Multiple-input Single-output Boost Converter

Abstract

This paper presents a multiple-input single-output converter for the DC House project. The proposed architecture allows for multiple different input sources to supply power to a single higher-power output. The design uses a boost converter with a parallelable output which has been demonstrated to allow increased total output power as a function of the number of input sources available. The parallelable output has been shown to distribute load amongst the input sources relatively to optimize the system. This approach is also desirable since it allows for flexibility in multiple configurations. The design was tested using hardware and data results show the performance met and exceeded the needs of the DC House project. Data were taken for configuration with 1, 2, 3, and 4 input sources providing greater than 600W of total output power at an efficiency of greater than 92%. This architecture demonstrates the possibility of expanding the total available power for a single output in proportion to the number of available input sources.