See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/224087564

High gain DC-DC boost converter with a coupling inductor

Conference Paper · November 2009

DOI: 10.1109/COBEP.2009.5347668 · Source: IEEE Xplore

CITATIONS READS

22 1,604

8 authors, including:

Antônio Alisson Alencar Freitas Edilson Mineiro

Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido - UFERSA Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará, Brazil, Sobral
14 PUBLICATIONS   106 CITATIONS    39 PUBLICATIONS   302 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

F.L.M. Antunes
Universidade Federal do Ceará
107 PUBLICATIONS   1,728 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Wind Energy Conversion Systems View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Antônio Alisson Alencar Freitas on 13 January 2015.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 HIGH GAIN DC-DC BOOST CONVERTER WITH A COUPLING INDUCTOR
Felinto S. F. Silva1, Antônio A. A Freitas2, Sérgio Daher2, Saulo C. Ximenes2, Sarah K. A. Sousa2,
Edilson M. S. Jr.3 , Fernando L. M. Antunes2, Cícero M. T. Cruz2.
1
IFPI – Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Piauí – CAMPUS/Picos
2
Universidade Federal do Ceará
3
IFCE – Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará – CAMPUS/Sobral
Av. da Universidade, 2853 – Benfica
fantunes@dee.ufc.br

Abstract – This paper presents a design, mathematical

modeling, simulation results and laboratory
implementation of a 300W high gain dc-dc boost
converter with a coupled inductor, to step up the 24V of a
battery bank to 311Vdc, aiming to supply residential
loads with dc voltage in an off-grid PV system. The
converter can supply most of the residential ac loads
which input stage is a single-phase rectifier. Laboratory
tests with the 300W converter supplying electronic lights,
mobile charger and audio-video system ac showed the
viability of the proposed idea.
II. BOOST CONVERTER TOPOLOGY SELECTION
Considering the cost of the electricity produced from PV
conversion, it is mandatory the search for efficient
converters. In relation to the efficiency of dc-dc converters,
the non-isolated can be more efficient than the isolated ones.
The literature about non-isolated dc-dc converters presents
some topologies as: classical boost, modified boost, high
gain boost, cascade, interleaved boost, high gain interleaved
boost and classic boost converter.

Keywords – DC-DC converter, PV system, Battery PROPOSED SYSTEM

charger. BOOST CONVERTER

CONTROLLER AC LOADS
I. INTRODUCTION 311 Vdc
ELECTRONIC
LIGHTS

The necessity of off-grid electric systems to supply remote PV

DC MOBILE
CHRAGER
areas rural loads led the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory
BATTERY
Agency – ANEEL to establish guidelines for intermittent CHARGER
HI FI
RADIO

electric energy systems such as wind and PV systems. In that

sense, in September of 2004 it was issued by ANEEL the
guideline 83 which states that the electric energy supplied by
Electric Energy Production Units should have a sinusoidal
output voltage waveform with magnitude and frequency
compatible with the utility grid. However, aiming to boost
the production of electric energy from renewable sources, in
Brazilian remote areas with difficult access, ANEEL has
authorized, throughout the Resolution 927 of May 2007, the
development of a pilot project with the option to supply
remote low consumption areas not in ac, but in dc voltage.
In the context of the Resolution 927, this paper presents the
design, the mathematical modeling, the simulation and the
laboratory implementation of high gain coupled inductor dc-
dc boost converter, to step up the 24V of a battery bank to
311Vdc, as part of an off-grid PV system suitable for isolated
areas, where the cost to extend the electric utility is
prohibitive. The converter can supply most of the residential
ac loads which input stage is a single-phase rectifier.
Laboratory tests with the 300W converter supplying
electronic lights, mobile charger and audio-video system ac
showed the viability of the proposed idea.
Figure 1 shows the proposed PV system, highlighting in a
dashed circle the high gain dc-dc boost converter discussed
in this paper.
24 Vdc
BATTERY BANK
Fig. 1. Block diagram of the whole PV system (boost converter
highlighted).
It can be seen in Figure 1 that the discussed boost
converter (in the dashed circle) requires a static gain of 13.
For this level of gain, the classical converters are not
appropriate, due to the fact that the power switches operate
with high input current and high output voltage [1]. This is
unfavorable, regarding the practical implementation and
efficiency.
On the other hand, non-isolated high gain topologies are
adequate for this kind of application, using associated
switches and inductors. Figure 2 presents some high gain,
non-isolated topologies.
Comparing the topologies presented in figure 2 it can be
observed that topologies C) and D) employ two switches,
while A) and B) only one switch. So, as far as efficiency is
concerned, topologies A) or B) are more suitable for the
application. Looking to the polarity of both topologies it can
be concluded that the topology B) is an inverting polarity
topology which makes difficult the practical implementation
of the control circuit. Therefore, the high gain boost with
coupled inductor topology has been chosen.
 L1 L2 L1 L2
D1 Dg D1
Vin S1 C1 CARGA
Vin S1 Cg C1 LOAD

