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This article proposes a systematic synthesis method to identify the optimum converter topology for a specified voltage conversion ratio. This gain-oriented converter synthesis is formulated as an inverse problem around the inductor flux balance equations. The proposed synthesis method consists of two processes. A set of distinct converter topologies is first synthesized from the specified voltage conversion ratio by obtaining the solutions for a set of six inverse equations in twelve unknowns. The optimal topology for any intended application can be identified based on the desired performance metrics. The complete synthesis method is illustrated with quadratic buck–boost gain as an example. In total, 25 distinct topologies are synthesized using the first process, and their feasibility is validated by PLECS simulation. In total, three case studies are reported to explain the second process. Ground-referenced output and the minimum number of switches are used as the first two selection criteria in all the case studies. Minimum peak inductor current, minimum component stress factor, and minimum voltage and current stress are the third selection criterion in Case Studies-1, 2, and 3, respectively. The steady-state operations of two optimal converters selected in Case Study-1 were verified experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a theory to synthesize nonisolated dc–dc converters. It uses the fundamental flux balance equation across the inductors of a converter as a starting point in this synthesis process. The flux balance equations are the linear equations of the input voltage, capacitor voltages, and duty cycle (D). The coefficients of these linear equations can be selected from a finite set of choices. These choices define the converter topologies that are subsequently used to synthesize a converter. The synthesis procedure applies to a converter of multiple order. All the possible converters are identified for a first-order topology. In the case of second-order converters, all the choices of the flux balance equation are defined. Based on these choices, three new quadratic topologies are derived and verified to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theory. The procedure to synthesize a converter from a given voltage conversion ratio is also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastomer is an electroactive polymer, which finds popular application in the field of actuators and artificial muscles. Though elastomers are popularly used as actuators, with proper modification to their operating cycle, they can also be used as generators. These dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs), due to properties such as high energy density and frequency independent operation are suitable for different energy harvesting applications. In this letter, a simplified electrical model of the DEG is proposed, which can be used in various simulation platforms to verify compatibility of DEG with electrical circuits and predict its behavior. Detailed process of deriving the model parameters from a physical DEG is discussed at length. Performance of the proposed model is verified by comparing its behavior with a prototype DEG-based energy harvesting system having a DEG of 1.3 nF capacitance. The proposed DEG model was simulated with similar conditions and the simulation results have shown good accuracy with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]