A modified-forward multi-input power converter for solar energy and wind power generation

In this paper a modified-forward multi-input converter (MFMIC) for renewable energy is proposed, which can not only process solar energy but deal with wind power. The proposed converter is derived from series forward structure to step down voltage for charger systems or dc distribution applications. The MFMIC mainly contains an upper forward, a lower forward, a common output inductor, and a DSP-based system controller. The upper and lower forwards can operate separately or simultaneously to accommodate the variation of atmospheric conditions. When the MFMIC processes power at interleaving mode, better performance can be achieved and volume is reduced. To draw maximum power from PV panel and wind turbine, perturb-and-observe method is adopted for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The MFMIC system is constructed, designed, analyzed and simulated. Simulations have demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed multi-input converter.