Coupled inductor-based parallel operation of a qZ-source full-bridge DC-DC converter

This study presents a novel transformer isolated parallel connected quasi Z-source (qZ-source) full-bridge DC-DC converter that uses a coupled inductor in both the qZ-source network and output filter inductor. Unlike traditional voltage-fed or current-fed converters, the proposed converter can be open- and short-circuited without damaging switching devices. Therefore, the desired buck and boost functions can be achieved and converter reliability can be significantly improved. All the bulky inductors in the qZ-source network and output filter can also be minimized with the proposed inductor structures. A 4 kW prototype DC-DC converter is built and tested to verify the performance of the proposed converter.