Fast switching reconfigurable photovoltaic modules integrated within DC-DC converters

This paper proposes a method to merge PV cells or PV panels within the internal components DC-DC converters. The purpose of this merged structure is to reconfigure the PV modules between series and parallel connections using high switching frequencies. This leads to multi-levels of voltages and currents that become applied to the output filter of the converter. As an example, reconfigurable PV-buck converter topology is presented. Its analysis, simulation and experimental verification are presented. Benefits and drawbacks of the new approach are discussed.