A) High gian boost

- converter
a) Complete circuit
S1 L2 D1 I1 ID
IL
Vin L1 C1 lo ad
L1 L2

V in VS I I
C C 1 LOAD Vo
S
B)High -gain buck-boost
-

L1 L2 D1 b) Simplified circuit

S1 C1 S2 C2 CARGA Fig. 4. a) Proposed converter complete circuit; b) Proposed

Vin
converter simplified circuit.

C) Cascade boost The operation principle of the high gain boost converter is
illustrated in stages in Figure 5.
D3 C3
It is important to note that the presented analysis was
T3 C2 done considering the continuous conduction mode of
D2
operation. In this case, due to the coupled inductors, abrupt
T1 D1
Load
current variation may occur in each inductor, while the stored
Lb D4
energy is still continuous. This fact explains the abrupt
T2 current variations in IL1 and IL2 waveforms.
C1
Vin S1 S2 I1 IL

D) High gain interleaved boost

- converter L1
Fig. 2. High gain, non-isolated and modified topologies.
Vin IC LOAD Vo
V IS
S
C1

A. Basic circuit of the dc-dc high gain boost topology with a

coupling inductor a) Stage I( 0 < t < t1)
Figure 3 presents the basic topology from which the I1
ID
IL
topology presented in Figure. 2.A) is based on.
L1
L2
V
L1
IC C1
Vin IS LOAD Vo
VS
L1 L2
Dg D1
b) Stage II( t1 < t < T)
Vin S1 Cg C1 Carga
Fig. 5. Operating stages.

In Figure 5, from the first operation stage (switch is

Fig. 3. High gain boost converter with clamped circuit.
The difference between the topologies of Figure 2.A) and
the one of Figure 3 is the snubber circuit to minimize
possible overvoltages, due to the non-ideal coupling between
inductors L1 and L2 [2].
III. OPERATION STAGES OF THE DC-DC HIGH GAIN
BOOST TOPOLOGY WITH COUPLING INDUCTORS
Figure 4 presents the complete and simplified circuits for
the converter. The simplified version presented in figure 4.b),
is used to make the converter analysis.
closed), it can be observed that the input energy source
delivers energy to the inductor L1, while the load is supplied
by the energy stored in the output capacitor C1 [4], [5].
In the second operation stage, the energy stored in the
coupled inductor is then transferred to the output (added to a
component directly supplied by the input source, which is in
series). In this stage, the current that flows through the output
diode, charges the output capacitor and also supplies the
load.
The main voltage and current waveforms are
presented in Figure 6. It is possible to observe that the
maximum voltage across the power switch is equal to the
input voltage added by the voltage across L1. Since the
voltage across L1 is just a fraction of the output voltage, the
voltage stress in the power switch is strongly limited (in this
case, around twice the input voltage). In fact, compared to
the classical boost topology, this is the most important discharged through an ideal transformer whose
advantage presented by the proposed topology. transformation ratio is a function of L1 and L2.

