Integrated multi‐input DC‐DC converter with reduced switches

Multi-input converters (MICs) play an important role in integrating the independent energy sources utilized in the grid-connected system and electric vehicle applications. In this scenario, several types of MICs are presented in the literature. Most of the MICs are operated using a time-sharing scheme. This leads to a restricted duty cycle which limits the energy source utilization and output voltage. To overcome the above-mentioned limitations, a multi-input single-output converter is proposed. The utilization of energy sources and output voltage can be improved with a reduction in the part count. A 400 W prototype is designed to check the feasibility of the proposed system, and the subsequent simulation and experimental results are validated.