A method to extract low-voltage auxiliary power from a flying capacitor multi-level converter

Andrew Stillwell, Yutian Lei, Robert Carl Nikolai Pilawa Podgurski

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Flying Capacitor Multi-Level (FCML) converters are attractive solutions for compact power conversion with a large step-down ratio. Many of these applications also need low-voltage auxiliary supplies to power control circuits or subsystems. Rather than build a separate converter that must be rated for the full input voltage, we propose to divert power from a naturally occurring, low-voltage node within the FCML converter itself. The current extracted from this low-voltage node creates a voltage imbalance in the flying capacitors, which, as it is undesirable, degrades the performance of the multilevel converter. Here, we analyze the mechanisms behind this imbalance, and propose a control technique to compensate for the asymmetric operating conditions introduced by the auxiliary power extraction. We demonstrate the control method through simulation and a hardware prototype, achieving excellent flying capacitor balance with a single capacitor voltage measurement and no additional switches or loads.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2016 IEEE 17th Workshop on Control and Modeling for Power Electronics, COMPEL 2016
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781509018154
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 30 2016
Event17th IEEE Workshop on Control and Modeling for Power Electronics, COMPEL 2016 - Trondheim, Norway
Duration: Jun 27 2016Jun 30 2016

Publication series

Name2016 IEEE 17th Workshop on Control and Modeling for Power Electronics, COMPEL 2016

Other

Other17th IEEE Workshop on Control and Modeling for Power Electronics, COMPEL 2016
Country/TerritoryNorway
CityTrondheim
Period6/27/166/30/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Control and Optimization
  • Modeling and Simulation

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