Title: A high-efficiency step-up DC-DC converter for supporting auxiliary loads in fuel cell vehicles

Authors: Navid Hadifar; Farzad Mohammadzadeh Shahir

Addresses: Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA ' Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract: This paper presents a novel non-isolated, unidirectional DC-DC boost converter designed to support auxiliary subsystems in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The proposed topology achieves high voltage gain with low component stress, minimal input current ripple, and a common ground between input and output - features that are critical for extending fuel cell lifespan and improving system integration. Unlike conventional designs based on coupled inductors, switched-capacitor networks, or cascaded stages, the proposed converter uses a simple structure consisting of one active switch, two inductors, and three capacitors. Comprehensive theoretical analysis is conducted, including power loss modelling and efficiency evaluation across variations in frequency, input voltage, and duty cycle. A 100-W laboratory prototype was implemented and tested under open-loop conditions. Experimental results closely match theoretical predictions and confirm a peak efficiency of approximately 94.6%. These results demonstrate the converter's suitability for low-power auxiliary applications in FCEVs, where ideal design, reliability, and high efficiency are essential.

Keywords: DC-DC converter; electric vehicle; fuel cell; non-isolated; unidirectional converter.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPELEC.2026.155041

International Journal of Power Electronics, 2026 Vol.22 No.4, pp.355 - 377

Received: 11 Feb 2025
Accepted: 24 Jun 2025
Published online: 24 Jul 2026 *

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