Comparison of PWM based modulation techniques

for Dual Active Bridges

Anurag Mohan A.G Thosar
Department of Electrical Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering
COEP Tech University COEP Technological University
Pune, India Pune, India
Anurag Mohan Prof. A.G Thosar
[email protected] [email protected]
Department of Electrical Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering
COEP Tech University COEP Tech University
Pune, India Pune, India
[email protected] [email protected]

Abstract— Isolated bidirectional DC-DC converters (IBDCs) DABs have been used for power factor correction
have found wide utility in the area of high-powered AC to DC (PFC) applications by adjusting the phase relationship
energy conversion applications due to its power factor (PF) between input voltage and current. Low input THD (total
correction capabilities, inherent soft switching ability and low harmonic distortion) reduces the current and voltage phase
voltage stresses on switching devices. High PF correcting
abilities is due to low THD (total harmonic distortion) in input.
shifts and improves power factor at wide load range. The
This paper attempts to compare the performance of a Dual converter behaves as a resistive load (power factor almost
Active Bridge (DAB) for various PWM (Pulse Width unity). Author in [9] has implemented a open-loop PFC along
Modulation) techniques. These control strategies have been with zero current switching in ac-side and zero voltage
reviewed from many aspects based on leakage inductor, shunt switching at load side. The article in [10] introduces a single-
capacitor and switching devices. Parameters such as switching stage ac-dc converter based on DAB with natural power
efficiency, ease of implementation and ZVS switching region factor correction. A modulation strategy achieves unity
among others are evaluated. A simulation is performed on a 10 power factor without inner current tracking loops. A notch
KHz, 18 KW DAB to compare Single Phase Shift and filter minimizes low-frequency output-voltage ripple
Trapezoidal Phase Shift (TPS) modulation techniques. Results
affirm that TPS displays superior performance during light
influence. The proposed control strategy enables zero voltage
loads including at transient switching states. switching for input and output devices under specific load
conditions, validated through a 1.4-kW prototype. Apart from
Keywords—dc-dc Converters, H-Bridge, Resonance, PWM, PFC, F.C Schwartz et al. in 1979 was the first to recognize
Soft Switching, Power factor correction the efficacy of low device-stress resonant switching in dc-dc
converters. Isolated BDCs provide high power density,
I. INTRODUCTION galvanic isolation and inherent soft switching for low device
Increasing requirement of DC transmission and stress without additional passive components. Their source
conversion necessitates bidirectional DC-DC converters with can be traced back to converters like Flyback, Half-bridge,
varieties ranging from resonant, quasi-resonant, multi- Push-pull and Full-bridge converters which are basically
resonant and resonant-transient converters. Also, in electric unidirectional in nature. The switch topologies vary from
vehicles (EVs) these converters play a crucial role in dual (two) upto 8 active switches depending on the
efficiently managing power between the high-voltage battery transmission power (proportional relation)..
and the low-voltage systems. They step down the voltage to Single-Phase DABs are 8 switch topology IBDCs
power auxiliary components, such as lights and sensors, with the highest capacity among IBDCs. With advances in
contributing to overall energy efficiency and optimal vehicle GaN and SiC based power devices, DABs have regained
performance in modern electric transportation systems. popularity relative to the 1990s .M.H Kheraluwala et al’s
In the realm of light electric vehicles (LEVs), such as electric seminal work on cascaded DABs talks about how the soft-
scooters and bicycles, DC-DC converters are vital for switching operating region varies with filter capacitor and
maintaining optimal power distribution. They enable the magnetizing inductance. Three-Phase DABs provide low
integration of diverse electronic components, like lighting RMS current ratings for filter and dc-link capacitors. The
systems and control units, ensuring energy efficiency and three-phase HF transformers are in Y-Y configuration. [3]
enhancing the overall functionality of these compact, eco- noted that global demand for Solar PV technology would
friendly vehicles. The prominence LEVs is evident in the increase to 1296 GW. IBDCs used in transformers, EVs,
growing global market. According to a report by McKinsey, BMSs.
the electric two-wheeler market is projected to reach 470 The author in [4] has mentioned various High-
million units by 2030, with electric bicycles and scooters frequency link applications for PCSs. As observed by [3],
leading this surge. Other applications are shown in Fig.1. Cuk and SEPIC converters generate high Var components
The paper is organized as follows, starting with although high efficiencies have been observed. Buck-boost
literature survey and basic operation with single phase shifts, converters is highly suitable for low power loads. Also, Lift-
the paper explores various PWM control techniques. The Luo class of converters during high voltage step-up show low
triple phase shift switching pulses is examined further. switching losses. The gain can be enhanced by cascaded
MATLAB implementation is shown for a 18KW DAB. structure with a trade-off of large EMI.
Finally, a comparative study between two control techniques
is done.
 reactive power, reduces peak inrush current, improves
efficiency, increases power capability by 33%, and
minimizes output capacitance. The paper also delves into the
soft-switching range, discusses short-time-scale factors like
deadband, and suggests potential deadband compensation
without a current sensor under specific operational
conditions.
Dual Active Bridges (DABs) are a part of the dc-dc
subsystem which is interfaced with the battery pack. It is acts
as a medium for either charging the battery pack or delivering
power to the traction motor. This conversion block in Fig.2.
is usually rated at 800V and 100A approximately.
First the position and significance of the Converter in the
whole EV charging infrastructure has been discussed. Then
various control methods on PWM modulation have been
listed.

