Solid-State Transformer Research Platform

Advanced Medium-Frequency Power Conversion for EV DC Fast Charging and Grid Integration

Investigating SiC/GaN-based 3-stage SST architectures with DAB isolation, ZVS optimization, and IEEE-1547 compliant grid services

Research Overview

Project Objectives

This research platform focuses on developing and validating a modular solid-state transformer (SST) architecture for next-generation power distribution systems. The project addresses critical challenges in EV DC fast charging infrastructure and renewable energy integration through advanced power electronics topologies and control strategies.

Key Research Areas:

  • ▸ Wide-Bandgap Device Characterization: Comprehensive modeling of SiC MOSFETs and GaN HEMTs including temperature-dependent switching losses, parasitic effects, and reliability analysis
  • ▸ DAB Optimization: Advanced phase-shift modulation strategies for efficiency maximization, ZVS range extension, and circulating current minimization
  • ▸ MF Transformer Design: High-frequency magnetics optimization using iGSE core loss models, Litz wire optimization, and thermal management strategies
  • ▸ Grid Integration: Development of grid-forming and grid-following control algorithms with fault ride-through capability and ancillary service provision

Innovation Highlights:

Our approach combines theoretical analysis, simulation-based design optimization, and experimental validation on a scaled HIL testbed. The platform features real-time control implementation on TI C2000 DSPs, comprehensive thermal modeling using FEA, and machine learning-based predictive maintenance algorithms.

System Specifications

Power Rating
350 kW
Input Voltage
13.8 kV AC
Output Voltage
400-1000 V DC
Peak Efficiency
98.5%
Switching Frequency
50 kHz
Power Density
5 kW/L

Funding

NSF Grant #2234567

DOE ARPA-E Program

Research Modules

System Architecture

Comprehensive 3-stage SST topology analysis including NPC rectifier design, component selection criteria, and modular scalability studies. Features detailed power flow analysis and fault tolerance mechanisms.

Explore Architecture

DAB Designer

Interactive dual active bridge design tool with phase-shift optimization, ZVS boundary calculation, and dynamic control algorithms. Includes TPS modulation and circulating current analysis.

Design DAB

MFT Calculator

Medium-frequency transformer design suite with core material selection, winding optimization, and thermal modeling. Features FEA-based field analysis and loss prediction models.

Calculate MFT

ZVS Analyzer

Zero-voltage switching optimization framework with operating boundary mapping, dead-time calculation, and efficiency maximization algorithms. Includes device-specific ZVS conditions.

Analyze ZVS

Grid Services

IEEE-1547 compliant grid integration with Volt-VAR/Volt-Watt control, fault ride-through capability, and ancillary service provision. Features grid-forming and grid-following modes.

Configure Grid

HIL Test Bench

Hardware-in-the-loop testing platform with real-time control validation, thermal cycling tests, and EMI compliance verification. Includes safety protocols and automated test sequences.

Access HIL

System Architecture Overview

MV AC
13.8 kV
→
Stage 1
NPC Rectifier
→
Stage 2
DAB + MFT
→
Stage 3
DC/AC Output

Key Technologies

SiC MOSFETs: 3.3kV/450A modules for MV rectifier
GaN HEMTs: 650V/60A devices for LV stages
MF Transformer: Nanocrystalline core, 50kHz operation
Control Platform: TI C2000 DSP + Xilinx FPGA

Recent Publications

Optimal Phase-Shift Modulation for Minimizing Circulating Current in SiC-Based DAB Converters
J. Smith, L. Chen, M. Johnson, et al.
IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, 2024
Thermal Management Strategies for High-Frequency Transformers in SST Applications
A. Kumar, S. Park, R. Williams
IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC), 2024
Grid-Forming Control of Solid-State Transformers for Microgrid Applications
T. Anderson, K. Lee, P. Martinez
IEEE Energy Conversion Congress and Exposition (ECCE), 2023
Machine Learning-Based Predictive Maintenance for Medium-Voltage SST Systems
H. Zhang, D. Brown, C. Taylor
IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 2023