Topologies and Control Strategies of Partial Power DC/DC Converters for Photovoltaic Systems

An interleaved DC/DC power cells-based topology is proposed in combination with a control method for photovoltaic plants. For this, two partial power and two interleaving methods are evaluated in terms of efficiency and performance. The selected topology consists of input-parallel-output-parallel interleaved DC/DC converters, which together with the control strategy, allows a high efficiency photovoltaic system, unlike conventional topologies. However, this type of topology is prone to present an unbalanced power distribution between the DC/DC power cells, mainly due to the natural differences between their components. This paper shows the application of a power balancing control strategy for interleaved partial power converters, which guarantees an equitable power distribution, therefore, it enables a correct sizing of the components. The simulation results show the correct operation of the power cells, in terms of overall high efficiency and power distribution among the power cells.