Improving performance, efficiency, and reliability of DC-DC conversion systems by differential power processing

Direct current (dc) systems are found in a broad range of devices including computer microprocessors, battery packs, and solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays. Operating the energy conversion systems in these devices with high efficiency, performance, and reliability is important. This dissertation examines several circuit-based techniques and power conversion architectures that meet system objectives while only processing a small portion of the total energy. To take the performance capabilities of conventional dc-dc converters beyond their physical limits, the converters must be augmented with additional energy paths that act to nullify transients. Augmentation of a buck converter and a boost converter is analyzed and experimentally verified. Differential power processing architectures are introduced for series connected systems. Connecting the voltage domains of dc systems in series enables both the series elements and the energy conversion circuits to operate in their most efficient regimes and enhance overall system efficiency and reliability. This dissertation presents methods for regulating the intermediate voltage domains. Two applications, microprocessor power delivery and solar PV energy conversion, are specifically examined and validated experimentally.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Shenoy, Pradeep

Contributors dc:contributor

• Krein, Philip T.
• Sauer, Peter W.
• Shanbhag, Naresh R.
• Domínguez-García, Alejandro D.
• Pilawa-Podgurski, Robert C.

• power electronics
• solar photovoltaic (PV)
• energy conversion
• differential power processing
• voltage regulators
• Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
• series circuits
• power optimizer

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2012 Pradeep Shenoy

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/34525

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/34525