A Quadratic high-step-up DC–DC converter architecture for renewable-energy applications

Abstract

This paper presents a new quadratic high step-up DC–DC converter featuring a high voltage-gain capability and an optimized component count, suitable for renewable-energy applications. Conventional boost converters achieve high gain only when the duty ratio approaches unity, which results in large conduction losses and reduced efficiency. Existing coupled-inductor solutions often suffer from high input-current ripple and severe voltage spikes, while switched-capacitor or switched-inductor structures require multiple stages, increasing cost and reducing efficiency. The proposed converter addresses these limitations by implementing a quadratic voltage-boost mechanism within a simple topology. It achieves an output voltage 10–13 times higher than the input at a moderate duty ratio of 0.60–0.65, while maintaining continuous input current with low ripple. The operating principles, voltage-gain characteristics, device voltage stresses, and loss mechanisms are analyzed in detail. Simulation results and comparisons with previously published converters confirm that the proposed design offers higher efficiency, reduced device stress, and fewer components, demonstrating its strong potential for practical deployment.