Energy flow control in a modular DC-DC converter with energy recovery

This paper proposes an energy management control scheme for controlling the energy flow in a modular and scalable DC/DC converter design with energy recovery, based on a fundamental building block structure. The overall design in terms of control, number and configuration of the building blocks for optimised electrical operation is presented. Series and parallel connection of a low voltage and current building block are used to achieve the required current and voltage. This flexibility allows for a converter design with different operating characteristics and enhanced degree of reconfigurability, while keeping the same design of the fundamental building blocks. This combination results in a more scalable and flexible converter for efficient maintenance, with modularised storage for increased safety. In addition, a strategy of redundancy is implemented, which gives increased up-time and enhances the possibility for hot-swapping.