High-efficiency DC-DC converter for fuel cell applications: Performance and dynamic modeling

Abstract

In this paper a new current-fed full bridge DC-DC converter configuration for fuel cell applications is presented, which uses an active clamp and a voltage doubler to achieve a very high efficiency with a low turns ratio transformer. A comparison is made in this paper between a number of current-fed converter topologies, and it is shown that the proposed converter outperforms other topologies in terms of efficiency and component utilization. The periodic steady state operation is analyzed in detail; state-space averaging is then used to determine the small signal equations and derive transfer functions. A closed loop controller has been designed, and co-simulation of Orcad and Matlab using the SLPS interface has demonstrated excellent dynamic response of closed loop system.