Analysis, Modeling and Implementation of Novel DC-DC Converter Based on Interleaved and Cascaded Topology for Fuel Cell Vehicles

This paper describes a novel dc-dc converter used for powertrain system of fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCV) with advantage of high voltage gain, wide input voltage range and high power density. In this research, the proposed interleaved control is applied to satisfy the demands of high input current stress and low current ripple which can effectually increase the fuel cell lifespan. Meanwhile the FCV dc-dc also adopts the cascaded topology to realize high voltage gain interfaced between low voltage energy source (60~120V) of FC and high voltage bus (480V~680V). Furthermore, steady-state analysis, operation, control strategy design and simulation are reported subsequently. Finally, the proposed FCHEE dc-dc module with 30kW rated power is verified through ways of lab's experiments and further application on FCV bus. The experimental results show that, compared to existing dc-dc converter, the proposed converter has achieved higher transformation factor (K), higher efficiency, and almost double power density.