Generalized, Complete and Accurate Modeling of Non-Ideal Push–Pull Converters for Power System Analysis and Control

Power converters are a basic element for the control and design of any power electronic system. Among the many available topologies, the push–pull converter is widely used due to its versatility, safety and efficiency. For its correct analysis, sizing, simulation and control, models that meet the characteristics of generality, accuracy and simplicity are required, especially if its control is to be optimized by means of some analytical technique. This requires models that consider the practical non-idealities intrinsic to the converter, as well as being intuitive and easy to handle analytically in a control loop. In general, the models reviewed in the scientific literature adopt simplifications in their definition that are detrimental to their accuracy. In response to the posed problem, this work presents a generalized, complete, accurate and versatile model of real (non-ideal) push–pull converters, ideal for the analysis, simulation, and control of power systems. Following the premise of general and complete converters, the proposed model includes all the practical non-idealities of the converter elements, and it is accurate because it faithfully reflects its dynamics. Furthermore, the model is versatile, as its state space formulation allows for its easy adaptability to the converter operating conditions (voltage, current and temperature) for each sampling time. Also, the model is excellent for use in model-based control techniques, as well as for making very accurate simulators. The behavior of the developed model has been contrasted with a real push–pull converter, as well as with reference models present in the scientific literature for both dynamic and steady-state response tests. The results show excellent performance in all the studied cases, with behavior faithful to the real converter and with relative errors that are much lower than those obtained for the reference models. It follows that the model behaves like a digital twin of a real push–pull converter.