Current Sensorless MPPT With a CCM Interleaved Boost Converter for Renewable Energy System

The growing demand for energy and environmental concerns have attracted attention to renewable energy sources. In photovoltaic and fuel cell power generation systems, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is required to achieve high efficiency. This article proposes an MPPT methodology, exploring the characteristics of an interleaved boost converter with switching cell and switching frequency modulation, enabling the operation without current sensors and with only one voltage sensor. In this converter, the input current is proportional to the input voltage and the switching period, making it a voltage follower, with the advantage of self-balancing current and no output voltage distortion in the input current. This article presents comparisons with other techniques, the mathematical analysis with the nonidealities included, the proposed MPPT principle of operation, and numerous experimental evaluations. The converter is analyzed for both single and combined variations in the irradiance and the temperature, ranging from 0 to 1000 W/m(2) and from 0 to 85 degrees C, with fabricated and real measured scenarios, resulting in a stable operation, high efficiency, and fast response. The MPPT mean efficiency, when evaluated with measured irradiance and temperature variations representing a complete operational day, is 99.30%. The converter has a maximum efficiency of 97.80%.

Automated summary

This article proposes an MPPT methodology using an interleaved boost converter, which eliminates the need for current sensors and uses only one voltage sensor. The converter achieves high efficiency with stable operation and fast response. Experimental evaluations show a mean efficiency of 99.30% and a maximum efficiency of 97.80%.