A new decoupled control scheme for a ZVS dual full-bridge phase-shifted DC/DC converter with two degrees of freedom

This paper presents a novel control scheme for a two-bridge parallel-series DC/DC converter topology which enables it to regulate the DC-link voltage while tracking the maximum power point (MPP) of a photo-voltaic (PV) array. The intended application for this converter is power conditioning systems (PCS) of PV arrays used in hybrid renewable energy system architectures. The unique aspect of the proposed control scheme is that it decouples the input-side control variable from the output-side control variable providing two independent degrees of freedom to the converter. This renders the controller´s design simpler and provides a more robust power conditioning system. The proposed converter is also able to achieve soft-switching over a wide range. A 2kW experimental prototype has been provided to validate the feasibility and performance of the converter. Theoretical analysis and experimental results prove that the converter is able to regulate the DC-link voltage and track the maximum power extracted from the PV array simultaneously.