A single switch hybrid DC/DC converter with extended static gain for photovoltaic applications

•A new non-isolated DC/DC converter with a single switch.•The proposed topology combines two classical DC/DC converters, allowing an improved step-up voltage gain.•Characterized by the reduction of the voltage stress of all the power devices.•This topology provides a common ground for the input and midpoint of the output. In this paper, a hybrid DC/DC converter with a single switch and a high static gain suitable for photovoltaic applications is presented. The proposed topology combines two classical DC/DC converters, allowing an improved step-up voltage gain and the reduction of the voltage stress of all the power devices. Another feature of this topology is that it provides a common ground for the input and midpoint of the output. Thus, in a two stage AC module structure, this converter can be connected to a half bridge transformerless voltage source inverter since it offers a neutral point terminal. A theoretical analysis of the proposed converter is also presented. To verify the performance of this DC/DC power converter, a prototype was developed and tested. From the obtained experimental results it is possible to confirm the expected performance of the proposed converter.