High efficiency dc-dc converter with high step-up gain for low PV voltage sources

Abstract

This paper proposes a high efficiency dc-dc converter with high step-up gain for low PV voltage sources. The proposed converter converts the low dc voltage to a high dc voltage with a high-efficiency. The proposed converter uses the active-clamping circuit and voltage-doubler rectifier in order to achieve a high step-up ratio and soft-switching operation. The output diodes are turned off at zero-current, which can significantly reduce the switching power losses at high output voltage applications. The performance of the proposed converter is evaluated on a 260 W photovoltaic module integrated converter (PV-MIC) system. A high-efficiency of 97.5 % is achieved to generate 350V high output voltage from 36 V low PV module voltage. © 2011 IEEE.