Fig.1. DABs in High frequency link Intelligent Uninterruptible Power

Supply

The study in [1] evaluates modelling and control

methods for DAB dc-dc converters. Reduced-order
modelling is favoured for its simplicity and performance.
Among control methods, Disturbance Observer based control Fig. 2. Location of dc-dc Converter Module
(DOBC) excels in dynamic performance and parameter
robustness. Practical control issues like dead time, phase II. DABS
drift, and DC magnetic flux bias are discussed with suggested These converters are a form of IBDCs comprising of two
mitigation strategies. DC-AC converters. They are magnetically coupled via a HF
The article in [2] introduces a hybrid five-variable transformer as shown in Fig.3.
modulation scheme for dual-active-bridge (DAB) converters.
This scheme combines phase-shift and pulse-width A. Principle of operation
modulation, achieving a wider zero-voltage switching (ZVS)
range and lower rms current for increased efficiency.
Analytical expressions using Fourier decomposition are
derived. An offline particle swarm optimization algorithm is
used to find optimal operating points based on rms current,
including harmonics. This scheme is experimentally
validated, reaching a high efficiency of 96.8%.
In 2020 paper in [5] focuses on nonresonant single-
phase dual-active-bridge (NSDAB) dc-dc converters,
reviewing recent modulation and control strategies. It
analyzes modulation methods, phase-shift patterns, steady- Fig. 3. Dual Active Bridge with three degrees of freedom
state efficiency optimization, and dynamic response
improvements. The paper provides comprehensive In a system of buses, power transfer occurs from leading
to the lagging bus. Its magnitude and phase (of the Active
comparisons and recommendations for both efficiency and
power flow) varies by modulating the bus volage phase
dynamic optimization, emphasizing a combined approach for
difference.
enhanced NSDAB dc-dc converter performance.
The principle of operation of a DAB is similar, with two
Related to phase shifts, the author in [6] introduces
active H-bridges interfaced via. high frequency transformer
a dual-phase-shift (DPS) control strategy for dual-active-
for galvanic isolation. The primary & secondary high-
bridge isolated bidirectional DC-DC converters. DPS control
involves phase shifts in primary-secondary voltages and gate frequency voltages square are phase shifted (Ө). [5] Primary
signals of diagonal switches. Simulations on a 600-V/5-kW side bridge voltage leads at forward power flow (positive
prototype demonstrate superior dynamic and static phase shift). For bidirectional capability, the secondary side
performance compared to traditional single-phase-shift bridge voltage leads (negative phase shift). The power under
control. Reactive power, inherent in the latter, contributes to ideal cases can be derived as
peak current and system loss, while DPS control eliminates
 𝑛𝑉1 𝑉2 Ө The angle between nV1 & V2 is defined as outer
𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 = Ө (1 − ) (1)
𝜔𝑙 𝐿 𝜋
phase shift i.e., phasor angle difference between outputs of
HB1 & HB2, denoted by ‘D’ (HB – Half Bridge). The
Where 𝜔𝑙 =2𝜋𝑓 & Ө is the phase shift between the h-bridge polarity of the angle determines the direction of power flow
voltages. Modification of Ө in (1) is called Voltage Mode and magnitude. Also, there’s a phase difference between each
Control, other control strategies are listed by M.H leg of either HBs in all the following PWM techniques.
Kheraluwala et al. involves the generation of error voltage Circulating current depends on phase difference between
and PI control called Current Mode Control. Mode Hopping waveforms of Vh1 & Vh2. It increases RMS values of switch
Control involves using the bidirectional power flow (refer currents i.e.; Joule heating losses would be more. The basic
Fig.4.) capabilities where ‘hopping’ occurs between positive PWM control techniques can be classified as:
and negative power flows. This strategy is suitable for light
loading conditions. An Extended Converter control has been A. Single Phase Shift
described by [5] where phase shifting of pole voltages of the
input bridge is done to obtain wider soft switching range Phase shifts between complementary switching pulses of
S1 and S2 (or S4 and S3) is 180 degrees apart and between
B. Region of Operation Q1 and Q2 (or Q4 and Q3) is also equal to 180 degrees. Both
h-bridge voltages are square in nature i.e., two-level. Only
parameter ‘D’ can be varied. In SPS despite low ZVS range,
easy dynamic operation for soft switching implementation
can be achieved. However, the high circulating currents are
generated when voltage matching doesn’t occur and soft
switching is obtained narrow range of ‘D’. It has the highest
ease of operation among the four.
B. Extended Phase Shift
In one half bridge (HB) there’s a non-180 degree phase
shift between switching waveforms in each leg. In the other
HB there is a 180 degrees phase shift. The earlier external
phase shift as SPS still exists, equal to some ‘D’. Here the H-
bridges wave nature is three levelled in one of the HBs.
There’s a lowering of Circulating current relative to SPS. The
ZVS operation region is wider. The inner phase shift ratio is
used to reduce circulating power and device stresses while
outer ratio varies the power flow direction.

