Generalized Multilevel Converter in DC-DC Application

In this paper, a novel non-isolated generalized multilevel DC-DC converter aiming for applications of connecting Low Voltage (LV) DC to Medium Voltage (MV) DC in high power has been presented. The proposed converter can achieve high voltage transfer ratio between LV and MV, and reduced DC inductance and output capacitance requirement by using low voltage power electronic devices with series interleaved switching techniques. The operating rules have been established and the switching states and switching sequences have been analyzed and selected. The design consideration and simulation results are presented for a 2 kW prototype with a voltage transfer ratio of 8. A 2 kW, 4-level converter has been designed and fabricated to validate the proposed converter. Experimental results are reported at 100 V input, 2 kW load.