Four-Input Boost Converter for Renewable Energy Applications
Abstract
This paper introduces a four-input DC-DC converter architecture that combines a two-input three-level boost converter with two conventional boost converters. The proposed topology enables the utilization of four energy sources to power a single DC bus, where three capacitors are connected in series. This configuration helps reduce the voltage stress experienced by the switches and diodes, as it is lower than the DC bus voltage. Additionally, under certain conditions, the duty cycles for all switches are identical. The paper also presents the modeling approach employed to develop controllers for regulating all inductor currents and achieving capacitor voltage balancing. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed control methods under various scenarios.