Marx dc-dc converter for high-power application

This study presents a dc-dc converter based on the Marx generator principle of charging capacitors in parallel followed by reconnection in series for discharging and for creating higher voltage. The topology uses solid-state switches like IGBTs as well as diodes. The concept and the operation of converter are described as well as design steps. The validity of the design is confirmed using PSCAD/EMTDC software package. The topology is compared with the conventional boost where the Marx dc-dc converter is shown to be competitive and even advantageous for higher dc gain. A cascade configuration is also presented and a 5 kW prototype with two stages made of two capacitors per stage is presented for experimental validation of the concept.