Dead-Time for Zero-Voltage-Switching in Battery Chargers with the Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge Topology: Comprehensive Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Verification

摘要

This paper presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis and an accurate calculation method of the dead-time required to achieve zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) in a battery charger with the phase-shifted full-bridge (PSFB) topology. Compared to previous studies, this is the first time that the effects of nonlinear output filter inductance, varied Miller Plateau length, and blocking capacitors have been considered. It has been found that the output filter inductance and the Miller Plateau have a significant influence on the dead-time for ZVS when the load current varies a lot in battery charger applications. In addition, the blocking capacitor, which is widely used to prevent saturation, reduces the circulating current and consequently affects the setting of the dead-time. In consideration of these effects, accurate analytical equations of the dead-time range for ZVS are deduced. Experimental results from a 1.5kW PSFB battery charger prototype shows that, with the proposed analysis, an optimal dead-time can be selected to meet the specific requirements of a system while achieving ZVS over wide load range.