Dual input-dual output DC-DC converter for solar PV/battery/ultra-capacitor powered electric vehicle application

Utilisation of more than one energy source in the electric vehicle (EV) ensures the reliable riding of the vehicle without range anxieties. Solar PV, battery and ultra-capacitor are viable sources to power the EV. A novel dual input-dual output dc-dc converter is proposed for the integration of the above sources for the EV application. The converter can be used to transfer power between the input sources and loads/utility grid/other EVs. The proposed converter can be operated in ten different modes using the same structure by controlling the appropriate switches. The equivalent circuits with the analytical waveforms of significant modes of operation of the converter are discussed in this study. The output equations of all ten modes are derived. The theoretical analysis of the converter is verified experimentally using a 1 kW laboratory prototype and the observed experimental results are shown in the study. A strategy for selecting a mode according to the status of the vehicle, grid, battery etc. is developed. The loss breakdown analysis and efficiency profile of the converter are presented. Finally, the performance comparisons of the proposed converter with the reported converters are carried out in terms of component counts, a number of operating modes etc.