Impact of Bifurcations on the Performance of Power Electronic Circuits

This paper investigates the impact of bifurcations on the performance of power electronic circuits. We focus on circuits that include energy-harvesting devices, which exhibit a maximum power point (MPP). In particular, a DC–DC converter with a photovoltaic (PV) module is considered a representative example of such systems to evaluate the relationship between the circuit performance indices (such as power conversion and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) efficiency) and the bifurcation phenomena observed in the system. First, experimental results are reported that evaluate circuit characteristics and performance under MPPT control. Then, a novel mathematical PV model is presented and fully defined using experimentally measured parameters; this model does not necessitate the use of root-finding algorithms. Next, this model is integrated with the switched nonlinear model of a DC–DC converter subject to peak current mode control (PCMC), and a stability analysis of the periodic orbits is performed. Finally, the relationship between circuit performance and observed bifurcation phenomena is investigated and discussed. This research demonstrates the occurrence of both period-doubling and Neimark–Sacker bifurcations in the system considered here, and these features are shown in a two-parameter bifurcation diagram.