Interleaved multi-phase and multi-switch boost converter for fuel cell applications

•A PWM multi-switch, multi-phase DC/DC technique is proposed and described.•Converter part-count reduction.•Low input current ripple achieved.•Circuit design, simulation and trade-off analysis with and existing converter is provided.

This work describes an interleaved multi-phase, multi-switch boost converter for fuel cell applications. Different options of PWM switching patterns are detailed with special emphasis in those that pursue input current ripple minimization and part reduction. The topology studied contains n power modules (phases) with m switches per module. From the different available configurations, the multi-phase, multi-switch boost converter operating in interleaving mode, so-called multi-interleaved boost converter (MIBC), performs remarkably in terms of magnetics, input and output current ripple and part count. MIBC description, modeling and simulation are provided in this paper. Finally, a comparative trade-off analysis is performed between the interleaved multi-phase, multi-switch boost converter and the traditional interleaved boost converter for a stand-alone, battery backed-up, 1 kW fuel cell power system.