Survey of DC-DC non-isolated topologies for unidirectional power flow in fuel cell vehicles

The automobile companies are focusing on recent technologies such as growing Hydrogen (H₂) and Fuel Cell (FC) Vehicular Power Train (VPT) to improve the Tank-To-Wheel (TTW) efficiency. Benefits, the lower cost, ‘Eco’ friendly, zero-emission and high-power capacity, etc. In the power train of fuel cell vehicles, the DC-DC power converters play a vital role to boost the fuel cell stack voltage. Hence, satisfy the demand of the motor and transmission in the vehicles. Several DC-DC converter topologies have proposed for various vehicular applications like fuel cell, battery, and renewable energy fed hybrid vehicles etc. Most cases, the DC-DC power converters are viable and cost-effective solutions for FC-VPT with reduced size and increased efficiency. This article describes the state-of-the-art in unidirectional non-isolated DC-DC Multistage Power Converter (MPC) topologies for FC-VPT application. The paper presented the comprehensive review, comparison of different topologies and stated the suitability for different vehicular applications. This article also discusses the DC-DC MPC applications more specific to the power train of a small vehicle to large vehicles (bus, trucks etc.). Further, the advantages and disadvantages pointed out with the prominent features for converters. Finally, the classification of the DC-DC converters, its challenges, and applications for FC technology is presented in the review article as state-of-the-art in research.