image: The consequences can be costly, ranging from production downtime to compromised equipment and even safety hazards. Certainly, capacitors are indeed responsible for 30% of power electronics failures, as illustrated in Fig. 1(a). This paper proposes a single-phase dc-ac converter designed for conditions where capacitors are not recommended for specific applications. The topology consists of two parts: a low-frequency H-bridge converter and a solid-state power filter (SSPF) capable of generating a sinusoidal voltage output for the load. The schematic representation in Fig. 1(b) illustrates the elimination of passive components, setting this design apart from existing literature. https://doi.org/10.30941/CESTEMS.2024.00033
Credit: CES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems (CES TEMS)
Research Content
The study, led by Dr. Haitham Kanakri and Dr. Euzeli Dos Santos, Jr., introduces a novel capacitorless solid-state power filter (SSPF) for single-phase DC-AC converters, employing a high-frequency planar transformer to eliminate the need for both the LC filter and the dc-link capacitor. The proposed concept highlights a reduction in three critical components: the LC filter and the dc-link capacitor, demonstrating the SSPF's potential to significantly enhance system efficiency and reliability.
The Research Results and Their Significance
A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Haitham Kanakri and Dr. Euzeli Dos Santos, Jr., has unveiled a novel capacitorless solid-state power filter (SSPF) for single-phase DC-AC converters. This innovative technology employs a high-frequency planar transformer to eliminate the need for both LC filters and dc-link capacitors. Operating at 30 kHz, the H-bridge converter injects voltage harmonics to generate a sinusoidal output voltage. Theoretical analyses, simulations, and experiments conducted on a 60 Hz, 120 V system demonstrated an impressive total harmonic distortion of just 1.29%, meeting IEEE 519 standards. Additionally, the research reveals a significant reduction in three critical components, underscoring the SSPF's potential to enhance both the efficiency and reliability of power electronics systems.
Future Outlook: Expanding the Capacitorless Power Electronics Topologies
Looking ahead, the power electronics research team aims to expand the concept of capacitorless topologies to a wider range of power converters, enhancing their reliability. Currently, the team is exploring innovative strategies, including harnessing the stray capacitance naturally found in these converters to improve power density, reduce component count, and boost overall efficiency. A key focus is to lay the groundwork for miniaturizing electric vehicle chargers by integrating stray capacitance into the operation of various DC-DC converters, effectively reducing or eliminating reliance on external capacitors. To achieve this, the team is introducing a novel material, calcium copper titanate (CCTO), which is expected to enhance stray capacitance and serve as a valuable component in multiple converter designs.
Journal
CES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems
Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Capacitorless Solid-State Power Filter for Single-Phase DC-AC Converters
Article Publication Date
20-Aug-2024