Analysis and design of compact and efficient high step-up flying capacitor multilevel converters

This thesis explores the possibilities to improve the power density (power to volume ratio) and the efficiency of DC-DC boost converters by using Flying Capacitor Multilevel (FCML) converter topology. DC-DC boost converters are widely used in electrical systems for stepping up the source DC voltage to higher levels. For many applications that are constrained by power consumption and physical space for installation, power converters with high efficiency and power density are preferred. A conventional DC-DC boost converter has many limitations with regard to achieving high power density and efficiency at high voltage gain, such as high switching loss, high voltage stress on main switches and large inductor volume. The FCML converter topology utilizes high energy density capacitors and inductors to store and transfer energy, which brings many inherent properties to overcome many limitations of conventional DC-DC boost converters. This thesis will present the analysis and design process for a FCML boost converter hardware prototype