DC–DC converters with voltage boost capability are widely used in a large number of power conversion applications, from fraction-of-volt to tens of thousands of volts at power levels from milliwatts to megawatts. The literature has reported on various voltage-boosting techniques, in which fundamental energy storing elements (inductors and capacitors) and/or transformers in conjunction with switch(es) and diode(s) are utilized in the circuit. These techniques include switched capacitor (charge pump), voltage multiplier, switched inductor/voltage lift, magnetic coupling, and multistage/-level, and each has its own merits and demerits depending on application, in terms of cost, complexity, power density, reliability, and efficiency. To meet the growing demand for such applications, new power converter topologies that use the above voltage-boosting techniques, as well as some active and passive components, are continuously being proposed. The permutations and combinations of the various voltage-boosting techniques with additional components in a circuit allow for numerous new topologies and configurations, which are often confusing and difficult to follow. Therefore, to present a clear picture on the general law and framework of the development of next-generation step-up dc–dc converters, this paper aims to comprehensively review and classify various step-up dc–dc converters based on their characteristics and voltage-boosting techniques. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of these voltage-boosting techniques and associated converters are discussed in detail. Finally, broad applications of dc–dc converters are presented and summarized with comparative study of different voltage-boosting techniques.

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Step-Up DC–DC Converters: A Comprehensive Review of Voltage-Boosting Techniques, Topologies, and Applications

A system and method for combining power from DC power sources. Each power source is coupled to a converter. Each converter converts input power to output power by monitoring and maintaining the input power at a maximum power point. Substantially all input power is converted to the output power, and the controlling is performed by allowing output voltage of the converter to vary. The converters are coupled in series. An inverter is connected in parallel with the series connection of the converters and inverts a DC input to the inverter from the converters into an AC output. The inverter maintains the voltage at the inverter input at a desirable voltage by varying the amount of the series current drawn from the converters. The series current and the output power of the converters, determine the output voltage at each converter.

Distributed Power Harvesting Systems Using DC Power Sources

A monitoring system and method for monitoring performance of individual powers sources in a distributed power source system A monitoring module is coupled to each of the power sources, or to each string of serially connected power sources, to monitor and collect data regarding current, voltage, temperature and other environmental factors at the power source The collected data is transmitted over a power line to a central analysis station for analysis Data collected from each source indicates malfunction or degradation at the source Comparison of data collected from adjacent sources filters for environmental factors impacting neighboring sources such as cloudy days for a solar panel Comparison of data collected from the same source at different times indicates soiling or degradation of the source with time or periodic events such as a moving shade from an adjacent building

Monitoring of Distributed Power Harvesting Systems Using DC Power Sources

The implementation of a bridgeless power factor correction (PFC) boost rectifier with low common-mode noise is presented in this paper. The proposed implementation employs a unique multiple-winding, multicore inductor to increase the utilization of the magnetic material. The operation and performance of the circuit were verified on a 750-W, universal-line experimental prototype operating at 110 kHz.

A Bridgeless PFC Boost Rectifier With Optimized Magnetic Utilization

Method for distributed power harvesting using DC power sources

An integrated magnetic assembly (100) that allows the primary and secondary windings of a transformer and a separate inductor winding to be integrated on a unitary magnetic structure (102) is disclosed. The unitary magnetic structure (102) includes first, second, and third legs (104, 106, 108) that are physically connected and magnetically coupled. The primary and secondary windings of the transformer can be formed on the third leg (108) of the unitary magnetic structure (102). Alternatively, the primary and secondary windings can be split between the first and second legs (104, 106). Thus, the primary winding includes first and second primary windings (110, 112) disposed on the first and second legs (104, 106) and the secondary winding includes first and second secondary windings (114, 116) disposed on the first and second legs (104, 106). The inductor winding (118) may also be formed either on the third leg (118) or it may split into first and second inductor windings and disposed on the first and second legs (104, 106). In addition, one or more legs may include an energy storage component such as an air gap (120). This integration of the primary and secondary windings and the inductor winding on the unitary magnetic structure advantageously decouples the inductor function from the transformer function and allows the more optimal design of both the inductor and the transformer. The unitary magnetic structure (102) may be coupled to a full bridge, a half bridge, or a push pull voltage input source to form a DC-DC converter.

Integrated magnetics for a DC-DC converter with flexible output inductor

A new integrated magnetic full wave DC/DC power converter that provides flexible transformer design by incorporating an independent output inductor winding is introduced. The transformer is implemented on a traditional three-leg magnetic core. The inductor winding can be separately designed to control the output current ripple. The cross-sectional area of the inductor core leg can be reduced dramatically. The operation and performance of the proposed circuit are verified on a 100 W prototype converter.

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Integrated magnetic full wave converter with flexible output inductor

This paper presents a new isolated two-inductor boost converter. All magnetic components are integrated into one magnetic core. The circuit has the two inductor windings intrinsically coupled. The operation principle of the new circuit is presented. A prototype 100 W DC/DC boost converter has been built. Experimental and simulation results are both presented.

Isolated two-inductor boost converter with one magnetic core

A two-inductor boost converter includes an integrated magnetic core having a three-legged flux-conducting element with an energy-storing gap, for example in the center leg. Two primary windings are disposed on respective legs, such as the outer legs, and are coupled in parallel to one input terminal of the converter. Two series-connected secondary windings are also disposed on the flux-conducting element, and are connected to rectification and filtering circuitry which may have full bridge, full wave, or voltage doubler configuration. Primary-side switches are coupled in series between each primary winding and the other converter input terminal. Control circuitry generates control signals for the primary-side switches, providing for a desired degree of overlapped conduction during each operating cycle along with periods of non-conduction that result in transferring electrical energy to the load. The integrated magnetic core can include additional windings for ancillary functions, such as for flyback operation during start-up.

Integrated magnetic isolated two-inductor boost converter

A new integrated magnetic full wave DC/DC converter is introduced. This converter incorporates an independent output inductor winding within the traditional three-leg magnetic core structure. The inductor winding can be separately designed to control the output current ripple. The cross-sectional area of the inductor core leg can be reduced dramatically. The operation and performance of the proposed circuit were verified on a 100 W prototype converter.

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Liang Yan

Papers

Integrated magnetics for a DC-DC converter with flexible output inductor

Integrated magnetic full wave converter with flexible output inductor

Isolated two-inductor boost converter with one magnetic core

Integrated magnetic isolated two-inductor boost converter

Integrated magnetic full wave converter with flexible output inductor