PROJECT TITLE :

Lifetime Based Power Routing of a Quadruple Active Bridge DC/DC Converter - 2017

ABSTRACT:

Medium-voltage dc/dc converters have recently acquired importance in the sensible grid and dc distribution framework. However, several open issues remain regarding the reliability of such systems. This paper proposes a modular isolated dc/dc converter with multiple quadruple active bridge building blocks. This design, together with a virtual resistor-based mostly control, weights the paths depending on the elements wear-out and can balance the stress of the semiconductors within the attempt of extending overall system lifetime. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated in simulations and supported with measurements on a small-scale demonstrator with open modules, built so as to verify in real time the potential of controlling the thermal stress of the semiconductors.