Multi Input DC-DC Converters for Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems-an Overview

Single input DC-DC converters can be successfully replaced by a single, multiple input DC-DC converter. The structure of Multiple-Input Converter (MIC) is simpler compared to the use of several single input converters for each source. Using input renewable energy sources like photovoltaic (PV) source, wind source and fuel cell, etc, MIC can deliver power either simultaneously from all of the input sources to the load or individually. MICs reduce the system size and cost by reducing the number of components. This paper presents integrated Buck, Boost, Buck-Boost multi input DC-DC converters circuit configurations, theoretical aspects, their operational principles, merits and demerits.