Analysis of the boost converter under the DCM condition to reduce the MIC volume to mitigate partial shading effects in PV arrays

This paper analyses the conventional boost converter to mitigate partial shading effects in Photovoltaic (PV) panels. Analysis of a string of several boost converters connected in series in the structure of Module Integrated Converters (MICs) has been developed for better combating the problems of solar energy harvesting. Also, small signal ac analysis of the converter in Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM) is proposed. This operation mode has been used to reduce dimensions of the proposed MIC structure by reducing its inductors' volumes. Moreover, exact model of the converter is used to control its input voltage by calculating controller's coefficients to track Maximum Power Point (MPP) of the module. A particular control approach has been used to regulate the DC link voltage which supplies a voltage source inverter. To verify the given control approach and mathematical analyses, a prototype converter has been simulated and implemented, in practice. The experimental and simulated results are in good agreement with the given mathematical calculations.