Experimental evaluation of four-phase floating interleaved boost converter design and control for fuel cell applications

Power electronic converters are essential part of hybrid fuel cell automotive application systems. The converter needs to provide high-voltage ratio for a wide range of input voltage. In addition, the converter should have high efficiency for a wide range of duty cycle control range. A four-phase floating interleaved boost converter (FIBC) is analysed and a small-signal AC model using an averaged pulse-width modulation (PWM) switch technique is used for supporting the feedback controller and aiding a frequency response design. The small-signal AC model as well as the current controller are validated by simulation and evaluated by experimental results. The proposed converter has competitive device ratings, the total inductance volume and weight is decreased, current ripple is minimised and converter efficiency and reliability are improved. Proof of concept of the proposed topology is demonstrated through an experimental prototype.