A Scalable DC/DC Converter Topology with Modularized Energy Storage for High Energy Physics Applications

Abstract

This article presents the design and control of a high-power modular dc-dc converter for electromagnets used in high energy physics applications. The fundamental building modules, herein called bricks, can either be connected to the grid or to separate energy-storage components. The proposed modular converter enables independent power flow control among the bricks under control that is agnostic to mission profiles. In particular, the proposed converter design and control allow for independent control of currents delivered from each brick, while respecting the total voltage constraints, and losses optimization of the converter without compromising the desired electrical performance. In addition, the cost potential of the converter is briefly analyzed. The performance of the proposed modular converter is validated experimentally on a full-scale laboratory prototype rated at 800 kW. The proposed converter demonstrates how separating the total storage into a number of storage bricks can be beneficial to adapt the design of a modular converter to a large range of profiles and operating constraints. It is shown that up to 30% cost savings can be achieved by eliminating converter components in the storage and grid connection, while the converter performance on the load is maintained and the same amount of energy is recycled.