Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking Control under Sudden Partial Shade Using an Isolated Modular Boost Converter for Automotive Application

An isolated modular boost converter (IMBC) consisting of plural phase-shifted full bridge converters is proposed as a solution for an automotive photovoltaic system. The IMBC not only controls multiple photovoltaic (PV) modules around their maximum power points individually, but also supplies distributed power from each PV module to the high voltage battery used for propelling the vehicle through boosting by the cascaded structure. This paper shows that 4M-IMBC prototype consisting of four boost modules can operate with distributed maximum power point tracking control under both a solar irradiance imbalance and partial shade transitions. In addition, 12M-IMBC prototype consisting of twelve boost modules charged power by actual photovoltaic modules to the high voltage battery. The average measured power conversion efficiency during sunny weather was 84.8%, which is similar to the efficiency of a single boost module.