Feasibility study of high frequency step-up transformer linked soft-switching PWM DC-DC converter with tapped inductor filter

This paper presents a novel high frequency transformer linked full-bridge type soft-switching phase-shift PWM control DC-DC power converter, which can be used as DC power conditioner for small-scale fuel cell power generation system as well as isolated step-up DC-DC power converter for automotive AC power supply. Using full-bridge soft-switching PWM DC-DC converter topology makes possible to use low voltage high performance MOSFETs to achieve high efficiency of the DC power conditioner. The tapped inductor filter is implemented in the proposed soft-switching converter circuit topology to achieve soft-switching PWM constant high frequency operation for the wide load variation range, to minimize circulating and idling currents without using additional resonant circuit and auxiliary power switching devices. The practical effectiveness of the proposed soft-switching DC-DC power converter is verified in the laboratory level experiment with 1 kW 100 kHz breadboard setup using power MOSFETs. Actual efficiency 94-96% of the proposed DC-DC converter is obtained for the wide load range.