International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive Systems (IJPEDS)

Vol. 14, No. 2, June 2023, pp. 1055~1069

ISSN: 2088-8694, DOI: 10.11591/ijpeds.v14.i2.pp1055-1069  1055

Improve the energy efficiency of PV systems by installing a soft

switching boost converter with MPPT control

Basim Talib Kadhem, Sumer Sahib Harden, Osama Yaseen Khudair Al-Atbee,
Khalid Mahdi Abdulhassan
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq

Article Info ABSTRACT

Article history: To improve the energy consumption rate of solar cells and reduce switching
loss, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control approach is presented
Received Oct 9, 2022 to manage the boost converter and achieve soft switching. A method for
Revised Dec 13, 2022 determining the optimal values of the soft switching boost converter design
Accepted Dec 25, 2022 parameters has been proposed, by determining the ideal values for the
inductor, capacitor, and duty cycle of the boost converter with soft switching,
this method enables the key matching of the PV system with the DC/DC
Keywords: converter configuration. In addition to presenting an analysis of several MPPT
methodologies, the entire design of the PV converter system is also included.
DC-DC boost converter soft This study compares the perturb-and-observe (P&O) method and the
switching incremental conductance (IC) method for maximum power point tracking
MPPT (MPPT) in the MATLAB/Simulink application. The PV systems with both
P&O MPPT algorithms have been simulated beginning with an implemented model
Photovoltaic of the photovoltaic (PV) array together with the soft switching boost converter
PWM converter and its MPPT control. The simulation results based on irradiance and
temperature are then shown. In the end, soft-switching is more efficient than
hard-switching, especially when operating at full load.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license.

Corresponding Author:
Sumer Sahib Harden
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Basrah
PO Box 49, Basrah, Al Basrah, Iraq
Email: [email protected]

1. INTRODUCTION
Research and development of alternative energy sources that are cleaner, renewable, and have less
impact on the environment have been sparked by the rising demand for energy and the potential for limited
availability of conventional fuels [1]. Due to the ongoing price decline of PV modules and the rise in solar PV
cell efficiency, solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems have become the most extensively used electricity
sources worldwide [2]. Photovoltaic (PV) technology, which has grown in popularity, has been adopted by
many industrial purposes, from small battery chargers to massive power plants supplying electricity for the
electric power grid. A viable alternative for feeding future smart grids and smart cities is PV applications,
which are regarded as a sustainable energy source [3]–[6]. Making PV systems competitive with traditional
power sources that produce electricity using fossil fuels has become a recent problem [7]–[9]. This objective
could be accomplished by lowering the cost of the PV system's components (PV modules and soft switching
boost converters) as well as increasing conversion efficiency. Because it is the most significant component
affecting the total efficiency of PV systems, the soft switching DC-DC boost converter efficiency has caught
the attention of researchers and engineers [10]–[13]. The negative impacts associated with the second
disadvantage may be significantly reduced if the magnitude of the duty-cycle perturbations are matched to the

Journal homepage: http://ijpeds.iaescore.com

1056  ISSN: 2088-8694

dynamic behavior of each DC-DC converter used to generate the P&O MPPT [14], [15]. Gaining the greatest
power from solar panels for a range of loads may be accomplished by comparing the boost DC-DC converter's
performance to that of other converters. The three main kinds of loads that are taken into consideration are
constant resistive loads, constant voltage loads, and constant current loads [16]–[18]. To improve the overall
optimality of the solar power data as well as the system on which it is used, the (P&O) algorithm, a highly
effective MPPT technique, was carried out using a solar PV array coupled to a boost converter. A brief comparison
of the approach used with other well-known MPPT processes is also included in the mechanism [19].
Figure 1 shows the widely used zero voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS)
converter with maximum power tracking MPPT. The losses of the semiconductor switching devices employed
in the converter are linked to the losses of the DC/DC converter. The losses in the boost converter are represented
by the switching losses and the conduction losses. Conduction losses are related to the drop voltage across each
switch while turning on, while switching losses are proportional to switching frequency. The power, voltage,
and current ratings of the DC-DC converter are included in the converter specifications. The converter efficiency
curve, which depicts the relationship between output power and converter efficiency, is also included. The
efficiency is highest when the output power of the converter is close to its rated power, and it is lowest when the
converter output is low. The PV array rated power which is typically provided during standard test settings, is
proportional to the converter input power (STC). The PV cell temperature (TC), which is 25 °C, and the reference
solar radiation (G), which is 1000 W/m2 [5], [20], [21], are the two main components of the STC. When
conditions are realistic, TC is greater than 25 °C and G is less than 1000 W/m2. As a result, the PV output power
drops when the TC exceeds 25 °C and the G drops below 1000 W/m 2. The converter will function at lower
conversion efficiency in the event where the PV array rated power and output power rated of the converter are
set to be equal. As a result, the PV array was specifically created to have a rated power greater than the output
power rated of the converter, as depicted in Figure 1. This study presents a method for controlling the switching
period and switching loss. Perturbation and observation (P&O) and linear incremental conductance (IC)
algorithm with ZVS and ZCS boost converter, a tracked control mechanism with increased steady-state accuracy
and environmental adaptability, are one of the important strategies in this system. The two techniques are
thoroughly discussed in this work, together with simulation results generated MATLAB and Simulink.

