Extendable PSLC Network-Based High-Gain DC–DC Converter with Switched-Capacitor Circuit for Microbial Fuel Cell

Abstract

This paper proposes a model to yield power from the low-power sources like microbial fuel cell (MFC). The structure of the MFC with a suitable energy storage unit is proposed and discussed in detail. The prototype of the MFC model with the charge pump (switched-capacitor) circuit is implemented and tested for an output voltage of 5[Formula: see text]V. Additionally, a novel high-step-up converter is suggested for the low-power applications. It employs a passive switched-inductor–capacitor cell (PSLC), which makes the switching of the LC network simple. This high-gain converter is derived by replacing the diode in the primary switched inductor cell with a capacitor. Compared to several topologies with similar voltage conversion ratio in the literature, the derived converter can achieve high voltage gain with the lesser component count. This study directs to propose a compact and lightweight DC–DC converter. Since the suggested topology is for low-power applications, a 5-W prototype is tested. The implemented setup is most appropriate for microbial fuel cell application, which is closely related to environmental stewardship.