Fig. 4. Power Output versus

Ө C. Double Phase Shift
𝜋
There are 2 inner phase shifts in each HBs of the same
Ө
For D = , The locus of power flow as a function of D is value but not equal to 180 degrees, along with the regular
𝜋
symmetric about D=0.5 The controlling range of power flow external phase shift ‘D’. Three level waveform is obtained in
changes into 2-D on adding an ‘Inner Phase Shift ratio’. Wide both the HBs. There’s considerable lowering of Circulating
soft-switching control range is obtained for D = 1 and the currents. [6] describes the device current stresses and design
span decreases for light loading when resistance tends to methods in detail. The ZVS operation region is expanded
infinity. Also control range lowers for buck (n<1) and boost considerably than the former two. It is also simpler to
(n>1) operation. The switch snubber capacitance also affect implement than Extended Phase Shift Method with better
the device ratings. According to [5], the minimum current dynamic performance
increases with increasing capacitance value for soft switching
and switching losses decrease. Also, the magnetizing D. Triple Phase Shift
inductance value greatly affects the soft switching value There are 2 inner phase shifts of different values (both not
equal to 180 degrees) in each HBs. Also as earlier, there is an
external phase shift between HBs (denoted by ‘D’). The HB
III. PULSE WIDTH MODULATION TECHNIQUES voltage waveforms are 3 levelled but dissimilar. There’s
negligible drawing of circulating current and is the most
Control strategies for DAB are a wide field of effective of the lot. The three degrees of freedom permits
research. Phase Shifted control or Voltage Control provides many optimization opportunities as per end application.
inherent ZVS abilities with decreasing ZVS range and Author in [6] talks of several advantages including reduction
efficiency when the factor N.V2/V1 is not closer to unity. in RMS currents and smaller transformer. The ZVS range
Also performance degrades at light loads or highly varying extends upto no-load states. Also, ZCS (Zero Current
output voltage Switching) can be achieved without using any auxiliary circuit
Modulation startegies for dc-dc converters are components i.e., inherent ZCS operation. However, it is the
majorly PWM (Pulse width modulation) and PSM based most cumbersome to implement. A variant of Triple Phase
(Phase shift modulation based) where the former is most Shift (TPS) was compared with SPS technique in the
widely used. following sections.
 DPS Control could be optimal for varous application. In In (3) the RMS inductor current can similarly be computed
[4] a soft switched single PWM method has been explained by integrating,
for a wide range of output voltages. Mohammed et al.
1
proposes a combination of dual PWM and single PWM, 𝑖𝐿 (𝑡) = [𝑉1 (𝑇𝑟(𝑡) + 𝑇𝑟(𝑡 − 𝐷1 𝑇)) − 𝑉2 (𝑇𝑟(𝑡 − 𝐷0 𝑇) +
𝐿
referred as Combined PWM. Three phase DAB switches
