Modular-Based PV System with Contactless Capacitive Power Transfer Interface

This paper presents a modular-based solar PV (Photovoltaic) system with the integration of a capacitive power transfer (CPT) interface. Each PV module is designed as a single-input single-output (SISO) system, consisting of a solar panel, a DC-DC boost converter, and a high-frequency inverter connected to a load via a CPT system with a contactless interface. The modules can also be connected in series on the load side, forming a Multi-Input Single-Output (MISO) system. A centralised Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller based on power and the voltage-dependent algorithm is designed to regulate the duty cycles of boost converters for dynamic maximum power tracking. Comprehensive simulations are conducted for both SISO and MISO configurations with two low power PV modules, and the results showed that each PV module could operate independently, and it is feasible to add the output voltages up on the load side for increased power transfer capability. The centralised controller adjusts the duty cycles of the connected PV modules smoothly, and a maximum power of 38.1W is achieved from two PV modules.