Abstract
Stand-alone/grid connected renewable energy systems (RESs) require direct current (DC)/DC converters with continuous-input continuous-output current capabilities as maximum power point tracking (MPPT) converters. The continuous-input current feature minimizes the extracted power ripples while the continuous-output current offers non-pulsating power to the storage batteries/DC-link. CUK, D1 and D2 DC/DC converters are highly competitive candidates for this task especially because they share similar low-component count and functionality. Although these converters are of high resemblance, their performance assessment has not been previously compared. In this paper, a detailed comparison between the previously mentioned converters is carried out as several aspects should be addressed, mainly the converter tracking efficiency, conversion efficiency, inductor loss, system modelling, transient and steady-state performance. First, average model and dynamic analysis of the three converters are derived. Then, D1 and D2 small signal analysis in voltage-fed-mode is originated and compared to that of CUK in order to address the nature of converters’ response to small system changes. Finally, the effect of converters’ inductance variation on their performance is studied using rigorous simulation and experimental implementation under varying operating conditions. The assessment finally revels that D1 converter achieves the best overall efficiency with minimal inductor value.
Highlights
The world’s increasing energy consumption, depleting fossil fuels, global warming concerns and environmental problems have greatly increased the interest in clean renewable energy sources recently [1]
This section investigates the comparison between the considered direct current (DC)/DC converters’ tracking and conversion efficiency using simulation analysis
The investigated converters must operated as renewable energy systems (RESs) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) converters
Summary
The world’s increasing energy consumption, depleting fossil fuels, global warming concerns and environmental problems have greatly increased the interest in clean renewable energy sources recently [1]. Wind energy forms one of the best candidates due to its high power penetration capabilities [2]. The non-linear behavior and dependency of almost all renewable energy sources on the atmospheric conditions create one of the main challenges facing the renewable energy sector’s penetration of the energy market [4,5]. To minimize these drawbacks, renewable energy systems (RESs) operation at Energies 2019, 12, 2208; doi:10.3390/en12112208 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies. Energies 2019, 12, 2208 the maximum power point is a necessity. A switched-mode power electronic converter, called a “maximum power point tracker”, must be placed between the RES terminals and the load [6]
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