Three-Port DC–DC Converter With Enhanced Operational Capability, Optimized Power Management, and Superior Structural Characteristics

This article presents a new three-port DC–DC converter (TPC) with notable features, including optimized power management and enhanced performance compared to previous topologies. The proposed TPC contains two bidirectional ports to enable power exchange between a battery, a renewable energy source (RES), and a grid. As a result, the proposed converter can operate in seven different modes to maximize the use of the generated power through flexible power management, enhanced functionality, and operational flexibility. Also, the method used for power-sharing and combining power from multiple ports addresses several common problems in existing designs. These include control difficulties, sudden voltage changes during mode transitions, and the inability to operate under unbalanced conditions with different input powers and voltage levels. In addition, several structural features were considered in the design process of the converter. These include a common ground for the ports and continuous input currents, especially for battery charging and discharging. Finally, a 200 W laboratory prototype was implemented to evaluate the converter’s performance, which was then compared with similar TPCs.