Comparison of ZVS based isolated DC-DC converters for high altitude wind power application

DC-DC converters are used to transform the DC link voltage to an optimal medium voltage DC for maximizing the power to weight (P/W) ratio of an air-borne unit in high altitude wind power (HAWP) generation system. This paper presents the comparative study of current fed and voltage fed isolated DC-DC converters for HAWP application. Voltage fed converters (VFC) with inductive and capacitive filters are compared with current fed converters (CFC) for a 100 kW application. All the three proposed power electronic converters maintain zero voltage switching (ZVS) on the primary side switches in order to reduce switching losses. The current and voltage ratings of the components used in the converters are presented in order to realize the size and weight of the converters. Analytical and simulation results are presented to elaborate the performance of the converters using software simulation program PSIM-9. Losses as well as power to weight ratio of the converters are assessed using the components´ datasheets and compared to evaluate the converter that exhibits the best power to weight ratio for HAWP application supported by light gas filled blimp/aerostat.