Abstract: A method of DC-DC power conversion includes converting a DC link voltage to a DC output voltage for a load that is lower than the DC link voltage using a buck converter. The method includes controlling the buck converter in a normal switching mode in response to the DC link voltage, the DC output voltage, and the current of the load being within respective predetermined thresholds. The method includes controlling the buck converter in a light load switching mode in response the DC link voltage, the DC output voltage, and/or the current of the load being at or beyond the respective predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: A method of DC-DC power conversion includes converting a DC link voltage to a DC output voltage for a load that is lower than the DC link voltage using a buck converter. The method includes controlling the buck converter in a normal switching mode in response to the DC link voltage being below a predetermined high threshold. The method also includes controlling the buck converter in a soft start switching mode in response to the DC link voltage being at or above the predetermined high threshold.

Abstract: A method of DC-DC power conversion includes converting a DC link voltage to a DC output voltage for a load that is lower than the DC link voltage using a buck converter. The method includes controlling the buck converter in a normal switching mode in response to the DC link voltage being below a predetermined high threshold. The method also includes controlling the buck converter in a rate limited switching mode in response to the DC link voltage being at or above the predetermined high threshold.

Abstract: A transformer includes a core with a surface, a primary winding with two or more primary winding turns wrapped about the core, and a secondary winding with one and only one secondary winding turn extending about the core. The one and only one secondary winding turn is interleaved among the two or more primary winding turns on the surface of the core to limit magnetic flux leakage along the primary winding and the secondary winding. Power converters and power conversion methods are also described.

Abstract: An AC-DC converter circuit can include a plurality of passive components configured to convert AC to DC and to non-linearly regulate output DC voltage to about a selected maximum throughout an AC input voltage range and/or generator frequency. The plurality of passive components can be configured to also limit power loss as a function of load on a DC side.

Abstract: A transformer includes a core with a surface, a primary winding with two or more primary winding turns wrapped about the core, and a secondary winding with one and only one secondary winding turn extending about the core. The one and only one secondary winding turn is interleaved among the two or more primary winding turns on the surface of the core to limit magnetic flux leakage along the primary winding and the secondary winding. Power converters and power conversion methods are also described.

Abstract: An AC-DC converter circuit can include a plurality of passive components configured to convert AC to DC and to non-linearly regulate output DC voltage to about a selected maximum throughout an AC input voltage range and/or generator frequency. The plurality of passive components can be configured to also limit power loss as a function of load on a DC side.

Abstract: A DC-DC power converter, a control component of a DC-DC power converter, and a method of controlling a buck DC-DC power converter are provided. The method includes receiving at least one of a measured load current and a measured input voltage. The measured load current is a measurement of current that flows from the buck inductor of a physical component of the buck DC-DC power converter. The measured input voltage is a measurement of the DC link input voltage measured across a DC link of the physical component of the buck DC-DC power converter. The method further includes generating a control signal to control a pulse width modulator (PWM), wherein the control signal is based on at least one of the measured load current and the measured input voltage. The PWM is configured to control at least one switch that is coupled to the buck inductor to allow the buck inductor to operate on a current flowing from the DC link only when the at least one switch is turned ON.

Abstract: A DC-DC power converter, a control component of a DC-DC power converter, and a method of controlling a buck DC-DC power converter are provided. The method includes receiving at least one of a measured load current and a measured input voltage. The measured load current is a measurement of current that flows from the buck inductor of a physical component of the buck DC-DC power converter. The measured input voltage is a measurement of the DC link input voltage measured across a DC link of the physical component of the buck DC-DC power converter. The method further includes generating a control signal to control a pulse width modulator (PWM), wherein the control signal is based on at least one of the measured load current and the measured input voltage. The PWM is configured to control at least one switch that is coupled to the buck inductor to allow the buck inductor to operate on a current flowing from the DC link only when the at least one switch is turned ON.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a bi-directional DC to DC converter includes a DC to DC conversion circuit, and a controller operatively connected to the conversion circuit to control a current output of the conversion circuit, wherein the controller includes an observer based estimated current sensor module which is configured to simulate a physical current sensor and to input an estimated output current feedback inner state signal ??o into a voltage output command feedback loop of the controller. The current sensor module can include an estimated sensor feedback loop.

