High efficient interleaved boost converter with novel switch adaptive control in photovoltaic application

Abstract

Energy conversion efficiency is an important factor for the long-term feasibility of photovoltaic systems. Significant work has been carried out into improving the effectiveness of solar arrays in recent years. In addition, there has been substantial research into novel power converter topologies for maximum energy efficiency. However, in photovoltaic applications, even the most promising power converter topologies do not necessarily guarantee optimum performance under all operating conditions. For instance, the efficiency of the power conversion stage may be excellent during periods of high irradiance, but significantly lower in poorer light conditions. This work attempts to address this problem, by seeking to achieve higher energy conversion efficiency under sub-optimal conditions. In this thesis, stand-alone photovoltaic systems using DC-DC boost converters are considered. An interleaved boost converter with novel switch adaptive control scheme is designed to maximise system efficiency over a wider range of real-time operating atmospheric conditions and with different load conditions without incurring significant additional cost.