EPE Association: EPE 2023 - DS1h: Wide-Band Gap Power Electronics

EPE 2023 - DS1h: Wide-Band Gap Power Electronics
You are here: EPE Documents > 01 - EPE & EPE ECCE Conference Proceedings > EPE 2023 ECCE Europe - Conference > EPE 2023 - Topic 02: Power Converter Topologies and Design > EPE 2023 - DS1h: Wide-Band Gap Power Electronics

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   A Five-Phase Induction Motor drive with a GaN-Based Open-end Winding Multilevel Inverter
By Salvatore FOTI, Gabriele RIZZOLI, Michele MENGONI, Luca VANCINI, Antonio TESTA [View]
[Download]

Abstract: This paper presents a five-phase induction motor drive based on an asymmetrical open-end winding multilevel inverter. The machine is fed from both ends of the winding by a three-level T-Type inverter and a conventional two-level inverter. The T-Type inverter is driven by a low frequency modulation technique to minimize the switching power losses, while the two-level inverter working as an active power filter exploits GaN power devices to achieve a switching frequency of some hundreds of kHz. The two-level inverter is also tasked to balance the voltage across the T-type DC link capacitors. A suitable current control strategy has been implemented to perform separately the torque control and the voltage balancing control. Numerical simulations have been carried out to demonstrate the performance of the proposed topology and to compare it with a five-phase three-level T-type inverter with a wye connected load.

   Analysis of Efficiency Characteristics in ZVS Region of DC-DC Converter using Wide Bandgap(WBG) Switching Devices
By Bongwoo KWAK, Myungbok KIM [View]
[Download]

Abstract: In this paper, the power conversion efficiency of a DC-DC converter using a wide bandgap (WBG) switching device in the zero-voltage switching (ZVS) region was analyzed. The efficiency characteristics of the converter vary depending on whether ZVS is achieved or not, and the study analyzes the ZVS operation region based on the characteristics of representative switching devices, namely Si, SiC, and GaN.The analysis confirms that the WBG device with low parasitic output capacitance (Coss) requires lower load current for ZVS operation than the Si device. To verify this finding, the experiment was conducted on a 3kW class dual active bridge (DAB) converter, and the results were analyzed. The results show that using a WBG device enables ZVS operation at a lower load and higher efficiency compared to Si devices.

   Bidirectional Energy Transfer for Heterogeneous Modular Batteries in Electric Vehicle Applications
By Nima TASHAKOR, Pouyan POURHADI, Mohammad HAmed SAMIMI, Mahdi BAYATI, Stefan GOETZ [View]
[Download]

Abstract: Modular multilevel converters enable serial and bypass operation, which are suitable for using lower-voltage components in higher-voltage systems. Reconfigurable batteries capable of parallel connection take advantage of sensorless voltage balancing, battery saving, current sharing, and improved efficiency. However, the parallel connectivity does not allow any voltage difference between the modules or necessitates large inductors. This paper proposes modular reconfigurable batteries with inter-module differential chokes to allow controlled and efficient energy transfer across modules with arbitrary voltage differences and minimum impact on the output voltage. The output current operates as a common-mode current in the differential choke, neutralizing the magnetization effects of choke inductances and preventing saturation. This results in a differential choke inductor with a small core size. This study also offers a modulation strategy for controlling the differential current responsible for energy transfer among modules. The operational principle is discussed in detail and validated by simulations.

   Evaluation of Reconfigurable Isolated Bidirectional DC/DC Converters for an EV Charging system with Bipolar DC-link
By Kaushik NARESH KUMAR, Rafal MISKIEWICZ, Przemyslaw TROCHIMIUK, Jacek RABKOWSKI, Dimosthenis PEFTITSIS [View]
[Download]

Abstract: In this paper, four 10 kW reconfigurable, isolated, and bidirectional DC/DC converter topologies,supplied by +750/0/-750V bipolar DC-link, are evaluated based on efficiency, loss distribution, thermal considerations, volt-ampere ratings of SiC MOSFETs, and transformer losses for an electric vehicle (EV) charging system. Taking into account the merits and demerits of the evaluation outcomes, the full-bridge based modular dual active bridge converter topology is shown to be the optimal choice for the considered EV charging system.

