New multi-source DC-DC boost converter and its generalized structure with experimental validation

Integrating energy sources is essential for having a sustainable energy supply to drive critical loads. Several types of multi-input converters (MICs) can be developed. However, most of them operate with a time-sharing-based scheme, which means that one energy source is utilized at a particular time, and the remaining sources are idle. This control scheme leads to the underutilization of both the converter and input energy sources. In this regard, this paper proposes a configuration of a single switch dual–input single-output (S-DISO) DC-DC converter, which has a simple structure with a reduced number of switches. It can operate without operational constraints on input energy sources or duty ratio utilization. Performance and comparative analysis are presented in different aspects. The effectiveness of the converter performance is validated using hardware experiments. Compared to the theoretical values, a 240 W laboratory prototype hardware circuit is developed and verified.