Efficient and Reliable DC–DC Converters and Related Industrial Electronics

A special issue of Electronics (ISSN 2079-9292). This special issue belongs to the section "Industrial Electronics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 September 2024) | Viewed by 8333

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
CISE - Electromechatronic Systems Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Calçada Fonte do Lameiro, P-6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: fault diagnosis; fault tolerance; DC-DC converters; energy efficiency analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CISE - Electromechatronic Systems Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Calçada Fonte do Lameiro, P-6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of power electronics; energy storage systems components; reliability; DC–DC converters; electrolytic capacitors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CISE - Electromechatronic Systems Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Calçada Fonte do Lameiro, P-6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: diagnosis and fault tolerance of electrical machines, power electronics and drives
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The deployment of DC energy systems is an attractive alternative to conventional AC-based energy distribution systems, improving the efficiency of energy supplies and promoting renewable energies. Within DC energy systems, industrial electronics and particularly DC–DC converters are the key technologies that establish the interface between individual units of DC energy systems – renewable energy sources, energy storage systems and DC-compatible loads.

Semiconductors and electrolytic capacitors, critical components of DC–DC power converters, are particularly susceptible of suffering faults with potential to lead these converters to a complete standstill. On the other hand, the emergence of more elaborated converter topologies, capable of meeting the requirements of DC microgrids applications, is limited by the availability of advanced control algorithms, like those inspired in predictive models.

Accordingly, novel advancements in the control and operation of DC–DC converters and related industrial electronics technologies require further attention. The integration of fault diagnosis and fault tolerance capabilities on application-oriented converters, the adoption of innovative control approaches, or the development of advanced converter architectures are some of the trending research topics which enable important gains in the efficiency and reliability of DC–DC converters.

This Special Issue focuses on the discussion of emerging solutions suitable for accomplishing efficient and reliable DC–DC industrial power electronics technologies. Potential topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Fault diagnostics and prognostics in DC–DC converters;

- Fault analysis in DC–DC converters;

- Fault-tolerant DC–DC converter topologies;

- Control and operation of DC–DC converters;

- DC–DC components reliability;

- Efficiency analysis and optimisation of DC–DC converters;

- Integration of wide-bandgap devices in DC-DC converters;

- DC–DC converter topologies for emerging applications (renewables integration, LED lighting, EV charging, DC microgrids, etc.).

Dr. Fernando Bento
Dr. Khaled Laadjal
Prof. Dr. Antonio J. Marques Cardoso
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • DC–DC converters
  • control
  • diagnostics
  • fault tolerance
  • efficiency
  • converter topologies