N1 N2
T
Stage - I Stage - II
(t1) (t2) Lm = L1 L2
Drive Vo
signals to S t Vin
0 t1 T
Vi + VL1
Vi
VS t
a) Simplified Circuit

ILm ILm Ideal Transformer

Lm Io
IS I
Lm
Vin Vo Vi
N1 N1+N2

I L1 I
k
b) Equivalent model
c) Equivalent model
(Loading of Lm) (Unloading of Lm)
I L2
Fig. 7. Obtaining the model for equating: a) simplified circuit; b)
IC equivalent model in the range of loading; c) equivalent model
during unloading.

Io For the equation, it is preferable use the transformation

relation of the equivalent model k, given by (1).
Fig. 6. Converter of main voltage and current waveforms. N1  N 2 N
k  1 2 (1)
During the interval where the power switch is closed, it is N1 N1
possible to see the linear variation of the current through L1, Where:
since the voltage across it is approximately constant. It is
also important to notice that the current through the power k: Relation of transformation of the ideal transformer;
switch does not starts at zero, but presents an offset value, N1: Number of turns of the inductor L1;
revealing that the converter is operating on the continuous N2: Number of turns of the inductor L2;
mode (for the continuous operation mode, the stored energy
never reaches zero). Indeed, although equation 1 is dependent on number of
The continuous current operation mode can also be turns N1 and N2, it is not necessary to know their absolute
observed over the continuity of the inductor L1 current, IL1. values, since k contains only information about the
However, in opposition to the operation principle of the relationship N2 / N1. The values of L1 and L2 can be
classical boost – where the current variations ΔI in the obtained from the parameters k and Lm , used in (2) and
inductor are equal in amplitude for both the charge and (3b).
the discharge stages – in the coupled inductor topology the
amplitude of these variations are not equal. This occurs L1  Lm (2)
because the charge interval is performed through L1, while L1 N1 
2
N1
the discharge interval is performed through the total  e  (k  1 )  (3a)
inductance, composed by L1 plus L2. In addition, it can be L2 N 2 2
N2
also observed that the current through L2 is zero during the
charge interval (switch is on).  L2  L1(k  1 )2  Lm(k  1 )2 (3b)
Finally, the output capacitor current Ic presents a zero dc Returning now the attention to the equivalent model
component, as expected, and this capacitor supplies all the stages of operation shown in Figure 7, it can be noted that the
load current during the charge interval. inductor Lm is influenced by input voltage Vin (considered
constant) during the charging interval. Thus, it is the
IV. HIGH-GAIN BOOST CONVERTER MATHEMATIC differential equation which rules the behavior of an ideal
MODEL inductor. Through this, it can determined the behavior of ILM
in this range, as shown in (4a).
The equation of the proposed converter can be easily di Lm (t ) di (t ) v (t )
obtained through the equivalent model shown in Figure 7. In v Lm (t )  Lm  Lm  Lm (4a)
this model it is assumed that an inductive load Lm (Lm = L1) dt dt Lm
is charged during the initial stage of operation and it is
 Lm ( t ) Vi  cte
Vi .t  (1  D) 
v   I Lm  (4b) k . D 
k  K .D  1  D
 
Lm Vo (11)

Equation 4 states that the current ILM varies in a linear Vi (1  D) (1  D)
form over time. Taking into account the linearity of the
current ILM variation, equation (5) can determine, which then Vo D(k  1)  1
 (12)
provides a range of ILM for the discharge range. Vi (1  D)
(Vo  Vi )
 .t Rearranging (12), equation (13) is obtained.
k (5) (1  D).(Vo  Vi )
I Lm  k (13)
Lm D.Vi
Similarly to the range of load, the equation 5 states that the
current ILM also varies in a linear form on time for the range From (7) and(14), it is determined the value of Lm.
of discharge. However, this range variation of current is D.T .Vi
negative. Lm  (14)
From equations (4) and (5), considering the appropriate
I 1
intervals of time and current variation, the instantaneous
coupled inductance current is shown in Figure 8. V. BOOST CONVERTER DESIGN

The proposed system is designed to supply the loads listed

I Lm on Table 1.

