In this paper, a high step-down interleaved buck coupled-inductor converter (IBCC) with active-clamp circuits for wind energy conversion has been studied.In Rolling Papers high step-down voltage applications, an IBCC can extend duty ratio and reduce voltage stresses on active switches.In order to reduce switching losses of active switches to improve conversion efficiency, a IBCC with soft-switching techniques is usually required.Compared with passive-clamp circuits, the IBCC with active-clamp circuits have lower switching losses and minimum ringing voltage of the active switches.Thus, the proposed IBCC with active-clamp circuits for wind energy conversion can significantly increase conversion efficiency.
Finally, a 240 W prototype of the proposed Stash Cans IBCC with active-clamp circuits was built and implemented.Experimental results have shown that efficiency can reach as high as 91%.The proposed IBCC with active-clamp circuits is presented in high step-down voltage applications to verify the performance and the feasibility for energy conversion of wind turbines.