Matthew, I can only really think of the pros. 1. Simple design - simple drive requirements. 2. High conversion efficiency. (we get over 96% when converting AC mains to 420V DC at about 70kHz and >1kw and this includes losses in the rectifier diodes) 3 Ability to perform a simple optomisation to maximise power output. (i.e adjust the pwm ratio slightly to maximise charge current. Wobble the ratio around slightly to ensure you are operating at the peak point for the existing conditions.) 4. Can be controlled by a simple micro - eg PIC, etc. 5. You don't need an additional diode to prevent backfeed under low light conditions, the boost diode will perform this function. cons. 1 Maybe slightly more expensive than the simplest switched capacitor or self oscillating push-pull transformer system. But a switched cap doubler will be really struggling at 5Amps and a self oscillating push-pull oscillator will not have the same amount of control available. (unless you make it more complicated & push the cost up anyway). 2. You don't get isolation between the input and output side, but you don't need it anyway. I'm sure others will add additional thoughts. I guess this is a hobby thing - not a product for sale? If it's a saleable product, then you may need to look at RFI, etc issues which will complicate things.. If you get above 60V then electrical safety comes into it also but it looks like you'll be well below that. RP On 17/04/2008, Matthew Miller wrote: > Hello, > > I am not as familiar as I want to be on this topic and I'm looking for > pointers. ;) My goal is to modify an electric cart to be charged by solar > panels mounted on the cart's roof. The cart charging circuitry requires a 48 > volt input and the maximum output of the solar panels (in series) is 34V and > 7A. > > What I need then is a converter that can handle about a max of 5A output at > 48 volts. In my research, I'm drawn to a boost type converter since I need a > constant and higher voltage output than the input voltage. A boost converter > is also attractive because of its simplicity. Designing a flyback type > converter would be more difficult for me, but I want something that works > well! > > Can anyone give me pro/con about a boost topology converter for this > application? > > Thanks! Matthew > > -- > http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive > View/change your membership options at > http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist > -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist