Modeling, design, control and validation of a multiple-input DC-DC converter topology for effective renewable energy management

Abstract

Multiple-input power converters are receiving significant research attention as they offer several advantages over conventional converters, specifically their ability to interface multiple energy sources of various kinds. Additionally, they have promising features such as less components, higher power density and centralized control. A novel multiple-input single-output DC-DC converter topology is proposed for effective energy management. The topology is designed depending on the conventional structure of boost and buck converters and benefits greatly from this combination. Effective energy management strategy is used and a simple control system is introduced by utilizing voltage and current control. The converter is simulated and implemented in hardware testing as a 300W system to confirm the performance and validation of the topology and it is capable of supplying constant output power through different input sources with any voltage variation. The results show a high performance and all of the operating modes have been investigated.