A Novel High-Gain Solar Power Converter for Next-Generation Renewable Energy Applications

This study presents a novel high-gain solar power converter that integrates inductor coupling technology, designed for next-generation renewable energy systems. The converter efficiently handles low input voltages (20–40 V) from solar panels. It operates at low duty cycles and boosts the output to 380 V direct current (DC), achieving a conversion efficiency exceeding 90%. This makes it well-suited for DC grids and electric vehicle charging. Key design features include five inductors wound around a shared core, optimizing space, reducing costs, minimizing energy transmission losses, and lowering ripple current. The proposed maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control strategy enhances performance by tracking the maximum power point (MPP) under uniform sunlight and achieving up to 99% efficiency in shaded or low-light conditions surpassing traditional algorithms that struggle in such environments. The converter’s simplicity and cost-effectiveness further improve the economic viability of solar power systems. Simulations and empirical validation via MATLAB demonstrate that this converter outperforms five existing market solutions, including the boost converter, voltage doubler, triple voltage converter, double dual boost converter (DDBC), and the new DDBC. The proposed converter consistently delivers 380 V DC output and, when combined with the MPPT algorithm, achieves optimal efficiency, offering superior power conversion and economic benefits for next-generation renewable energy applications.