High frequency transformer-assisted passive soft switching PWM DC-DC converter with energy recovery for compact auxiliary power supply in rolling stock transportation

In this paper, a two-switch high frequency flyback type zero voltage soft switching PWM DC-DC converter using IGBTs is proposed. Effective applications for this power converter can be found in auxiliary power supplies of rolling stock transportation and electric vehicles. This power converter is basically composed of two active power switches and a flyback high frequency transformer. In addition to these, two passive lossless snubbers with power regeneration loops for energy recovery, consisting of a three winding auxiliary high frequency transformer, auxiliary capacitors and diodes are introduced to achieve zero voltage soft switching from light to full load conditions. Furthermore, this power converter has some advantages such as low cost circuit configuration, simple control scheme and high efficiency. Its operating principle is described and to determine circuit parameters, some practical design considerations are discussed. The effectiveness of the proposed power converter is evaluated and compared with the hard switching PWM DC-DC converter from an experimental point of view.