Design of a high voltage gain converter using coupled inductor with reduced voltage stress for photovoltaic energy based systems

Abstract

This paper presents the design and analysis of a high voltage gain converter utilizing a coupled inductor with reduced voltage stress, specifically for photovoltaic energy-based systems. The proposed converter employs a two-winding coupled inductor and voltage multiplier cells to achieve an increase in output voltage while mitigating voltage stress across semiconductor components. Additionally, the voltage multiplier cells function as voltage clamps for the power switch, further enhancing the converter's performance. The converter features a single switch design, which simplifies control, reduces cost, and improves reliability. Key advantages of the converter include a low component count, a common ground between input and output ports, and high efficiency. The converter's performance is thoroughly investigated through mode analysis and steady-state analysis. Comparative evaluations with similar converters are conducted to highlight the benefits and performance of the proposed design. To validate the theoretical analysis, a 125 W prototype with 26 V input and 200 V output voltages operating at a 50 kHz switching frequency is developed, and experimental results are presented, demonstrating the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed high voltage gain converter.