Multiinput converter with power factor correction, maximum power point tracking, and ripple-free input currents

A multiinput converter for photovoltaic (PV) power system applications with power factor correction (PFC), maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and ripple-free input currents (RFIC) is proposed in this paper. With phase-shifted pulse-width-modulation (PWM) control, the multiinput converter can draw power from the utility line and PV arrays individually or simultaneously and deliver it to the load. In addition, an almost unity power factor for the utility line and an MPPT for PV arrays can also be achieved. Moreover, the upper power switches of each input-stage circuit in the proposed converter are operated with zero-current-switching (ZCS) at turn-off transition and the lower ones are operated with zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) at turn-on transition. Hence, the switching losses of the power switches can be reduced. Experimental measurements are demonstrated to verify the performance of the proposed multiinput converter.