Performance analysis of a multi-input converter for renewable energy integration in rural electrification

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The growing need for high-efficiency power management in hybrid renewable energy systems has highlighted the limitations of conventional multi-port converters, which often involve complex circuitry, many components, significant power losses, and thermal inefficiencies. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents a novel bridgeless modified multi-input mono-output (MIMO) converter for Rural Electrification Applications, specifically designed for systems integrating solar photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cell energy sources. The proposed converter features a simplified architecture with a reduced number of components, resulting in lower switching and conduction losses, improved power density, and enhanced thermal performance. Its dual-input capability allows simultaneous energy harvesting from solar and fuel cell sources, leading to improved reliability and operational flexibility in hybrid systems. A key advantage of this topology lies in its ability to minimize voltage and current stresses across components, thereby increasing the overall system lifespan and efficiency. The Perturb and Observe algorithm is employed to implement maximum power point tracking for the solar PV input, ensuring optimal energy extraction and maintaining stable power delivery under fluctuating input conditions. A comprehensive mathematical model is developed, and operational modes are thoroughly analysed to support component selection and performance optimization. The effectiveness of the proposed design is validated through experimental testing using a 1 kW hardware prototype. Results confirm the converter’s high efficiency, reduced losses, and real-world applicability. On the whole, the proposed bridgeless modified MIMO converter presents a compact, efficient, and practical solution for hybrid renewable energy applications, offering significant performance improvements.