Design and development of variable frequency modulation-based isolated DC–DC converter with green mode of operation

Abstract

Amongst many applications of DC-DC isolated converters, power supplies, renewable energy sources, and electric vehicles are prominent. These converters are the basic, easy to use, low component count and being used in industry from a few decades. In this study, a unique operation mode of DC-DC isolated converter called "green mode" is proposed to increase the efficiency of converter under light load conditions. Switching losses of the converter can be reduced by using the converter's secondary-side control method, which enables a reduction in the primary-side switches' switching frequency and turn-off duration. The converter also uses a soft switching mechanism to further minimize the switching losses. The efficiency of the converter has significantly improved, due to reduced power losses under light load conditions, which has been demonstrated through experimental data that validates the green-mode operation. These DC-DC converters shall enhance the range of electric vehicle (EV) and shall be a boon to EV technology.