• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Power Electronics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.227-236
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• 2021

This research proposes a modeling and controller design of a three-level boost (TLB) converter for the implementation of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in the photovoltaic power conditioning system (PCS). Contrary to the output voltage control of the conventional controller, the Photovoltaic PCS requires an input voltage controller for MPPT operation. A TLB converter has the advantage of decreasing the inductor size and increasing efficiency compared with the existing booster converter. However, an optimal controller is difficult to design due to the complexity of the TLB operations, which have two operational modes on the duty ratio boundary of 0.5. Therefore, the unified linear model equations of the TLB converters, which can be applicable to both operational modes, are derived using linearized solar cell expressions. Furthermore, the transfer functions are obtained for the controller design. The MPPT voltage controller is designed using MATLAB SISOTOOL. In addition, a controller for capacitor voltage unbalancing is described and designed. The simulations and experimental verifications are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the small-signal analysis and control system design.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Power Electronics
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.442-450
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• 2020

A small-signal modeling approach for a three-level boost (TLB) converter and a design methodology for a double-loop controller are proposed in this study. Conventional modeling of TLB converters involves three state variables. Moreover, TLB converters have two operation modes depending on the duty ratio. Consequently, complex mathematical calculations are required for controller design. This study proposes a simple system modeling method that uses two state variables, unlike previous methods that require three state variables. Analysis shows that the transfer functions of the two operation modes can be expressed as identical equations. This condition means that the linear feedback controller can be applied to all operational ranges, that is, for full duty ratios. The design method for a double-loop controller using a PI controller is presented in step-by-step sequences. Simulation and experimental verifications are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the small-signal analysis and control system design.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Power Electronics
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.40-46
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• 2018

In this study, the output voltage balancing characteristics of parallel-input series-output (PISO) boost converter is analyzed. The PISO boost converter is derived by combining two basic boost converters. In comparison with the conventional three-level boost converter, the PISO boost converter can balance the output voltages under an unbalanced load condition without requiring additional circuit components and control strategy. A 2 kW prototype converter is built and tested to verify the output voltage balancing characteristics of the PISO boost converter.

• Proceedings of the KIPE Conference
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• 2020.08a
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• pp.202-204
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• 2020

본 논문은 PCS(Photovoltaic power system)에서 MPPT 구현을 위한 TLB 컨버터의 모델링 및 제어기 설계를 제안한다. TLB 컨버터는 기존 부스트 컨버터에 비해 인덕터 크기가 감소하고, 효율이 증가하는 장점이 있다. 하지만 듀티비 0.5를 기준으로 2개의 동작 모드가 존재하여 제어기 설계 시 각 모드에 대한 해석이 필요하다. 또한 토폴로지를 모델링을 함에 있어 비선형적인 특징을 갖는 태양전지의 출력을 고려해야하는 필요성이 있다. 따라서 본 논문에서는 태양전지 출력 특성의 선형화 방정식을 이용하여 2가지 동작모드가 존재하는 TLB 컨버터를 각 모드별로 CCM 동작에서 분석하여 동일한 전달함수를 도출하였다. 이를 기반으로 MPPT 전압제어기를 설계하였으며, 제시된 모델링과 제어기는 시뮬레이션을 통해 검증하였다.