Series Loss-Free Resistor: Analysis, Realization, and Applications

An analysis of the transient behavior of dc networks consisting of voltage sources, capacitors, and series loss-free resistors (SLFRs) is presented. The realization of an SLFR was achieved by means of a topological variation of the positive output voltage buck-boost converter operated in discontinuous-conduction mode. It is demonstrated that even simple RC circuits containing SLFRs exhibit behavior that is described by Abel nonlinear differential equations, which do not have an exact analytical solution. Some possible applications of the SLFRs in power electronics, dc microgrids, and renewable energy power systems include loss-free charge and discharge of capacitor banks, voltage equalization of capacitors, and loss-free voltage clamping circuits. The concept of the SLFR can also be applied for voltage control in dc microgrids, employing the droop voltage technique, equalization of power and current in voltage sources associated in parallel (including batteries and dc-dc converters), and also input and output voltage natural balance in input-series output-series association of dc converters. The theoretical analysis results are validated via numerical examples and computer simulation.