Online Full ZVS Optimization for Modular Multi-Active Bridge Converter in MV PET
Haoyu Wang, Junwei Liu, Jialin Zheng, Yangbin Zeng, Di Mou, Zian Qin
TL;DR
This work tackles the efficiency and switching losses of generalized multi-active-bridge (MAB) converters used in MV power electronic transformers by presenting an online full zero-voltage switching (ZVS) optimization method. It leverages a time-domain model with multi-phase-shift modulation to derive a simple, closed-form solution that computes inner phase shifts using only real-time DC-port voltages, eliminating the need for extra sensors or complex controllers. The method guarantees full ZVS across all ports by enforcing a derived condition and selecting $D_i$ from $M_i$ ratios, demonstrated with a four-port prototype through simulations and experiments. Results show substantial RMS current reductions, improved dynamic response, and up to ~15% efficiency gains across a wide operating range. The approach offers a practical, online, model-light path to high-efficiency MV PET operation.
Abstract
Multi-active bridge (MAB) converters, the core of the state-of-the-art medium-voltage power electronic transformers, can flexibly connect multiple DC ports among distributed DC grids and loads, but suffer from hard switching under conventional single phase-shift control, especially under unbalanced voltage conversion ratios and light load conditions. Although some offline methods manage to improve the efficiency through complex optimization structures, there lacks online optimization methods that are simple but effective due to the strong coupling among ports of the converter. By leveraging the time-domain model of the MAB converter under the multiple phase-shift modulation scheme, this paper simplifies the optimization process and proposes an online optimization method that can achieve full zero-voltage switching (ZVS) operation regardless of the load conditions. The proposed method has simple solutions with only voltage conversion ratios involved and can be implemented within a wide operation range without additional sensors or advanced controllers. A four-port MAB converter is constructed as the prototype. The simulation and experimental results have verified the feasibility and superiority of the proposed online strategy in achieving ZVS operation, dynamic response, and efficiency improvement.