Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2993
Date of Award
6-2025
Degree Name
MS in Electrical Engineering
Department/Program
Electrical Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Taufik
Advisor Department
Electrical Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
Resonant DC-DC converters have become a well-known solution in power supplies due to their ability to improve efficiency by utilizing soft-switching techniques. This further has caused a growing interest in industry to use these converters for high-switching-frequency, high-efficiency, and high-power applications such as EV charging stations, photovoltaic systems, battery chargers, etc. One particular resonant topology that has gained popularity in recent years is the LLC resonant converter. Due to the prevalent use of the LLC resonant converter, it is therefore crucial for students preparing for a career path in power electronics to become well-versed in the concept and implementation of the converter. This thesis presents the design and development of a half-bridge LLC resonant converter laboratory module that allows students to gain a thorough understanding of the converter through a hands-on laboratory experiment. With the constructed 5 V output lab module, students can change the converter’s switching frequency by adjusting the input voltage (70 V, 80 V, 100 V) and conduct performance tests on the three different operating modes: Below (83kHz), At (97kHz), and Above (116kHz) Resonant frequencies. Safety measures are also incorporated in the lab module, which include a fuse, reverse polarity protection, and a plexiglass housing. Computer simulation using SIMPLIS verifies the functionality of the half-bridge resonant circuit. Hardware tests performed on the constructed lab module demonstrate that the lab module serves as a safe learning tool for students to gain understanding of the concepts, operation, and performance of the half-bridge LLC resonant converter.