Multiple-Source Single-Output Buck-Boost DC–DC Converter with Increased Reliability for Photovoltaic (PV) Applications

This paper presents an improved topology for a DC–DC converter suitable for PV applications. The proposed converter has the ability to be energized from multiple DC sources. Hence, it can be energized from two, three or a higher number of sources according to the number of modules adopted in its design. The proposed converter can supply a single load with DC power at a voltage lower or higher than the summation of all excitation DC voltages with a non-reversed voltage polarity at its output. Moreover, it provides a more reliable operation compared to other DC–DC converters due to its ability for operation with partial failures in its exciting sources. In this paper, the theoretical discussion of the proposed converter is presented considering its construction and its principle of operation. The performance of the proposed converter is theoretically evaluated using simulation based on power simulation (PSIM) software at different conditions. The performance of the converter is theoretically evaluated using PSIM considering photovoltaic (PV) sources as input sources for the proposed converter to show its validity for renewable energy applications. For more evaluation, experimental work is carried out by building a prototype and testing it at different operating conditions.