DC/DC Power Converter for Photovoltaic Applications

Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are a quickly growing in the renewable energy sector.
Some of the PV systems are either standalone solar systems or grid tied which is
connected to the utility. DC-DC converter is used to convert the output of PV arrays. It
works as AC transformer in AC grid. It provides varying DC voltage levels at its output
different than that supplied. Therefore, DC-DC converters are devices designed specially
for the purpose of changing DC voltage levels efficiently. P-V curve summarizes
photovoltaic module characteristics. It shows that the curve characteristic will be varying
at different temperature and irradiance. Consequently, the most important duty of DC-DC
converters is to enforce the PV system to implement and perform at Maximum Power
Point Tracking (MPPT).These converters use high switching frequencies to complete the
conversion. In fact, many of DC-DC power converters are suitable for PV application,
but each one has different dynamic behavior and features. Furthermore, each converter
has its own duty cycle ratio which is the relation between input and output volt. It has to
be controlled by appropriate controller. The DC-DC converters will be averaging and
linearizing to obtain the transfer function. The T.F gives hint to converter stability. Thus
the performance can be known and the challenge will be improving the controller design.