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In this paper, a control method combined with variable frequency and phase shifting is proposed, the primary purpose of which is to optimize the operating efficiency of the phase‐shift full‐bridge (PSFB) DC‐DC converter. By modeling the losses of the PSFB converter, the optimal switching frequency related to the load conditions is found. A neural network aided variable frequency controller that can work linearly is built to achieve the proposed method. At the same time, the voltage control loop is retained to ensure the stability of the output voltage and the necessary dynamic response of the converter. This paper builds an experimental platform for a 2 kW PSFB DC‐DC converter to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method. With the control method proposed in this paper, the PSFB converter can always work at the optimum efficiency point under different load conditions. In addition, this paper also analyzes the influence of variable frequency control on PSFB operating states, such as zero‐voltage‐switching (ZVS) constraints, continuous conduction mode (CCM) operating states, and power density, which have an impact on its operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the integration of advanced power management systems and learning techniques in the field of robotics. It identifies the critical roles these areas play in reshaping the capabilities of robotic systems across diverse applications. To begin, it highlights the significance of efficient power usage in modern robotics. The paper explains how advanced power converters effectively control voltage, manage current and shape waveforms, thereby optimizing energy utilization. These converters ensure that robotic components receive the precise voltage levels they require, leading to improved motor performance and enabling precise control over motor behavior. Consequently, this results in extended operational times and increased design flexibility. Furthermore, the review explores the integration of learning approaches, emphasizing their substantial impact on robotic perception, decision-making and autonomy. It discusses the application of techniques such as reinforcement learning, supervised learning and unsupervised learning, showcasing their applications in areas like object recognition, semantic segmentation, sensor fusion and anomaly detection. By utilizing these learning methods, robots become more intelligent, adaptable and capable of autonomous operation across various domains. By examining the interaction between advanced power management and learning integration, this review anticipates a future where robots operate with increased efficiency, adapt to various tasks and drive technological innovation across a wide range of industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive synchronous rectification (SR) is a good solution to solve duty cycle loss for LLC resonant converter. Usually, whether the synchronous rectifier is turned off prematurely or late can be detected by whether the body diode is conducted on or not. However, when the switching frequency is below the resonant frequency, both SR turning-off prematurely and late may generate body diode conduction (BDC), which will cause logic errors in the conventional adaptive SR strategy. Then, a large reverse current from load to source will occur, which damages the efficiency. To solve the problem, the time-domain modeling of the SR drain-to-source voltage is established to analyze the mechanism of BDC caused by SR turning-off late. Moreover, an improved adaptive SR driving scheme is proposed, which can identify the two different types of BDC and tune SR to be turned off exactly. Finally, a 280 W LLC prototype is built to verify the established model and the proposed SR method. The prototype proves that both the duty cycle loss and the reverse current are eliminated and efficiency improvement of 0.54% is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a two-stage automotive LED driver architecture delivering independently regulated output currents to multiple LED strings. The system consists of a multiphase noninverting buck–boost front-end stage, which allows for a wide battery voltage range, followed by high-frequency immittance-network-based LCL-T resonant converters, which operate as current sources over wide output voltage ranges. The two-stage buck–boost + resonant (BB+resonant) architecture takes advantage of the buck and boost capability of both stages, and the flexibility in setting the intermediate bus voltage to minimize losses. Advantages of the BB+resonant architecture include the use of lower voltage rated devices and soft switching in the resonant stage, leading to reduced losses and size. Experimental results are provided for a prototype consisting of a 250-kHz two-phase front-end stage and 2-MHz LCL-T resonant stages delivering independently regulated 1 A currents to four LED strings with $N = 1$ $-$ 18 LEDs. The measured system efficiency is greater than 88% over wide input (8 $-$ 18 V) and output (3–50 V) voltage ranges, with a peak efficiency of 93%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of wireless power transfer technology in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems is rapidly improving in different application areas. The main limitations of electric-powered UAVs are their charging range and stability in dynamic conditions. To solve these, this article proposes a hybrid control method based on dc-link and switched capacitor control with a fixed operating frequency. The dc-link voltage is regulated by the boost power factor correction converter to smoothen the output voltage, and the switched capacitor is used to dynamically compensate for self-inductance variations under dynamic coupling conditions. The output voltage stabilization and near-unity power factor of the input impedance can be achieved by applying the hybrid control method. Therefore, efficiency improvement can be achieved. Furthermore, the proposed control method can also be applied to systems with large coupling variations. To verify the proposed control method, a 500-W prototype was set up in the laboratory, and the experimental results proved that the control method could ensure a stable output voltage with horizontal and vertical offsets of 200 and 62 mm. respectively. Additionally, the results show that the maximum efficiency of the proposed control method is 91.9%, demonstrating that the proposed method effectively improves the efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to get rid of plug-in/out actions for container terminals