   Highly Integrated Electric Drive based-on Smart DC Batteries - Topology and Control
By Nima TASHAKOR, Masoud AMIRREZAI, Davood KESHAVARZI, Stefan GOETZ [View]
[Download]

Abstract: Dynamically reconfigurable batteries, particularly in electromobility and energy storage applications, are the product of integrating batteries with electronics that enable the dynamic and smart reconfiguration. This enables the operator to adjust the series, parallel, and bypass connections among the batteries depending on the output conditions and goals. Most studies focus on feeding a single output while neglecting additional voltage levels, also known as auxiliaries, to increase the utilization of the available degrees of freedom. In this study, we propose an electric drive topology based on smart DC battery that minimizes the number of the switches and large passive components by integrating the auxiliary and the high-power output. The main load (non-isolated, semi-controlled) can be the DC-link of an inverter, while the auxiliary load (galvanically isolated, fully controlled) supplying the controllers and monitoring subsystems.

   Investigation of Reconfigurable Battery Efficiency for an Application in an Electrical Sailplane
By Nina SOROKINA, Tobias HÖGERL, Wolfgang BLIEMETSRIEDER, Manuel KUDER, Luca HEIN, Thomas WEYH [View]
[Download]

Abstract: This article examines various concepts for propulsion battery concepts for a glider aircraft. These are distinguished by the type of battery pack and by the DC/AC inverter. The different concepts are a conventional battery with fixed series and parallel configuration connected to a three-level inverter, a variable DC voltage source based on dynamically Reconfigurable Battery System (RBS) as the main energy storage unit connected to the same inverter as in a conventional case. The third one is a multi-level energy system containing separate flexibly configurable battery modules for each phase of the electrical motor. All considerations will be made for a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor for the maximum power of 80 kW. For each of the energy storage concepts an analysis of the efficiency of the whole system as well as its sub-components was made.

   Losses Evaluation in Current Source Inverter Topologies for Automotive Traction Applica
By Gaetano TURRISI, Luigi Danilo TORNELLO, Giacomo SCELBA, Mario CACCIATO, Giuseppe SCARCELLA [View]
[Download]

Abstract: In this paper, an analytical modelling of power loss distribution has been addressed for different traction current source inverters. After having described the topologies and modulation strategies, modelling of losses for each semiconductor device composing the inverters is provided. Then, the theoretical study has been validated through extensive simulations performed on a 35kW permanent magnet synchronous motor drive fed by the considered current source inverter topologies. Furthermore, the power loss and overall efficiency of current source inverter-based motor drives have been compared to a traditional two-level voltage source inverter fed motor drive including an output LC filter. Results underline pros and cons of using current source inverter topologies based on wide bandgap semiconductor devices.

   Switching a eMode GaN HEMT under conditions of an inverter module for electrical vehicles (EV)
By Dominik NEHMER, Maximilian HEPP, Wolfgang WONDRAK, Mark-M. BAKRAN [View]
[Download]

Abstract: In this paper the switching behavior of aeMode GaN device under conditions of a power modulefor electrical vehicles will be presented. During turn-offof the passive switch parasitic turn-on (PTO) can occur.The PTO will lead to higher losses especially in the lowload dominated WLTP cycle. An advanced version of aMiller clamping circuit to prevent PTO will be shown. Thiscircuit will reduce the losses significantly. A version withloss optimized PTO, higher gate resistance and with Millercircuit will be compared. The switching speed with Millerclamping is limited by the overvoltage. The conditionwith the highest overvoltage will be identified, which isnecessary for the selection of the external gate resistor.To prevent PTO a lower drive voltage is also beneficial.However, this leads to a high reverse voltage drop of theGaN due to its reverse conduction characteristics. Thelosses in the WLTP cycle are high, which will be shownfor different drive voltage and turn-on delays.

