Enhancing voltage gain and switching efficiency in a non-isolated buckboost converter through integrated switching inductor configuration

This research presents a novel investigation into advancing the operational efficiency and performance of non-isolated buck-boost converters utilized in photovoltaic (PV) systems as charging controllers. The focus of this study lies in the development and integration of a specialized switching inductor configuration, aiming to augment the converter's voltage gain while concurrently mitigating stress imposed on the converter switch. The converter's efficacy is of paramount importance, particularly during stepping-up operations where the duty cycle reduction, a consequence of the integrated switched inductor, contributes to reduced stress. The proposed converter architecture is characterized by its simplicity, necessitating only minimal components for implementation. These include a single capacitor, a pair of diodes, a duo of inductors, and a trifecta of switches. Operating nominally at 12 volts, the converter dynamically adjusts the voltage level in response to varying duty cycles: elevating it beyond the 35% threshold and inversely attenuating it below this parameter. A salient outcome of this endeavor is the curtailment of the dependency on an additional diode (D), resulting in streamlined circuitry. The conceptualized switching inductor model was rigorously assessed using the MATLAB/SIMULINK simulation environment, affording a comprehensive evaluation of its efficacy and robustness. This study thus underscores the viability and potential for significant enhancements in non-isolated buck-boost converter systems through inventive switching inductor integration.