A Single-Phase Grid-Connected Inverter Using a Boost Two-Cell Switching Converter with Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm

This paper proposes a single-phase grid-connected inverter for photovoltaic (PV) systems using a boost two-cell switching (BTCS) converter based on a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique. Due to nonlinear I-V characteristic of PV cells, the system must include an algorithm to obtain the maximum power from PV cells at any atmospheric condition. The method used in this paper is the incremental conductance (INC) algorithm. The BTCS converter is selected as a power stage with the two-cell semiconductor switching devices controlled to obtain a maximum power from PV cells. The H-bridge inverter provides a sinusoidal current and synchronizes with the grid voltage. The control of the inverter is based on ramp comparison control with constant switching frequency and zero crossing voltage detectors. The experimental results in a test lab showed the effectiveness of the proposed PV system in both constant and rapidly changing in atmospheric conditions.