A Novel Step-up Multi-Input DC-DC Converter for Hybrid Electric Vehicles Application

Abstract— A multi-input DC-DC converter is proposed and studied for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Compared to conventional works, the output gain is enhanced. Fuel cell (FC), photovoltaic (PV) panel and energy storage system (ESS) are the input sources for proposed converter. The FC is considered as the main power supply and roof-top PV is employed to charge the battery, increase the efficiency and reduce fuel economy. The converter has the capability of providing the demanded power by load in absence of one or two resources. Moreover, power management strategy is described and applied in control method. A prototype of the converter is also implemented and tested to verify the analysis. Global warming and lack of fossil fuels are the main drawbacks of vehicles powered by oil or diesel. In order to overcome the forementioned problems and regarding the potential of clean energies in producing electricity, car designers have shown interest in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The overall structure of hybrid electric vehicle. Pure water and heat are the only emissions of fuel cells. Furthermore, FCs have other advantages like high density output current ability, clean electricity generation, and high efficiency operation. However, high cost and poor transient performance are the main problems of FCs. < final year projects >