Power Electronic Traction Transformer: Efficiency Improvements Under Light-Load Conditions

Power electronic transformer (PET), a converter technology that utilizes power semiconductors in combination with medium-frequency transformers, is considered a promising solution for certain applications requiring flexible galvanic isolation. Among are those where space occupied by bulky low-frequency transformers is of concern and/or where advanced power quality control features are needed. In this paper, the PET for a single-phase traction on-board application is discussed with emphasis on the efficiency improvements and reductions of energy consumption during the operation on the vehicle. Several control algorithms devised to improve efficiency under light-load conditions are tested on a low-voltage prototype of the PET, and experimental results are presented demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.