Abstract
The paper presents a highly efficient DC-DC Boost converter meant for utility level photovoltaic systems. Solar photovoltaic cells are highly sought-after for renewable energy generation owing to their ability to generate power directly. However, the outputs of solar arrays range in lower DC voltage. It is therefore necessary to make use of DC-DC converters that can boost the output voltage and do so consistently by negating the variations in the outputs of solar panels. The variations arise from inconsistencies in sunlight availability, ambient temperature, and shadows, among other factors. The proposed converter topology is found to offer efficiency that is greater than 95% compared to the traditional DC-DC Boost converter. This configuration’s main feature is the implementation of Advanced Perturb & Observation (APO) MPPT algorithm which basically features multiple iterations of perturbation and observation than in conventional P&O MPPT. APO will also minimize the development of oscillations close to the maximum power point in the P-V characteristics compared to the conventional P&O MPPT. The converter will enable drawing consistent and maximum levels of power from solar panels in a more efficient manner. As such, APO’s usage in solar systems will be able to provide for a broader range of utility-level applications.