Reconfigurable Partial Power Converter for Power Optimizers in PV Systems

Power Optimizers are a trending solution for photovoltaic (PV) applications since they allow high energy yield performing energy conversion and distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT). Because of its benefits in terms of efficiency, component rating and power density, partial power converter (PPC) is a very attractive solution to operate as power optimizers. In this paper, a new reconfigurable Full-bridge-based PPC is proposed. The reconfigurable scheme allows to take advantage of both step-up PPC of Type I, and step-down PPC of Type II. In order to enlarge the operation range, the proposed converter can also be reconfigured as a classical full-power converter. Theoretical analysis of the converter is provided and simulation results show the correct operation of the proposed reconfigurable PPC, and validate its effectiveness and performances.