Invention Description
In modern power systems, specialized applications such as sonar, free-electron lasers, linear accelerators, and electromagnetic launch systems require short, high-power bursts of electricity, creating significant challenges for system stability and power regulation. These pulsed power loads (PPLs) can cause rapid voltage and frequency disturbances, requiring power conversion systems with fast transient response, high efficiency, and high-power density. While energy storage systems can help manage these fluctuations, their size, weight, and safety concerns can limit their use in certain applications. Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converters offer a compact and efficient alternative for managing rapid power transfers due to their bidirectional operation, high power density, and suitability for high-frequency operation. However, conventional DAB control methods may struggle to maintain stable performance under the large and rapid disturbances produced by PPLs.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a robust and adaptive control technology for high-frequency DC–DC converters that reduces chattering and enhances transient response in pulsed power systems. HST-SMC is a dual-zone control strategy designed for isolated, high-frequency DAB DC–DC converters, optimizing their performance under rapid load changes and voltage disturbances. It combines an outer super-twisting sliding-mode controller for fast and nonlinear regulation during large transients with an inner adaptive PI-like controller to eliminate steady-state chattering and ripple. This innovative approach features smooth boundary shaping and adaptive gain selection enabling configurable control targets, ultra-fast recovery and stable operation at multi-megahertz switching frequencies.
This hybrid super-twisting controller enables fast, robust voltage regulation in a high-frequency DAB converter while reducing steady-state chattering and ripple.
Potential Applications
- High-power DC-DC conversion for data centers and telecom infrastructure
- Electric-vehicle charging and onboard power-conversion systems
- Battery energy-storage systems and bidirectional power interfaces
- Renewable-energy conversion and DC microgrids
- Industrial power supplies requiring fast transient response and high efficiency
Benefits and Advantages
- Significantly reduces chattering and ripple in high-frequency converters
- Rapid transient response with ultra-fast settling times
- Adaptive control that maintains stability across a wide operating range
- Configurable performance parameters such as overshoot, settling time, and stability margin
- Supports various load types including pulsed, constant power, and variable resistance loads
- Enables efficient digital implementation with parallel processing for MHz-range applications
- Achieves peak efficiency of 95.3% at 750W on the demonstrated prototype
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