Review and performance analysis of high step-up DC/DC converters for photovoltaic application

Low voltage photovoltaic systems need highly efficient converters to provide maximum energy to the load with high step-up DC voltage conversion. The renewable energy sources like PV modules, fuel cells, super capacitors or batteries deliver low output voltages around 12 to 70VDC. For grid connected applications, the voltage level should be increased to a sufficient level where the DC to AC conversion can be achieved. The performance of a renewable energy system is affected by the efficiency of high gain DC/DC converters, which is a main part in the power system chain. This review focused on high efficiency step-up DC/DC converters with high voltage gain. The DC to DC non-isolated converter topologies with high step-up gain, low cost and increased efficiency were presented and their advantages and difficulties were analyzed using MATLAB Simulink environment. The paper gives a clear guideline regarding the development of new generation non-isolated DC to DC converter for high power application.