EPE 2023 - DS1h: Wide-Band Gap Power Electronics
You are here: EPE Documents > 01 - EPE & EPE ECCE Conference Proceedings > EPE 2023 ECCE Europe - Conference > EPE 2023 - Topic 02: Power Converter Topologies and Design > EPE 2023 - DS1h: Wide-Band Gap Power Electronics
	[return to parent folder]

	A Five-Phase Induction Motor drive with a GaN-Based Open-end Winding Multilevel Inverter By Salvatore FOTI, Gabriele RIZZOLI, Michele MENGONI, Luca VANCINI, Antonio TESTA	[View] [Download]
Abstract: This paper presents a five-phase induction motor drive based on an asymmetrical open-end winding multilevel inverter. The machine is fed from both ends of the winding by a three-level T-Type inverter and a conventional two-level inverter. The T-Type inverter is driven by a low frequency modulation technique to minimize the switching power losses, while the two-level inverter working as an active power filter exploits GaN power devices to achieve a switching frequency of some hundreds of kHz. The two-level inverter is also tasked to balance the voltage across the T-type DC link capacitors. A suitable current control strategy has been implemented to perform separately the torque control and the voltage balancing control. Numerical simulations have been carried out to demonstrate the performance of the proposed topology and to compare it with a five-phase three-level T-type inverter with a wye connected load.

	Analysis of Efficiency Characteristics in ZVS Region of DC-DC Converter using Wide Bandgap(WBG) Switching Devices By Bongwoo KWAK, Myungbok KIM	[View] [Download]
Abstract: In this paper, the power conversion efficiency of a DC-DC converter using a wide bandgap (WBG) switching device in the zero-voltage switching (ZVS) region was analyzed. The efficiency characteristics of the converter vary depending on whether ZVS is achieved or not, and the study analyzes the ZVS operation region based on the characteristics of representative switching devices, namely Si, SiC, and GaN.The analysis confirms that the WBG device with low parasitic output capacitance (Coss) requires lower load current for ZVS operation than the Si device. To verify this finding, the experiment was conducted on a 3kW class dual active bridge (DAB) converter, and the results were analyzed. The results show that using a WBG device enables ZVS operation at a lower load and higher efficiency compared to Si devices.

	Bidirectional Energy Transfer for Heterogeneous Modular Batteries in Electric Vehicle Applications By Nima TASHAKOR, Pouyan POURHADI, Mohammad HAmed SAMIMI, Mahdi BAYATI, Stefan GOETZ	[View] [Download]
Abstract: Modular multilevel converters enable serial and bypass operation, which are suitable for using lower-voltage components in higher-voltage systems. Reconfigurable batteries capable of parallel connection take advantage of sensorless voltage balancing, battery saving, current sharing, and improved efficiency. However, the parallel connectivity does not allow any voltage difference between the modules or necessitates large inductors. This paper proposes modular reconfigurable batteries with inter-module differential chokes to allow controlled and efficient energy transfer across modules with arbitrary voltage differences and minimum impact on the output voltage. The output current operates as a common-mode current in the differential choke, neutralizing the magnetization effects of choke inductances and preventing saturation. This results in a differential choke inductor with a small core size. This study also offers a modulation strategy for controlling the differential current responsible for energy transfer among modules. The operational principle is discussed in detail and validated by simulations.

	Evaluation of Reconfigurable Isolated Bidirectional DC/DC Converters for an EV Charging system with Bipolar DC-link By Kaushik NARESH KUMAR, Rafal MISKIEWICZ, Przemyslaw TROCHIMIUK, Jacek RABKOWSKI, Dimosthenis PEFTITSIS	[View] [Download]
Abstract: In this paper, four 10 kW reconfigurable, isolated, and bidirectional DC/DC converter topologies,supplied by +750/0/-750V bipolar DC-link, are evaluated based on efficiency, loss distribution, thermal considerations, volt-ampere ratings of SiC MOSFETs, and transformer losses for an electric vehicle (EV) charging system. Taking into account the merits and demerits of the evaluation outcomes, the full-bridge based modular dual active bridge converter topology is shown to be the optimal choice for the considered EV charging system.