Abstract: A power converter may comprise a magnetic core, a transformer primary winding configured to generate a magnetic field in the magnetic core, and a transformer secondary winding matrix. The transformer secondary winding matrix may comprise a plurality of secondary windings configurable between various electrical connections relative to one another (e.g., in series or in parallel) to adjust a voltage conversion ratio of the power converter.

Abstract: A power converter may comprise a magnetic core, a transformer primary winding configured to generate a magnetic field in the magnetic core, and a transformer secondary winding matrix. The transformer secondary winding matrix may comprise a plurality of secondary windings configurable between various electrical connections relative to one another (e.g., in series or in parallel) to adjust a voltage conversion ratio of the power converter.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a bi-directional DC to DC converter includes a DC to DC conversion circuit, and a controller operatively connected to the conversion circuit to control a current output of the conversion circuit, wherein the controller includes an observer based estimated current sensor module which is configured to simulate a physical current sensor and to input an estimated output current feedback inner state signal ??o into a voltage output command feedback loop of the controller. The current sensor module can include an estimated sensor feedback loop.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a DC midpoint terminal voltage of a three level inverter is provided. The method includes receiving an input power signal at a three level motor controller system that includes a three level inverter, measuring, using a current sensor in the three level motor controller system, a DC current of the input power signal before the input power signal is provided to the three level inverter, and adjusting a zero-sequence inverter output voltage to adjust a midpoint voltage at the DC midpoint based on the measured DC current.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a DC midpoint terminal voltage of a three level inverter is provided. The method includes receiving an input power signal at a three level motor controller system that includes a three level inverter, measuring, using a current sensor in the three level motor controller system, a DC current of the input power signal before the input power signal is provided to the three level inverter, and adjusting a zero-sequence inverter output voltage to adjust a midpoint voltage at the DC midpoint based on the measured DC current.

Abstract: An example, overvoltage protection device includes a switch and a surge protection device that is selectively activated by actuating the switch. The switch is actuated in response to a voltage. An example method of absorbing an overvoltage includes sensing a voltage, and selectively activating a surge protection device in response to the sensed voltage.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection unit includes a power circuit module and a controller module. The power circuit module receives power from a power source on an AC input and includes a rectifier that converts voltage on the AC input into a DC Link output voltage, and an AC input current sensor that senses a current on the AC input. The controller module provides an output to terminate power from the power source based upon the DC Link output voltage and a sensed current from the AC input current sensor.

Abstract: An overvoltage protection unit includes a power circuit module and a controller module. The power circuit module receives power from a power source on an AC input and includes a rectifier that converts voltage on the AC input into a DC Link output voltage, and an AC input current sensor that senses a current on the AC input. The controller module provides an output to terminate power from the power source based upon the DC Link output voltage and a sensed current from the AC input current sensor.

Abstract: An active rectification system includes a three-level active rectifier and a pulse with modulation (PWM) control portion. The three-level active rectifier includes at least three switches, the at least three switches are selectively switchable between an upper state, a center state, and a lower state. The PWM control portion is in communication with the at least three switches, the PWM control portion is configured and disposed to create an upper carrier signal and a lower carrier signal, and the PWM control portion is configured and disposed to selectively switch the at least three switches between the upper state, the center state, and the lower state in response to a phase disposition of the upper carrier signal and the lower carrier signal.

Abstract: A phase detection system includes a low-resolution sensor and a high-resolution sensor for monitoring an alternating current (AC) voltage. A phase detector receives voltage samples from both the low-resolution sensor and the high-resolution sensor. The phase detector monitors the low-resolution sensor to detect approaching zero cross events (i.e., monitored voltage values approaching zero). In response to an approaching zero-cross event, the phase detector uses the magnitude of the high-resolution voltage samples measured on either side of the zero cross event to determine the phase of the monitored AC voltage.