Circuit Theoretic Classification of Parallel Connected DC-DC Converters

This paper describes a classification of paralleling schemes for dc–dc converters from a circuit theoretic viewpoint. The purpose is to provide a systematic classification of the types of parallel converters that can clearly identify all possible structures and control configurations, allowing simple and direct comparison of the characteristics and limitations of different paralleling schemes. In the proposed classification, converters are modeled as current sources or voltage sources, and their connection possibilities, as constrained by Kirchhoff’s laws, are categorized systematically into three basic types. Moreover, control arrangements are classified according to the presence of current sharing and voltage-regulation loops. Computer simulations are presented to illustrate the characteristics of the various paralleling schemes.