An Analysis of the ZVS Two-Inductor Boost Converter under Variable Frequency Operation

Abstract

The two-inductor boost converter has been previously presented in a zero-voltage switching (ZVS) form where the transformer leakage inductance and the MOSFET output capacitance can be utilized as part of the resonant elements. In many applications, such as maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in grid interactive photovoltaic systems, the resonant two-inductor boost converter is required to operate with variable input output voltage ratios. This paper studies the variable frequency operation of the ZVS two-inductor boost converter to secure an adjustable output voltage range while maintaining the resonant switching transitions. The design method of the resonant converter is thoroughly investigated and explicit control functions relating the circuit timing factors and the voltage gain for a 200-W converter are established. The converter has an input voltage of 20 V and is able to produce a variable output voltage from 169 V to 340 V while retaining ZVS with a frequency variation of 1 MHz to 407 kHz. Five sets of theoretical, simulation and experimental waveforms are provided for the selected operating points over the variable load range at the end of the paper and they agree reasonably well. The converter has achieved part load efficiencies above 92% and an efficiency of 89.6% at the maximum power of 200 W.