Reducing Circling Currents in a VHF Class Φ₂ Inverter Based on a Fully Analytical Loss Model

Abstract

This paper proposes a fully analytical loss model to reduce circling currents and improve the power efficiency of a class Φ2 inverter. Firstly, analytical expression of the switching node voltage is derived by analyzing its harmonic components. Based on the result, the power switch is modeled as a voltage source, where the circuit is simplified to a linear network and analytical expressions of branch currents are solved. Secondly, root mean square (RMS) values of branch currents and component losses are calculated to form the analytical loss model for a Φ2 inverter. The influence of circuit parameters on the circling current and power efficiency are thoroughly analyzed, which derives optimal design constraints to reduce circling currents of a class Φ2 inverter. Furthermore, detailed design guidance and equations are provided to calculate circuit parameters of a class Φ2 inverter, which reduces its circling currents and improves overall power efficiency. Finally, a class Φ2 inverter prototype is built, and experimental results demonstrate a 7% efficiency improvement compared to conventional empirical design methods.

Keywords

• very high frequency (VHF)
• class Φ₂ inverter
• circling current
• design method
• efficiency