A self-lift quadratic boost converter topology for efficient marine propulsion drive systems

Abstract

This paper proposes a high-gain self-lift quadratic boost converter (SL-QBC) topology tailored for efficient marine propulsion drive systems. The presented converter architecture incorporates a self-lift circuit embedded within a quadratic boost stage to achieve significant voltage gain while maintaining low component stress and high conversion efficiency. Specifically, the converter is capable of boosting a low input voltage of 45 V to a high output voltage of 473 V. The high-voltage output is then fed to the marine propulsion system through a three-phase, three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter, which drives a three-phase induction motor. Designed to interface low-voltage DC sources such as batteries, photovoltaic panels, or fuel cells with high-power marine propulsion motors, the proposed topology offers a compact and cost-effective solution for electric and hybrid marine applications. The self-lift mechanism enhances voltage boosting capability by leveraging additional inductive and capacitive energy transfer paths. The topology ensures continuous current operation, reduced voltage ripple, and improved dynamic response, all of which are critical for smooth and reliable marine drive performance. Simulation results validate the converter’s effectiveness, confirming its potential as a robust and efficient power conditioning stage in next-generation marine energy systems.