The optimisation of energy generation in a photovoltaic (PV) system is necessary to let the PV cells operate at the maximum power point (MPP) corresponding to the maximum efficiency. Since the MPP varies, based on the irradiation and cell temperature, appropriate algorithms must be utilised to track the MPP. This is known as maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Different MPPT algorithms, each with its own specific performance, have been proposed in the literature. A so-called perturb and observe (P&O) method is considered here. This method is widely diffused because of its low-cost and ease of implementation. When atmospheric conditions are constant or change slowly, the P&O method oscillates close to MPP. However, when these change rapidly, this method fails to track MPP and gives rise to a waste of part of the available energy. An adaptive P&O method is proposed in this study that has faster dynamics and improved stability compared to the traditional P&O. The MPPT algorithm was set up and validated by means of numerical simulations and experimental tests, confirming the effectiveness of the method.

Adaptive perturb and observe algorithm for photovoltaic maximum power point tracking

This paper proposes a new converter for photovoltaic (PV) water pumping or treatment systems without the use of chemical storage elements, such as batteries. The converter is designed to drive a three-phase induction motor directly from PV energy. The use of a three-phase induction motor presents a better solution to the commercial dc motor water pumping system. The development is oriented to achieve a more efficient, reliable, maintenance-free, and cheaper solution than the standard ones that use dc motors or low-voltage synchronous motors. The developed system is based on a current-fed multiresonant converter also known as resonant two-inductor boost converter (TIBC) and a full-bridge three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI). The classic topology of the TIBC has features like high voltage gain and low input current ripple. In this paper, it is further improved with the use of a nonisolated recovery snubber along with a hysteresis controller and the use of a constant duty cycle control to improve its efficiency. Experimental results show a peak efficiency of 91% at a rated power of 210 W for the dc/dc converter plus the three-phase VSI and a peak efficiency of 93.64% just for the dc/dc converter. The system is expected to have a high lifetime due to the inexistence of electrolytic capacitors, and the total cost of the converter is below 0.43 U$/Wp. As a result, the system is a promising solution to be used in isolated locations and to deliver water to poor communities.

Implementation of a High-Efficiency, High-Lifetime, and Low-Cost Converter for an Autonomous Photovoltaic Water Pumping System

A new PWM dc-dc converter is introduced in which large voltage step-up ratios can be achieved without high duty-cycle, with low voltage and current stress and without transformer. The proposed circuit is an extension of the boost interleaved converter, incorporating a multistage capacitor multiplier. A simple nondissipative snubber can be used reducing the reverse recovery current of the diodes and also obtaining low turn-on and turn-off losses. The modularity of the structure allows the increment of the current, voltage and power levels, using the same range of components and maintaining high efficiency, only increasing the number of series and parallel stages. The paper gives a theoretical analysis, and experimental data on a 400 W example that was built and tested: 24 Vdc input, 200 Vdc output, and 40 kHz switching frequency. The measured performance agreed well with the theoretical predictions and the measured efficiency obtained is equal to 95% at full load.

An interleaved boost DC-DC converter with large conversion ratio

A new, two-inductor, two-switch boost converter topology and its variations suitable for applications with a large difference between the input and output voltage are described. The output voltage regulation of the proposed converters is achieved in a wide load and input-voltage range with constant-frequency control by employing an auxiliary transformer that couples the current paths of the two boost inductors.

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New two-inductor boost converter with auxiliary transformer

A wide range zero-voltage switching (ZVS) active-clamped L-L type current-fed isolated dc-dc converter is proposed for fuel cells to utility interface application. The proposed converter maintains ZVS of all switches from full load down to very light load condition for wide input voltage variation. Detailed operation, analysis, design, simulation and experimental results for the proposed converter are presented. The auxiliary active clamping circuit absorbs the turn-off voltage spike and also assists in achieving ZVS of main switches. The ZVS of auxiliary switches and main switches is achieved by the energy stored in the boost inductors and series inductor (aided by parallel inductor), respectively. Rectifier diodes operate with zero-current switching. An experimental converter rated at 200 W has been designed, built and tested in the laboratory to verify the analysis, design and performance of the proposed converter for wide variations in input voltage and load.

Analysis, Design and Experimental Results of Wide Range ZVS Active-Clamped L-L Type Current-Fed DC/DC Converter for Fuel Cells to Utility Interface

This paper compares two current-fed push-pull DC-DC power converters: the current-fed push-pull power converter or isolated boost and an alternative topology named here as the dual inductor push-pull power converter (DIC). Since this latter converter has just one primary winding, the voltage across the main switches is reduced to the half of that in the isolated boost topology; the average current in the input inductors is also halved and the RMS current in the output capacitor is smaller. The overall efficiency is increased and the power converter's volume is reduced in the DIC converter. These and other improved design characteristics make this alternative topology more attractive than the isolated boost for equivalent applications. Analytical equations, output characteristic curves and computer simulations of both power converters are compared. An experimental breadboard of 480 W power has been assembled in order to verify the performance of the DIC power converter. The main results are provided.

W.C.P. De Aragao Filho

Papers

A comparison between two current-fed push-pull DC-DC converters-analysis, design and experimentation