Figure 1. PV grid connected system components and control

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM AND MATHEMATICAL MODELLING

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and a DC/DC power converter with soft switching make up
the power converter's features in a PV system. A PV generation setup is present in the system, which can take
the form of a single module, a string of modules connected in series, or a collection of strings connected in
parallel. Today, there is a considerable demand for PV converters, which are produced in a variety of topologies
including efficiency improvement of connected PV with the soft switching boost converter. For PV plants (10
to 250 kW and more), the arrangement of series/parallel connections of PV modules with DC/DC power
converter is typical and provides great efficiency. When sunlight strikes solar cells, current flows across them.
For any given ambient temperature, sunlight intensity, and other internal characteristics, a solar cell is modelled
in this article. A similar circuit is created to make it simple to analyze solar cells. When exposed to sunlight,
the PV cell, an electrical device that is coupled to a boost converter, generates electrical power. In the suggested
model, the current is seen as a controlled source of constant current, and the voltage varies according to the

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intensity of the radiation. As a result, Figure 2 depicts the same model PV array using an MPPT controller and
a boost converter with soft switching.The boost converter plays a crucial function in modulating the terminal
voltage of the PV array in response to changes in duty cycle. As it is mentioned in the next sections, the duty
cycle will be decided based on the signal of the maximum power point tracker, whether it is P&O or IC
algorithm. When the input voltage is too high and needs to be decreased to a suitable level, buck converters
are frequently utilized. In many technical applications, a step down converter is needed to transform a fixed-
voltage DC source into a variable-voltage DC output. A step-down converter results in a lower average output
voltage than the DC input voltage. Simply referred to as a DC converter, Using a DC-DC switching converter,
voltage is directly changed from DC to DC. A DC converter is the same as an AC transformer with a constantly
adjustable turn ratio. As a transformer, it can be used to step up or step down a DC voltage source. For the
purpose of controlling the traction motor, DC converters are frequently employed in electric cars, trolleys,
marine hoists, forklift trucks, and mine haulers. They provide excellent acceleration control, high efficiency
and quick dynamic response. They can be applied to DC motors to provide regenerative braking, which returns
energy to the power source. This multiple-step characteristic helps transportation systems conserve energy. In
addition to being utilized in DC voltage regulators, DC converters can also be used to provide a DC current
source, specifically for the current source inverter, by working in tandem with an inductor [8].

Figure 2. PV array by MPPT controller and boost converter with soft switching

2.1. PV array
The efficiency of energy conversion is still insufficient, and the initial cost of implementation is still
considered to be significant, despite all the advantages connected with the use of PVs for energy generation.
In order to obtain the highest operating efficiency, it is vital to employ techniques that extract the most
electricity from these panels. It is important to note that the MPP, also known as the point of maximum power,
is just one and changes in the weather. When load changes are taken into account, it is hard to get the most
power out of photovoltaic because the power characteristics are not linear, as shown in Figure 3. These
characteristics change with temperature and solar irradiation levels. A comprehensive comparison of the
various ways of extracting the maximum power has been suggested in the literature [22]–[25] as a solution to
this issue, and the results can provide valuable information for the design of these systems. This paper uses
forms created in MATLAB/Simulink in order to evaluate the primary MPPT strategies described in the
literature. It then compares the techniques in-depth based on the number of sensors needed, the voltage changes
in steady state, the startup of the method, and how much energy is taken out. Obtaining the highest power is a
challenging task when load changes are taken into account since the characteristics of photovoltaic power are not
linear, as illustrated in Figure 3. These characteristics change with temperature and solar irradiation levels.
Numerous strategies for obtaining the maximum power have been put out in the literature [21].

