Design, implementation and model predictive based control of a mode-changeable DC/DC converter for hybrid renewable...

Since renewable energy sources such as PV and wind provide intermittent energy generation, this paper presents an advanced DC/DC converter that is able to set its operational mode automatically to either multi-input multi-output (MIMO) or single-input multi-output (SIMO) depending on the input source conditions. Power flow is controlled through the auxiliary relays added to a double-layer boost converter. Considering the transient events require fast dynamic response, model predictive control (MPC) is used to achieve the current control processes for both layers. Furthermore, the MPC is modified to adapt itself to changes in the topology. The proposed system is verified by simulations and experimentally. Results show that the proposed mode-changeable converter successfully determines the optimum power route after deciding the best operational mode in accordance with the input source conditions. Furthermore, the control method achieves a powerful and effective control process in both MIMO and SIMO modes.