and high-current applications. Two circuit cells are operated with interleaved pulse-width modulation in the proposed converter to reduce the current ripple at the input and output sides, as well as to decrease the current rating of output inductors for high-load-current applications. Each circuit cell includes one half-bridge converter and one three-level converter at the primary side. At the secondary side, the transformer windings of two converters are connected in series to reduce the size of the output inductor or switching current in the output capacitor. Based on the three-level circuit topology, the voltage stress of power switches is clamped at $V_{in}/2$. Thus, MOSFETs with 500 V voltage rating can be used at 800 V input voltage converters. The output capacitance of the power switch and the leakage inductance (or external inductance) are resonant at the transition interval. Therefore, power switches can be turned on under ZVS. Finally, experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Power Electronics
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.442-450
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• 2020

A small-signal modeling approach for a three-level boost (TLB) converter and a design methodology for a double-loop controller are proposed in this study. Conventional modeling of TLB converters involves three state variables. Moreover, TLB converters have two operation modes depending on the duty ratio. Consequently, complex mathematical calculations are required for controller design. This study proposes a simple system modeling method that uses two state variables, unlike previous methods that require three state variables. Analysis shows that the transfer functions of the two operation modes can be expressed as identical equations. This condition means that the linear feedback controller can be applied to all operational ranges, that is, for full duty ratios. The design method for a double-loop controller using a PI controller is presented in step-by-step sequences. Simulation and experimental verifications are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the small-signal analysis and control system design.

• Proceedings of the KIPE Conference
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• 2001.10a
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• pp.227-231
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• 2001

A new primary-side-assisted zero-voltage and zero-current switching (ZVZCS) three-level DC-DC converter with flying capacitor is proposed. The three-level converters are promising in high voltage applications, and ZVZCS is a very effective means for reducing switching losses. The proposed DC-DC converter uses only one auxiliary transformer and two diodes to obtain ZCS for the inner leg. It has a simple and robust structure, and offers soft-switching capability even in short-switching conditions. The proposed converter was verified by experiments in a 6KW prototype designed for communication applications and operating at 100kHz.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.30-39
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• 2014

This paper studies a new three-level pulse-width modulation (PWM) resonant converter for high input voltage and high load current applications. In order to use high frequency power MOSFETs for high input voltage applications, a three-level DC converter with two clamped diodes and a flying capacitor is adopted in the proposed circuit. For high load current applications, the secondary sides of the proposed converter are connected in parallel to reduce the size of the magnetic core and copper windings and to decrease the current rating of the rectifier diodes. In order to share the load current and reduce the switch counts, three resonant converters with the same active switches are adopted in the proposed circuit. Two transformers with a series connection in the primary side and a parallel connection in the secondary side are adopted in each converter to balance the secondary side currents. To overcome the drawback of a wide range of switching frequencies in conventional series resonant converters, the duty cycle control is adopted in the proposed circuit to achieve zero current switching (ZCS) turn-off for the rectifier diodes and zero voltage switching (ZVS) turn-on for the active switches. Finally, experimental results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Power Electronics
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.484-489
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• 2020

This study proposes a new soft-switching three-level flying capacitor converter with low filter inductance. The proposed converter can achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) turn-on of all switches by using auxiliary components La and Ca. It can also reduce filter inductance because the applied voltage of the filter inductor is decreased by using the flying capacitor. Furthermore, filter inductance can be reduced because the operating frequency of the filter inductor is doubled by the phase shifting between switches S3 and S4. The operation principle, design of passive components for ZVS turn-on, interleaving effects, and comparison of different topologies are presented. The experimental waveforms of a 1 kW two-phase interleaved converter prototype are provided to verify the validity of the proposed converter.

• Journal of Power Electronics
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.177-185
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• 2013

This paper studies a soft switching DC/DC converter to achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) for all switches under a wide range of load condition and input voltage. Two three-level PWM circuits with the same power switches are adopted to reduce the voltage stress of MOSFETs at $V_{in}/2$ and achieve load current sharing. Thus, the current stress and power rating of power semiconductors at the secondary side are reduced. The series-connected transformers are adopted in each three-level circuit. Each transformer can be operated as an inductor to smooth the output current or a transformer to achieve the electric isolation and power transfer from the input side to the output side. Therefore, no output inductor is needed at the secondary side. Two center-tapped rectifiers connected in parallel are used at the secondary side to achieve load current sharing. Due to the resonant behavior by the resonant inductance and resonant capacitance at the transition interval, all switches are turned on at ZVS. Experiments based on a 1kW prototype are provided to verify the performance of proposed converter.