and to save space, a power-relay inductive power transfer system is employed for reefer container wireless charging. Besides, a load-power-based efficiency model is proposed to analyze system efficiency. The function of efficiency against the input voltage and the load power distributions of the system is analyzed in detail. Then, system efficiency can be improved by regulating the input voltage according to the input-voltage-lookup table, which is generated as per various power distributions of loads. Finally, a prototype with three loads is built to validate the performance of the proposed approach. The experimental results show that the efficiency is greater than 94.29% with an improvement by 7.6%, 7.2%, and 6.0%, compared with those without optimization (fixed input voltage 213 V) at one load (@80 W), two loads (@80 and 80 W), and three loads (@80, 80, and 80 W), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss model of an induction motor based on the electric circuit is known as the more comfortable model to be identified compared to the magnetic model. This model is commonly used for field-oriented control rather than direct torque control (DTC). In the recent research for applying the electric loss model for flux optimization, the core loss resistance current is ignored, since it will reduce the robustness and accuracy of the model. In this article, it is analytically proved that considering that current will reduce the sensitivity significantly. Thus, a robust loss model based on a complete electric circuit is proposed for flux optimization in predictive torque and flux control. The predictive method had been chosen because of the fast dynamic response. In order to avoid computation increase, the predictive direct voltage control is used. The validity of the proposed method is studied via experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a 6.78 MHz multiple-receiver wireless power transfer system driven by a Class E power amplifier. Constant output voltage is achieved for each receiver with optimized overall efficiency. A novel one-receiver model is built to analyze the overall power-efficiency characteristics. The loads and input voltage are then designed as two control variables. Through tuning the loads, constant output voltage is achieved by independent controllers at the receiver side. Then, the efficiency is optimized by tuning the input voltage at the transmitter side. Finally, the theoretical analysis and control scheme are validated using a three-receiver system. It shows that different constant output voltages, 5, 9, and 12 V can be achieved independently for different receivers. When the load resistance, real coupling, and number of receivers change, the voltage can be quickly regulated, and the overall optimum system efficiency is 66.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the framework for the applications of double-source wireless systems in charging for movable electronic devices. To acquire the real-time mutual inductances between the receiving coil and the transmitting coils, a detection strategy on the basis of primary parameters (currents and voltages) is introduced, which can replace the wireless communications between the receiving side and the transmitting side. Coordinated control of two source voltages is employed to deal with the power fluctuation of load, which is caused by load position variations. In specific, the constraint of two source voltages, which can maintain the output power stable, is derived. Based on these feasible combinations of source voltages, numerical calculations are further carried out to identify the optimized voltage combination, which can achieve high power transfer efficiency. Finally, an experimental prototype is built up and the results show that the proposed coordinated control strategy can minimize power fluctuation and maintain relative high efficiency at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a control method for efficiency improvement of the LLC resonant converter operating with a wide input-voltage and/or output-voltage range by means of topology morphing, i.e., changing of power converter's topology to that which is the most optimal for given input-voltage and/or output-voltage conditions. The proposed on-the-fly topology-morphing control maintains a tight regulation of the output during the topology transitions so that topology transitions are made without noticeable output-voltage transients. The performance of the proposed topology morphing method is verified experimentally on an 800-W LLC dc/dc converter prototype designed for a 100-V to 400-V input-voltage range. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aiming to improve the performance features of conventional two-level dual-active-bridge (DAB) converters, this paper presents a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) DAB dc–dc converter. A general modulation pattern is initially defined, the dc-link capacitor voltage balancing is analyzed in detail, and a proper balancing control is designed. Then, a set of decoupled optimization problems is formulated as a function of the available modulation degrees of freedom to minimize the predominant converter losses. Finally, a simple and practical specific modulation strategy is provided, resembling the optimum solutions. The good performance of the proposed three-level NPC DAB converter operated with the proposed modulation strategy and voltage balancing control is verified through simulation and experiments. The capacitor voltage balancing can be guaranteed for all operating conditions. In addition, it is concluded that the multilevel topology provides benefits compared with the conventional two-level DAB converter. