Cost-effective soft-switching ultra-high step-up DC-DC converter with high power density for DC microgrid application

DC microgrids are integral to smart grids, enhancing grid reliability, power quality, and energy efficiency while enabling individual grid independence. They combine distributed and renewable energy sources, reducing overall energy consumption. High-gain DC-DC converters are crucial for elevating voltages from low-voltage DC sources like solar panels and wind turbines in DC microgrids. This paper introduces a non-isolated DC-DC converter designed to achieve ultra-high step-up (UHSU) voltage conversion utilizing a two-winding coupled inductor (CI). The propounded UHSU configuration achieves a substantial voltage increase by employing low duty cycles and a decreased turn ratio for the CI, resulting in a smaller core size. Moreover, this UHSU circuit incorporates soft-switching capabilities for both power switches and diodes, enhancing its efficiency. By keeping the voltage stress on the switches low, the design minimizes losses and improves overall efficiency. The operational modes are thoroughly analyzed, and comparisons with other topologies are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proffered UHSU circuit. Finally, the performance of the UHSU circuit is validated through the construction and testing of a 150-W laboratory prototype operating at a switching frequency of 50 kHz, with V_in = 20 V and V_out = 300 V.