Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: This analyzes and justifies the capabilities of the flying capacitor multilevel flyback converter (FCMFC) structure for DC-DC power conversion. The proposed converter has been analyzed mathematically for theory of operation and simulated extensively in the process. Furthermore, the theoretical and simulation backed efforts have been proven using a series of hardware prototypes to ensure the analysis. This new converter utilizes the very commonly used flyback converter as its core structure. The secondary side filter has been replaced with a series of switch-diode-capacitor (SDC) cells that cycle the flying capacitors for improved overall converter performance. Major improvements are seen for converter efficiency and voltage gain capability, making the FCMFC a promising candidate as a DC converter, that expands the capabilities and thus applicability of the flyback converter. Use of the FCMFC structure gives a designer more variability in the design and expands the range of use for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) flyback transformers. This can be very useful for a designer by eliminating the need to venture into the magnetic design of a new transformer, which can be very time consuming and complicated. Magnetic component companies also have limited selection range for magnetic components, especially for transformers because of the expense involved to design and test. FCMFC balances energy between the core transformer and flying capacitors, allowing it to handle more power with a lower input ripple current. The input MOSFET switch, that is core to the flyback converter and FCMFC, experiences a reduced stress of operation because of the proposed structure. The secondary side SDC components distribute voltage gain which lowers their voltage stress. Many other multilevel structures have been designed with great success for this reason, however, none of those structures see the same voltage gain benefit that FCMFC has, making it particularly unique. For this reason, the FCMFC has been the research focus and is the proposed topology. This work will analyze and exemplify the validity of FCMFC to justify the contribution to the field of power electronics.
Author: Santino F. Graziani
Language: English
Topic: Advanced DC-DC Converters
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2913580460