Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Half-Bridge Diode-Clamped Four-Level LLC Resonant Converter with Pulse-Amplitude-Modulation for Railway Applications

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a half-bridge (HB) diode-clamped four-level LLC resonant converter based on multi-neighboring reference vector discontinuous pulse-width modulation (MNRV DPWM). While maintaining the characteristics of the full-bridge MNRV DPWM, output voltage is controlled using the pulse-amplitude-modulation method with fixed switching frequency at the resonant point. Depending on the location of the command voltage, multiple reference vectors with different charging/discharging characteristics of the capacitors are selected. The duties of selected multiple switches are adjusted to effectively remove the voltage deviations among the input DC-link capacitors while satisfying the magnitude of the command voltage on average. By designing duty compensators proportional to the voltage deviations of the DC-link capacitors and correcting PWM pulse duties, the output voltage is easily controlled in a closed-loop manner. For the HB topology, selection of multiple reference vectors according to the command reference voltage was modified for enhanced symmetry. The control algorithm, steady state circuit operation, and voltage transfer gain were analyzed in detail, and design guidelines were also included. The effectiveness of the proposed converter was verified through simulations and experiments on the prototype circuit.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
Fig. 22
Fig. 23
Fig. 24
Fig. 25
Fig. 26
Fig. 27

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Rodriguez J, Lai J-S, Peng FZ (2002) Multilevel inverters: a survey of topologies, controls, and applications. IEEE Trans Ind Electron 49(4):724–738

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Kouro S et al (2010) Recent advances and industrial applications of multilevel converters. IEEE Trans Ind Electron 57(8):2553–2580

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Gupta KK, Ranjan A, Bhatnagar P, Sahu LK, Jain S (2016) Multilevel inverter topologies with reduced device count: a review. IEEE Trans Power Electron 31(1):135–151

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Debnath S, Qin J, Bahrani B, Saeedifard M, Barbosa P (2015) Operation, control, and applications of the modular multilevel converter: a review. IEEE Trans Power Electron 30(1):37–53

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Perez MA, Ceballos S, Konstantinou G, Pou J, Aguilera RP (2021) Modular multilevel converters: recent achievements and challenges. IEEE open j Ind Electron Soc 2:224–239

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Nami A, Zare F, Ghosh A, Blaabjerg F (2011) A hybrid cascade converter topology with series-connected symmetrical and asymmetrical diode-clamped H-bridge cells. IEEE Trans Power Electron 26(1):51–65

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Nami A, Zare F, Ghosh A, Blaabjerg F (2010) Multi-output DC–DC converters based on diode-clamped converters configuration: topology and control strategy. IET Power Electron 3(2):197–208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Zhao J, Han Y, He X, Tan C, Cheng J, Zhao R (2011) Multilevel circuit topologies based on the switched-capacitor converter and diode-clamped converter. IEEE Trans Power Electron 26(8):2127–2136

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Gao C, Jiang X, Li Y, Chen Z, Liu J (2013) A DC-link voltage self-balance method for a diode-clamped modular multilevel converter with minimum number of voltage sensors. IEEE Trans Power Electron 28(5):2125–2139

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Ajami A, Shokri H, Mokhberdoran A (2014) Parallel switch-based chopper circuit for DC capacitor voltage balancing in diode-clamped multilevel inverter. IET Power Electron 7(3):503–514

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Liu X et al (2017) A novel diode-clamped modular multilevel converter with simplified capacitor voltage-balancing control. IEEE Trans Ind Electron 64(11):8843–8854

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Stala R (2011) Application of Balancing Circuit for DC-Link Voltages Balance in a Single-Phase Diode-Clamped Inverter With Two Three-Level Legs. IEEE Trans Ind Electron 58(9):4185–4195

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Shu Z, He X, Wang Z, Qiu D, Jing Y (2013) Voltage balancing approaches for diode-clamped multilevel converters using auxiliary capacitor-based circuits”. IEEE Trans Power Electron 28(5):2111–2124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Busquets-Monge S, Alepuz S, Bordonau J, Peracaula J (2008) Voltage balancing control of diode-clamped multilevel converters with passive front-ends. IEEE Trans Power Electron 23(4):1751–1758