2.2. Main MPPT control methods

In this part, the techniques of fixed duty cycle, constant voltage, perturb and observe (P&O),
incremental conductance (IC), ripple correlation, and system oscillation are briefly described. Because the load
impedance only needs to be modified once to locate the maximum power point and then it doesn't need to be
changed again, the fixed duty cycle technique is the simplest because it doesn't require any feedback. According
to empirical data from the constant voltage approach, under typical atmospheric circumstances, the voltage at

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MPP (VMPP) is between 70% and 80% of the PV open circuit voltage (VOC). The voltage at the module's
terminals fluctuates relatively little among the MPP sites (different atmospheric conditions), even while the
amount of solar energy varies. On the other hand, the VMPP rigorously adjusts in response to temperature
variations. As a result, alternate data must be accepted and assessed for a variety of geographic and
environmental circumstances because the operational point is never precisely at the MPP. The fact that just one
voltage sensor is required and that it offers excellent performance with little insulation is an interesting feature.
This strategy may be coupled with others to boost efficiency for this reason.

(a) (b)

Figure 3. PV current and power versus voltage characteristic (a) for different levels of temperature and (b) for
various solar irradiation levels

2.2.1. Perturb and observe (P&O) method

The P&O approach adjusts the output terminal voltage of the PV on a regular basis to compare the
power generated during the current cycle to the power generated during the previous cycle. The operating point
is changed by the control system either in the direction of the voltage variation and power increase or in the
other way. The current is modified slowly after the direction of the change in the current is recognized. In order
to achieve a balance between quicker reaction and fewer fluctuations in steady state, this rate is a parameter
that should be changed. Figure 4 shows the flowchart for this method. A P&O method is created when the steps
are adjusted in accordance with the MPP's distance, leading to greater efficiency. Despite the MPP, each MPPT
cycle causes a disturbance in the PV's output terminal voltage. is obtained, which is a common issue P&O
technique and results in a loss of power.

2.2.2. Incremental conductance IC method

The widely used incremental conductance based MPPT control inc-con is based on the measurement of
solar panel voltage and current for a specific frequency and is used in conjunction with solar panels. As shown in
Figure 3(b), the measurement findings indicate that the power slope of the PV is null at MPP
(dP/dV = 0), positive to the left and negative to the right. This circumstance makes it possible to calculate the MPP
in terms of the increase in array conductance. With the aid of (1), the IC circumstances recommended by (2).
𝑑𝑝 𝑑(𝑣.𝑖) 𝑑𝑖
= =𝑖+𝑣 =0 (1)
𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑣

∆𝑖 𝑖 ∆𝑖 𝑖 ∆𝑖 𝑖
= − … … (𝑎), > … … (𝑏), < … … (𝑐) (2)
∆𝑣 𝑣 ∆𝑣 𝑣 ∆𝑣 𝑣

Where (2.a) represents the situation at the MPP, (2.b) represents the situation to the left, and (2.c) denotes the
situation to the right of the MPP. This method, like P&O, seeks the MPP and has a modified version; however,

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it is not essential to calculate the PV output power, and it exhibits excellent transient performance when
subjected to fast changes in air conditions. Figure 5 illustrates the IC method's flowchart.

