Loss Calculation in a Buck Converter Using SimPowerSystems and Simscape

A SimPowerSystems model is used to calculate switching and conduction losses in a buck converter.

A 12-kW buck converter is implemented by a half-bridge IGBT detailed model. Based on the thermal characteristics of the selected IGBT module, both switching and conduction losses are calculated. Thermal blocks of the Simscape foundation library are used to model the heat dissipation provided by the heat sink. The simulation illustrates the impact of switching frequency and load on the total losses of the buck converter.

You can select among three different commercial IGBT modules. A procedure given in .m files allows you to add your own device characteristics in the provided component libraries.

A Help file containing useful information on the model is also included.

Authors: Pierre Giroux, Gilbert Sybille, Olivier Tremblay
Hydro-Quebec Research Institute (IREQ)