High-Frequency Soft-Switched Converter Design for Reduced Switching Losses in Renewable Applications

Abstract

The high frequency power converters have been popular in the renewable energy systems because they offer the benefit of high power density and fast dynamic response. The drawback is, however, that as the switching frequency goes up, switching losses go up to the point that efficiency drops and thermal loading on semiconductor devices becomes overwhelmingly high. This is one of the biggest obstacles of the successful and effective functioning of contemporary renewable energy interfaces. In a bid to solve this problem, the current paper will suggest a high-frequency soft-switched converter with an enhanced control strategy comprising of a phase shift control and Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS). The suggested strategy will make sure that the power switches are working under gentle switching circumstances hence reducing switching losses and enhancing the entire system functionality. The control algorithm is developed to hold ZVS over a broad operating range through optimising the phase shift between switching signals. Moreover, performance of converter is tested at different load conditions to assess its suitability in the real world application in renewable energy use. However, converter efficiency, switching loss reduction, voltage stress among others are key performance metrics systematically measured by simulation and experiment. The findings reveal that the switching losses are greatly reduced and the general efficiency is enhanced, as compared to the traditional hard-switched converters. In particular, the suggested system can realise the efficiency increase up to 4-6 percent when operating in high switching frequencies without significant changes. These results affirm that the suggested soft-switching control solution is a feasible and effective design to the next-generation of renewable energy conversion systems of power generation.