Figure 4. Flowchart of the P&O algorithm Figure 5. Flowchart of the IC algorithm

2.3. DC-DC boost converter soft switching

The boost converter is also utilized as a DC-DC electrical power interface between the battery load and
the solar panel to provide the best matching.The solar module's output voltage is used as the input parameter, and
it is adjusted to the required level while maintaining a constant output voltage. A boost chopper's output voltage
is always higher than or equal to its input voltage. It utilizes the same parts as the buck converter for easier
comparison. The steady-state and dynamic studies of ideal and non-ideal circuits are part of the boost converter
investigation. Happening when the ZVS circuit is being created, the auxiliary device must also be able to switch
under the ZCS- ZVS condition on its own. The proposed PWM zero voltage transition (ZVT) boost converter is
depicted in Figure 1. The sub-circuit is made up of the auxiliary devices S1, C1, D3, Lr, and D4 create desirable
switching conditions for the main device S2. To offer ZVS switching, Lr and C1 combine to form the resonant
tank. The charge across S2 is to be removed via the path that D3 and Lr produced in order to provide the ZVS
condition. The parallel addition of C2 and the primary switch S2 are made to provide ZVS during turn-off. The
seven topological stages that the proposed boost converter travels through during one switching cycle are seen in
Figures 6 and 7, along with the essential waveforms for each stage. Several assumptions are established
throughout each switching cycle in order to streamline the probing of operation modes [10]-[11].
− All the circuit components considered to be ideal.
− The input filter inductor L1 is sufficiently big to permit the use of the filters as a continuous current sink, Iin.
− Because the output capacitors Co1 and Co2 are sufficiently enough, their voltages are set at Vo.
− The input capacitor Cin is sufficiently large and has set voltages of Vi.
The purpose of the research is to establish a simple design-oriented formula, therefore the on-
resistances of the transistors, the DC resistance of the inductor, and the forward voltage drops of the diodes are
not taken into account. Figure 6 shows how the active switches are operating. Figure 2 illustrates the key
waveforms of the converter's theoretical steady state. As a result, each cycle of the converter has seven
switching stages as illustrated in Figures 7 (a) to 7(g). Before starting a new cycle, the auxiliary switch S1 was
switched on and the main switch S2 was turned off. The output current was being carried by the rectifier diode
Do, while the constant inductor current (Iin) was flowing via D3.
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Figure 6. Significant waveforms of the proposed converter

− Stage a: C1–Capacitor charging mode (to-t1)

When S1 is turned off by the clock signal, a new cycle begins. As it approaches V o, the voltage across
S1, VC1 parasitic capacitance increases (before being clamped by D 4). Do keeps transporting the input current.
Finding the converter waveform expressions requires solving the linear circuit of Figure 7(a).

Vc1 (t) = 𝑍1 Iin sin (𝑤1 𝑡)

iLr (t) = Iin cos (w1 t)
Vc2 (t) = 𝑉𝑜 (3)

Where:

L 1
Z1 = √ r, and ω1 = (4)
C √Lr C

C = C1 = C2. S1 and S2 were considered to be identical switches. The starting conditions are as follows:

Vc1 (0) = 0, Vc2 (0) = 𝑉𝑜 , iLr (0) = 𝐼𝑖𝑛

and the final condition is

Vc1 (t) = Vc2 (t) = 𝑉𝑜 , iLr (t1 ) = Iin √1 − α2

with
Vo
α=
Z1 Iin

providing the period of the first stage

Sin−1 α
t1 = (5)
ω1

VD4 = 0 when VC1 reaches Vo, and D4 is turned on with ZVS when VC1 reaches Vo. The commutation process
exhibits zero capacitive turn-on loss.

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− Stage b: Resonant inductor discharging mode (t1-t2)

Until the inductor current iLr reaches zero, Lr is discharged via the path D o-Vo-D3-Lr-D4. The entire
current (Iin+ID3) is still carried by Do. This step is crucial to the converter's design because it discharges the
inductor before the multi resonance stage, preventing a peak in the inductor current caused by resonance. The
waveform expressions are discovered to be as.

Vc1 (t) = 𝑉𝑜
Vc2 (t) = 𝑉𝑜
Vo
iLr (t) = Iin √1 − α2 − t
Lr
Vc1 (t 2 ) = 0 , Vc2 (t 2 ) = 0, 𝑖𝐿𝑟 (𝑡2 ) = 0 (6)

When the stage is complete. The duration of the stage is

Lr Iin
t2 =
Vo
√1 − α2 (7)

D3 and D4 are automatically switched off when I fall to zero.

− Stage c: three-element resonance mode(t2-t3)
In this period, the resonance of Lr, C1, and C2 causes simultaneous zeroing of VC1, VC2, and ILr. This
circumstance causes S1 and S2 to turn on at zero voltage and zero current. Because the switches are only active
when the current and voltage are zero, they do not incur any capacitive turn-on loss, unlike other converters
discussed in the literature. Below are the current and voltage expressions.

