A Non-Invasive Current Estimator for Integrated Dual-DC Boost Converter Topology

Multi-port dc-dc converter topologies have been reported as potential solutions for different applications, e.g., renewable integration, power sharing, and multi-source applications. This paper evaluates one such multi-port dc-dc converter topology known as integrated dual-dc boost converter (IDDBC), which can be used to interface two different dc sources into a common load. One of the major challenges related to IDDBC operation is the management of power flow between different ports of the topology. Current sensing and measurement are essential for realizing these control objectives. Conventional current sensors (e.g. sense resistors, Hall Sensors) are transducers that are invasive, expensive, and require associated conditioning circuits. This paper proposes a non-invasive digital current estimation technique for IDDBC topology. This approach requires terminal voltage measurements and analog comparators to estimate the inductor currents of the topology. The proposed method of current estimation has been demonstrated using a laboratory prototype of IDDBC using an FPGA-based controller.