Application of DC-DC Converters at Renewable Energy

Abstract

Photovoltaics usually produce low voltage at their outputs. So, in order to inject their power into utility grids, the output voltage of solar panels should be increased to grid voltage level. Usually, the boost DC-DC converters will be connected between solar panels and grid-connected inverters to boost the panels\' output voltage to more than 320 V (for 380/220 utilities). Various DC-DC converter topologies have been proposed in the past three decades to boost the photovoltaic panels\' output voltage which will be discussed in this proposal. In order to increase the life span of photovoltaic panels, the DC-DC converts should absorb continuous low ripple current from solar panels. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is an algorithm implemented in photovoltaic (PV) inverters by DC-DC technology to continuously adjust the impedance seen by the solar array to keep the PV system operating at, or close to, the peak power point of the PV panel under varying conditions, like changing solar irradiance, temperature, and humidity. In this research work, various topologies of DC-DC converters that are suitable for renewable energy applications along with the advantages and disadvantages of control methods and the stability of converters with related control methods are discussed.

Comparative Performance Analysis Between Multi-Input Boost Converter and Multi-Input SEPIC Converter for Renewable Energy Sources

“…The low voltage makes it difficult to deliver energy to the loads that RES generates at the output terminal. Low-level DC voltage from photovoltaics along with other sources needs to be boosted before being injected into the loads [3,4]. In this case, by transforming the low voltage level to a higher one, DC-DC converters can be very beneficial.…”