Hybrid Duty Modulation for Dual Active Bridge Converter to Minimize RMS Current and Extend Soft-Switching Range Using the Frequency Domain Analysis

In this article, an efficiency-oriented hybrid duty modulation (HDM) scheme is proposed for the dual active bridge (DAB) converter that can reduce the inductor root-mean-square (rms) current and extend the switch soft-switching range. First, a complete description of the combination forms of different modulation schemes is presented considering the allocation of the zero-voltage portion. A unified description for these combination forms is obtained in the frequency domain. Second, the symmetric-symmetric duty modulation (SSDM) scheme and asymmetric-symmetric duty modulation (A
₂
SDM) scheme are established to minimize the inductor rms current by considering its fundamental component. Third, the characteristics of SSDM, A
₂
SDM, and the traditional phase shift modulation schemes are compared from several aspects, mainly including the inductor rms current and the soft-switching performance. Furthermore, the loss breakdown analysis results for the three modulation schemes are presented and compared. According to these results, the HDM scheme is proposed to improve the overall efficiency of the DAB converter. Finally, an experimental prototype was built with a peak efficiency of 97%, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed modulation scheme.