Optimization of Subcell Interconnection for Multijunction Solar Cells Using DC-DC Converter

Abstract

The extraction of solar energy will be higher using the multijunction solar cells instead of single junction solar cell by splitting the solar spectrum. This work proposes a detailed study to identify the optimum interconnection method for various multijunction solar cells. An effective power electronic circuit could substantially enhance the efficiency and utilization of a photovoltaic (PV) power system constructed from multijunction solar cells. The multiple input dc-dc non-inverting buck-boost converter is used to demonstrate the advantage of the proposed interconnection technique, which can maintain a constant output voltage by performing both the buck and boost mode of operation. In order to ensure maximum power point (MPP) operation, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied which needs only one MPP control for multiple solar modules resulting reduction in cost and complexity. The PSO algorithm has the ability to track the global maxima of the system even under complex illumination situations.