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Open AccessArticle

A Novel Spark-Gap Trigger Generator Based on a Modular Multilevel Converter

by Georgios Chatzipetrakis, Alexandros Skoulakis, Ioannis Fitilis, Emmanuel Antonidakis, Michael Tatarakis and John Chatzakis

Electronics 2026, 15(7), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15071489 - 2 Apr 2026

Viewed by 502

Abstract

A novel modular multilevel converter (MMC)-based spark-gap trigger generator for high-voltage pulsed-power applications has been developed and presented in this work. It fully exploits the inherent modularity of MMC topology to generate high-voltage trigger pulses in a flexible and scalable manner. A prototype [...] Read more.

A novel modular multilevel converter (MMC)-based spark-gap trigger generator for high-voltage pulsed-power applications has been developed and presented in this work. It fully exploits the inherent modularity of MMC topology to generate high-voltage trigger pulses in a flexible and scalable manner. A prototype based on insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) was constructed to effectively trigger the breakdown of the spark gaps of a Marx Bank consisting of four capacitors charged to 50 kV. It is characterized by a fast rise time and produces pulses of 15 kV with a duration of ~200 ns. Using semiconductors and foil capacitors, the new trigger generator successfully replaces the thyratron-based generator. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pulsed-Power and High-Power Electronics)

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12 pages, 13726 KB

Open AccessArticle

A High-Efficiency Single-Phase AC-AC Solid-State Transformer Without Electrolytic Capacitors

by Hui Wang, Xiang Yan and Xiaochao Hou

Energies 2025, 18(24), 6414; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18246414 - 8 Dec 2025

Viewed by 976

Abstract

This paper proposes a single-phase AC-AC solid-state transformer (SST) that eliminates bulky energy storage components. The proposed matrix-type structure comprises a line-frequency (LF) rectifier, a half-bridge (HB) LLC resonant converter, a buck–boost converter, and an LF inverter. The HB LLC resonant converter not [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a single-phase AC-AC solid-state transformer (SST) that eliminates bulky energy storage components. The proposed matrix-type structure comprises a line-frequency (LF) rectifier, a half-bridge (HB) LLC resonant converter, a buck–boost converter, and an LF inverter. The HB LLC resonant converter not only achieves high efficiency at unity voltage gain but also provides high-frequency (HF) isolation as a DC transformer (DCX). Meanwhile, the buck–boost converter ensures precise voltage regulation. The replacement of traditional DC-link electrolytic capacitors with small film capacitors effectively suppresses the second-harmonic power ripple, leading to a significant improvement in both power density and operational reliability. Experimental results from a 1 kW prototype demonstrate high-quality sinusoidal input and output, a wide range of zero-voltage switching (ZVS) operations, and stable output voltage control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control and Coordinated Optimization of Distributed Power Systems)

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19 pages, 5665 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Two-Stage Power Conversion Method Suitable for 1MHz-LDC of Electric Vehicles

by Tran Manh Tuan, Abdul Shakoor Akram and Woojin Choi

Electronics 2025, 14(12), 2403; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14122403 - 12 Jun 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1197

Abstract

Low-Voltage DC-DC converters (LDCs) in electric vehicles require high power density and high efficiency operation over the wide range of load and input voltage variations. This paper introduces a novel topology which combines three 1 MHz half-bridge (HB) LLC resonant converters and an [...] Read more.

Low-Voltage DC-DC converters (LDCs) in electric vehicles require high power density and high efficiency operation over the wide range of load and input voltage variations. This paper introduces a novel topology which combines three 1 MHz half-bridge (HB) LLC resonant converters and an inverting buck–boost (IBB) converter to adjust the output voltage without frequency modulation. The switching frequency of the proposed converter is fixed at 1 MHz to achieve a constant frequency operation for the resonant converter. In the proposed topology, Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices and planar transformers are employed to optimize the converter operation at high frequency. A 1-MHz/1.8 kW-400/14 V prototype converter is built to verify the feasibility and the validity of the proposed LDC topology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power Converters for Renewable Energy Integration and Energy Storage Systems)

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22 pages, 12619 KB

Open AccessReview

Optimizing the Efficiency of Series Resonant Half-Bridge Inverters for Induction Heating Applications

by Vicente Esteve, José Jordán and Juan L. Bellido

Electronics 2025, 14(6), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14061200 - 19 Mar 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4199

Abstract

This paper reviews the current state of research on half-bridge (HB) inverters used in induction heating power supplies, emphasizing their topological structures, output power control methods, and switching strategies. The study explores various control techniques to regulate low power levels in a series [...] Read more.

