Application of a floating H-Bridge converter to stabilize the automotive energy net

A floating H-Bridge converter is proposed to stabilize the automotive energy net against undesired voltage spikes and to limit the voltage range for the electrical loads. In comparison to classical converter topologies the proposed floating H-Bridge converter with integrated energy storage device provides lower switch-voltage stress and allows therefore the implementation of high-current low-voltage switching devices with lowest on-state resistance and very simple drive circuits. This low cost topology, which is connected in series to the loads, is analyzed for different operating modes. A full-size prototype converter was build and tested to prove the converter performance for the given application. Theoretical predictions are in good correlation with experimental results.