Do you see a market for this (750W boost converter)

[Siwastaja]

Hi,

As a side project, I had to design a boost converter with the following specifications. For some reasons feelings-based, I designed it manufacturability in mind so not as an one-off.
Vin = 19..30V
Iin = 35A max
Vout = 46..74V, adjustable from a single 3V3 GPIO pin (or any voltage source between 0V and +3V3, can be just grounded for 74V)
Iout=11A max
Pout=750W max
Efficiency around 96-97%
Adjustable input current limit (fault detection threshold) 19..35A
Slow output rampup (1 second)
Enable input
Power good status output
Passive cooling, complete aluminium casing with no holes except for inputs/outputs
Overtemperature protection
Approx. 110x150x45mm with the heatsinks.

Four-phase design. Switch node only overshoots by 17% without snubbers .

Now this was developed for our internal use in our own products, to run 110V vacuum cleaner brushed universal motors, just below the EU extra low voltage limit.

Do you see any point in commercializing it as a separate module? Does anyone see any use for such a DC/DC converter? Would you pay $300-400 for such a unit?

[kosine]

There are probably lots of potential applications, though I suspect you'd need to get the price down.

I've discussed a couple of projects with manufacturers in the last year or so where they've been trying to develop battery powered equivalents to existing mains or petrol engine powered products. Can't go into specifics, but one issue involved needing more voltage than they could get from a standard battery pack. There are apparently shipping restrictions above 48V, so their work-around solution was to ship customers two 48V batteries separately...

I suggested they look for a DC-DC convertor exacly along the lines of what you've developed. It might be worth you looking into the regulations to see where the limits are. Any company selling portable appliances that operate at the limit might be interested in a way of offering a more powerful solution.

[ejeffrey]

I agree battery powered applications are the key, otherwise it would make more sense to me to be line powered.

You could look into marine applications.  Some propulsion motors might prefer to get a higher voltage from a 24 V marine lead acid battery.  I'm not sure if that power rating would be sufficient.

[T3sl4co1l]

I've designed a module that's similarly rated, but the opposite direction, actually (bucking).  If anyone is interested I can put you in contact with the customer.

Tim