Introduction
This project presents the design and analysis of coupled inductors-based interleaved boost converters tailored for fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) applications. Interleaved converters reduce input current ripple and improve power density by sharing current between parallel phases. Coupled inductors enhance energy transfer and reduce size and losses. The combined design enables efficient voltage boosting and ripple minimization essential for fuel cell power systems in electric vehicles.
Objectives
- To design an interleaved boost converter using coupled inductors to reduce input current ripple and improve efficiency.
- To analyze the performance benefits in fuel cell electric vehicle power conversion.
- To develop control strategies for current sharing and ripple reduction.
- To validate the converter through simulation and experimental prototype development.
Methodologies
- Study of interleaved boost converter topologies and coupled inductor characteristics.
- Mathematical modeling of ripple current reduction and efficiency improvements.
- Simulation in MATLAB/Simulink of steady-state and dynamic performance.
- Construction of a hardware prototype for experimental testing.
- Testing for input ripple current, output voltage quality, and efficiency metrics.
Expected Outcomes
- Reduced input current ripple and improved power density in DC-DC conversion.
- Enhanced overall efficiency of fuel cell power conditioning units.
- Effective current sharing among interleaved converter phases.
- Prototype validation demonstrating suitability for FCEV applications.
Applications
- Fuel cell electric vehicle power electronics and energy management.
- High-performance DC-DC converters in automotive and renewable energy systems.
- Hybrid and electric vehicle onboard power converters.
- Power electronics solutions requiring high efficiency and low ripple
