Development and Analysis of a Novel High-Gain CUK Converter Using Voltage-Multiplier Units

Abstract

High conversion gain is often required for the grid integration of renewable energy resources such as PV, fuel cells, and wind. It is desired that the stress across switches is lower when higher voltage gain is attained. Similarly, it is also preferred that the converter can achieve high voltage gain without operating at higher duty cycle values. This article presents a novel high-gain CUK converter (HGCC) that uses voltage-multiplier units. The HGCC is a combination of a modified CUK converter and voltage-multiplier units (VMUs). The converter utilizes a boost converter as an input to the modified CUK converter, resulting in an increase in the gain value. The voltage gain of HGCC is increased further by placing VMUs. Based on its overall design, the HGCC inherits various advantages of the CUK converter, such as continuous input and output current, resulting in low input and output current ripples. A mathematical model is developed for the HGCC, which helps calculate its voltage gain at different stages. The model is developed considering ideal elements without conduction and switching losses. Generalized equations for output voltage and gain are derived for n level converter. A simulation study was performed in MATLAB/Simulink that further highlights the advantages of the HGCC. Voltage stresses across different components and the switching of MOSFET and diodes are studied in simulations. An experimental setup is established for hardware prototyping of the converter and validation with the simulation and Mathematical models.