Power factor controller used as DC–DC converter for photovoltaic sources

An active power factor controller (PFC) integrated circuit, normally used in AC circuits, has been used for DC-to-DC boost conversion with a stable output voltage for a variable DC input voltage as obtained from photovoltaic (PV) sources. The circuit described here uses a power factor controller MC 34262 to give approximately 400VDC output for an input variation from 90 to 280VDC. The maximum efficiency achieved was 98% at 450W. Comparisons between AC and DC operations have been made.