A comparison of high power DC-to-DC soft-switched converter topologies

Many industrial and military applications are arising that require high power DC-DC conversion. These applications include shipboard, spaceborne, and transportation power systems. By employing new high voltage, high power IGBTs, along with modern soft-switching techniques, the switching frequency can be significantly higher than obtained using GTO devices, which in turn can lead to smaller, lighter weight, and potentially more cost effective equipment. The purpose of this paper is to compare the properties of several soft-switching converter topologies when used to achieve DC-DC conversion at high power and high voltage levels. As an example, a 100 kW transformer isolated converter with 700-1400 V DC input is designed with an estimated weight in the 200 pound range and an energy efficiency of 95%.<<ETX>>