Design Optimization of Self-Driven Boost Converter for CZTSSe Indoor Photovoltaic Device based Low-Power Electronic

In this work we optimize the performance characteristics of a Meisner oscillator based DC-to-DC boost converter circuit which is desinged to drive low-power electronic devices when operated under indoor lighting conditions. A Cu2ZnSn(SSe)4 or CZTSSe-based thin-film photovoltaic (PV) device is considered as the energy harvesting source considering illumination by an experimentally measured white light emitting diode (LED). Output of the CZTSSe device, which is estimated by numerically solving Poisson's and continuity equations under optical generation-recombination conditions, is taken as input to the boost converter on the basis of the device's equivalent circuit model. Steady-state and transient analyses indicate that a trade-off needs to be conceded while trying to maximize both output voltage and efficiency of the boost converter. Output characteristics of the converter is mainly governed by the load resistance and capacitance, rather than by the RC time constant of the oscillator circuit. By adjusting these values, an output voltage of ~6V can be attained with ~22% operating efficiency. This efficiency value can be ramped up to ~36% if the output voltage is compromised down to about 2V. This study, which to the best of our knowledge is the first of its kind, offers an approach towards designing and optimizing an indoor PV device based standalone up-converter circuit suitable for driving low-power electronic devices.