A Different Approach to Design Non-Isolated DC–DC Converters for Maximum Power Point Tracking in Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is an essential part of solar photovoltaic (PV) system to draw maximum available power which is generated by the solar PV. The concept of MPPT is based on maximum power transfer theorem. When the impedance of source is equal to the load impedance then only, source or solar PV delivers maximum power to the load. Impedance matching is done through DC–DC converter, whereas the duty cycle of the converter is decided by the MPPT algorithm. Nonetheless, DC–DC converter design is a key aspect in any tracking scheme, bulk of publications on MPPT are available in literature but very less information can be obtained on DC–DC converter design. Thus, the main focus of this paper is to provide an easy converter design procedure for MPPT in solar PV applications on the basis of solar panels impedance. In this paper, a step by step design of buck converter, boost converter and buck–boost converter particularly for MPPT applications is presented and results are verified through OPAL-RT OP4500 Real Time Simulator.