Impulse-Commutated Zero-Current-Switching Current-Fed Three-Phase DC/DC Converter

An impulse-commutated current-fed three-phase dc/dc converter is proposed. It is a three-inductor current divider topology that reduces the current stress of the components. The proposed converter attains zero current switching (ZCS) of the semiconductor devices via impulse commutation utilizing the circuit paracitics. The devices' voltage is clamped at Vo/n. Voltage clamping and zero-current commutation of devices are load independent. Load voltage is regulated by employing variablefrequency modulation. The current-fed topology with inherent boost ability simplifies the transformer design by reducing the required turns ratio. Rectifier diodes also commutate with ZCS without ringing and eliminate the need for a secondary snubber. A comprehensive study of the proposed converter together with the experimental results obtained from a laboratory prototype of 1 kW have been presented to validate the claims and to evaluate the converter's performance. The proposed converter is suitable for low-voltage high-current applications requiring high voltage gain. It inherently offers short-circuit protection.