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Self-powered wireless sensors require power delivery systems capable of harvesting from very low input voltage while consuming minimal bias current. This paper presents a multistage boost regulator capable of generating 3 V to supply RF blocks in self-powered wireless sensors from 10 mV input voltage. The bias power consumption is minimized using automated bias gating. The efficiency of the multistage conversion at a high conversion ratio is enhanced through the regulation and control of the intermediate-node voltage. A test chip, fabricated in 130 nm CMOS, demonstrates functional operation from as low as 10 mV input and consumes 190 nA bias current. Single-stage boost regulator demonstrates Peak efficiency of 89%, while the cascaded two stage peaks at 72%. In the cascaded system, the variable intermediate-node voltage operation shows up to 9% efficiency improvement over fixed intermediate-node voltage when operating at high conversion ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Droop control by means of virtual resistance (VR) control loops can be applied to paralleled dc–dc converters for achieving autonomous equal power sharing. However, equal power sharing does not guarantee an efficient operation of the whole system. In order to achieve higher efficiency and lower energy losses, this paper proposes a tertiary control level including an optimization method for achieving efficient operation. As the efficiency of each converter changes with the output power, VR values are set as decision variables for modifying the power sharing ratio among converters. A genetic algorithm is used in searching for a global efficiency optimum. In addition, a secondary control level is added to regulate the output voltage drooped by the VRs. However, system dynamics is affected when shifting up/down the VR references. Therefore, a secondary control for system damping is proposed and applied for maintaining system stability. Hardware-in-the-loop simulations are conducted to validate the effectiveness of this method. The results show that the system efficiency is improved by using tertiary optimization control and the desired transient response is ensured with system damping secondary control. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a wide-speed-range-operation dual stator-winding induction generator (DWIG) dc generating system for wind power applications. In this system, the dc bus on the control-winding side and the dc bus on the power-winding side are connected in parallel to further widen the speed range of the constant dc voltage output, especially at low speeds. Based on the control mechanism of the DWIG and the instantaneous power theory, a control-winding-flux-orientation control strategy is employed. In order to improve the wind energy conversion efficiency at low wind speeds, the generator efficiency optimization method is investigated. The experimental results from a 20 kW/600 V prototype show that the proposed generating system can output the constant dc voltage in a speed range of 1:4, and the generator efficiency in the low speed range is improved, which both bring the advantages for wind power applications, such as expanding the scope of the wind energy utilization and capturing much more wind energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a unified control method for the combined permanent magnet generator (PMG) and active rectifier that can be used in autonomous power systems such as more-electric aircraft requiring high power density and efficiency. With the proposed control, the system can function well without additional boost inductors and rotor position sensors. The design procedure for the control is presented, including current loops, a voltage loop, and a rotor position estimator loop. Simulation and experimental results show that both the dc-link voltage and the reactive power could be controlled effectively. A system efficiency optimization technique is proposed by selecting the permanent magnet flux linkage and determining the operating points at various load and speed conditions. The power density and efficiency of the PMG and active rectifier system are improved with the unified control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a flux control strategy for a consequent-pole permanent-magnet (CPPM) machine that increases torque capability over a wide speed range and enhances efficiency with a fast convergence. After a brief analysis of the parameters of the CPPM machine, a new flux-weakening algorithm is proposed to achieve maximum torque output over the entire speed range. The optimal flux reference is determined by the preset output flux generated by the 1/ω method and compensated by the voltage closed-loop controller to improve dynamics response. A variable structure voltage controller incorporated with a limiter is designed to generate the antiwindup control. Furthermore, the loss model of the CPPM machine is derived to demonstrate that a 1-D search is suitable for optimizing the machine's efficiency. Then, an adaptive flux step search algorithm, which calculates the flux step proportional to the derivative of the input power with respect to the q-axis voltage, is proposed to minimize the power losses online. The experimental results are compared with the traditional flux control strategy on a CPPM prototype machine, which confirmed the robustness of the presented flux control strategy to obtain the maximum torque output over the entire flux-weakening speed range. The convergence speed is also increased in the efficiency optimization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the concept of the adaptive current source drivers (CSDs) is proposed for the high-frequency synchronous buck converters. Compared to the previous CSD circuits, the adaptive CSD can achieve adjustable drive current and drive voltage according to different load condition. The benefit is that higher drive current and voltage lead to lower switching loss and conduction loss when the load current increases. Therefore, the adaptive CSD is able to realize optimal design to reduce the switching loss, the gate drive loss, and the conduction loss in a wide load range. It should be noted that the adaptive concept is suitable for both the continuous and discontinuous CSDs regardless the drive circuit topologies. Through investigating the CSD circuits, one simple method to achieve the adaptive drive current based on the adaptive voltage is proposed. A 12 V input, 1.3 V output, and 1-MHz synchronous buck converter with the continuous and discontinuous CSDs was built, respectively, to verify the advantages of the proposed adaptive concept and efficiency improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key feature of microgrid concept is the ability to operate in islanding mode. Under such operating scenario, the distributed generators within microgrid should form a high-quality voltage supply for the load to sustain its normal operation. Power converters, the interface of renewable sources and energy storage systems, are important components of microgrids. The size and the number of the power converters required will depend on the fluctuating power flow within the microgrid. In this paper, we propose a hybrid control architecture to balance the power shared among the multiple interfacing inverters and optimize the system-operating efficiency. Simulation and real-time test results are provided to validate the proposed hybrid control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]