Switched Mode Four-Quadrant Power Converters

TL;DR

This paper reviews the design considerations, topologies, and practical implementation of four-quadrant power converters in the 1-10 kW range, highlighting advantages, drawbacks, and testing tips based on CERN's experience.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of switching mode four-quadrant power converter topologies, including practical insights and test procedures from CERN's design experience.

Findings

Analysis of different converter topologies and their trade-offs.

Practical results from CERN-designed converters.

Guidelines for testing and project management.

Abstract

This paper was originally presented at CAS-2004, and was slightly modified for CAS-2014. It presents a review of the key parameters that impact the design choices for a true four-quadrant power converter, in the range 1-10 kW, mainly based on switching mode converter topology. This paper will first describe the state-of-the-art for this power converter family, giving the drawbacks and advantages of different possible solutions. It will also present practical results obtained from the CERN-designed converter. It will finally give some important tips regarding critical phases like test one, when conducting a project dealing with this type of power converter.