The Integration Design & Modelling of Small Scaled

Multiple Input DC Sources for Battery Charging

Application
K. K. Ong, Y. X. Gan, and J. Crispin
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS,
Bandar Seri Iskandar, 31750 Tronoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
Email:kim.keat1992@gmail.com,xiang92@gmail.com,crispinhung92@gmail.com

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to design a multiple input with

two different outputs system that can charge batteries of portable
devices. The system is designed with a SEPIC converter to combine
two different renewable energy resources, solar and wind. The DC-DC
application is able to step down the output of the hybrid renewable
sources and stabilizes the output to produce a 5v voltage. There will be
two outputs with different current of 1A and 2A.
Keywords SEPIC converter, photovoltaic cell, wind turbine, battery
charging, DC-DC converter, portable devices

I. INTRODUCTION
In this era of globalization, the demand on energy will keep
increasing in order to cope with the drastic development. One of
the important usages of energy is to charge the batteries for the
portable devices such as smartphone, tablet or laptop. Nonrenewable energy will one day lost its principal place in being the
supply as energy demand. Therefore, the world is now focusing on
the usage of renewable energy as the main energy source to ensure
guaranteed supply of energy in the future. Numerous renewable
sources have been harnessed to fit in the role, however only solar
and wind energy are considered the sources with leading
capabilities in terms of availability, production, upkeep, etc.
Despite having a continuous availability, the output of renewable
energy can vary significantly due to climate changes, temperature,
humidity, and the like.
Over the years, countless researches and investigations have
been carried out to increase the efficacy in harnessing solar and
wind as energy sources [1]. Some researches suggest that through
the conjunction between two or more renewable resources, the
system can overcome the volatility of the output energy harnessed
by compensating between each other. This leads to the introduction
of hybrid power generator such as hybrid solar-wind power system.
Hybrid power generator are more likely to have higher efficiency
in energy production compared to the conventional single-sourced
system. Although, it is highly productive, the system is more
complex and has higher in terms of cost and size. Other than that,
the system faces difficulty in producing stable output and specific
value of voltage cannot be achieved easily.
The introduction of multiple input converters by manipulating
the different design of DC-DC converter has since contributed in

solving the production problems. By using lower cost and size, it

can produce power system that has specific and stable output [2].
Multiple input DC-DC inverter can combine different energy
sources which has diverse voltage level efficiently as it has the
capability to produce positive output and does not require any
transformer [3]. Thus, stable output can be produced and the
voltage value can be adjusted according to usage such as the
charging of batteries for the portable devices.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
A Photovoltaic Cell
Photovoltaic (PV) cell or is more commonly known as solar
cell is an electrical device that is able to directly convert light
energy into electrical energy [4]. Normally, PV cell is
manufactured from several semiconductor materials such as
monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon
or copper-indium selenide (CIS).The concept of p-n junction from
these materials enable the PV cell to generate electrical current
without connecting to any external source [5]. The concept is
shown in Figure 1 below:

Figure 1. Photovoltaic Phenomenon

The photovoltaic process starts with the cultivation of sunlight

to generate electron-hole pairs. It happens when the sunlight or
photons, when hit the electrons on the PV cell surface. The electron
will be moved by the electric field to form N-type layer while the
hole created from removed electron will shift to P-type layer and a
depletion layer will be formed between both of the layer. Free
electrons will then flow through external circuit towards the
positive charge of the P-type layer and this will create a flow of
electric current. The hole from the pair is then shifted towards the
back or the other side of electrical contact and recombine with the
free electron to restore the electrical neutrality. Flow of electricity

