Current-Fed DC/DC Converters for High Voltage Gain and Low Voltage High Current Applications: An Overview of Topologies and Modulation Techniques

Emerging applications such as solar cells, fuel cells, energy storage, UPS, etc. require voltage gain and are low voltage high current specifications. This paper thoroughly studies and reviews high-frequency current-fed converters for low voltage high current applications. Hard-switching, dissipative or passive snubber based, active-clamped, naturally-clamped, impulse commutated, and parasitic assisted current-fed topologies are studied, compared, and evaluated. Individual merits, demerits, unique attributes and features of the various categories of the current-fed topologies are reported. Detailed comparison and critical evaluation are presented for the selection and design of a topology for the given application and specifications.