	Highly Integrated Electric Drive based-on Smart DC Batteries - Topology and Control By Nima TASHAKOR, Masoud AMIRREZAI, Davood KESHAVARZI, Stefan GOETZ	[View] [Download]
Abstract: Dynamically reconfigurable batteries, particularly in electromobility and energy storage applications, are the product of integrating batteries with electronics that enable the dynamic and smart reconfiguration. This enables the operator to adjust the series, parallel, and bypass connections among the batteries depending on the output conditions and goals. Most studies focus on feeding a single output while neglecting additional voltage levels, also known as auxiliaries, to increase the utilization of the available degrees of freedom. In this study, we propose an electric drive topology based on smart DC battery that minimizes the number of the switches and large passive components by integrating the auxiliary and the high-power output. The main load (non-isolated, semi-controlled) can be the DC-link of an inverter, while the auxiliary load (galvanically isolated, fully controlled) supplying the controllers and monitoring subsystems.

	Investigation of Reconfigurable Battery Efficiency for an Application in an Electrical Sailplane By Nina SOROKINA, Tobias HÖGERL, Wolfgang BLIEMETSRIEDER, Manuel KUDER, Luca HEIN, Thomas WEYH	[View] [Download]
Abstract: This article examines various concepts for propulsion battery concepts for a glider aircraft. These are distinguished by the type of battery pack and by the DC/AC inverter. The different concepts are a conventional battery with fixed series and parallel configuration connected to a three-level inverter, a variable DC voltage source based on dynamically Reconfigurable Battery System (RBS) as the main energy storage unit connected to the same inverter as in a conventional case. The third one is a multi-level energy system containing separate flexibly configurable battery modules for each phase of the electrical motor. All considerations will be made for a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor for the maximum power of 80 kW. For each of the energy storage concepts an analysis of the efficiency of the whole system as well as its sub-components was made.

	Losses Evaluation in Current Source Inverter Topologies for Automotive Traction Applica By Gaetano TURRISI, Luigi Danilo TORNELLO, Giacomo SCELBA, Mario CACCIATO, Giuseppe SCARCELLA	[View] [Download]
Abstract: In this paper, an analytical modelling of power loss distribution has been addressed for different traction current source inverters. After having described the topologies and modulation strategies, modelling of losses for each semiconductor device composing the inverters is provided. Then, the theoretical study has been validated through extensive simulations performed on a 35kW permanent magnet synchronous motor drive fed by the considered current source inverter topologies. Furthermore, the power loss and overall efficiency of current source inverter-based motor drives have been compared to a traditional two-level voltage source inverter fed motor drive including an output LC filter. Results underline pros and cons of using current source inverter topologies based on wide bandgap semiconductor devices.

	Switching a eMode GaN HEMT under conditions of an inverter module for electrical vehicles (EV) By Dominik NEHMER, Maximilian HEPP, Wolfgang WONDRAK, Mark-M. BAKRAN	[View] [Download]
Abstract: In this paper the switching behavior of aeMode GaN device under conditions of a power modulefor electrical vehicles will be presented. During turn-offof the passive switch parasitic turn-on (PTO) can occur.The PTO will lead to higher losses especially in the lowload dominated WLTP cycle. An advanced version of aMiller clamping circuit to prevent PTO will be shown. Thiscircuit will reduce the losses significantly. A version withloss optimized PTO, higher gate resistance and with Millercircuit will be compared. The switching speed with Millerclamping is limited by the overvoltage. The conditionwith the highest overvoltage will be identified, which isnecessary for the selection of the external gate resistor.To prevent PTO a lower drive voltage is also beneficial.However, this leads to a high reverse voltage drop of theGaN due to its reverse conduction characteristics. Thelosses in the WLTP cycle are high, which will be shownfor different drive voltage and turn-on delays.