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.

An Original Transformer and Switched-Capacitor (T & SC)-Based Extension for DC-DC Boost Converter for High-Voltage/Low-Current Renewable Energy Applications: Hardware Implementation of a New T & SC Boost Converter

“…Thus boost converters with high voltage conversion ratio and inverters are required to feed energy to the electric grid. In practice DC-DC converters with high efficiency with low input voltage, high input current, high output voltage and high voltage conversion ratio provide a practicable solution for photovoltaic systems to transfer photovoltaic energy to the electric grid via inverters [29,30].…”

“…Thus boost converters with high voltage conversion ratio and inverters are required to feed energy to the electric grid. In practice DC-DC converters with high efficiency with low input voltage, high input current, high output voltage and high voltage conversion ratio provide a practicable solution for photovoltaic systems to transfer photovoltaic energy to the electric grid via inverters [29,30]. Additionally, traditional boost converters are not a practicable solution to achieve high conversion ratios due to the leakage resistance of the inductor, high switch stress and the performance of a boost converter is deteriorated by the high duty cycle of the power switch and thus, not able to Additionally, traditional boost converters are not a practicable solution to achieve high conversion ratios due to the leakage resistance of the inductor, high switch stress and the performance of a boost converter is deteriorated by the high duty cycle of the power switch and thus, not able to achieve conversion ratios of more than four.…”

A New Voltage Doubler Based DC-DC 2LCm-Y Power Converter Topologies for High-Voltage/Low-Current Renewable Energy Applications

“…Conventional DC-DC converter because of various constrains is not a good technical solution to attain high voltage conversion ratio. These constrains includes excess voltage stress across switch, high rating of components and capability of conventional boost converter starts deteriorating with increase in duty cycle [4]- [5]. Major real restriction of traditional Buck-Boost Converter (BBC) is discontinuous input current which shows the negligible use of power source.…”

“…Major real restriction of traditional Buck-Boost Converter (BBC) is discontinuous input current which shows the negligible use of power source. Depends on the bountiful novel idea numerous isolated transformer and coupled inductor based power converters are proposed in the literature to achieve high Vo/Vin without using high duty cycle for the power switch [5]- [7]. However, magnitude and leakage reactance of converter is increased because of occupancy of transformer and coupled inductor.…”

Variable Speed Photovoltaic Water Pumping Using Affinity Laws

“…The DC-DC converters are widely used in photovoltaic supply applications where the input voltage to these converters varies widely due to the unpredictability and variation in the solar irradiation level and cell operating temperature. Basic converter topologies include Buck, Boost, Buck-Boost, Cuk and full-bridge converter [4] [5]. Several studies have investigated the use of DC motor pumps [6].…”