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Grigoletto FB, Pinheiro H (2011) Generalised pulse width modulation approach for DC capacitor voltage balancing in diode-clamped multilevel converters. IET Power Electron 4(1):89–100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Busquets-Monge S, Bordonau J, Boroyevich D, Somavilla S (2004) The nearest three virtual space vector PWM—a modulation for the comprehensive neutral-point balancing in the three-level NPC inverter. IEEE Power Electron Lett 2(1):11–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Busquets-Monge S, Alepuz S, Rocabert J, Bordonau J (2009) Pulsewidth modulations for the comprehensive capacitor voltage balance of n-level three-leg diode-clamped converters. IEEE Trans Power Electron 24(5):1364–1375

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Busquets-Monge S, Ruderman A (2010) Carrier-based PWM strategies for the comprehensive capacitor voltage balance of multilevel multileg diode-clamped converters. In: 2010 IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics. pp 688–693

  19. Wang K, Zheng Z, Li Y (2019) A novel carrier-overlapped PWM method for four-level neutral-point clamped converters. IEEE Trans Power Electron 34(1):7–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Wang K, Zheng Z, Xu L, Li Y (2020) A generalized carrier-overlapped PWM method for neutral-point-clamped multilevel converters. IEEE Trans Power Electron 35(9):9095–9106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Wang K, Zheng Z, Li Y (2020) Topology and control of a four-level ANPC inverter. IEEE Trans Power Electron 35(3):2342–2352

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Yang B, Lee FC, Zhang AJ , Huang G (2002) LLC resonant converter for front end DC/DC conversion. In: Seventeenth Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition. pp 1108–1112

  23. Bing L, Wenduo L, Yan L, Lee FC, Van Wyk JD (2006) Optimal design methodology for LLC resonant converter. In: Twenty-First Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, pp 533–538

  24. Villar I et al. (2012) "Optimal design and experimental validation of a Medium-Frequency 400 kVA power transformer for railway traction applications. In: 2012 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE), pp 684–690

  25. Wei Y, Luo Q, Mantooth A (2020) Overview of modulation strategies for LLC resonant converter. IEEE Trans Power Electron 35(10):10423–10443

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Jin F, Liu F, Ruan X, Meng X (2014) Multi-phase multi-level LLC resonant converter with low voltage stress on the primary-side switches. In: 2014 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE), pp 4704–4710

  27. Wang H, Chen Y, Liu Y-F, Afsharian J, Yang ZA (2015) A common inductor multi-phase LLC resonant converter. In: 2015 IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition. pp 548–555

  28. Zumel P, Ortega L, Lazaro A, Fernandez C, Benchaib A (2013) Control strategy for modular dual active bridge input series output parallel. In: Proceedimgs 14th IEEE Workshop Control Model Power Electron pp 1–7

  29. Zhao B, Song Q, Li J, Wang Y, Liu W (2017) Modular multilevel high-frequency-link DC transformer based on dual active phase-shift principle for medium-voltage DC power distribution application. IEEE Trans Power Electron 32(3):1779–1791

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Song M-S, Lee J-B (2022) Pulse-amplitude-modulation full-bridge diode-clamped multilevel LLC resonant converter using multi-neighboring reference vector discontinuous PWM. Energies 15(11):4045

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Song M-S et al (2022) Pulse-amplitude-modulation full-bridge diode-clamped three-level LLC resonant converter with offset voltage injection method. Trans Korean Inst Electr Eng 71(9):1342–1350

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Hong H (2010) “FHA-based voltage gain function with harmonic compensation for LLC resonant converter”. In: ProceedingsTwenty-Fifth Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition. pp 1770–1777

  33. Choi H-S (2007) Design consideration of half-bridge LLC resonant converter. J Power Electron 7(1):13–20

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from R&D Program (Development of smart energy management and performance evaluation technology for railway stations based on virtualization, PK2303E1) of the Korea Railroad Research Institute.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Electrification System Research Department, Smart Electrical & Signaling Division, Korea Railroad Research Institute, Uiwang-si, 16105, Korea

    Min-Sup Song, Hosung Jung & Hyungchul Kim

  2. Department of Railroad Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Korea National University of Transportation, Uiwang-si, 16106, Korea

    Jae-Bum Lee

Authors
  1. Min-Sup Song
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jae-Bum Lee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Hosung Jung
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Hyungchul Kim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Min-Sup Song.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Song, MS., Lee, JB., Jung, H. et al. Half-Bridge Diode-Clamped Four-Level LLC Resonant Converter with Pulse-Amplitude-Modulation for Railway Applications. J. Electr. Eng. Technol. 18, 4481–4497 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42835-023-01545-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42835-023-01545-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation