This paper presents a review of advanced architectures based on the partial power processing concept, whose main objective is to achieve a reduction of the power processed by the converter. If the power processed by the converter is decreased, the power losses generated by the power converter are reduced, obtaining lower sized converters and higher system efficiencies. Through the review 3 different partial power processing strategies are distinguished: Differential Power Converters, Partial Power Converters and Mixed strategies. Each strategy is subdivided into smaller groups that entail different architectures with their own advantages and disadvantages. Also, due to the lack of agreement that exists in the sources around the naming of the different architectures, this paper seeks to stablish a nomenclature that avoids confusion when indexing this type of architectures. Regarding Partial Power Converters an extensive application oriented description is also developed. Finally, the main conclusions obtained through the review are presented.

This paper discusses the possibility of achieving partial power processing with non-isolated DC–DC topologies. To this end, partial power converter architectures are seen as an interesting solution for reducing the power processed by the converter. We observed via simulations that single-inductor non-isolated topologies cannot achieve partial power processing since the obtained current and voltage waveforms were the same as those found in a full-power converter. However, when using double inductor non-isolated topologies, reduced current and improved efficiencies were achieved. In order to confirm the results obtained from the simulations, single- and double-inductor topologies were tested experimentally. Finally, it was concluded that a double-inductor non-isolated topology can improve its performance by using partial power processing.

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This paper focuses on the design of a charging unit for an electric vehicle fast charging station. With this purpose, in first place, different solutions that exist for fast charging stations are described through a brief introduction. Then, partial power processing architectures are introduced and proposed as attractive strategies to improve the performance of this type of applications. Furthermore, through a series of simulations, it is observed that partial power processing based converters obtain reduced processed power ratio and efficiency results compared to conventional full power converters. So, with the aim of verifying the conclusions obtained through the simulations, two downscaled prototypes are assembled and tested. Finally, it is concluded that, in case galvanic isolation is not required for the charging unit converter, partial power converters are smaller and more efficient alternatives than conventional full power converters.