A multi-input converter for hybrid photovoltaic array/wind turbine/fuel cell and battery storage system connected AC grid network

The paper is to propose a multi-input power converter (MIPC) for hybrid photovoltaic (PV) array, wind turbine (WT), fuel cell (FC) and battery storage (BT) connected AC grid network. The aim is to simplify the power system and reduce the cost. The proposed MIPC consists of a dc-dc converter and a dc-ac inverter. The output power characteristics of the PV array, WT and FC are introduced. The perturbation and observation (P&O) method is mainly used to accomplish the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for PV array and WT sources and set FC operation power on optimal range by proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The MIPC is capable to operate in five modes; first to third modes occur when the power only from either renewable energy (RE) sources, fourth mode happens when power is demanded from all RE sources and finally when no power are available from all RE sources. The proposed system has been simulated by Matlab/Simulink software and the results are discussed in details. © 2014 IEEE.