Reconfigurable step-up/down partial power converter for PV power optimizer

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative reconfigurable partial power converter (PPC) with step-up/down capability for photovoltaic (PV) power optimizer applications. By using a proper reconfigurable scheme, the proposed converter can operate as Type I PPC when operating as step-up, and Type II PPC when operating as step-down. Thanks to this feature, the proposed converter presents an inherent advantage compared to state-of-the-art of step-up/down PPCs. Indeed, the proposed converter presents higher partiality and wider operating range, leading to a more efficient and smaller solution. In order to validate its effectiveness and performances, the proposed converter is used as a PV power optimizer. Simulation results of the proposed reconfigurable step-up/down PPC for PV power optimizers show the interest of the proposed solution, with an estimated efficiency reaching 98.5%.