Triangular current mode (TCM) zero-voltage switching (ZVS) modulation method is widely adopted in power electronic converters to achieve acceptable efficiency in high switching frequency operations. For bidirectional dc-dc converters, in order to realize ZVS turn-on, a reverse inductor current can be utilized for this purpose through variable frequency control. In this article, this reverse switched current is revisited considering the parasitic resistances presented in the mosfet switches and the inductor for three common types of dc-dc converters, i.e., buck, boost, and buck-boost converters, which study was normally neglected in the previous research. Universal closed-form equations of the modified duty cycle and switched current are derived, which can be utilized to calculate the reverse current under different operating conditions. It is found that the parasitic resistances can have a negative impact on the switched current value, and this may lead to an unexpected loss of ZVS turn-on. A laboratory prototype of a four-switch buck+boost converter featuring TCM-ZVS buck, boost, and buck-boost operation capability was built to investigate and verify the proposed concepts. The operating voltage and power range are from 100 V to 400 V, and 300 W to 1 kW, respectively.

Balancing converters play a pivotal role in bipolar dc grids, and while numerous topologies have been explored, many suffer from drawbacks, such as reliance on bulky passive components, limited soft-switching capabilities, or complex control mechanisms. This article introduces an LC series-resonant balancing converter topology that addresses these issues, featuring smaller passive components, the ability to achieve soft switching across its entire operational range, and simplified control with proper design. By operating in the capacitive region, the converter ensures soft switching for the complete load range, enabling all switches to achieve zero voltage switching (ZVS) turn on. The study reveals that the converter's power flow depends on both the switching frequency (fsw) and the phase shift angle (φ), but notably, when the resonant inductor value is kept sufficiently low, fsw and φ become decoupled, simplifying power flow control. In addition, this article provides detailed design guidelines for the converter's resonant tank and validates the operation and control of the converter through an experimental setup.

Balancing converters are an integral part of a bipolar dc grid. Resonant converter topologies are interesting for power electronics engineers due to their soft switching capabilities. A series resonant converter topology is promising as a balancing converter in a bipolar dc grid. The series resonant converter is usually a non-inverting topology. However, in the balancing converter application, the converter is used as an inverting type, like a buck-boost converter topology. In this paper, the soft switching capabilities of this converter are shown and analyzed for four distinct converter modulation schemes.

Electrification of ships is one of the hot topics in the marine industry. This is due to the stringent guidelines by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for curbing the green house gas emissions from the marine sector. In this paper, the state-space modeling approach is used to model bipolar dc grids on ships. A ferry is used as a test case. The modeling is done for the radial and zonal architecture with similar components. The dynamic simulation and stability analysis of the two architectures reveal that zonal architecture is potentially more stable than the radial architecture.