Design and implementation of a zero-voltage-switching, pulse-width-modulated, high-frequency, resonant buck chopper

• Main Author: Turner, Clifton C.
• Other Authors: Robert W. Ashton
• Language: en_US
• Published: Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/13729

As the Navy moves toward a modular DC Zonal Electrical Distribution System (DC ZEDS) to reduce both cost and weight over traditional radial shipboard distribution, there is a need to capitalize on technological advances currently available. The 21st century shipboard power distribution system calls for a DC bus architecture to eliminate the need for large transformers and thousands of pounds of cable through the use of high-speed semiconductor converters. In order to realize dramatic reductions in the size and cost of shipboard components through the use of high-speed switches, switch designs must be thoroughly investigated and tested. This thesis examines the use of soft- switching techniques fOr use in the future DC-to-DC power converter modules of the DC ZEDS. Soft-switching is analyzed here primarily with a DC down/converter (buck chopper). A low voltage buck chopper is simulated utilizing PSPICE and modeled in the lab. A voltage feedback control algorithm is developed and utilized with the PSPICE model. A comparative study of circuit efficiency is done between a single-source and a two-source soft-switched topology. Finally, recommendations are made for further simulation and modeling to evaluate soft- switching, high-voltage performance capabilities.