Self-powered High Efficiency Coupled Inductor Boost Converter for Photovoltaic Energy Conversion

The increase of the demand in efficient energy converters is a very promising line of research for small renewable energy generators and systems. It involves a maximum optimization of electronic structures using the most recent dedicated and improved components. A simple and efficient DC/DC converter related to smart grids applications connected to High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) bus presents many advantages compared to classical distribution system on AC grids. This study is particularly orientated to the distributed energy converters for photovoltaic (mono-, poly-crystalline, amorphous) or wind production. The HVDC bus reduces the energy transport cost and is a protection way against vandalism, but the main advantage of this architecture is related to the possibility of connecting several mismatched generators without disturbing the other ones.In this paper a specific analysis was done on a magnetic coupled inductor boost DC/DC converter in order to determine the coupling factor influence. It is well known that high voltages can be obtained by using a specific transformer or coupled coils. In fact, the coupling factor decreases with the insulation voltage and fabrication constraints. Based on comparisons of simulation results with a discrete analysis, this work analyses the influence of the magnetic coupling coefficient on the coupling coils operations and on the efficiency of the converter. This study which can allow a more useful way to develop new similar DC/DC converter systems.