will continue to be produced as long as there is contact of sunlight

with the PV cell.
Polycrystalline black silicon PV cell is the latest product in the
photovoltaic technology. Compared to normal silicon, a black
silicon has very low reflectivity and superior light absorbing ability
making it to have higher efficiency [6, 7]. Through the plasma
immersion ion implantation technology, black silicon can be
produced with various micro surface structure with 0.5% of
average light reflectivity [8]. This technology enables the PV cells
to be mass produced under lower cost with high efficiency.
Polycrystalline black silicon PV cell can reach an efficiency of 1618%. Polycrystalline black silicon PV cell are normally available in
several specific value of 0.5V, 1.5V, 2V, 6V and 12V.
B Wind Generator
Wind power technology has been found since the time of the
ancient Egyptian for the purpose of milling and irrigation [9]. In
1888, the concept of windmill is then implemented into a wind
power generator. Modern wind power generator comprises of the
wind turbine and the blades designed with aerodynamic and
structural design [10].
The two primary physical principles in which wind energy is
extracted are either through the creation of lift force or drag force
while there are also some with the combined usage of both
principle [11]. Drag force is in the same direction of air flow while
lift force is perpendicular to the direction of air flow.
The efficiency of wind generator can be determined by the shape
of the blade in terms of drag force (thrust), dD and lift force
(torque), dL that can be generated [12]. The Figure 2 below shows
the condition of the blade width and flow field.

actually depends on the DC generator that is mounted onto the

wind generator system. The DC generator will have fixed voltage
rating such as 6V, 9V, 12V, and such, but with variable type of
speed.
C Converter
1.

DC-DC Converter

DC-DC converter is an electronic device by which its purpose is

to transform electrical power efficiently from a different voltage
level to another in direct current (DC) form [13]. Compared to
alternating current (AC), the concept of transformer in stepping up
or down a current cannot be simply applied on DC. However, DCDC converter is just like a DC type of transformer which is
specified for stepping down or up DC.
Ideally, a DC-DC converter can convert input energy into a
different impedance level or output voltage level. The converter
does not produce any internal energy so the output power comes
directly from the input power [14]. The relationship of power
transfer in the converter can be represented by the equation below:

V x I =V out x I out
V I out
=
V out I

On the contrary, in a normal converter, the internal components or

circuitry will indirectly use-up some of the power going through it.
Thus, there will be some power losses from the input power during
the transition into output power and the relationship can be
represented through the formula:

P =P out + Ploss
The power relationship is also related to the concept of efficiency
where the formula is:

Efficiency =

Figure 2. Windmill Blade Flow Field

The relationship of the forces with the blade length, dR and width,
b(r), at wind speed, V and density, .

1
dL= bdRV 2C l
2
and

1
2
dD= bdRV C d
2
Normally, the efficiency of wind generator to convert wind
energy into electrical energy is around 50-60%. The input source

P out
100
P

Most of the DC-DC converters can achieve an efficiency to around

80-85% of efficiency while some with better prospect can achieve
over 90% efficiency.
2.
SEPIC Converter
DC-DC converters can be categorized into buck, boost or the
more common buck-boost converter [15]. Buck-boost converter
can either function to increase the magnitude of voltage level or
decrease the level. However, the output power is having an
opposite polarity than the input.

V out =

D
V
1D

Most battery-powered devices require a positive power supply,

the usage of buck-boost converter requires extra inverter which can
add the complexity to the system. Similar to traditional buck-boost

converter, the conventional single-ended primary-inductor

converter (SEPIC) has the same function but is superior in term of
the non-inverted output [16].
The simplest SEPIC converter is as shown in Figure 3. It can
exchange the energy between the inductors and the capacitors to
covert from different voltage level to another. The MOSFET will
act as a switch that can control the amount of energy to be
exchanged. MOSFET is more preferable compared to BJT because
of the higher input impedance and lower voltage drop. MOSFET
can operate without biasing the resistors as it is controlled through
voltage difference.

By changing the Vg to Vin and

D
1D

is the buck to boost ratio,

the DC gain is the given by:

V out =

D
V
1D

Figure 3. SEPIC Converter Circuit

By utilizing the Vorprians PWM switch model as in Figure 4, a

DC analysis can be done to derive the equation of the non-inverted
output of SEPIC converter without altering the original topology.

