Fuzzy Switching Technique Applied to PWM Boost Converter Operating in Mixed Conduction Mode for PV Systems

Due to the variation of the maximum power point (MPP) of photovoltaic (PV) generators with solar radiation and temperature, boost DC-DC converters placed between PV modules and inverters in grid-connected PV systems have to be controlled in a variable operating-point condition. In addition, inductor current dynamics changes suddenly when moving from continuous to discontinuous conduction mode. The previous difficulties make the design of reliable and fast control laws for the input voltage of boost converters complicated. The aim of this paper is to propose a control algorithm based on cascaded-loop control. The input voltage is controlled by the outer loop. The inductor current is controlled by an inner loop strategy which is able to perform in mixed conduction mode, owing to the fuzzy switching technique. Simulation and experimental results for a 10-kW boost converter show that the proposed strategy achieves an accurate and robust performance at every operating point, even if the inductor value varies in a wide range; thus, fast MPP tracking techniques can be implemented. An additional advantage is that constant switching frequency is achieved.