Developed Experimental Analysis of Current THD of The CPV System Using Continuous Input-current Buck-Boost DC-DC Converter

This paper presents an experimental procedure and a simulation model of a novel concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) system containing a parabolic trough solar photovoltaic collector unit. The designed system using a parabolic trough solar collector for concentrating more solar irradiance to produce more energy. Due to the increase in electrical energy production in this method, a fuel cell has been used to store excess energy. Buck-boost converter topology with continuous input-current capability provided for extending fuel cells life-time. This power converter not only contains the important advantages found in typical topologies, but also using a reduced number of electronic components. Experiments on the provided system were carried out in Tehran, Iran, and experimental results showed that the main problem with the concentration of solar radiation is the rising temperature of the solar cell, which for every 1% increase in temperature, its efficiency decreases by 0.4% to 0.5%. To solve this problem, a heat absorber is used behind the cell plate. The variation of temperature and irradiation values tend to change the current THD. Due to the increase in radiation intensity by the concentrating system, its effect on current THD has also been analyzed.