Integrated Cuk-forward converter for photovoltaic-based LED lighting

An integrated Cuk-forward converter for a photovoltaic (PV)-based light emitting diodes (LED) lighting system is presented. In this converter, the Cuk converter delivers the solar energy via PV cell modules to a battery bank in charging mode during the daytime. However, the zero voltage switching (ZVS) forward converter drives the LED lighting system in discharging mode during the night time. Power switches in the Cuk converter and ZVS forward converter are integrated to reduce the component count and the synchronous switch is used in the circuit to reduce the conduction losses and increase the circuit efficiency. Thus, the advantages of the proposed converter are smaller size, lighter weight, fewer components and higher efficiency. Experimental results based on the laboratory prototype rated at 200 W are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.