Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
06:04
Experimental Investigation of the Hierarchical Control in DC Microgrids Using a Real-time Simulator
Published on: February 14, 2025
Inductor-capacitor gain cell-based non-isolated high step-up converter for DC microgrid
M Prabhakar1, Amaleswari Rajulapati2, A Sudha3
1Centre for Smart Grid Technologies, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai Campus, Chennai, India. prabhakar.m@vit.ac.in.
Scientific Reports
|June 10, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel two-stage DC-DC converter achieving an ultra-high voltage gain of 20. The design reduces switch voltage stress and is ideal for DC microgrid applications.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Power Electronics
Background:
- High-gain DC-DC converters are crucial for renewable energy integration and DC microgrids.
- Classical boost converters face limitations in achieving very high voltage gains efficiently and with reduced switch stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate a novel two-stage DC-DC converter with an ultra-step-up voltage gain.
- To reduce voltage stress on semiconductor switches.
- To demonstrate suitability for DC microgrid applications.
Main Methods:
- A two-stage converter topology is synthesized, combining a modified boost stage with an inductor-capacitor gain cell.
- A voltage gain extension technique is applied to reduce switch voltage stress.
- Experimental validation using a 20V to 400V, 200W prototype.
Main Results:
- Achieved an ultra-step-up voltage gain of 20 (20V to 400V).
- Demonstrated high full-load efficiency of 94.5%.
- Reduced maximum voltage stress on switches to 10% of the output voltage.
- Ensured stable output voltage regulation and smooth, ripple-free input current.
Conclusions:
- The proposed converter effectively achieves ultra-high voltage gain with reduced switch stress.
- The design offers stable voltage regulation and efficient power conversion.
- The converter is well-suited for DC microgrid applications due to its performance and features.
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