Compact power converter with high efficiency in operation

A power converter apparatus comprising:

• a high-potential terminal and a low-potential terminal of a converter circuit to which voltage is to be applied;
• a first current flow controlling component which performs an open/close function to selectively open and close a current flow path extending between the high-potential terminal and the low-potential terminal;
• a second current flow controlling component which is connected in series with the first current flow controlling component between the high-potential terminal and the low-potential terminal, the second current flow controlling component performing one of an open/close function and a rectifying function, the open/close function being to selectively open and close the current flow path extending between the high-potential terminal and the low-potential terminal of the converter circuit, the rectifying function being to permit an electrical current to flow in only one direction;
• an inductor connected to a joint of the first current flow controlling component and the second current flow controlling component;
• a capacitor disposed between the high-potential terminal and the low-potential terminal of the converter circuit;
• and
• a switching circuit which switches between a first connection state and a second connection state, the first connection state being to connect a first and a second terminal of the capacitor to a high-potential terminal and a low-potential terminal of the first current flow controlling component, respectively, the second connection state being to connect the first and the second terminal of the capacitor to a high-potential terminal and a low-potential terminal of the second current flow controlling component, respectively.