High voltage-gain and wide-range input DC-DC converter using single switch suitable for fuel-cell hybrid vehicles

In this paper, a new high voltage-gain DC-DC converter with wide-range input is presented suitable for hybrid electric vehicle applications. The proposed structure acts as an interface converter between the fuel cell and DC link. The main benefits of the proposed topology consist of low voltage stress across semiconductors, flexibility of duty cycle changes without voltage fluctuations at the output side, having only one switch, and simple controls. Using a power switch with lower resistance on state (Rds-on) reduces the total losses of the proposed topology. The proposed converter is analyzed in both CCM and DCM operating modes. Finally, a laboratory prototype at operating 50 kHz with 135 W is built and tested.

Automated summary

This paper presents a new high voltage-gain DC-DC converter suitable for hybrid electric vehicle applications. The proposed converter acts as an interface between the fuel cell and DC link, offering benefits such as low voltage stress, flexibility in duty cycle changes, and simplified control. By using a power switch with lower resistance, the total losses of the converter are reduced. The converter is analyzed in both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), and a laboratory prototype is built and tested.