An interleaved boost converter with coupled inductor for PV energy conversion

This paper presents an interleaved boost converter with coupled inductors for photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion. The proposed soft-switching boost converter uses an interleaved method to increase its power density and coupled-inductor technology to extend its step-up voltage ratio. To reduce switching losses of active switches, the proposed interleaved boost converter incorporates a synchronous switching technology to obtain a wider soft-switching range. Thus, the conversion efficiency can be further improved. In order to draw the maximum power from the PV energy, a perturbation-and-observation method and a microchip are associated to implement maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm and power regulating scheme. Finally, a prototype soft-switching interleaved boost converter with coupled inductors has been built and implemented. Experimental results have been proposed to verify the performances and feasibility of the proposed soft-switching interleaved boost converter for PV energy conversion.