What is DC-DC Converter and How Does it Work

A DC-DC converter typically converts DC input to DC output. It is widely used in solar, vehicles, and many power supply systems. Its main job is to step voltage up or down to meet exact power needs.

DC-to-DC converters are critical components in modern electronics. The solar system is an excellent example of their utilization. As you know, the voltage from the solar cell changes during the day. A DC-DC converter is helpful because it regulates the voltage so that a battery or gadget may be charged or powered efficiently. If you need a commercial DC-DC converter for your solar system, LSP 100K is the finest choice.

LSP 100K is a bidirectional retrofit DC-DC converter. It efficiently charges batteries and can be connected to grid-tied systems. This model from Lux Power Tech is widely prevalent in commercial grid-tied systems. You will learn more about it at the end of this article.

Before that, it is necessary to understand what a DC-DC converter is and how it works. In this article, you will go through different types of these converters. Also, you will learn exactly how each of them works.

Types of DC-DC Converter

A DC-to-DC converter generally converts DC input into a DC output. The output voltage may vary depending on the situation. Based on this output voltage level, several DC-DC converters have unique applications. Although there are many types, you will usually find the following three types in most electric items.

Buck Converter

People also call a buck converter a step-down converter. This means it lowers the voltage from a higher to a lower level. In other words, the input voltage is always higher than the output voltage. This type of converter is widely employed in devices requiring low voltage.

A step-down DC-DC converter is generally suitable for battery-powered devices. Your smartphone and laptop heavily depend on it. The converter typically steps down the battery voltage in these devices to power internal parts. Buck converters are widely used in many power supplies.

In a solar system, each panel produces different currents with different voltages. A buck converter or step-down DC-DC converter typically adjusts this power to a specific voltage range (depending on the battery voltage). This stepping down is necessary to charge the battery. If you don’t use the DC-DC converter, your battery will be charged inefficiently, and sometimes, it might damage the battery cells, too.

Moreover, it is also famous for its automotive systems. As you know, an electric vehicle or a typical car usually has a 48V to 800V DC battery. These batteries run many components inside the car.

Boost Converter

In contrast, a boost converter is sometimes known as a step-up converter. “Step-up” refers to increasing low to high voltage levels. Stated otherwise, the input voltage is less than the output voltage. Typical applications for this converter are solar systems, electric cars, and other portable electronics.

In a solar system, each panel produces different currents with different voltages. A boost converter or step-up DC-DC converter adjusts this power and sends it to the grid-tied system. You may also observe the exact process when the converter draws the charges from the battery.

In contrast, electric vehicles also use a boost converter. This increases the battery’s voltage to power the electric motor.

Bidirectional Converter

A bidirectional converter is typically a combination of a buck and a boost converter. Switching the mode does both jobs simultaneously. Because of this, people recognize this converter as a buck-boost converter.

The best example of this kind of converter is the LSP 100K. It is a giant converter capable of handling 100 KW of DC output. During high peak hours, it takes the charges from the solar panel and sends the DC output to the grid-tied inverter. If there is excess energy, it charges the battery as well. Conversely, during off-peak, the converter draws the charges from the battery to the grid-tied system.

As you can see, the LSP 100 K DC-DC converter functions as a boost converter in two different situations. (1) Directly converting the solar energy to the grid-tied DC input. (2) Drawing charges from the battery to the grid-tied DC input. It functions as a buck converter when it charges the battery using energy from the grid-tied system.

Introducing LSP 100K DC-DC Retrofit Converter

LSP 100K DC-DC Retrofit Converter is one of Lux Power Tech’s most demanding products. It has a maximum PV input of 200kW and a maximum PV output of 100KW. This model generally has 48 PV inputs and 24 PV outputs. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for commercial grid-tied systems.

 

Its working principle is quite simple. You can link the 48 PV inputs to solar panels while connecting the PV output to grid-tied inverters. There is a battery wire connection immediately following the communication port. You may connect the batteries here.

When converting solar energy, the solar panels transmit the energy through the PV inputs to the converter. The converter does two jobs simultaneously: Charges the battery and sends the exported DC power to the grid-tied system. During high-peak hours, the converter charges the battery. During off-peak hours, it taps off the energy stored in the battery to the grid-tied system.

 

This can help cut a lot of energy and electricity bills. People mostly use the LSP 100K DC-DC Retrofit Converter in commercial sectors. You can connect this converter to 24 grid-tied inverters, which means you can distribute the solar energy to 24 customers with different electric meters.

Furthermore, this device includes an extensive monitoring system. You can use it on smartphones, tablets, and laptops to check how effective your device is and how long its battery will last.

What is the Difference Between Voltage Regulator and DC-DC Converter?

 

The purpose of both tools is the same: converting DC to DC. However, you must be aware of whether the output DC is consistent.

How do you understand which type you need? Whichever the input voltage, a voltage-regular usually produces a constant output voltage. By contrast, a DC-DC converter can step up or down depending on your output device requirements. Many DC-DC converters may, however, feature a voltage regulator incorporated right into the device.

You might wonder why LSP 100K is a DC-DC converter instead of a regulator. There are three main reasons for this.

(1) If you check the specification under the PV output section, you will find the output voltage is 500 to 1000V. This gadget converts voltage, including stepping up and down voltage levels. There is no fixed output voltage. It mainly depends on the requirements of the PV output and the charging batteries.

(2) This converter’s functionality also goes beyond a traditional regulator. The conversion process is more flexible and automatic.

(3) The LSP 100K also features an efficient changing management process. It shows how to respond to various input voltages with complex output voltage patterns. A regular voltage regulator cannot offer you these features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of DC-DC converters?

There are several advantages to using DC-DC converters. First, they can accurately buck or boost one DC voltage level to another, which is particularly useful for battery-powered devices. Note that battery-based devices have longer lifespans if they run effectively.

Second, a DC-DC converter guarantees a suitable voltage level for battery charging, thus increasing its life. Third, sometimes, a particular type of DC-DC converter has internal voltage regulators to manage the operation of the components.

Third, most DC-DC converters are small, which makes them usually fit for placement in confined areas. Fourth, this gadget handles a broad input voltage range.

What is the difference between a DC-DC controller and a converter?

A DC-DC controller typically manages the works of a DC-DC converter. It controls the amount of output voltage and current by controlling the converter’s switch signals. On the other hand, a DC-DC converter converts the DC to DC voltage. It is the hardware that changes the voltage level.

Why are DC-to-DC converters used in the solar system?

There are multiple reasons why DC-DC converters play an important role in solar systems. They control voltage from solar panels to a suitable level for use by batteries and inverters, thus enhancing energy transfer and the system’s efficiency.

They also help manage the energy storage process. Besides, you can ensure batteries are charged correctly and last longer. All these functions are highly suitable for maintaining a reliable and efficient solar energy system.

Summary

A DC-DC converter changes one DC voltage to another. It can be step up or step down, or both step up and step down. Its primary function is to supply enough voltage for the batteries or other continuing appliances. These converters play an active role in solar power systems.

Solar systems regulate power from solar panels to batteries and a grid-tied system. The LSP 100K is a bidirectional DC-DC converter used in solar systems. Ideally, it can charge and discharge the batteries where it is required. This feature makes the DC-DC retrofit converter ideal for hybrid solar systems.

If you have any questions, please contact our customer care. Whether you’re looking for this product or want to discuss setting up your solar system, our specialists are always willing to help.