Modular Ultra-High Gain Non-Isolated DC-DC Converter for DC Microgrid Integrated with Fuel Cell

Abstract

In recent years, DC microgrid integrated with energy sources like solar PV, fuel cell, and batteries receives tremendous attention due to the depleting fossil fuel reserves, massive urge to reduce carbon footprint, and initiatives for decentralized power distribution policy. It is essential to connect an intermediate DC-DC converter between these low voltage sources and grid. This paper presents an ultra-high gain non-isolated DC-DC converter for DC microgrid system integrated with fuel cell. This converter is developed by judicially combining both switched inductor (SI) and switched capacitor (SC) techniques as gain extension network. Integration of these techniques in the adopted circuit for ultra-high voltage gain evolves into a hybrid modular structure with extendable gain options. This paper includes circuit diagram, operation, design procedure, and results of the proposed hybrid SI-SC (HSISC) converter. Results available from the hardware model of 380V/200W validate the performance of the converter at an efficiency of 92.23%.