An Energy-Efficient Voltage-Doubler-Based DC–DC Stage for Current Source Inverter Operation

This paper proposes the usage of a combined full-bridge voltage doubler DC/DC stage as a way to supply a Current Source Inverter from a low-voltage photovoltaic source. The proposed solution avoids the usage of traditional step-up stages and positively impacts both efficiency and system complexity. The topology uses a full bridge for the generation of the AC voltage that goes to the input of the doubler. This enables high-frequency AC that reduces the size of the capacitors in the doubler. The paper also presents a possible technological solution to allow bidirectional power flow by bypassing the voltage doubler. An analytical discussion is presented alongside simulations and experimental validation, showing a 97.5% peak experimental efficiency.