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 617 KiB  
Communication
A Novel Mathematical Approach for Inductor-Current Expressions Definition in Multilevel Dual-Active-Bridge Converters
by Eudald Borrell-Pons, Oriol Esquius-Mas, Alber Filba-Martinez and Lluís Trilla
Electronics 2024, 13(22), 4476; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13224476 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 559
Abstract
The study of multilevel dual-active-bridge (DAB) converters has garnered significant attention in recent years thanks to their advantages with respect to the conventional two-level (2L) DAB; namely, its greater performance and its capability to operate at higher voltage. The analysis of the converter [...] Read more.
The study of multilevel dual-active-bridge (DAB) converters has garnered significant attention in recent years thanks to their advantages with respect to the conventional two-level (2L) DAB; namely, its greater performance and its capability to operate at higher voltage. The analysis of the converter high-frequency inductor current (iL) is crucial, for instance, to compute its root mean square (RMS) value, required to estimate the conduction losses in the converter. The mathematical expression of iL is piecewise and multiple variations, i.e., modes, exist depending on the modulation parameter values. This increases the complexity of converter performance analytical study. Thus, a more practical and generalizable expression of iL current is desirable. This paper proposes novel compact analytic expressions for the instantaneous and RMS inductor current in the 2L-NL DAB converter, leveraging binary functions to define the piecewise intervals and to identify the mode as a function of the modulation parameter values. The proposed method paves the way for more simple and computationally efficient DAB performance optimization software tools that allow exploring any given converter structures and modulation strategies. Full article
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20 pages, 1343 KiB  
Article
Data-Driven Modeling of DC–DC Power Converters
by Edgar D. Silva-Vera, Jesus E. Valdez-Resendiz, Gerardo Escobar, Daniel Guillen, Julio C. Rosas-Caro and Jose M. Sosa
Electronics 2024, 13(19), 3890; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13193890 - 1 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1089
Abstract
This article presents a data-driven methodology for modeling DC–DC power electronic converters. Using the proposed methodology, the dynamics of a converter can be captured, thereby eliminating the need for explicit theoretical modeling methods. This approach only requires the acquisition of fundamental measurements: currents [...] Read more.
This article presents a data-driven methodology for modeling DC–DC power electronic converters. Using the proposed methodology, the dynamics of a converter can be captured, thereby eliminating the need for explicit theoretical modeling methods. This approach only requires the acquisition of fundamental measurements: currents through inductors and voltages across capacitors. The acquired data are used to construct a linear difference system, which is algebraically manipulated to form a state–space representation of the converter under analysis. Three DC–DC converter topologies were analyzed, and their resulting models were tested and compared with simulation data, yielding an average error deviation of approximately 2% for current signals and 4% for voltage signals, demonstrating precise tracking of the actual dynamics. The proposed data-driven methodology could simplify the implementation of adaptive control strategies in larger-scale solutions or in the interconnection of multiple converters. Full article
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19 pages, 7210 KiB  
Article
Modeling the Influence of Thermal Phenomena in Inductors and Capacitors on the Characteristics of the SEPIC Converter
by Kalina Detka, Krzysztof Górecki and Michał Downar-Zapolski
Electronics 2024, 13(19), 3861; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13193861 - 29 Sep 2024
Viewed by 775
Abstract
The paper presents the results of measurements and calculations of the SEPIC converter characteristics, taking into account thermal phenomena in semiconductor devices and passive elements. Compact electrothermal models of the MOSFET transistor, diode, capacitor, and inductor are proposed. Parasitic phenomena are also included [...] Read more.
The paper presents the results of measurements and calculations of the SEPIC converter characteristics, taking into account thermal phenomena in semiconductor devices and passive elements. Compact electrothermal models of the MOSFET transistor, diode, capacitor, and inductor are proposed. Parasitic phenomena are also included in these models. The form of the developed models and the method of determining the values of their parameters are presented. The correctness of the formulated models was verified experimentally. Calculations and measurements of the characteristics of SEPIC converters containing inductors with ferromagnetic cores made of different materials were carried out. The obtained results of the investigations are discussed, and the range of applicability of the formulated models is described. It was shown that, at the considered operating conditions at an ambient temperature equal to 22 °C, the temperature of capacitors can exceed 40 °C, whereas the temperatures of inductors can even reach 50 °C. Full article
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16 pages, 6011 KiB  
Article
Interleaved High Voltage Gain DC-DC Converter with Winding-Cross-Coupled Inductors and Voltage Multiplier Cells for Photovoltaic Systems
by Shin-Ju Chen, Sung-Pei Yang, Chao-Ming Huang, Sin-Da Li and Cheng-Hsuan Chiu
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1851; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101851 - 9 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1332
Abstract
An interleaved high voltage gain DC-DC converter with winding-cross-coupled inductors (WCCIs) and voltage multiplier cells is proposed for photovoltaic systems. The converter configuration is based on the interleaved boost converter integrating the diode-capacitor clamp circuits, the winding-cross-coupled inductors, and voltage multiplier cells to [...] Read more.
An interleaved high voltage gain DC-DC converter with winding-cross-coupled inductors (WCCIs) and voltage multiplier cells is proposed for photovoltaic systems. The converter configuration is based on the interleaved boost converter integrating the diode-capacitor clamp circuits, the winding-cross-coupled inductors, and voltage multiplier cells to increase the voltage gain and reduce the semiconductor voltage stresses. The equal current sharing of two phases is achieved with the help of the winding-cross-coupled inductors. The converter achieves high voltage gain while operating at a proper duty ratio. The low-voltage-rated MOSFETs with low on-resistance are available to reduce the conduction losses due to the low switch voltage stress. The leakage energy of the coupled inductors is recycled such that the voltage spikes on the power switches are avoided. The input current ripple is decreased due to the interleaved operation. The operating principle and steady-state analysis of the proposed converter are proposed in detail. The design guidelines of the proposed converter are given. In addition, the closed-loop controlled system of the proposed converter is designed to diminish the effect of the variations in input voltage and load on the output voltage. Finally, the experimental results of a 1000 W converter prototype with 36 V input and 400 V output are given to validate the theoretical analysis and the converter performance. Full article
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32 pages, 15820 KiB  
Article
A Two-Degree-of-Freedom PID Integral Super-Twisting Controller Based on Atom Search Optimizer Applied to DC-DC Interleaved Converters for Fuel Cell Applications
by Ramzi Saadi, Mohamed Yacine Hammoudi, Okba Salah, Khaled Laadjal and Antonio J. Marques Cardoso
Electronics 2023, 12(19), 4113; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12194113 - 1 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1718
Abstract
This paper focuses on the real-time implementation of an optimal high-performance control applied to an interleaved nonisolated DC/DC converter designed for fuel cell applications. Three-phase interleaved boost converters are utilized to minimize input current undulation, increase efficiency, and provide a high output voltage [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on the real-time implementation of an optimal high-performance control applied to an interleaved nonisolated DC/DC converter designed for fuel cell applications. Three-phase interleaved boost converters are utilized to minimize input current undulation, increase efficiency, and provide a high output voltage in order to ensure the performance of the FC stack. The proposed control strategy contains an outer loop that generates the reference current based on a two-degree-of-freedom PID controller. This controller provides a robust setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection, which improves the system’s response and efficiency. A fast inner regulation loop based on a super-twisting integral sliding mode (STISM) algorithm is developed to achieve a fixed converter output voltage, equitable phase current sharing, and fast regulation against load disturbances in failure operation. The STISM algorithm exhibits a rapid convergence property of the sliding mode and effectively avoids the chattering phenomena frequently observed in conventional sliding modes. The proposed controller’s gains are determined using the atom search optimization algorithm, which ensures exceptional reliability and a high degree of robustness and stability of the controllers under a variety of operational conditions. This method is inspired from the behavior of atoms and their electrons during the excitation process leading to a one-of-a-kind optimization technique which contributes to the controller’s reliability. Using Matlab-Simulink simulation tools, the efficacy and performance of the designed control have first been evaluated and assessed and compared with other optimization algorithms, and then with a dual loop based on a PID controller. Then, they have been verified by real-time hardware implementation on a 1.2 KW prototype FC converter driven by the dSPACE-1104 card under a variety of tests. The suggested approach offers impressive experimental results in dynamic and steady states. Full article
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Review

