A single-phase half-bridge dual-active bridge (H-BDAB) converter is a type of power electronic circuit used for DC-DC conversion. It combines the features of a half-bridge converter and a dual-active bridge (DAB) converter to achieve bi-directional power flow and voltage conversion. This converter is commonly used in applications like electric vehicle charging, renewable energy systems, and battery energy storage systems.
Here's how the operation of a single-phase half-bridge dual-active bridge converter generally works:
Basic Structure: The converter consists of two main sections: the primary side and the secondary side. The primary side is composed of a half-bridge configuration, which includes two switches (usually IGBTs or MOSFETs) and a mid-point neutral connection. The secondary side comprises two full-bridge DAB converters, each consisting of four switches and a transformer with a center-tapped secondary winding.
Voltage Conversion: The primary side is connected to the input DC voltage source. By controlling the switching of the two switches in the half-bridge, the input voltage can be applied in either polarity across the center tap of the transformer on the secondary side.
Bidirectional Power Flow: The secondary side DAB converters enable bidirectional power flow. By appropriately controlling the switches on the secondary side, the voltage across the transformer secondary winding can be adjusted to either step up or step down the voltage level. This allows for both voltage step-up and step-down conversions.
Phase-Shifted Control: The key feature of the H-BDAB converter is the phase-shifted control between the two DAB converters on the secondary side. By controlling the phase difference between the two converters' switching signals, the output voltage magnitude and direction can be controlled effectively. This phase-shifted control also enables zero-voltage switching (ZVS) for the switches, reducing switching losses and improving efficiency.
Control Strategy: The control strategy for the H-BDAB converter involves coordinating the switching of all the switches on both the primary and secondary sides. This includes regulating the phase-shift between the two DAB converters, adjusting the duty cycle of the switches on the primary side, and ensuring that the switches operate in the proper sequence to achieve the desired voltage transformation and power flow.
Applications: The single-phase H-BDAB converter finds applications in scenarios where bi-directional power flow and voltage conversion are required. For example, it can be used in electric vehicle charging stations to interface between the grid and the vehicle's battery, or in renewable energy systems to connect energy sources like solar panels to the grid.
In summary, the single-phase half-bridge dual-active bridge converter combines the features of both a half-bridge and a dual-active bridge converter to achieve bidirectional power flow and efficient voltage conversion. Its operation involves precise control of switching sequences and phase-shifts to achieve the desired output voltage and power flow direction.