Design of a Multi-Input Boost Converter for Hybrid Power Delivery

The adoption of renewable energy (RE) sources in power systems is beneficial because it reduces carbon-based emissions. Renewable energy sources are variable so an approach to addressing this is to complement them with a battery. However, they have finite capacities, will require charging times, and experience degradation. This project presents the design of a multi-input boost converter capable of hybrid power delivery using a battery alongside two variable unidirectional sources. It can operate in three modes: the two unidirectional sources supply the load and the battery has zero power flow; the two unidirectional sources and the battery supply the load; and the two unidirectional sources both supply the load and charge the battery. The determination of the appropriate operating mode is based on the available power from RE sources and the battery. A hardware implementation was tested. It was able to regulate the voltage to the specified value and maintain the rated power output in any of the three operating modes. The converter was also able to automatically transition to the appropriate operating mode based on the available power of the aforementioned sources.