Figure 5. Equivalent Circuit with DC analysis

In Figure 2, the MOSFET switch is turned on and shorting the

connection to ground. At this point, the inductor, L 1 will be charged
up by the input voltage source while the inductor, L 2 is charged by
the capacitor, C1. No energy will be supplied to the load capacitor as
both inductor is disconnected from the load.
Figure 4. Equivalent Circuit of SEPIC Converter with Vorprians PWM
Switch Model

In the DC analysis, the small signal sources are open circuited

while the inductors are short circuited to further develop the circuit
as in Figure 5. Then, Kirchhoffs Voltage Law (KVL) is applied
around the outer loop of the circuit to develop the KVL equation:

V g +V o

1
V =0
D o

The equation is rearranged with the input at left hand side while the
output at right hand side:

V
( D1 1) V = 1D
D

V g=

Figure 6. MOSFET Switch On

When the MOSFET switch is turned on, the inductors will be

connected to the capacitor load again. Inductor, L 1 will now
charging capacitor, C1 while providing current to the load capacitor,
C2. This is shown in Figure 3 below.

Figure 7. MOSFET Switch OFF


III. METHODOLOGY
A Proposed System
A system to charge battery that is using the combination of
solar or photovoltaic generator with wind generator where both the
generator can compensate the volatility between each other. The
proposed converter will be interfacing input from two different
power sources. The first input is the PV cell while the second input
is the wind turbine. A SEPIC converter will be used to combine the
two inputs and it can either step up or step down the combined
input. The system can charge either iPhone or iPad so in this case
by setting the converter to step down the input.

2(5)
x 90
(6) 90

0.5556
The inductance required in the both inductors can be computed
with equation

I L f sw

0.5

B Equations
Certain parameters are fixed as follows:

V 1=12 V ,V 2=6 V

V (min ) D max

L1=L2=0.5

(3)

6 ( 0.345 )
0.5556 ( 250 k )

7.45 H
The 8.2

is selected as it is the nearest value can be obtained

V out =5 V , I out =2 A

from the common inductor.

f sw =250 kHz , D1=0.2

The output capacitor can be computed as follows:

In order to find the

D 2 , we have to substitute:

C=

V out =5 V , V 1=12 V ,V 2=6 V D 1 =0.2

Into the equation:

V out =

D1 V 1 + ( D 2D 1 )( V 2)
1D 2

55 D2=2.4+6 D21.2
11 D2=3.8
D2=0.345
D max =D2
1.

2 ( 0.345 )
0.01 ( 250 k )

276 F

(1)

5 ( 1D2 ) =0.2 ( 12 ) + ( D2 0.2 ) ( 6 )

I out Dmax
(4)
V RPL f sw

330 F

The

obtained from the common capacitor.

2.

Output MOSFET selection

The Schottky diode is used due to its lower voltage drop

property:

I QPeak =I L1 a ( peak ) + I L 1b ( peak )

I ' + I out + I c

Passive components selection

The 20% to 40% of the input current should be used in order to

compute the power balance equation. 30% is being used in the
paper and the inductor ripple current can be calculated as follows:
'

I L =I x 30 (2)
I out V out
x 30
V (min ) 90

is selected as it is the nearest value can be

I out V out
+ I + I c
V (min ) x 90 out

2( 5)
+2+0.5556
6 ( 0.9 )

4.407 A

I Q 1( RMS )=

I '
Dmax

1.852
0.345

6.764 W
Based on the values calculated above, the MOSFET model

3.153 A

IRS1310 is selected as the

PD =I Q 1( RMS ) x r ds x D max

The input capacitor is used to handle the RMS current. The

Q1

+ I Q 1( peak ) x ( V ( min )+ V out )

I D =42 AP D (max ) =160W .

(t

rise

+t fall
( f sw )
2

value of the capacitor can be chosen from

10 F and above to

prevent impedance interaction with the input supply. In this paper,

the capacitance is chosen to be

10 F .

3.1532 x 0.6069 x 0.345+ 4.407+ ( 6+5 ) ( 0.1 )( 250 k )

C Structure of Proposed SEPIC Converter

D

E
F Figure 8. Circuit of Proposed Converter
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A Simulation Results
G Performance simulation of the proposed converter is done
on LT Spice. The graphical results from the simulation show the
output and input voltages as well as the two different output
currents.

2.

