Electronic – Is a 24V-48V 40A boost converter possible

boostbuck-boostswitch-mode-power-supply

I would like to produce a buck/boost converter that can convert 24V to 48V with a 40A max. output current. It would be used to control a DC motor, specifically the MY1016Z3 DC motor.
I cannot use a 48V source directly because it is for a competition which requires that the battery voltage is 24V.
I have done some testing with the Texas Instruments power stage designer, and according to it, at 20Khz PWM, I would need at least a ~45 μH 100A inductor which I can get.
I would use a 4 switch buck boost converter so that I can decrease losses and also the output voltage.

I just want to check that such a converter is possible with a reasonably high efficiency.

Best Answer

Looking at the motor you want to use I would not advise on doing what you have planned for a few reasons :

  1. Conversion efficiency can be as high as 90-95%, but 5% loss at the power you talking that is a lot of heat.
  2. Motor nominal voltage is 24V, running it at 48V to get more power/rpm out of it will most likely result in over-heating of its winding. You are better off changing the gearing to adapt its nominal speed/torque to your need.
  3. Reliability, if you are planning to build a vehicle, such a boost regulator will be the source of many possible issues down the road.
  4. Weight, again if we are talking vehicle, the added weight of your boost contraption alongside all the required cooling, will weigh down your vehicle (maybe more that what you gain from overdriving your motor)

If the efficiency is your ultimate goal, I would not advise trying to boost at such power level the battery voltage. Have you looked into rewinding the motor windings or adapting the gearing. I would do that first before looking into your proposed solution. Also if we are talking vehicle (you need to save weight !!)

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