HyFleet Platine

Modern fuel cell stacks can generate high DC voltages of up to 650V. However, due to significant load-dependent fluctuations, this voltage is not directly suitable for most electric drive systems or battery charging applications. DC/DC converters play a crucial role in either stepping up or stepping down the voltage, to generate current flow depending on the specific requirements of the system. These converters stabilize and adjust the power transferred to ensure it meets the needs of electric drives and charging devices. As a result, they facilitate the efficient use of energy produced by the fuel cell stack, enhance system compatibility, and improve both the performance and reliability of the drive system.    

The use of interleaved, coupled inductors offers significant advantages in terms of both size and effective inductance, particularly in electrical systems with power ratings above 100 kW. By interleaving inductors in parallel configurations, the current is distributed across multiple phases, resulting in reduced ripple current and more even load distribution. This leads to a significant reduction in magnetic saturation and improves overall conversion efficiency. 

A key advantage of this arrangement is the more compact form factor. By coupling, in this case, two inductors together, the overall inductance can be achieved with fewer components, thus significantly reducing the space requirement compared to conventional designs. 

For high-power systems above 100 kW, this not only improves efficiency and reduces heat generation but also decreases the required cooling capacity and the overall size of the system. These benefits make this technology particularly well-suited for applications such as filters, DC link inductors for power supplies, and other high-power electrical systems.