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27 pages, 3375 KiB  
Review
Power Converter Topologies for Heat Pumps Powered by Renewable Energy Sources: A Literature Review
by Joyce Assaf, Joselyn Stephane Menye, Mamadou Baïlo Camara, Damien Guilbert and Brayima Dakyo
Electronics 2024, 13(19), 3965; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13193965 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1577
Abstract
Heat pumps (HPs) have become pivotal for heating and cooling applications, serving as sustainable energy solutions. Coupled with renewable energy sources (RES) to run the compressor, which is the major energy-consuming component, they contribute to eco-conscious practices. Notably, their adaptability to be supplied [...] Read more.
Heat pumps (HPs) have become pivotal for heating and cooling applications, serving as sustainable energy solutions. Coupled with renewable energy sources (RES) to run the compressor, which is the major energy-consuming component, they contribute to eco-conscious practices. Notably, their adaptability to be supplied by either alternating (AC) or direct (DC) currents, facilitated through converters, makes them more flexible for versatile renewable energy (RE) applications. This paper presents a comprehensive review of converter topologies employed in various HP applications. The review begins by exploring previous applied photovoltaic (PV)-HP projects, focusing on the gaps in the literature concerning the employed converter topologies. Additionally, the review extends to include a broader examination of the converter topologies that could be employed on the source and load sides of a system powered by a mix of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics (PV), wind turbines (WTs), and energy storage systems (ESS), and analyzes their strengths and weaknesses. Special emphasis is given to understanding the various topologies of the power electronics converters in the context of HP applications. Finally, the paper concludes with a summary of the literature gaps, challenges, and directions for future research. Full article
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