Interleaved boost converter for power tracking of solar PV arrays

Abstract

In this paper the advantages of an enhanced boost converter are utilized in a photovoltaic based energy system, in order to improve the efficiency and the output/input voltage gain. In addition, this circuit topology allows lower input current ripple than conventional single-switch DC/DC boost converters, increasing photovoltaic energy yield. The floating interleaved boost converter was modeled, and a linear feedback controller was discretized for use with an embedded microcontroller. This controller consisted of a decoupled dual loop control structure capable of interacting with a maximum power point tracking procedure. Two strategies for controlling the DC link voltage were evaluated and compared in simulation. Moreover, two maximum power point tracking techniques were also implemented and compared; their performances were evaluated by simulation as well as demonstrated by an experimental set-up. The results show that the addressed topology is very promising, with potential benefits for solar power applications.