ELEC-6411

Bi-directional Cascaded Buck-Boost Converter

Fall 2015

ELEC-6411

Bi-directional Cascaded Buck-Boost Converter

Fall 2015

ELEC-6411 Project Final Report

Bi-directional Cascaded Buck-Boost Converter
Design, Simulation and Analysis

Submitted to: Dr Luiz A. C. Lopes

Submitted by:
Andrew Jensson, 40009961
Rajendra Thike, 27833040
Date of Submission: , 2015

Term: Fall 2015

ELEC-6411 Bi-directional Cascaded Buck-Boost ConverterFall 2015

Table of Contents

List of Given Parameters ........................................................................................... 3

List of Tables .............................................................................................................. 3
Acknowledgement ..................................................................................................... 7
Abstract ..................................................................................................................... 7
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 8
Machine Design.......................................................................................................... 8
Parameter Selection................................................................................................... 8
Adjustments............................................................................................................. 11
Conclusions ............................................................................................................. 14
References ............................................................................................................... 15

Abstract
3

ELEC-6411 Bi-directional Cascaded Buck-Boost ConverterFall 2015

Buck-Boost converters have a wide range of functionality and application within the
renewable energy field; from motor drives of electric vehicles to wind turbine
energy generation. Matching the required dc voltage output with a variable dc
source can make for a difficult task without the use of commonplace electronic
devices such as the Buck-Boost converter; which has also been coloquially referred
to as the dc transformer. This project will look at the design, application, analysis
and overview of a functional Buck-Boost converter with a specific design called the
cascade in which an inductor couples the sections of the converter to allow for
voltage regulation of a variable source that can vary from much less than the
desired output voltage to much greater. The Buck-Boost Cascaded converter is truly
a robust and useful design that will be explored in the following sections.

ELEC-6411 Bi-directional Cascaded Buck-Boost ConverterFall 2015

Introduction
In many applications, the need for a regulated output dc voltage is a necessity.
Applying an unregulated dc voltage to certain loads may lead to component
unintended operation, deterioration, failure or worse. Another important factor to
consider is that many dc loads and sources may deteriorate and prematurely fail if a
current ripple or alternating component is present under operating conditions. When
a designer is implementing a converter for a specific task, much consideration is
required to meet the specific design requirements, specifications and features as
well as provide a robust, efficient and adequately designed system.
The Bi-directional Cascaded Buck-Boost Converter, for simplicity will be referred to
as the BBC from herein, is one topography of dc-dc converters that has unique
features and function that make it an attractive option for certain applications.
When variable power must be sent and returned to a dc source (hence bidirectional), a dc-dc converter may be selected; even providing a more stable
operating dc source for critical loads, a BBC may be utilized. The cascaded
component stems from the series connection of both types of converters. The BBC
presented in this project offers an efficient, relatively simple and robust topology to
operate under varying conditions. To further understand the operation and
principles of this BBC, some applications are:
Electric Vehicle Drive and Regenerative Braking i
Back-up Power Supplyii
Grid-connected Fuel-cell Energy Storage
Photo-voltaic Systems
Energy Recovery Systems
Back-to-back Wind Power Systems
For the purpose of this project, the BBC will be modeled in an electric vehicle
inspired application, with the load of the BBC being a super-capacitor. Depending on
the status of the super-capacitor, it will be charged using a Buck or Boost
configuration.
The following schematic illustrates the circuit that is used for this project:

Operation
5

ELEC-6411 Bi-directional Cascaded Buck-Boost ConverterFall 2015

Before designing a functional BBC, one must understand the fundamentals of

operation of the circuit, as well as fundamental components and concepts
individually.
MOSFETiii
For the purpose of design and analysis of the BBC, the MOSFET operates as an
idealized switch. This means that the MOSFET will have not voltage drop across it
when closed, and no current will leak through when opened. The idealized MOSFET
will also have an instantaneous turn-on and turn-off time and is capable of
operating under all voltage and current conditions present in the BBC. To operate
the MOSFET, a gate signal will be applied to the G node when a closed switch is
desired; under all other conditions, the gate signal will be grounded with 0 v.

Inductor
The inductor plays a vital role in the BBC circuit; namely to act as the energy
storage medium while the MOSFETs are switching to provide the desired output
voltage. The basic inductor is a simple component in that it has a magnetic or air
core with a wire coiled around. There are many other types of inductors, but the
scope of this project will only explore these configurations of inductors. When
current passes through the coil of wire, the inductor presents an inertia, or resists
the change of current, depending upon the current applied and the inductance,
measured in henries.
iv

ELEC-6411 Bi-directional Cascaded Buck-Boost ConverterFall 2015

Capacitor
The capacitor is an important part of the BBC to aid in reducing the voltage ripple
and are often applied on the supply and output of a BBC. For the design of the BBC
within the scope of this project, the capacitor will be considered ideal, meaning that
it contains no parasitic resistance. A capacitor acts as an energy storage device and
will oppose the change in voltage by drawing in the ripple currents, so the current
that is supplied to the capacitor is dependent on the rate of change of the voltage
applied, and the capacitance, measured in farads.
v

Steady-state Analysis
Steady-state analysis is an important tool used by designers and engineers to allow
for certain assumptions that simplify the design process. The assumptions presume
that all analyses of the circuit will be done after any transient or sub-transient
responses of the components have been cleared. This is done to allow for designers
to accurately calculate critical parameters and components while utilizing simplified
equations and processes.
Continuous Conduction Mode
Also known as CCM, this describes the operation principle of the BBC when the
inductor is not allowed to fully discharge its stored energy. This state of operation,
like steady-stay analysis above, is used to simplify the design procedure and
analysis of the circuit. The current flowing through the inductor never reaches a
zero-value and this allows for a designer to use common analysis and design
equations to create a BBC that operates as expected.
7

ELEC-6411 Bi-directional Cascaded Buck-Boost ConverterFall 2015

Buck Converter
The

Design
List the design equations and methodology/process/assumptions
Simulation
Show the simulation results
Discussion
Compare the simulation results with the expected and calculated values from the
Design section.
Conclusion

ELEC-6411 Bi-directional Cascaded Buck-Boost ConverterFall 2015

References

Study of Bi-Directional Buck-Boost Converter Topologies for Application in Electrical

Vehicle Motor Drives. F. Caricchi (*), F. Crescimbini (*), F. Giulii Capponi (*), L. Solero (**)
ii

Modeling and Control for a Bidirectional BuckBoost Cascade Inverter. Honglin Zhou,
Shuai Xiao, Geng Yang, Hua Geng.
iii

http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_paynter_introduct_6/6/1664/426188.cw/index.html

iv

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductor#/media/File:InductorSignalFilter1.png

http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/capacitor/cap_1.html