𝑉𝑜
𝑉𝑐1 (𝑡) = 𝑉𝑐2 (𝑡) = (1 + Cos 𝜔𝑒 𝑡)
2
𝑉𝑜
𝑖𝐿𝑟 (𝑡) = − Sin 𝜔𝑒 𝑡
𝑍𝑒
𝑖𝐷𝑜 (𝑡) = 𝐼𝑖𝑛 − 𝑖𝐿𝑟 (𝑡) (8)

Were

2𝐿𝑟 1
C =C1= C2, 𝑍𝑒 = √ , and 𝜔𝑒 = (9)
𝐶 √𝐿𝑟 𝐶⁄2

The duration's termination is decided by:

Vc1 (t 3 ) = 0 , Vc2 (t 3 ) = 0 , iLr (t 3 ) = 0

π
t3 = (10)
ωe

the largest absolute value of ILr at this point is:

𝑉𝑜
iLr max = (11)
𝑍𝑒

while C is an equivalent parasitic capacitance of µF, order, L >> C, indicates that is a low value of (11). During
this stage, the current flowing through Do is:
𝑉𝑜
iDo = 𝐼𝑖𝑛 + sin (𝜔𝑒 ) (12)
𝑍𝑒

with
𝑉𝑜
iDo max = 𝐼𝑖𝑛 + (13)
𝑍𝑒

In the proposed circuit, this is the lone instance of an overstressed switch. However, because (11) is so
insignificant, this stress does not call for an increase in Do.
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− Stage d: resonant inductor charging mode (t3-t4)

The ZVS is used to turn on S1 and S2 to start the stage. Zero turn-on losses for the capacitor are a
characterize of the commutation. Up till it reaches, the inductor current increases linearly (I in). This period is
when

𝑉𝑜
Vc1 (t 3 ) = 0 , Vc2 (t 3 ) = 0 , iLr (t 3 ) = 𝑡
𝐿𝑟

with the final conditions

Vc1 (t 4 ) = 0 , Vc2 (t 4 ) = 0 , iLr (t 4 ) = 𝐼𝑖𝑛

showing the duration of the period as

I𝑖𝑛𝐿𝑟
t4 = (14)
𝑉𝑜

as 𝑖𝐷𝑜 (𝑡) = 𝐼𝑖𝑛 − 𝑖𝐿𝑟 (𝑡)

iDo equals 0 at the conclusion of the interval, and Do automatically turns off.
− Stage e: Controlled mode (t4-t5)
During this stage

Vc1 (t 4 ) = 0 , Vc2 (t 4 ) = 0 , iLr (t 4 ) = 𝐼𝑖𝑛 (15)

The input is kept separate from the output during this time, and a steady current flow from the input filter
inductor to the resonant inductor Lr. The feedback loop that controls the output voltage controls how long this
stage lasts.
𝑡5
D= (16)
𝑇𝑠

Where: Ts is Switching period.

− Stage f: Capacitor C2 charging mode (t5 - t6):
At ZVS, S2 is opened to start Stage 6 operation, which will charge C2 with a continuous current. The present
stage is concluded when VC2 = Vo, at which point diodes D3 and Do conduct.

𝐼𝑖𝑛
𝑉𝑐1 (𝑡) = 𝑡
𝐶2
iLr (t) = 𝐼𝑖𝑛
iD𝑜 (t) = 0
𝑉𝐷𝑜 (𝑡) = 𝑉𝑜 − 𝑉𝐶2 (17)

At the end this stage, allowing for Do to turn on with ZVS, and VC2 (t6) = Vo and the duration is:

𝑉𝑜 𝐶2
𝑡6 = (18)
𝐼𝑖𝑛

− Stage g: freewheeling mode (t6 - t7)

While the current in Lr freely oscillates between D3 and S1, the energy stored in the filter inductor is released
into the output capacitor and load at this point. The duration's conclusion is dictated by (19).

