Interleaved Quadratic Boost DC-DC Converter with Extended Voltage Gain and Reduced Switch Voltage Stress for Photovoltaic Applications

<ns3:p>Background DC-DC power converters are essential devices in the modern world, playing a crucial role in managing the power supply from different power sources converting and adapting voltage levels. These power converters are fundamental to numerous applications, from charging your mobile phone to powering different types of machinery. Lately, due to climate change problems and the floating nature of most renewable power sources, they are essential to a carbon-free world and zero emissions target. Methods Our investigation method was based on an initial theoretical approach using mathematical equations to describe the operation of the electrical circuit and evaluate the performance compared to other topologies, followed by the validation through some computational simulations using MATLAB/SIMULINK software. Next, the operation of the proposed converter was also confirmed by several experimental tests using a laboratory prototype developed exclusively for these tests. Results Based on the achieved results, an efficiency analysis was performed showing that in addition to high-voltage gain, from the range of six to eight times the input voltage, the converter maintains a very high efficiency, around 95% to 96% up to a duty cycle of 0.50, where a voltage gain of 5.82 is achieved in a real setup Also, the optimal operating point was identified, based on the duty cycle, where the converter operates at maximum efficiency. Conclusions In conclusion, it is possible to claim that the proposed converter presents a stable and efficient operation and has a very high potential for applications that require high-voltage gain, such as photovoltaic solar systems or even electrical vehicles or energy storage systems. Other relevant aspect is the reduced value of capacitors, due to the interleaved operation, leading to reduced stress over capacitors and distributed voltage over them.</ns3:p>