𝑇𝑟(𝑡 − (𝐷0 + 𝐷2 )𝑇))] (3)
experience lower switch voltage stress with lower ripple in
capacitor current. In [7], author talks of a triangular,
Where Tr(t) is defined as the following wave in Fig.7.
trapezoidal current mode with conventional phase shifted
modulation technique. To optimize the PWM control the
author has done an segmented analysis of the seven operating
modes (based on duty ratios). The developed global optimal
modulation startegy showed superior performance interms of
lower current stresses and high efficiencies upto 93.4% under
light loading conditions.
The performance was seen to deteriorate with lowering
degrees of freedom. Jinahao Sun et al. however notes the
limitations associated with load range. However, the Fig. 7. Integration of a two level square wave
implementation of symmetric transformer with equal leakage
impedances is a challenging aspect. Lower forward voltage Load Voltage is compared with the voltage levels. PI
IGBTs can greatly enhance the performance of these high block reduces steady state error at the cost of rise time which
power dense and frequency converters [8]. An integrated is evident in Fig.11. Gating pulses are created through a
algorithm technique for PWM signal control with soft comparator circuit (ramp comparision) inside the ‘pwm
switching in a wide operating range was proposed by [3]. generator’ subsystem.
Also Dual PWM was evaluated throughout the Zero Voltage
Switching range with a high efficiency upto 92% by BJ Byen F. Soft Switching Region
et al. This method is different from ‘hard switching’ wherein
In (2), considering 𝐷1 𝑇, 𝐷2 𝑇 and 𝐷0 𝑇 as the phase shifts no EMI or high-frequency noise (Electromagnetic
in the primary H bridge (Refer Fig.6.), secondary H bridge Interference) is created. Also called ‘resonant switching’
and the HF transformer phase shift, the generalized power which uses LC tank circuit to induce switching when either
flow equation can be written as, current or voltage is zero. Also referred to as ‘Zero Current
Switching’ or ‘Zero Voltage Switching’ respectively. As a
−𝑉 𝑉 𝑇
𝑃 = 1 2 𝑥 (−0.5𝐷1 𝐷2 + 0.5𝐷22 + 𝐷0 𝐷2 − 0.5𝐷2 + result of which switching losses are negligible.
𝐿
Triple Phase Shift control configuration of DAB resonant
0.5𝐷12 − 𝐷0 𝐷1 +0.5𝐷1 + 𝐷02 − 𝐷0 ) (2)
circuit has inherent ZCS soft switching capabilities.
Phase shifts 𝐷1 & 𝐷2 can be made zero to yield SPS
control case. IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
A 10 KHz DAB was simulated on Simulink 10.7 (Refer
Fig.8. and Fig.9.). The circuit parametrs were as below.
Switching or gating pulses have been implemented via
logic blocks. High frequency triangular carrier and a
reference signal is supplied at the input. The pulse delays can
be implemented via ‘deadtime’ blocks also.
The PI controller block is used to reduce rise time with
parameter values ‘P’ = 0.15 and ‘I’= 15.
TABLE I. SIMULATION PARAMETERS

