Very low voltage power conversion
A DC-DC converter for use with very low input voltages is presented. Operating with inputs as low as 0.3 VDC, the design also incorporates magnetic drive characteristics which significantly reduce the likelihood of core saturation. The circuit was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of efficient and economical electrical energy conversion from parallel arrays of solar cells operating at moderate to high power levels. While the circuit described here has a nominal 24 VDC output, a DC (or AC) output of almost any voltage is equally practical. Converter evaluation necessitated the development of a 500 A adjustable regulated low voltage DC power supply. The design of this supply is also considered.