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This paper presents a high-efficiency multilevel flying-capacitor (FC) dc/dc power conversion with a lower passive component rating and power device count for distributed renewable energy systems. A resonant technique is adopted for the proposed dc/dc converter to achieve zero-current switching (ZCS) for all switches. Theoretical analysis is carried out for the proposed quintuple topology with three active switches. The proposed converter is evaluated to the conventional FC converter, in terms of the component rating and count, to highlight its advantages with respect to the power density and cost. The experimental results of a 1-kW prototype FC converter are presented to validate the theoretical analysis and principles, as well as attest the feasibility of the proposed topologies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper reports a comprehensive optimization process of the associated passive components of three-phase front-end interleaved boost converters to enhance the power density. The effects of the circulating zero-sequence current between the rectifiers were analyzed in detail, and the mean input current model was developed in the presence of a circulating current. The model was then incorporated into the development of a physics-based average current controller to compensate for the input current low-order harmonic distortions without sacrificing the system power density. The proposed method is expected to be an attractive solution for enhancing the power density of consumer electronic applications needed to meet the harmonic regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offshore wind farms are rapidly growing owing to their comparatively more stable wind conditions than onshore and land-based wind farms. The power capacity of offshore wind turbines has been increased to 5MW in order to capture a larger amount of wind energy, which results in an increase of each component's size. Furthermore, the weight of the marine turbine components installed in the nacelle directly influences the total mechanical design, as well as the operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. A reduction in the weight of the nacelle allows for cost-effective tower and foundation structures. On the other hand, longer transmission distances from an offshore wind turbine to the load leads to higher energy losses. In this regard, DC transmission is more useful than AC transmission in terms of efficiency because no reactive power is generated/consumed by DC transmission cables. This paper describes some of the challenges and difficulties faced in designing high-power-density power conversion systems (HPDPCSs) for offshore wind turbines. A new approach for high gain/high voltage systems is introduced using transformerless power conversion technologies. Finally, the proposed converter is evaluated in terms of step-up conversion ratio, device number, modulation, and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]