Vc1 (t 7 ) = 0 , Vc2 (t 7 ) = 0 , iLr (t 7 ) = 𝐼𝑖𝑛 , iDo (t 7 ) = 𝐼𝑖𝑛 (19)

The suggested converter accomplishes soft switching without any capacitive turn-on losses by turning
off the auxiliary switch S1 at time t7 and starting to charge C1 to voltage Vo at the beginning of the new switching
cycle. Conduction loss on the additional switch S2 is the cost of this accomplishment. However, S2 is only used
for the first two stages, limiting losses.

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(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

(g)

Figure 7. Boost converter topological stages during a switching cycle (a) C1-capacitor charging, (b) resonant
inductor discharging, (c) three-element resonance, (d) resonant inductor charging, (e) controlled stage,
(f) C2-capacitor charging and (g) free-wheeling stage

2.4. Conversion ratio (M) and relation with duty ratio (D)
The equation for D in terms of M (M = Vo/Vi) is obtained by equating the energy of the converter's
input and output. The typical method of considering 100% efficiency [11] is also employed in this case, since
the average diode current generates the average output current when the diode is connected to the load side.
Both the energy output (Wo) and the energy input (Wi) every cycle is equal.

𝑇𝑠
𝑊𝑖 = 𝑉𝑖 𝐼𝑖𝑛 𝑇𝑠 , 𝑊𝑜 = 𝑉𝑜 ∫0 𝑖𝐷𝑜 𝑑𝑡 (20)

Improve the energy efficiency of pv systems by installing a soft switching boost … (Basim Talib Kadhem)
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The relationship between the conversion and duty ratio is shown below. This is done by substituting
the correct input and diode currents, which can be found by solving for the corresponding stages in the above
equation.
(𝑀−1) 𝑀𝛼 2
𝐷=( )− (21)
𝑀 𝐾

Were,
2𝑅𝐿
𝐾= (22)
𝐿𝑟 𝑓𝑠

fs is the switching frequency

The terms in the second bracket can be shown to have tiny values in comparison to the term (M-1)/M
for practical values; as a result, the new converter's duty ratio is quite similar to the boost converter's
conventional duty ratio. The previous equation also demonstrates how well the converter controls the load and
how changes in the load have very little influence on D.

2.5. Condition for ZVS

At the end of stage "c", the capacitor voltages VC1 and VC2 must be drained to zero in order to establish
the necessary conditions for ZVS. If VC1 is equal to Vo at the end of stage "a" then this is possible. It may be
shown that both of the above criteria can be satisfied if:

𝛼<1 (23)

in (23) gives the design formula for Lr:

𝑉𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑥 2
𝐿𝑟 > 𝐶 (24)
𝐼𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛 2

this gives the design value for Lr.

3. RESULTS OF SIMULATION FOR PV ARRAY WITH MPPT CONTROLLER AND DC SOFT

SWITCHING BOOST CONVERTER
On the basis of the block diagram in Figure 2, an expanded model of a PV array with a DC soft
switching boost converter and an MPPT controller was developed. In Figure 8, the model controller is
displayed. The solar irradiance and temperature of the PV array are again used as inputs for the extended model,
which are used to determine the PV array's output current, voltage, power, and open circuit voltage. The MPPT
controller model uses the computed PV array voltage and open circuit voltage to adjust the boost converter
duty cycle D using the two techniques shown in the flowcharts in Figures 4 and 5. For the DC soft switching
boost converter to operate, the main and auxiliary switches are triggered in accordance with the theoretical
description shown in Figure 6. The specifications for the PV array are shown in Table 1, while the parameters
of the DC soft switching boost converter are shown in Table 2.
Figures 9 and 10 display the simulation results for the soft switching boost converter with MPPT
controller (a and b). The MATLAB simulation, in which V C1, VC2, and ILr reach zero before S1 and S2 are
turned on, shows the zero-voltage and ZCS of S1 and S2. The input and output voltages of the soft-switching
boost converter at varying levels of solar irradiation and temperatures are shown in Figure 11 using various
MPPT controllers for the PV array.

