Single-switch boost-buck DC-DC converter for industrial fuel cell and photovoltaics applications

The realization of dc-dc converters performs a vital function in exploiting renewable en-ergy sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cell applications. This paper dem-onstrates a single-switch unidirectional buck-boost dc-dc converter for continuous power flow control, excluding the hybrid switched-capacitor. The proposed converter utilizes a limited number of passive components, only four diodes and three inductors required, in addition to six capacitors. The converter can operate at a wide input voltage range with continues input current. The converter has experimented under real-time conditions with 660 W PV system. The obtained efficiency ranges from 93% to 98%. Furthermore, the converter has interfaced with 550 W fuel cell operated under different fuel pressure. The realized efficiency ranges from 91% to 97%. The maximum measured inductance current ripple is limited to under 0.70 A in both scenarios, whereas 0.16 Vis the maximum output voltage ripple. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The paper introduces a single-switch unidirectional buck-boost dc-dc converter for solar PV and fuel cell applications, achieving high efficiency and wide input voltage range. With a limited number of passive components and specific topology, the converter enables continuous power flow control and maintains stability of inductance current and output voltage under different conditions.