A Novel DC Electronic Load Topology Incorporated with Model Predictive Control Approach

This paper presents a novel topology of a modified isolated single-ended-primary-inductance converter (SEPIC) with a model predictive control (MPC) approach applied to direct current (DC) electronic loads. The proposed converter uses an actual transformer rather than a coupled inductor for isolation between the source and the load. The transformer allows the proposed converter to operate at a higher switching frequency, ultimately reducing the passive components’ size. A low-power hardware prototype is developed and tested with a model predictive control algorithm under variable input voltages and load conditions. The performance of the proposed converter is demonstrated to be satisfactory under steady state, as well as sudden input voltage transients. The proposed converter utilizes a switched capacitor technique to generate alternating current in both windings of the transformer. As the coupled inductor is eliminated from the circuit, the problem of high voltage spikes occurring due to leakage inductances is also eliminated for the proposed converter. Therefore, the proposed converter can be used for isolated medium power applications. The experimental results show that the efficiency of the proposed converter reached 96%. The MPC allows this converter’s DC voltage level to remain stable even as the input voltage and output terminal load change. Lastly, this converter with an MPC approach can be applied to different DC electronic loads, improving DC power quality and DC electronic load life.