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The improvement in the operating frequency of power converters brings miniaturization, economy, and high performance to these devices. On the other hand, it also results in an increase in the switching loss and radio frequency noise. Because soft switching technology has the evident advantages of reducing switching loss and high frequency noise, the application of this technology is considered for all types of power converters. However, it also has certain disadvantages such as increasing the conduction losses of switching devices, increasing the number of parts, and deteriorating the controllability of the devices. Therefore, this technology evidently has positive and negative aspects depending on its advantages and disadvantages. Power converters with high frequency transformers such as microwave oven and isolated type dc/dc converter, and those with oscillation devices at their load such as induction heating cooker and ultrasonic washing machine are the strong areas. On the contrary, power converters that belong to none of them are weak area.
Researches on soft switching technology are actively continued in all areas. In the strong areas, higher performances and expansion of application areas were realized. In the weak areas, research for reducing the disadvantages and promoting practical applications is being performed. Some examples of feasible application of this technology are reported. This technical report summarizes the results of the committee's investigation of the cutting-edge trends in research and development in all areas of industry. It describes in detail the state-of-the-art trends on soft switching technology and its practical applications. |
