Interleaved multi-port converter with single inductor for photovoltaic energy storage systems

In traditional photovoltaic (PV) systems with batteries, the complexity and size of the system become challenges because separate converters are required to control the PV panels and the batteries. Although conventional multi-port converters (MPCs) can reduce the number of components by integrating multiple converters into one, the multiple inductors cause increased losses and reduced efficiency. This paper proposes an MPC that integrates multiple converters into one to simplify and downsize the PV systems. By cascading two converters, the circuit is simplified because it consists of only one inductor. In addition, the interleaved operation reduces the current ripple of the inductor and makes it smaller. A 300-W prototype is implemented, and the theoretical analysis is validated by the experimental results.