Experimental performances of a DMPPT multitopology converter

Photovoltaic plants are complex systems operating in variable conditions. Their performances can be deteriorated by many factors such as shadows and mismatch phenomena. In this case, a suitable device able to control and condition the produced power is needed. A power optimizer could represent an adequate solution since it is capable of regulating the PV generator output impedance to reach the maximum power transfer. In this paper, a multi-topology Distributed Maximum Power Point converter prototype is presented. The proposed solution can be used both as a buck and a boost topology. An experimental characterization is carried out at the ENEA - Italian National agency for new technologies, Energy and sustainable economic development - Research Center of Portici (Naples) to analyze and test prototype performances in real operating conditions. Particular attention is reserved to Maximum Power Point efficiency and thermal behavior.