Paolo Cova

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation is an essential tool for rapid and cost-effective development and validation of power-electronic systems. The primary objective of this work is to validate and fine-tune a PLECS-based HIL model of a single dual active bridge (DAB) DC-DC converter, thereby laying the foundation for building more complex models (e.g., multiple converters connected in series or parallel). To this end, the converter is experimentally characterized, and the HIL model is validated across a wide range of operating conditions by varying the PWM phase-shift angle, voltage gain, switching frequency, and leakage inductance. Power transfer and efficiency are analyzed to quantify the influence of these parameters on converter performance. These experimental trends provide insight into the optimal modulation range and the dominant loss mechanisms of the DAB under single phase shift (SPS) control. A detailed comparison between HIL simulations and hardware measurements, based on transferred power and efficiency, shows close agreement across all the tested operating points. These results confirm the accuracy and robustness of the proposed HIL model, demonstrate the suitability of the PLECS platform for DAB development and control validation, and support its use as a scalable basis for more complex multi-converter studies, reducing design time and prototyping risk.

Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation has become an indispensable tool for rapid and cost-effective development and validation of power electronic systems. This paper presents a detailed experimental characterization and validation of a PLECS-based HIL model for a Dual Active Bridge (DAB) DC-DC converter controlled using Single Phase Shift (SPS) modulation. An extensive experimental investigation is conducted to characterize the converter's performance across a wide range of operating conditions. The primary objective of this work is to validate and fine-tune the PLECS-based HIL model of a single DAB converter, laying the foundation for building more complex models, such as configurations with multiple converters connected in series or parallel. A DAB prototype has been characterized by varying the PWM phase shift angle between the input-output full-bridges over a range of equivalent input-output voltage levels. The power flow and efficiency were also analyzed at different voltage gains (M = 0.6, 1, and 1.4). In addition, the influence of key parameters like switching frequency and leakage inductance on the converter’s power flow and efficiency was experimentally evaluated. The experimental efficiency trends and power characteristics across the operating points provide valuable insight into the optimal modulation range and loss mechanisms of the DAB converter under SPS control. The HIL model is thoroughly tested against the experimental hardware prototype by comparing key metrics, including transferred power and system efficiency. The results demonstrate a high degree of accuracy between the HIL model and the physical system across all tested operating conditions. This work provides a validated, high-fidelity HIL model and a comprehensive dataset that confirms the effectiveness of the PLECS platform for the development and optimization of DAB converters, thereby reducing design time and mitigating risks in subsequent prototyping stages.

This paper discusses the development of an Integrated Building Energy Model (IBEM) in MATLAB (R2024b) for a university campus building. In the general context of the development of integrated energy district models to guide the evolution and planning of smart energy grids for increased efficiency, resilience, and sustainability, this work describes in detail the development and use of an IBEM for a university campus building featuring a heat pump-based heating/cooling system and PV generation. The IBEM seamlessly integrates thermal and electrical aspects into a complete physical description of the energy performance of a smart building, thus distinguishing itself from co-simulation approaches in which different specialized tools are applied to the two aspects and connected at the level of data exchange. Also, the model, thanks to its physical, white-box nature, can be instanced repeatedly within the comprehensive electrical micro-grid model in which it belongs, with a straightforward change of case-specific parameter settings. The model incorporates a heat pump-based heating/cooling system and photovoltaic generation. The model’s components, including load modeling, heating/cooling system simulation, and heat pump implementation are described in detail. Simulation results illustrate the building’s detailed power consumption and thermal behavior throughout a sample year. Since the building model (along with the whole campus micro-grid model) is implemented in the MATLAB Simulink environment, it is fully portable and exploitable within a large, world-wide user community, including researchers, utility companies, and educational institutions. This aspect is particularly relevant considering that most studies in the literature employ co-simulation environments involving multiple simulation software, which increases the framework’s complexity and presents challenges in models’ synchronization and validation.

In modern particle physics experiments, various electronic devices are frequently required to operate within noble liquids at cryogenic temperatures. Within the framework of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), a need has arisen to develop a DC-DC boost converter with an analog feedback loop control composed of discrete components, all capable of functioning at cryogenic temperatures. Consequently, Operational Amplifiers (OpAmps) must also be adapted to meet these requirements. However, there is no existing literature on off-the-shelf OpAmps with the required characteristics for cryogenic temperatures, nor on circuit-ready measurement setups applicable for obtaining these characteristics for the selected OpAmps. For this reason, this paper explores a measurement setup solution for cryogenic temperatures and the characterization of two operational amplifiers suitable for the analog control scheme. Due to application requirements, the quiescent current, offset voltage, offset input current, bias input current, open-loop voltage gain, and gain at 10 kHz or 100 kHz have been measured in function of the temperature, from 123 K to 333 K, and directly inside a liquid nitrogen (LN2) detector. Furthermore, this work required studying the thermocouple effect introduced at the interface between LN2 and air, which must be considered for the calculation of the desired OpAmp characteristic values. Finally, the measurement uncertainty has been evaluated and presented in this paper.