This paper reviews the current state of research on half-bridge (HB) inverters used in induction heating power supplies, emphasizing their topological structures, output power control methods, and switching strategies. The study explores various control techniques to regulate low power levels in a series resonant inverter (SRI) configured with an HB structure for induction heating applications. Pulse frequency modulation (PFM) is commonly employed to regulate standard power levels by adjusting the operating frequency relative to the resonant frequency. As the operating frequency increases beyond resonance, the output power decreases. However, in certain scenarios, achieving low power levels necessitates high frequencies, which introduces significant control challenges. To address these issues, it is crucial to develop alternative approaches that ensure efficient power reduction, without compromising system performance. This work evaluates and compares multiple solutions tailored for a high-frequency induction heating system delivering 18 kW at an operating frequency of approximately 100 kHz. The study places particular emphasis on optimizing key component sizing and analyzing inverter losses to enhance overall system efficiency and reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Power Converter Design, Control and Applications, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 5012 KB

Open AccessArticle

Voltage Multiplier with High Input/Output Voltage Gain from Center-Tap Rectifier-Voltage Tripler and Quadrupler

by Sang-Gyun Ryu, Chan-Bae Park, Hyung-Woo Lee and Jae-Bum Lee

Electronics 2022, 11(8), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics11081188 - 8 Apr 2022

Viewed by 3100

Abstract

This paper proposes new rectifiers in the center-tap transformer to provide higher input/output (I/O) voltage gain with an equal transformer turns-ratio in the LLC resonant converter: a voltage tripler rectifier and a voltage quadrupler rectifier, which have simple structures with one capacitor and [...] Read more.

This paper proposes new rectifiers in the center-tap transformer to provide higher input/output (I/O) voltage gain with an equal transformer turns-ratio in the LLC resonant converter: a voltage tripler rectifier and a voltage quadrupler rectifier, which have simple structures with one capacitor and two diodes, and three and four times higher I/O voltage gain than a center-tap rectifier, respectively. Each rectifier is compared in terms of the transformer turns-ratio and the magnetizing offset current, and the voltage and current stresses in the capacitors and diodes. The validity of these proposed rectifiers in the half-bridge (HB) LLC resonant converter is confirmed by the experimental results from a 100 V/200 W output prototype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Power Density Multilevel Inverter/Converter System)

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16 pages, 18533 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Efficiency Evaluation of Stacked Transistor Half-Bridge Topologies in 14 nm CMOS Technology

by Pedro André Martins Bezerra, Florian Krismer, Johann Walter Kolar, Riduan Khaddam-Aljameh, Stephan Paredes, Ralph Heller, Thomas Brunschwiler, Pier Andrea Francese, Thomas Morf, Marcel André Kossel and Matthias Braendli

Electronics 2021, 10(10), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics10101150 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2929

Abstract

Different Half-Bridge (HB) converter topologies for an Integrated Voltage Regulator (IVR), which serves as a microprocessor application, were evaluated. The HB circuits were implemented with Stacked Transistors (HBSTs) in a cutting-edge 14 nm CMOS technology node in order to enable the integration on [...] Read more.

