MSC converter with optimized input current ripple for fuel cells applications

Abstract

This article focuses on the analysis of a newly introduced DC-DC converter structure suitable for applications in fuel cell generation systems, the Modified Series Capacitor (MSC) converter. An interleaved-type converter with high voltage gain. The converter was proposed with a particular PWM scheme in which their two transistors operate with equal duty cycle, but the switching signals are 180° out of phase, and it uses two equal inductors. This article suggests a different way to design and operate the MSC converter with unequal inductors and unequal duty cycles. The primary benefit of the proposed approach with independent duty cycles and inductances is that it allows for the application of a numerical optimization algorithm to minimize the converter's input current ripple without the need to increase the stored energy in inductors. For example, it was possible to reduce one of the two inductors while maintaining (or even improving) the power quality of the input current. To prove the concept, an experiment was set up, executed, and confirmed.