Figure 8. The model controller for generating pulses to drive gates, main and auxiliary switches

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Table 1. Technical parameters of use PV panels Table 2. Circuit parameters of DC soft switching converter
Parameter name Parameter value Components Value Unit
Open circuit voltage 64.2V Input voltage, Vin 300 V
Max. power 305.226 W Output voltage, Vo 500 V
Voltage at the point of maximum 54.7 V Resonant inductor, Lr 150 µH
power Vmp Resonant capacitor, C1 1 µf
Temperature coefficient of -0.27269 Resonant capacitor, C2 1 µf
Voc(%/deg.C) Output Capacitor Co1 12 mf
Bandgap voltage for silicon 1.11 [eV] Output Capacitor Co2 12 mf
Short-circuit current 5.96[A] input Capacitor Cin 100 µf
Current at maximum power point ISC 5.58 A input inductor, Lf1 5 mH
Temperature coefficient of Isc 0.061745 Output power 60 kW
(%/deg.C) Switching frequency 5 kHz
Serial resistance 0.37152 [Ω] Minimum duty cycle 0.4 -
Parallel resistance 269.5934 [Ω] Maximum duty cycle 0.6 -
Module: SunPower SPR-305E-WHT-D

(a) (b)

Figure 9. Soft switch boost converter with MPPT controller simulation results; (1) gate signal S1 (2) gate
signal S2 (3) voltage capacitor C1 (4) voltage capacitor C2, (a) P&O method and (b) IC method

(a) (b)

Figure 10. Soft switch boost converter with MPPT controller simulation results; (1) current inductor Lr (2)
current IDo (3) current ID3 and (4) current ID2, (a) P&O method and (b) IC method

Improve the energy efficiency of pv systems by installing a soft switching boost … (Basim Talib Kadhem)
1066  ISSN: 2088-8694

(a) (b)

Figure 11. Simulation results of the photovoltaic characteristics; 1) solar irradiation, 2) temperature,
3) voltage output soft switching boost converter, and 4) voltage output PV array and input to the soft
switching boost converter: (a) P&O method and (b) IC method

Using different MPPT controllers, Figure 12 shows the PV array's power, current, voltage, and duty
cycle curves for changed solar irradiation and temperature. To simulate the load variation controlled by
MATLAB/Simulink, the DC-DC boost converter's soft switching model was utilized. It also included a
fluctuation to imitate the impact of the inductor ripple current. As shown in Figure 11, all experiments were
conducted while taking the same temperature and irradiance changes into consideration. The responses of the
top MPPT algorithms were analyzed, and the graph of PV power extracted highlights the maximum possible
power. It becomes vital to offer performance measurements that may be utilized as comparison criteria in order
to compare and tweak each algorithm suitably according to the application. There are extra metrics that are
used in these situations in addition to the standard metrics for dynamic responses. Regarding their dynamic
reaction, or how they act when the power panel is minimal and quickly adjusted to the nominal situation, MPPT
approaches should be contrasted. For the sake of testing, the output power ranges instantly from 11.7 KW to
30.6 KW and may be assessed using Figure 12. According to the results, P&O procedures and IC approaches
seem to require less time to reach a steady state (time of the order of 0.2 s). Just to emphasise the techniques,
P&O and IC employed the same approach to search for MPPT, which is dP/dV null at MPP, and as a result,
their quality indices were quite similar. A DC soft switching boost converter can function in seven different
modes, in accordance with the theoretical description that was previously provided. The switching impulses
produced by the MPPT controller are what cause a state to transition from one to the next. The
MATLAB/Simulink model is ideal in these situations because it makes it simple to combine several
representations of the model's object dynamic operation by simply specifying the right amount of states and
transitions between them. As a consequence, MATLAB/Simulink was used to create the model of the DC soft-
switching boost converter [8]. The results from the extended model were consistent with theoretical predictions
and were comparable to those from the simple PV array model using a DC hard switching boost converter.
However, the expanded model also shows the beneficial effects of a DC soft switching boost converter with
an MPPT controller, resulting in generating power that is nearly higher than that of the simple model. This
converter has the advantage of increasing circuit power efficiency and reducing switch power loss.
As demonstrated in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), the solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems with proposed
converter achieves an overall efficiency of 98% for various levels of solar irradiation (100 to 1000 W/m2) and
temperature (25 to 50 oC), with a maximum output power of 30.6 KW and a switching frequency of 5 kHz.
Even at low output powers, the efficiency is virtually equivalent to that of a comparable converter described in
[10], and it can be demonstrated that the efficiency levels are higher than those of most other Soft Switching
(SS) converters. Because the new converter is particularly sensitive to recirculated energy, as the load current
reduces, so does the converter loss. Finally, the simulation results validated the theoretic analysis of the
proposed ZVT-boost converter.