Different Half-Bridge (HB) converter topologies for an Integrated Voltage Regulator (IVR), which serves as a microprocessor application, were evaluated. The HB circuits were implemented with Stacked Transistors (HBSTs) in a cutting-edge 14 nm CMOS technology node in order to enable the integration on the microprocessor die. Compared to a conventional realization of the HBST, it was found that the Active Neutral-Point Clamped (ANPC) HBST topology with Independent Clamp Switches (ICSs) not only ensured balanced blocking voltages across the series-connected transistors, but also featured a more robust operation and achieved higher efficiencies at high output currents. The IVR achieved a maximum efficiency of 85.3% at an output current of 300 mA and a switching frequency of 50 MHz. At the maximum measured output current of 780 mA, the efficiency was 83.1%. The active part of the IVR (power switches, gate-drivers, and level shifters) realized a high maximum current density of 24.7 A/mm

^{2}

. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low Power and High Power Electronics)

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26 pages, 5194 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Enhanced Control of Hybrid Full Bridge–Half Bridge MMCs for HVDC Grid Studies

by Ricardo Vidal-Albalate and Jaume Forner

Energies 2020, 13(1), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13010180 - 1 Jan 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4666

Abstract

Modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are expected to play an important role in future high voltage direct current (HVDC) grids. Moreover, advanced MMC topologies may include various submodule (SM) types. In this sense, the modeling of MMCs is paramount for HVDC grid studies. Detailed [...] Read more.

Modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are expected to play an important role in future high voltage direct current (HVDC) grids. Moreover, advanced MMC topologies may include various submodule (SM) types. In this sense, the modeling of MMCs is paramount for HVDC grid studies. Detailed models of MMCs are cumbersome for electromagnetic transient (EMT) programs due to the high number of components and large simulation times. For this reason, simplified models that reduce the computation times while reproducing the dynamics of the MMCs are needed. However, up to now, the models already developed do not consider hybrid MMCs, which consist of different types of SMs. In this paper, a procedure to simulate MMCs having different SM topologies is proposed. First, the structure of hybrid MMCs and the modeling method is presented. Next, an enhanced procedure to compute the number of SMs to be inserted that takes into account the different behavior of full-bridge SMs (FB-SMs) and half-bridge submodules (HB-SMs) is proposed in order to improve the steady-state and dynamic response of hybrid MMCs. Finally, the MMC model and its control are validated by means of detailed PSCAD simulations for both steady-state and transients conditions (AC and DC faults). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis, Design and Modeling of Modular Power Converters)

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18 pages, 4705 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Hybrid Soft Switching Full Bridge Converter Suitable for the Electric Vehicle Charge Applications

by Dai-Duong Tran, Manh-Tuan Tran and Woojin Choi

Energies 2019, 12(14), 2707; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12142707 - 15 Jul 2019

Cited by 80 | Viewed by 4168

Abstract

A hybrid dc–dc converter suitable for the on-board charger applications consisted of a Soft Switching Full Bridge (SSFB) converter and a Half Bridge (HB) LLC resonant converter is proposed. The proposed topology employs an additional switch and a diode at the secondary of [...] Read more.

A hybrid dc–dc converter suitable for the on-board charger applications consisted of a Soft Switching Full Bridge (SSFB) converter and a Half Bridge (HB) LLC resonant converter is proposed. The proposed topology employs an additional switch and a diode at the secondary of the SSFB converter to eliminate the circulating current and to achieve the full soft switching of the primary switches. The output voltage is regulated by adjusting the duty of the secondary side switch. The validity and feasibility of the proposed converter are verified by the experiments with a 10-kW prototype converter. The maximum of 96.8% efficiency is achieved at 5 kW output power. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Power Electronics and Control Systems for (Plug-In) Electric (Hybrid) Vehicles)

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15 pages, 2345 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wide Load Range Capacitor Clamped ZVZCS Half Bridge Three-Level DC-DC Converter with Two Unsymmetrical Bi-directional Switches

by Yong Shi

Energies 2019, 12(12), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12122362 - 19 Jun 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3173

Abstract

This paper presents a zero-voltage and zero-current switching (ZVZCS) capacitor-clamped half bridge (HB) three-level dc-dc converter (TLDC), which is well fit for high input voltage dc-dc industrial applications. The maximum voltage stress of the primary switches is limited by the flying capacitor and [...] Read more.

