Single-Phase High Step-up Converter With Improved Multiplier Cell Suitable for Half-Bridge-Based PV Inverter System

In this paper, a single-phase high step-up converter is proposed, designed not only to boost the relatively low photovoltaic (PV) voltage to a high bus voltage with high efficiency, but also to offer a neutral point terminal for the half-bridge-based inverters. First and foremost, two symmetrical high step-up converters are combined and integrated to derive an improved converter with neutral point terminal, which is strongly expected for the half-bridge-based inverters. Secondly, the voltage gain of the converter is extended and the narrow turn-off period is avoided by using the coupled inductor multiplier. Furthermore, the coupled inductor multiplier reduces the voltage stress of all the power devices. As a result, the low voltage-rated power devices can be employed to minimize the conduction losses. More importantly, all the active switches work in the zero-voltage-switching condition, which reduces the switching losses effectively. All these factors improve the circuit performance in the high step-up applications, especially for the half-bridge based PV inverter systems. Finally, the experimental results from a 500 W, 48 -760 V prototype at 100 kHz switching frequency are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter. The highest efficiency of the prototype is 96.5% and the efficiency is over 94% in a wide load range.