Simulation Parameters Parameter Values

Switching Frequency 10 KHz
Input Voltage 800 V
Input and output Capacitors 220 µF and 470 µF
Leakage Inductance (HF 36 µH
Transformer)
Turns ratio (V2/V1) 0.625
Drain Source On Resistance 0.01 Ohms
(MOSFET)
Off-State Conductance 10 µOhms
(MOSFET)
Forward Voltage (Integral Diode) 0.5 V
Load Resistance 26 ohms

The output voltage is varied from 400V to 500V to analyze

Fig.6. Formation of half-bridge voltages in TPS and compare transient effects in load voltages in both cases
(SPS and TPS). Parameters such as inductor current, output
secondary bridge current were observed.
A. Gating Pulses and Simulink blocks

Fig. 8. Simulink blocks for Implementation of SPS & TPS Scheme

SPS

TPS

SPS

TPS

Fig.10. Output voltages and current envelopes

B. Output Secondary Bridge Current

TPS

SPS

Fig.11. Bridge current Envelope

Fig.9. (a) Single Phase Shift, and (b) Trapezoidal Phase Shift
C. Discussion [11] Shao, Shuai et al. “Modeling and Advanced Control of Dual-Active-
Bridge DC–DC Converters: A Review.” IEEE Transactions on Power
The simulation duration is 100ms. A transient Electronics 37 (2022): 1524-1547.
switching of load at DAB converter output occurs (refer [12] Li, Jia et al. “A Hybrid Five-Variable Modulation Scheme for Dual-
Fig. 10). The load voltage is instantly varied from 400V Active-Bridge Converter With Minimal RMS Current.” IEEE
to 500V at 50ms. Transactions on Industrial Electronics 69 (2022): 336-346.
The output voltage rise time during switching [13] Bu, Qinglei et al. “Transient DC Bias Elimination of Dual-Active-
Bridge DC–DC Converter With Improved Triple-Phase-Shift
transient in TPS scheme is relatively higher, upto 15ms. Control.” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics 67 (2020):
SPS shows negligible rise time, however an initial 8587-8598.
dip/undershoot in voltage is observed. [14] Lee, Jun-Young et al. “Enhanced Dual-Active-Bridge DC–DC
The inductor current has implications on heating Converter for Balancing Bipolar Voltage Level of DC Distribution
System.” IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics 67 (2020):
produced due to ripples and switching efficiency. TPS has 10399-10409.
lower inductor current magnitude of 21.24 A (peak) with
more uniform current envelope indicating lower device
stresses. SPS shows increase in current spikes upto 86.8%
(Refer Fig. 10)
In Fig. 11, the secondary bridge current (with
trapezoidal nature) is more uniform in case of TPS
throughout the load voltage variation. A peak of 33.78 A
is observed, while 66.34 A incase of SPS. This implies
lesser ripples in output load current and low load current
stress.
D. Conclusion
Triple phase shift pulse modulation is observed to
show superior performance as compared to single phase
shift in Dual Active Bridges. However, a tradeoff is
observed in implementation complexity. The higher
degrees of freedom in TPS will be explored in further
studies to simplify its implementation.
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