Isolated Multiple-Input DC/DC Converter Using Alternative Pulsating Source as Building Cells

Multiple-input dc/dc converters (MICs) serving as the interface of several sources with a load provide the energy to the load simultaneously or individually, which can optimize the utilization of sources, simplify the system structure and reduce the overall cost, so they are attractive for the hybrid renewable power system. In this paper, a novel method using the alternative pulsating sources as the building cells to generate the isolated MICs is proposed. The basic isolated MICs are deduced, and the control strategy is proposed to realize the maximum power transfer, leading to further simplification of the basic isolated MICs. Taking the double-input converter incorporating a half-bridge three-level cell and a full-bridge cell as the example, the operation principles and characteristics of the converter are presented and the power management strategy is introduced. Finally, the theoretical analysis is validated by the simulation and experimental results from a 1000 W prototype.