This paper presents a zero-voltage and zero-current switching (ZVZCS) capacitor-clamped half bridge (HB) three-level dc-dc converter (TLDC), which is well fit for high input voltage dc-dc industrial applications. The maximum voltage stress of the primary switches is limited by the flying capacitor and input capacitors, which is very close to V_in/2. Two unsymmetrical bidirectional switches are used to replace two of the primary switches in a conventional capacitor-clamped HB TLDC, which ensure ZVZCS of the main switches in wide load range. The reverse direction MOSFETs in the unsymmetrical bidirectional switches have low on-state resistance and are controlled with soft-switching mode irrelevant to the load current. Therefore, the additional power loss can be omitted. The current of the flying capacitor is greatly reduced due to ZVZCS operation, which would result in a smaller volume flying capacitor and high system reliability. Furthermore, the current imbalance problem of the power devices is also well solved. The circuit, basic operation principles and some important technical analyses are discussed in this paper, and experimental results from a 1-kW prototype are provided to evaluate the proposed converter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multilevel Converters: Topologies, Control, Modulation, Operation and Applications)

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25 pages, 13560 KB

Open AccessArticle

Appropriate Protection Scheme for DC Grid Based on the Half Bridge Modular Multilevel Converter System

by Ho-Yun Lee, Mansoor Asif, Kyu-Hoon Park, Hyun-Min Mun and Bang-Wook Lee

Energies 2019, 12(10), 1837; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12101837 - 15 May 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4260

Abstract

The half bridge (HB) modular multilevel converter (MMC) technology is considered a breakthrough to mitigate the shortcomings of the conventional voltage source converter (VSC) in high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) grid application. However, interruption of the DC fault is still a challenge due to fast [...] Read more.

The half bridge (HB) modular multilevel converter (MMC) technology is considered a breakthrough to mitigate the shortcomings of the conventional voltage source converter (VSC) in high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) grid application. However, interruption of the DC fault is still a challenge due to fast di/dt and extremely high levels of DC fault current. The fault interruption using a DC circuit breaker (DCCB) causes enormous energy dissipation and voltage stress across the DCCB. Therefore, the use of a fault current limiter is essential, and the superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) is the most promising choice. Past literature has focused on the operating characteristics of DCCB or limiting characteristics of the SFCL. However, there is little understanding about the fault interruption and system recovery characteristics considering both DCCB and SFCL. In this paper, we have presented a comparative study on fault interruption and system recovery characteristics considering three types of fault limiting devices in combination with circuit breaker. The transient analyses of AC and DC system have been performed, to suggest the most preferable protection scheme. It has been concluded that, amongst the three fault limiting devices, the Hybrid SFCL in combination with circuit breaker, delivers the most desirable performance in terms of interruption time, recovery time, energy dissipation and voltage transients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section F: Electrical Engineering)

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15 pages, 7188 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Appropriate MMC Topology Considering DC Fault Handling Performance of Fault Protection Devices

by Ho-Yun Lee, Mansoor Asif, Kyu-Hoon Park and Bang-Wook Lee

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8(10), 1834; https://doi.org/10.3390/app8101834 - 6 Oct 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5417

Abstract

The eventual goal of high-voltage direct-voltage (HVDC) systems is to implement HVDC grids. The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has been identified as the best candidate for the realization of an HVDC grid by eliminating the shortcomings of conventional voltage source converter (VSC) technology. [...] Read more.

The eventual goal of high-voltage direct-voltage (HVDC) systems is to implement HVDC grids. The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has been identified as the best candidate for the realization of an HVDC grid by eliminating the shortcomings of conventional voltage source converter (VSC) technology. The related research has focused on efficient control schemes, new MMC topologies, and operational characteristics of an MMC in a DC grid, but there is little understanding about the fault handling capability of two mainstream MMC topologies, i.e., half bridge (HB) and full bridge (FB) MMCs in combination with an adequate protection device. Contrary to the existing research where the fault location is usually fixed (center of the line), this paper considered a variable fault location on the DC line, so as to compare the fault interruption time and maximum fault current magnitude. From the point of view of fault interruption, AC and DC side transient analyses were performed for both MMC topologies to suggest the appropriate topology. The simulation result confirmed that the fault handling performance of an HB-MMC with a DC circuit breaker is superior due to the smaller fault current magnitude, faster interruption time, lower overvoltage magnitude, and lesser stresses on the insulation of the DC grid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue HVDC for Grid Services in Electric Power Systems)

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