High step-up DC-DC converter for renewable energy harvesting applications

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel DC-DC converter topology that has as key contribution the capability of achieving high voltage elevation factor from renewable low voltage DC source. The proposed step-up principle is based on the generation from a single source of two isolated DC sources, connected in series to feed the load. Each DC source is provided by a redesign in the classical boost DC/DC converter. This feature is needed for interface between renewable sources that at times don't have a voltage output high enough to be connected to the power electronics. The other advantage that comes along with the proposed transformer-less topology is the reduced number of power switching devices.