High-Conversion-Ratio Bidirectional DC–DC Converter Derived from Gain Cells: Analysis and Experimental Validation

Tiago P. Metzger; Guilherme Bauer; Bruno Benedetti; Luis H. D. Sismeiro; Mateus N. Mezaroba; Neilor C. Dal Pont; Antonio L. S. Pacheco; Jéssika M. de Andrade; Telles B. Lazzarin

doi:10.53941/perat.2026.100012

Abstract

Emerging applications such as energy-storage systems, electric vehicles, and data centers increasingly require bidirectional DC–DC converters capable of providing high conversion ratios between widely different voltage levels. Although switched-inductor and voltage-multiplier cells have been extensively employed in unidirectional high-step-up converters, extending these cells to bidirectional operation is not straightforward. This paper addresses these challenges and proposes a non-isolated high-conversion-ratio bidirectional converter that combines an active switched-inductor cell with an active switched-voltage-multiplier cell. Its operating states, static voltage gains, component stresses, dynamic models, and closed-loop control are analyzed. A 300 W prototype operating between 380 V and 48 V is developed and evaluated under open- and closed-loop conditions. The experimental results validate the theoretical analysis and bidirectional operation, demonstrating peak efficiencies of 97.0% in buck mode, from 380 V to 48 V, and 96.1% in boost mode, from 48 V to 380 V.

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