International Journal on Science and Technology

E-ISSN: 2229-7677     Impact Factor: 9.88

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 17 Issue 2 April-June 2026 Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of April-June.

Multi-Input Soft Switching DC-DC Converter for Connecting Renewable Energy Sources into DC Micro Grid

Author(s) Dr. Jarapala Ramesh Babu, Md Mustafa, Y Mastanamma, SR Vamshi Krishna CH Sathvik J
Country India
Abstract Distributed generating sources, such as wind turbines and solar photovoltaic panels, may provide DC power directly to loads using DC microgrids, which are localised power distribution networks. The elimination of numerous AC-DC conversion stages increases total system efficiency by 5-10%, facilitates the incorporation of renewable sources, and reduces power conditioning complexity, which are significant benefits over typical AC grids. A significant obstacle, however, is the management of several renewable sources with different voltages, all while keeping the DC bus voltage consistent. Current methods sometimes involve using one converter for each source, which leads to significant efficiency drops (3-5%), electromagnetic interference (EMI), thermal stress, and increased system costs. In order to integrate solar PV and wind turbines into DC Microgrids, this study introduces a practical and inexpensive multi-input DC-DC converter that uses soft switching (ZVS/ZCS) in conjunction with basic control logic. The system uses a Cuk converter topology, which allows for the simultaneous input of electricity from solar panels, wind turbines, and the grid. A PIC microcontroller (16F72) uses voltage sensors to track input voltages and controls MOSFET switching at 50-100 kHz with PWM signals. In comparison to traditional hard-switched converters, soft switching may cut switching losses by 40-60%, allowing for higher frequencies to be used without sacrificing efficiency. Because the output filters are shared and the number of components is decreased in the multi-input design, it is 20-35% less expensive than utilising individual converters for each source. Continuous operation is supported by a 12 V/2 Ah rechargeable battery, while normal loads are supplied with 230 V AC output via an inverter. At all times, there is enough voltage and current because the system adapts power production according to the renewable sources that are available. For the user's convenience, an LCD panel displays voltage measurements from all input sources and the converter's output in real-time. This approach helps India achieve its national goal of having 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 while also reducing the country's dependency on fossil fuels and encouraging the use of clean energy.
Keywords DC Microgrid, Multi-Input Converter, Soft Switching, Cuk Converter, Renewable
Field Engineering
Published In Volume 17, Issue 2, April-June 2026
Published On 2026-04-15

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