Abstract
A silicon-carbide (SiC)-based dc–dc converter is developed for the solarship, a manned solar aircraft for supply delivery in remote locations. The concept of differential power processing (DPP) is utilized to realize a high-efficiency lightweight converter that performs maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to transfer power from the aircraft’s wing-mounted solar array to the high-voltage lithium-battery bus. The isolated Cuk topology is augmented with an unfolder to achieve four quadrant operation and minimize the worst-case processed power. A small-signal model is derived for control design, and it is shown that the compensation strategy differs significantly based on the operating mode. The 2.7-kW prototype is verified at a high frequency (200 kHz), high efficiency ( $>98\%$ ), small mass (0.604 kg), and uses no electrolytic capacitors. MPPT operation is verified on a 376-V commercial solar installation. The DPP Cuk converter is promising for emerging solar aerospace applications.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
