Impedance-source galvanically isolated DC/DC converters: State of the art and future challenges

Impedance-source switched mode converters are an emerging technology in electric energy conversion. They overcome limitations of conventional solutions by the utilization of specific impedance-source networks. Previous review papers cover impedance-source networks. Focus of this paper is on the topologies of the impedance-source galvanically isolated DC/DC converter. These converters are particularly appropriate for distributed generation systems with renewable or alternative energy sources which require input voltage regulation in a wide range. This paper presents a concise review of basic existing topologies for researchers and engineers. All the reviewed topologies of the impedance-source galvanically isolated DC/DC converter are classified by the element that transfers energy from the input to the output: a transformer or a coupled inductor. This classification undoubtedly reveals wide space for further research and the most promising research directions in this field.