V out =5.15617 V

V 1=12 V

V 2=6V

Output Current graph

I i out 1

H
1.

I out2

Output and Input Voltage graph

V 1

O
P Figure 10. Graph of Iout1 and Iout2 VS Time

V 2
V out
J
K Figure 9. Graph of Vout, Vin1, Vin2 VS Time

I out1 =2.11943 A

I out2 =1.01101 A

S
B Mode of Operation

1.

First Mode

The operation time of First Mode is from

M 1 ( t )M 2 ( t )

Both MOSFET

C1 C2 are E1E2

00.8 s .

is ON. The voltages in

are in steady state. However, there is

only current flowing through

M 1 because the diode

D2 is

reversed biased. Thus, the output capacitor is functioned to sustain

the load.

AA
AB Figure 13. Circuit Condition for Third Mode
A. Discussion
AC The proposed circuit is designed in the way that can
provide two values of current. There are two 5V outputs where the
first output is supplied with 1A current and the second output is
supplied with 2A current.
AD The purpose of the different outputs is to enable the
system to charge devices which have different current charge
requirements such as iPhone which needs to be charged at 1A
current and iPad needs to be charged at 2V current. The iPhone can

U
V Figure 11. Circuit Condition for First Mode
2.

be connected between

Second Mode

W The operation time of First Mode is from

MOSFET

D2

M 1 ( t ) is OFF and

and ground which will produce

0.81.38 s . current of 1A while iPad can be charged at current of 2A by

connecting with the nodes V out 2 and ground.

M 2 ( t ) is ON. The diode

becomes forward biased and turns on

M2

AE The

as

M 1 is turned off. The output capacitor is still functioned to

sustain the load as the

V out 1

function for

MOSFET

s , q1 (t )q2 ( t ) are the

switching

Q1Q2 respectively.

AF

D1 is still reversed biased.

AG

q 2eff ( t )=q 2 ( t )q1 ( t )

AH

q D ( t )=1q 2 ( t )

AI The diode that is connected to the MOSFET is to prevent the

reverse current from flowing.
AJ There are 3 different modes of operation according to the

q1 ( t )q 2 ( t ) state.

X
Y Figure 12. Circuit Condition for Second Mode
3.

Third Mode

Z The operation time of First Mode is from

Both MOSFET

Q1Q2
diode,

M 1(t )

and

M 2(t )

1.384 s .
is OFF. When

are off. There is current flowing through output

D3

and

D4

and

L1 , L2 ,C 1C 2 will flow to the load.

the

current

from

AK
AL
AM

V outmax =5.15666 V

V outmin =5.15172 V

AN
AO
AP

We are

V o 5.156665.15172
=
x 100
Vo
5.15666+5.15172
2
AQ

to

our beloved

whose

lecturer,

encouragement,

supervision and provision since the first until the final stage of
our project enabled us to develop an understanding of the
subject. We also would like to offer regards and blessings to all
of those who might have supported us in any term during the
completion of this project.

0.10

AR The table below shows the differences between the desired

values and the simulation values of the parameter.
AS
AT TABLE1
AU THE DESIRED VALUES AND THE SIMULATION VALUES

AV
AWParameter

AX Desired Value

AZ Output
Voltage
BC Output
Current 1
BF Output
Current 2
BI Change in
Output
Voltage

BA 5V

AY Simulation
Value
BB 5.15617V

BD 1A

BE 1.01101A

BG 2A

BH 2.11949A

BJ 0.01V

BK 0.005V

BL
V. CONCLUSIONS
BM
In this paper, a multiple input with two different outputs
circuit has been presented for the DC-DC application. The
system utilized SEPIC converter to combine two different
renewable resources, solar and wind. The converter is able to
step down or step up the output voltage. The system is designed
to charge portable devices battery which will be having lower
voltage level so in this case the SEPIC converter is set to step
down function. The advantage of using this device is that it can
be used to charge two different portable devices, iPhone and
iPad. The outputs are able to produce current of 1A and 2A
where both outputs have the same output voltage of 5V
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

heartily grateful

Dr NorZaihar Yahaya ,

% of the ripple voltage:

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BN