New soft-switched multi-input converters with integrated active power factor correction for hybrid renewable energy applications

摘要

Hybrid renewable energy systems increase reliability, flexibility and utilization of renewable sources in power generation. In order to achieve high system efficiency and to reduce the overall circuit size, multi-input converters (MICs) have been introduced to replace the individual power converters used in the conventional hybrid renewable energy system. Power factor correction (PFC) is essential when the converter consists of an AC-powered input module, such as working with a wind turbine system or connected with the utility grid. This paper proposed a new class of quasi-resonant (QR) MICs for hybrid renewable energy systems. The proposed MICs are able to achieve high power factor and they require only one switch in each input module. All the switches are able to achieve soft switching turn-on and turn-off for both individual and simultaneous operations for different operating conditions. Simulation results are presented on a ZVS QR MIC with the integrated boost PFC for a 650W, 48V-output hybrid wind-solar energy system. Some experimental results are also provided on a proof-of-concept 200W prototype to demonstrate the features of the proposed circuit.