Performance Analysis of Novel Bridge Type Dual Input DC-DC Converters

In this paper, two novel bridge type dual input dc-dc converter topologies are introduced for integrating two input energy sources. Out of the two topologies, the latter topology is an improved version of the former one. Both converters have the capability to simultaneously deliver power to the load from the input energy sources. The major advantages of the improved converter as compared with the basic topology are its capability to perform the buck, boost, and buck-boost modes of operation using the same structure and the ability to deliver power to the load even with the failure of any one of the input energy sources. Hence, the detailed software simulation of the improved converter has been performed using MATLAB/Simulink platform. Different analyses have been conducted by considering the parameters, such as the equivalent series resistance of the passive elements in the converter and efficiency of the converter, for better validation of the converter performance. The hardware prototype of the improved converter has been developed in the laboratory environment and tested successfully. The proposed converters have certain merits like less component count, compact structure, and efficient energy utilization, compared with existing converter topologies, which are already reported in the literature.