Modular DC/DC converter structure with multiple power flow paths for smart transformer applications

Smart Transformers (ST), solid-state transformers with advanced control functionalities, are expected to have an important market by 2020. However, still important technological barriers, in terms of reliability and efficiency, exist and only new semiconductor devices cannot solve them. The use of advanced power converter topologies and architectures can play a role too. In this paper, a particular structure for the isolated DC/DC converter, core of a typical three-stage ST, is investigated. By employing the concept of Multiple Active Bridge, a modular and redundant architecture, a power converter characterized by multiple power routing paths is investigated.