To bias Silicon PhotoMultiplier (SiPM) sensors, which are used for the readout of scintillation light at cryogenic temperatures, it is essential to develop power supply units that provide stable voltages and low noise. In modern particle physics experiments, these systems may be placed outside the time projection chambers, which are filled with liquid argon (LAr) due to its scintillation properties. However, in the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Vertical Drift design, the Photon Detection System (PDS) electronic readout and bias circuits and sensors must be installed on the cathode plane, which is biased at a high DC voltage (-300 kV). Therefore, it is not possible to make any electrical connections between the SiPM and the external interface. Instead, the power is provided through optical fibers using Power over Fiber (PoF) technology. However, the output voltage of these systems is only a few volts and varies in relation to the required current. This paper proposes a 1-to-10 step-up converter solution that operates at cryogenic temperatures to obtain a stable and very low noise 48 V output supply voltage for the SiPM. The design of the converter is based on a boost DC-DC topology, where the components have been selected and characterized to function at cryogenic temperatures. The converter control relies on a type III compensator analog feedback control loop. Simulations and experimental results of a converter prototype, along with the sizing of the control circuit, are presented in this paper.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly replacing fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, creating a need for a fast-charging infrastructure that is crucial for their widespread adoption. This research addresses this challenge by improving the control of dual active bridge converters, a popular choice for high-power EV charging stations. A critical issue in EV battery charging is the smooth transition between charging stages (constant current and constant voltage) which can disrupt converter performance. This work proposes a novel feedforward control method using a combination of droop-based techniques combined with a sophisticated linear active disturbance rejection control system applied to a single-phase shift-modulated dual active bridge. This combination ensures a seamless transition between charging stages and enhances the robustness of the system against fluctuations in both input voltage and load. Numerical simulations using MATLAB/Simulink R2024a demonstrated that this approach not only enables smooth charging but also reduces the peak input converter current, allowing for the use of lower-rated components in the converter design. This translates to potentially lower costs for building these essential charging stations and faster adoption of EVs.

This paper proposes a novel feedforward control scheme to achieve a very smooth transition from Constant Current (CC) to Constant Voltage (CV) charging modes, the commonly used method for electric vehicle charging applications. Furthermore, a three-loop model-independent Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control (LADRC)-based system is proposed, replacing the traditional two-loop Proportional-Integral (PI) control system. The extra loop performs a decoupled dq vector control of the inductor current, which is typically not used in single-phase Dual Active Bridge (DAB) systems. This additional loop not only facilitates the optimal determination of both internal and external phase shift angles of a Dual-Phase Shift (DPS) modulator but also lowers the peak input current of the converter, allowing for lower-rated switches. Numerical simulations using MATLAB/Simulink demonstrate the robustness of the proposed control strategy against both input voltage disturbances and load disturbances during the transition from CC to CV charging modes. Hence, the dynamic performance of the charging system is significantly improved with minimal controller effort.

Environmental issues and the global need to increase economically sustainable access to electricity addressed and boosted scientific research and use of Distributed Energy Resources, such as solar Photovoltaic (PV). Multi‐port power converters can be of great interest for a compact and efficient interface between PV, storage units, and DC loads. The Triple Active Bridge (TAB) shows interesting advantages in terms of isolation and Zero Voltage Switching capabilities over wide load and input voltage ranges. This work aims to develop a TAB prototype for a NanoGrid (NG) application, analyzing the possibility of a direct interface of PV modules, storage units, and DC loads, without the use of intermediate conversion stages. The TAB prototype uses Gallium Nitride devices, and an evaluation of the overall efficiency is provided, useful to compare with other isolated three‐port converters. Through an analytical approach, a TAB has been sized and optimized to meet specific application requirements. MATLAB/Simulink simulations have been done for the sizing validation and the control strategy design. A prototype has been developed and experimental measurements have been compared with simulation results. The TAB is proposed as a key element of DC NGs, but applications of interest are also automotive, More Electric Aircraft, and naval applications.