I1 I2 TABLE 1
Loads estimated in a rural school.
Quantity Load Type Power Demand
t 1 = D.T t2 = (1-D).T t (W) (h/ day)
06 Eletronic (23x6) 138 5
t1 T Lamps 23W
Fig. 8. The current wave form from the ILM model equivalent. 01 TV Set 55 3
01 Parabolic 25 3
From Figure 8, the duty-cycle is given by (6). aerial
01 Radio set 10 3
t t
D 1  1 (6)
t1  t2 T According to Table 1, in the worst case, when all loads are
Where: connected at the same time, the system should be able to
supply 228W of power. Considering a safety margin, the
t1: Time which the switch is closed; rated power of boost converter has been defined as 300W.
t2: Time which the switch is opened;
T: Switching period; VI. SIMULATION RESULTS
D: Duty-cycle;
The proposed converter was simulated using the PSPICE-
In figure 8, the current variation through Lm during the based simulation tool. The diagram of the circuit simulation
charging interval should be equal to the current variation is shown in Figure 9. The simulations were made for a
through Lm during the discharging interval. Using (4) and constant duty-cycle, and presented the results for load output
(5) together with the definitions set in Figure 8, the current of 300 W and steady state operation.
ripple is given by (7). L1
D4 L2
D2

(Vo  Vi ) 1 2 1 2

(1  D).T 136.8uH 26mH mur2100e/ON

Vi .D.T k DMBRF20100CT

I1  I 2  
2
1

(7) V1 = 0 V2 U3
2
1

Lm Lm V2 = 10
TD = 0
V1TR = 10n
IRFP3710
C3 C2 R1
The simplification of (7) is illustrated from (8) to (11), 24Vdc TF = 10n
PW = 15.22u
100u 9.7u 322.4
3

PER = 33.33u
thus resulting in (12), which provides the static gain of the
3

proposed converter.
(V  Vi )
0

Vi .D  o (1  D) (8) Fig. 9. Schematic diagram of the simulation circuit.

k
V (1  D) Vi (1  D) Figure 10 shows the current waveform through inductor
Vi .D  o  (9) L1, where it can be observed the continuous conduction
k k mode in this inductor.
 (1  D)  Vo (1  D)
Vi  D   (10)
 k  k
 Fig. 10. Current in inductor L1. Fig. 13. Current and voltage in the diode.

Figure 11 shows the current in inductor L2, where there is
current only in the second stage of operation (when the
switch is open). The value of current that passes through the
inductor will depend on the relation of the number of turns of
the two inductors in series.
Figure 14 shows the ripple voltage and average output
voltage, clearly showing that the output voltage has a small
"ripple", which depends on the added capacitance value at
the converter output.

Fig. 14. Ripple voltage and average output voltage.

Fig. 11. Current in inductor L2.
Figure 12 shows the current and voltage waveforms in the
power switch. It is observed that the overvoltages across the
switch is much smaller than the output voltage.
Finally, the switching on and the switching off processes
are shown in Figures 15 and 16, respectively. It can be seen
an excellent switching characteristic, and the relatively low
level of voltage surge in the switch.

Fig. 12. Current and voltage in the power switch. Fig. 15. Switch S1 turn on process.

