A Multi-Input DC-DC Converter with Effective Charging of Energy Storage Source

In hybrid and renewable energy system, multiple-input converter is the best choice to integrate various input sources for supplying power to the load. In this paper, a multi-input DC-DC converter having ability to transfer energy from one of the sources to the energy storage source is presented. This feature results in improved reliability. In addition to this, energy sources having distinct voltage levels and characteristics can be interfaced to the converter. It also provides isolation between source and load without using transformer. The load voltage is regulated irrespective of the dynamics at the input and output of the converter. The operating condition decides the working modes of the converter i.e. buck, boost and buck-boost mode. A low power laboratory prototype is developed for experimental study of the converter. The analysis, design, simulation and experimental results of the converter proved that the converter is suitable for hybrid electric or green energy system applications.