A Dual-Input Central Capacitor DC/DC Converter for Distributed Photovoltaic Architectures

This paper proposes a dual-input central capacitor dc/dc converter for distributed photovoltaic (PV) power harnessing, which can be used to boost dual input sources with minimized semiconductor voltage/current stress and converter rating. Also the proposed circuit could realize the independent maximum power point tracking capability for two input PV sources. This paper analyzes the operational principle of the proposed dual-input central capacitor dc/dc converter under both continuous conduction mode and discontinuous conduction mode and presents a comparative study between dual-input central capacitor converter and its counterparts. Besides, an adaptive control method considering PV power difference, operational safety and efficiency is elaborated. Finally, the proposed converter along with its adaptive control method was verified through matlab simulation and a laboratory prototype.