Novel Modulation Technique for Flying Capacitor Multilevel Converters

Patent Status

Patent Pending

Brief Description

This technology addresses the challenge of achieving continuous, full-range output voltage regulation in flying capacitor multilevel converters. A key problem with existing control methods for these converters is the difficulty in transitioning between different operational states, which can lead to instability and poor performance. UC Berkeley researchers have developed a novel modulation technique that uses multiple reference currents to ensure a smooth transition and maintain stable steady-state operation across all nominal duty ratios. This innovation provides improved natural balancing of the flying capacitor voltages and fast balancing dynamics, which are significant advantages over other modulation schemes. The proposed method resolves the issues of steady-state discontinuity seen in preliminary implementations, making it a more robust and reliable solution for power conversion applications.

Suggested uses

• Power conversion for renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind power.

• Electric vehicle (EV) charging and motor drive systems.

• High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission.

• Solid-state transformers for grid applications.

• Industrial motor drives and power supplies.

Advantages

• Improved natural balancing of flying capacitor voltages, reducing the need for complex external balancing circuits.

• Continuous full-range output voltage regulation, enabling wider application and better performance.

• Fast flying capacitor voltage balancing dynamics, which enhances system stability and transient response.

• Resolves steady-state discontinuity issues found in other control methods, leading to more reliable operation.

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