Design of DC – DC Boost Converter for Solar Photovoltaic Systems Based on Monthly Averaging of Irradiance & Temperature

Abstract

Power Generation with solar photovoltaics (PV) has been increasing worldwide to mitigate the harmful environmental effects of fossil fuelled based energy resources. A typical grid connected solar PV power generation plant consists of the PV array and a DC – DC boost converter. The inductor value in a DC – DC boost converter depends on the input voltage, output voltage, switching frequency and the allowable inductor current ripple. Whereas, size of the capacitor is determined by, the allowable voltage ripple, switching frequency and the output current. The input voltage in a PV system changes with temperature conditions, inductor current and output current change with irradiance levels as well as with variations in load. Therefore, in this research work, a simple and explicit method of designing and analyzing the performance of a DC–DC boost converter based on monthly average values of solar irradiances & temperatures has been presented and through simulation results it has been proved that the designed boost converter integrated with P & O MPPT algorithm & INC MPPT algorithm, yields the desired yearly performance. Monthly average values have been selected rather than seasonal averages with the aim of achieving greater accuracy in the calculated values of inductor and capacitor. A 1.248 MW array has been considered for design of the boost converter.