Tsun-An Chang

Bio: Tsun-An Chang is an academic researcher from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ćuk converter & Flyback converter. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 172 citations.

Cascade Cockcroft–Walton Voltage Multiplier Applied to Transformerless High Step-Up DC–DC Converter

Abstract: This paper proposes a high step-up dc-dc converter based on the Cockcroft-Walton (CW) voltage multiplier without a step-up transformer. Providing continuous input current with low ripple, high voltage ratio, and low voltage stress on the switches, diodes, and capacitors, the proposed converter is quite suitable for applying to low-input-level dc generation systems. Moreover, based on the n-stage CW voltage multiplier, the proposed converter can provide a suitable dc source for an n + 1-level multilevel inverter. In this paper, the proposed control strategy employs two independent frequencies, one of which operates at high frequency to minimize the size of the inductor while the other one operates at relatively low frequency according to the desired output voltage ripple. A 200-W laboratory prototype is built for test, and both simulation and experimental results demonstrate the validity of the proposed converter.

Transformerless high step-up DC-DC converter with Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier

Abstract: This paper proposes a high step-up dc-dc converter based on Cockcroft-Walton (CW) voltage multiplier without step-up transformer. Providing high step-up rate, the proposed converter is quite suitable for applying to low-input level dc generation systems. The proposed converter improves the impractical operation of the conventional boost dc-dc converter at high duty ratio due to non-ideal characteristics of the circuit components, such as the equivalent series resistance of the inductor. For easy design, a commercial average-current-control continuous conduction mode (CCM) integrated circuit (ICE1PCS01) and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) LC4256V are used to implement the control strategy of the proposed converter. A modified switching function, which is built in CPLD, controls the switches to generate an alternating source to the CW voltage multiplier. Under CCM operation, the output voltage ripple of the proposed converter can be limited by the flexibly adjustable frequency. A 200W laboratory prototype is built for test and the experimental results demonstrate the validity of the proposed converter.

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

Abstract: 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.

Nonisolated High Step-Up DC–DC Converters Adopting Switched-Capacitor Cell

Abstract: In a photovoltaic (PV)- or fuel-cell-based grid-connected power system, a high step-up dc-dc converter is required to boost the low voltage of a PV or fuel cell to a relatively high bus voltage for the downstream dc-ac grid-connected inverter. To integrate the advantages of the high voltage gain of a switched-capacitor (SC) converter and excellent output regulation of a switching-mode dc-dc converter, a method of combining the two types of converters is proposed in this paper. The basic idea is that when the switch is turned on, the inductor is charged, and the capacitors are connected in series to supply the load, and when the switch is turned off, the inductor releases energy to charge multiple capacitors in parallel, whose voltages are controlled by a pulsewidth modulation technique. Thus, a high voltage gain of the dc-dc converter can be obtained with good regulation. Based on this principle, a series of new topologies are derived, and the operating principles and voltage gains of the proposed converters are analyzed. Finally, the design of the proposed converter is given, and the experiment results are provided to verify the theoretical analysis.

A DC–DC Converter With High Voltage Gain and Two Input Boost Stages

Abstract: A family of nonisolated high-voltage-gain dc–dc power electronic converters is proposed. The suggested topologies can be used as multiport converters and draw continuous current from two input sources. They can also draw continuous current from a single source in an interleaved manner. This versatility makes them appealing in renewable applications such as solar farms. The proposed converters can easily achieve a gain of 20 while benefiting from a continuous input current. Such a converter can individually link a PV panel to a 400-V dc bus. The design and component selection procedures are presented. A 400-W prototype of the proposed converter with $V_{\text{in}} = 20$ and $V_{\text{out}} = 400$ V has been developed to validate the analytical results.

Design and Analysis of a High-Efficiency DC–DC Converter With Soft Switching Capability for Renewable Energy Applications Requiring High Voltage Gain

Abstract: Renewable sources like solar photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cell stack are preferred to be operated at low voltages. For applications such as grid-tied systems, this necessitates high voltage boosting resulting in efficiency reduction. To handle this issue, this paper proposes a novel high voltage gain, high-efficiency dc–dc converter based on coupled inductor, intermediate capacitor, and leakage energy recovery scheme. The input energy acquired from the source is first stored in the magnetic field of coupled inductor and intermediate capacitor in a lossless manner. In subsequent stages, it is passed on to the output section for load consumption. A passive clamp network around the primary inductor ensures the recovery of energy trapped in the leakage inductance, leading to drastic improvement in the voltage gain and efficiency of the system. Exorbitant duty cycle values are not required for high voltage gain, which prevents problems such as diode reverse recovery. Presence of a passive clamp network causes reduced voltage stress on the switch. This enables the use of low voltage rating switch (with low “ on -state” resistance), improving the overall efficiency of the system. Analytical details of the proposed converter and its hardware results are included.

Isolated Coupled-Inductor-Integrated DC–DC Converter With Nondissipative Snubber for Solar Energy Applications

Abstract: This paper proposes an isolated coupled-inductor-integrated dc-dc converter with a nondissipative snubber for solar energy applications. The proposed converter realizes high step-up voltage gain without incurring a high coupled inductor turns ratio by adapting a dual-voltage doubler circuit. In addition, the energy in the coupled inductor leakage inductance can be recycled via a nondissipative snubber on the primary side. Thus, the system efficiency is improved. Finally, a laboratory prototype for demonstrating the performance of the proposed circuit is implemented with a 200-W solar array simulator, a 24-V solar voltage, and a 200-V output voltage. The experimental results show that the peak efficiency of the proposed converter is about 96%.