High-Frequency Interlinking High-Voltage Gain PV Converter Modules With Embedded Power Balancing Technique for DC-Distributed System

A new high-frequency (HF) interlinking photovoltaic (PV) step-up converter modules utilizing an embedded power balancing technique while featuring individual single-sensor maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is presented in this article. An integrated boost-capacitor–inductor–inductor (CLL) resonant circuit at the input allows for both MPPT and soft-switching operation at all conditions for each module while HF coupled output inductors together with the proposed active voltage quadrupler (AVQ) allows for regulated power flow between HF interlinking modules. The proposed technique allows the modular PV converter system to achieve simultaneous MPPT, soft-switching operation, and equal power distribution without the use of additional circuitry. The HF interlinking nature of the system allows for additional modules to be added without requiring parameter changes for existing modules. Analysis of the proposed converter system is discussed in this article. The performance of the proposed PV power balancing technique is validated through simulation results on a modular 13-kW, 10-kV output system and hardware experimental results on a scaled-down modular 500-W, 850-V output prototype system.