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Int J Pow Elec & Dri Syst ISSN: 2088-8694  1067

(a) (b)

Figure 12. Simulation results of the photovoltaic characteristics; 1) mean power to PV array, 2) Voltage
output PV array, 3) current output PV array, and 4) duty cycle: (a) P&O method and (b) IC method

(a) (b)

Figure 13. Comparing soft switching (SS) and hard switching (HS) boost converter efficiency curves,
(a) for different levels of solar irradiation and (b) for different levels of temperature

4. CONCLUSION
Solar energy is very important in modern times. Because it is a resource for energy production that is
freely accessible. However, the solar system's efficiency is the sole issue. Additionally, to improve efficiency,
the soft switching boost converter is controlled by maximum power point approaches (MPPT) techniques. The
active switches in the converter experience zero capacitive turn-on losses, in contrast to switches in other soft-
switched topologies discussed in the literature. The converter is subjected to a thorough mathematical
examination in steady-state conditions. The simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm in this research
can implement grid-connected power generation of the grid-connected soft switching boost converter and high
reliability and cheap cost.
The MPP changes as a result of changes in cell temperature or irradiance on the PV module
characteristic curve. To maximize the effectiveness of the PV system, continual tracking to the MPP is therefore
necessary. To accomplish the latter, a DC-DC soft switching boost converter is positioned between a PV
module and a load, and an MPPT algorithm is used to establish the proper duty ratio (D), which controls the
switching of the converter. A successful MPPT technique strikes a balance between tracks speed and steady-
state accuracy and demonstrates a quick reaction during unexpected environmental changes. These criteria
show that the proposed soft switching boost converter can be used with both IC and P&O approaches because
they have similar quality indices. Future research will concentrate on an ultra-high gain DC-DC converter with
Improve the energy efficiency of pv systems by installing a soft switching boost … (Basim Talib Kadhem)
1068  ISSN: 2088-8694

a single-switch design that can be utilized in fuel cell and photovoltaic systems because of its structural and
functional characteristics, including low input current ripple, high voltage gain, acceptable efficiency, and soft
switching performance.

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BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS

Basim Talib Kadhem received his B.Sc degree in electrical engineering from
the Engineering College at the University of Basrah in 1998. He received his Master's degree
from the same university in 2001. In 2009, He got his PhD from the College of Engineering,
Department Electrical Engineering of Electrical Power Systems and Networks, St-Petersbug
State Polytechnical University, Russia. He is now a faculty member at the engineering
college at the University of Basrah, Iraq. His research interests include softs-switching
converters., FACTS and applications of high-power inverters, power circuit modeling, and
study, torsional dynamics of powerful steam turbo generators, power system control. He can
be contacted at email: [email protected].

Sumer Sahib Hardan is a Lecturer at the Department of Electrical Engineering

at the University of Basrah, Iraq, where he has been a faculty member since 2002. Sumer
graduated from the Engineering College/Electrical Engineering Department in 1999 from the
University of Basrah and got his Msc in 2006 from the same university. His research interests
are primarily in the areas of power electronics, and wireless power transfer. He can be
contacted at email: [email protected].

Osama Yaseen Khudair Al-Atbee is a Lecturer at the Department of Electrical

Engineering at the University of Basrah, Iraq, where he has been a faculty member since
2006. Osama graduated from the Engineering College/Electrical Engineering Department in
2001 from the University of Basrah and got his Msc in 2005 from the same university. In
2018, he got his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Engineering College, University of
Leicester, United Kingdom (UK). His research interests are primarily in the areas of
renewable energy, power electronics, and micro-grids. He can be contacted at email
[email protected].

Khalid Mahdi Abdulhassan received his B.Sc degree in electrical engineering

from the Engineering College at the University of Basrah in 1997. He received his Master's
degree from the same university in 2001. In 2011, He got his PhD from the Engineering
College/Electrical Engineering Department/University of Basrah, Iraq. He is now a faculty
member at the engineering college at the University of Basrah, Iraq. His research interests
include control strategies for AC and DC machines and power electronics. He can be
contacted at email: [email protected].

Improve the energy efficiency of pv systems by installing a soft switching boost … (Basim Talib Kadhem)