Design and Performance Analysis of and Efficient Soft-Switched Interleaved Boost Converter for Low-Voltage Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

Low-voltage Proton Interchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) require high-efficiency step-up DC-DC conversion to interface with high-voltage DC buses in electric powertrains and microgrids. Conventional hard-switched boost converters suffer from severe switching losses at high frequencies, and their high input current ripple degrades fuel cell lifespans. This paper presents a high-efficiency, two-phase Interleaved Boost Converter (IBC) integrated with a Zero-Voltage Transition (ZVT) and Zero-Current Transition (ZCT) soft-switching network. Interleaving reduces input current ripple to less than 5%, while the auxiliary resonant network eliminates switching losses during commutation. A state-space mathematical model is formulated, and performance is validated across a 1 kW load profile. The proposed soft-switched design achieves a peak efficiency of 96.5% at full load, demonstrating superior thermal performance and power density over standard hard-switched architectures. Growing concerns about fossil fuel depletion and greenhouse gas emissions have accelerated the of renewable energy technologies. Among different renewable sources, fuel cells provide continuous electrical power with high efficiency and zero harmful emissions.The output voltage of a PEM fuel cell generally ranges from 20 V to 60 V depending on load conditions, which is insufficient for most industrial and electric vehicle applications. Therefore, a high-performance boost converter is necessary.