Figure 13 shows the current and voltage waveforms in the

diode. The diode operates in a discontinuous conduction
current mode, and the conduction interval occurs when the
switch is turned off. It can also be observed that the
maximum reverse voltage across the diode is larger than
twice the output voltage.
 Fig. 16. Switch S1 turn off process.
VII. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
A photograph of the implemented laboratory prototype is
shown in Figure 17. The results of the preliminary test of the
prototype (no-load and with a 150W load) are presented in
this topic.
Fig. 17. Top view of the implemented prototype.
The voltage waveform across the power switch for the
converter operating at no-load is shown in Figure 18. It can
be observed that there are no voltage overshoots across the
power switch.
On the other hand, when the converter operates with load,
the voltage across the power switch presents some overshoot
when it is switched off, as shown in Figure 19. This voltage
overshoot is due to the sudden charge of the snubber
capacitor, which occurs due to the dispersion inductance of
the coupled inductor.
.
Fig. 18. Voltage across the switch of power (no load) (10V/div).
Fig. 19. Voltage across the power switch (with load) (10V/div).
Figure 20 shows the current through L1 and the voltage
across the power switch. It can be noticed that
the variation of the inductor current is almost linear, as
demonstrated in the theoretical analysis previously discussed.
Also some oscillations occur in the current I L1 just after the
power switch is turned on. Such behavior can be attributed to
the parasite inductance and capacitance presented in the
printed circuit board layout of the implemented prototype. It
can also be seen some oscillations on the current IL1 that
occur as soon as the power switch goes into conduction. Here
there is also some relation to the parasite inductance and
capacitance presented in layout of this prototype.
Fig. 20. Current through L1 and voltage across the power switch.
(10V/div), (5A/div).
The current across inductor L2 is showed in Figure 21. As
expected, it is possible to notice that IL2 is discontinuous. It
can also be seen the linear variation of IL2 during the second
operation cycle (discharge of the coupled inductor).
Fig. 21. Current through inductor L2 (500mA/div).
 Figure 22 shows the input current – in the other words, the
current on batteries. You can see that the current is
practically constant, because the prototype has a large input
capacitance, as seen in Figure 17 (on the left of the inductor).
Fig. 22. Input current (into the battery) (5A/div).
Finally, Figure 23 shows the output voltage, where it can
be seen it is around 311V and its ripple is low.
Fig. 23. High gain boost converter output voltage (100V/div).
Finally, Figure 24 shows the converter efficiency, where
the value average of this efficiency is 95%.
Fig. 24. High gain boost converter efficiency.
VIII. CONCLUSION
The simulation and the experimental results of a 300W
laboratory prototype have been presented to demonstrate the
View publication stats
proposed converter performance. With the proposed
topology, it has been possible to achieve efficiency of 95%.
The proposed system presents high efficiency and low cost
when compared with other solar home systems, and it is an
eco-friendly electric energy production unit. It is applicable
in small power consumption rural loads, which is the case of
most houses in remote areas of the northeast of Brazil.
IX. REFERENCES
[1] M. T. Peraça, “Conversores CC-CC Elevadores para
Aplicação em Equipamentos de Refrigeração”. MSc
Dissertation - UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil, February
2002.
[2] Q. Zhao, “Performance Improvement of Power
Conversion by Utilizing Coupled Inductors”. MSc
Dissertation - Faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia,
February 2003.
[3] T. L. Skvarenina, The Power Electronics Handbook,
CRC Press LLC, Boca, ISBN 0-8493-7336-0, Raton -
Florida, 2002.
[4] P. Lee, Y. Lee, D. K. W. Cheng, “Steady-State Analysis
of an Interleaved Boost Converter with Coupled
Inductors,” in Proc. IEEE Transactions on Industrial
Electronics, vol. 47, no. 4, pp. 787-795, August 2000.
[5] Q. Zhao, F. Tao, F. C. Lee, “A Front-end DC/DC
Converter for Network Server Applications”, in
Proceedings of IEEE, pp. 1535–1539, 2001,.
[6] F. L. M. Antunes, E. M. S. Junior, S. Daher, C. M. T.
Cruz, K. M. Silva, A. R. Filgueira “Photovoltaic System
For Supplying Public Lighting as Peak Demand
Shaving,” in Eletrônica de Potência - SOBRAEP. v. 12,
no 2. pp. 113-120, July 2007.