Boost Integrated High Frequency Isolated Half-Bridge DC-DC Converter: Analysis, Design, Simulation and Experimental Results

Abstract

Recently, there has been a growing interest in alternative energy sources because world energy crisis intensified and the growing demand of energy globally. Among the various alternative source of energy, solar power stands apart as it is a clean, abundant and unlimited source of energy. Photovoltaic (PV) systems generally use DC-DC boost converter structure to step-up the low voltage to a higher voltage level. This DC-DC converter will form the front-end of utility interfaced PV array converter system. The performance of DC-DC converter has a direct impact on the conversion efficiency of PV system. This project report presents design, analysis, simulation and experimental results for a step-up dc-to-dc converter with high-frequency transformer isolation for use with photovoltaic array output. After reviewing the literature and discussing pros and cons of the existing topologies we select a configuration that has maximum efficiency, minimum number of switches and simple structure. This converter has the advantages such as high-voltage conversion ratio, low input current ripple and soft switching for all switches. Then we analyze the selected converter and design it for the required specifications (rated power 400 Watts, 40 to 80 V input, 200 V output). In the next step we simulate the designed converter with PSIM simulation package. An experimental circuit is also built to verify the analysis and simulation. The simulation and experimental results show that for the whole input voltage range the converter works in ZVS from full load to light load.