Reconfigurable Quadratic Converters for Electrolyzers Utilized in DC Microgrids

In this paper, three topologies of quadratic buck DC-DC converters were proposed that are capable of reconfiguring to semi-quadratic buck-boost converters, in case of an open-circuit fault in their power switch. In other words, with the aid of graph-based circuit synthesis concepts, a topology is obtained for a safe transition from one switch to another, where all other components maintain their role in contributing to optimal power conversion. Knowing that the quadratic buck converters have been proven to be an effective DC-DC circuit to supply an electrolyser as a load with specific characteristics i.e., low-voltage and high-current, the reconfigurability feature adds an extra measure of success for safer power delivery for such a load that an undesirable shut-down would negatively impact its life-cycle. The performances of three proposed synthesised topologies were compared and validated through simulation and experiments on laboratory prototypes.

Automated summary

This paper proposes three topologies of quadratic buck DC-DC converters that can be reconfigured into semi-quadratic buck-boost converters in response to open-circuit faults in power switches. The reconfigurability feature enhances the safety of power delivery for loads with specific characteristics such as low voltage and high current.