A multi-input hybrid converter for small off-grid solar photo-voltaic system

The solar photovoltaic system for standalone applications is growing rapidly due to its compatibility and simplicity of implementation. However, an important barrier to the fast development of solar power systems is the decreased efficiency due to shaded PV arrays. Thus, it is of paramount importance to address the module mismatch loss and partial shading impacts. The new intelligently built buildings contain combined AC and DC loads, also the concept of hybrid nano-grid and micro-grid are in trend. The solar PV systems generates DC power and can supply DC load with the use of DC-DC converter. For supplying the AC loads, DC power must be converted into AC power with the help of DC-AC converter. Conventional solar PV system consist of two stage power conversion, first stage to harvest maximum power by using DC-DC converter and second stage to achieve suitable DC-DC or DC-AC conversion. This article suggests a multi-input single stage hybrid converter which can generate maximum power from solar PV system during normal operating conditions as well as during following conditions like partial shading, module mismatch, and module open circuit conditions and delivers power to AC loads, DC loads simultaneously. The proposed approach has been simulated in Matlab Simulink software for 300 Watt power rating.