A Novel Alternative to Traditional <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$ </tex-math></inline-formula>HSLC: An <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$n$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-Switched-Cell Based Approach to High-Step-up Converters

Abstract

It is well known that high step-up converters are eagerly required in solar energy systems to boost up low voltage for connecting grid voltage. Therein, traditional multi-cell hybrid switched-inductorcapacitor (TnHSLC) cell based high-step-up converters (HSCs) are one of the popular techniques. Despite its popularity, this type of converters still bears their intrinsic disadvantages, lower voltage gain, high diode current and low efficiency. In this study, we propose a novel n-Switched-Cell (nSC)-based HSC, which utilizes same components as the existing TnHSLC but with a different topological structure. Specifically, a 4SC HSC prototype is built in this study, and extensive simulations and experiments are conducted to validate the theoretical analyses. It is demonstrated that the proposed novel nSC topology requires same amount of electronic components as TnHSLC, but yields a higher voltage gain, lower diode current, and a higher efficiency. The proposed nSC approach therefore will have wide applicability and economic benefits in the industry.

Keywords

• Solar energy systems
• high step-up converters
• low diode currents