Solid-State Transformers: Fundamentals, Topologies, Applications, and Future Challenges

Solid-state transformers (SSTs) have emerged as a superior alternative to conventional transformers and are regarded as the building block of the future smart grid. They incorporate power electronics circuitry and high-frequency operation, which allows high controllability and enables bi-directional power flow, overcoming the limitations of conventional transformers. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the solid-state transformer, expounding the fundamentals, converter topologies, applications, and future challenges of the SST in a systematic manner. The paper discusses the necessity of improved replacement of the low-frequency transformers (LFTs) and presents the configuration of SST. It presents SST fundamentals in individual stages and explores its origin and evolution. The basic topologies, their specifications, and control strategies are also described. The applications of SST as a replacement of LFTs are discussed along with recent applications. The future challenges for real-time implementation of SSTs are explored, and research directions are proposed.

Design of New High Step-Up DC-DC Converter Topology for Solar PV Applications

A new topology for high step-up nonisolated DC-DC converter for solar PV applications is presented in this paper. The proposed high-voltage gain converter topology has many advantages like low-voltage stress on the switches, high gain with low duty ratio, and a continuous input current. The analytical waveforms of the proposed converter are presented in continuous and discontinuous modes of operation. Voltage stress analysis is conducted. The voltage gain and efficiency of the converter in presence of parasitic elements are also derived. Performance comparison of the proposed high-gain converter topology with the recently reported high-gain converter topologies is presented. Validation of theoretical analysis is done through the test results obtained from the simulation of the proposed converter. For the maximum duty ratio of 80%, the output voltage of 670 V is observed, and the voltage gain obtained is 14. Comparison of theoretical and simulation results is presented which validates the performance of the proposed converter.

Review of MVDC Applications, Technologies, and Future Prospects

This paper presents a complete review of MVDC applications and their required technologies. Four main MVDC applications were investigated: rail, shipboard systems, distribution grids, and offshore collection systems. For each application, the voltage and power levels, grid structures, converter topologies, and protection and control structure were reviewed. Case studies of the varying applications as well as the literature were analyzed to ascertain the common trends and to review suggested future topologies. For rail, ship, and distribution systems, the technology and ability to implement MVDC grids is available, and there are already a number of case studies. Offshore wind collection systems, however, are yet able to be implemented. Across the four applications, the MVDC voltages ranged from 5–50 kV DC and tens of MW, with some papers suggesting an upper limit of 100 kV DC and hundreds of MV for distribution networks and offshore wind farm applications. This enables the use of varying technologies at both the lower and high voltage ranges, giving flexibility in the choice of topology that is required required.

Current-Fed Bidirectional DC-DC Converter Topology for Wireless Charging System Electrical Vehicle Applications

This paper compares the efficiency of a modified wireless power transfer (WPT) system with a current-fed dual-active half-bridge converter topology and a complete bridge converter topology for a current-fed resonate compensation network with current sharing and voltage doubler. Full-bridge topologies are widely used in current WPT structures. The C-C-L resonate compensation networks for dual-active half-bridge converter and full-bridge converter topologies are built in this paper on both the transmitter and receiver sides. Due to higher voltage stress around inverter switches, series-parallel (S-P) tanks are not recommended for current-fed topologies because they are not ideal for medium power applications. A series capacitor is connected to reduce the reactive power absorbed by the loosely coupled coil. As a consequence, the C-C-L network is used as a compensation network. Dual-active half-bridge topology is chosen over full-bridge topology due to the system’s component count and overall cost. Soft-switching of the devices is obtained for the load current. The entire system is modelled, and the effects are analysed using MATLAB simulation.

Review of DC-DC Converter Topologies Based on Impedance Network with Wide Input Voltage Range and High Gain for Fuel Cell Vehicles

The development of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) has a major impact on improving air quality and reducing other fossil-fuel-related problems. DC-DC boost converters with wide input voltage ranges and high gains are essential to fuel cells and DC buses in the powertrains of FCVs, helping to improve the low voltage of fuel cells and “soft” output characteristics. To build DC-DC converters with the desired performance, their topologies have been widely investigated and optimized. Aiming to obtain the optimal design of wide input range and high-gain DC-DC boost converter topologies for FCVs, a review of the research status of DC-DC boost converters based on an impedance network is presented. Additionally, an evaluation system for DC-DC topologies for FCVs is constructed, providing a reference for designing wide input range and high-gain boost converters. The evaluation system uses eight indexes to comprehensively evaluate the performance of DC-DC boost converters for FCVs. On this basis, issues about DC-DC converters for FCVs are discussed, and future research directions are proposed. The main future research directions of DC-DC converter for FCVs include utilizing a DC-DC converter to realize online monitoring of the water content in FCs and designing buck-boost DC-DC converters suitable for high-power commercial FCVs.