High gain DC/DC converter with continuous input current for renewable energy applications

Abstract

In this paper, a new design of a non-isolated high-voltage gain DC/DC converter that operates at a reasonable duty cycle, by merging the dual boost converter with the switched inductor structure, is presented as a solution for the high-conversion ratio requirement. The proposed converter operates in discontinuous-current mode (DCM) with zero current switching for all switches and diodes. Wide duty cycle range operation, high output voltage gain, low switching stress, small switching losses, and high efficiency are achieved efficiently. Operating the converter in DCM can support a wide range of the duty cycle operation, maintain lower voltage stress of all devices, ensure the same current sharing among inductors, make it easy to control, provide more stability, and require a smaller inductor which reduces size and weight of the proposed converter. Moreover, the converter operates with a continuous input current. These features make the converter a good choice for many applications such as photovoltaic, x-ray, fuel cells, etc. To prove the converter’s effectiveness, theoretical analysis, project specifications, and operation principles are presented and studied. Experimental results in an open and closed-loop, and a comparison with other recent converters are also introduced to confirm the validity of the proposed converter.