Design Simulation and Hardware Construction of an Arduino Microcontroller Based DC DC High Side Buck Converter for Standalone PV System

International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)
Volume 8 Issue 1, January-February 2024 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470
@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD64518 | Volume – 8 | Issue – 1 | Jan-Feb 2024 Page 961
Design Simulation and Hardware Construction of an
Arduino-Microcontroller Based DC-DC High-Side
Buck Converter for Standalone PV System
Chan Myae Aung, Dr. Ei Mon
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yangon Technological University, Yangon, Myanmar
ABSTRACT
This study primarily focuses on the design of a high-side buck
converter using an Arduino microcontroller. The converter is
specifically intended for use in DC-DC applications, particularly in
standalone solar PV systems where the PV output voltage exceeds
the load or battery voltage. To evaluate the performance of the
converter, simulation experiments are conducted using Proteus
Software. These simulations provide insights into the input and
output voltages, currents, powers, and efficiency under different state
of charge (SoC) conditions of a 12V,70Ah rechargeable lead acid
battery. Additionally, the hardware design of the converter is
implemented, and practical data is collected through operation,
monitoring, and recording. By comparing the simulation results with
the practical results, the efficiency and performance of the designed
converter are assessed. The findings indicate that while the buck
converter is suitable for practical use in standalone PV systems, its
efficiency is compromised due to a lower output current.
KEYWORDS: Arduino-microcontroller, DC-DC High-side Buck,
Switching Frequency, Proteus, Output Voltage, Output Current,
Efficiency
How to cite this paper: Chan Myae
Aung | Dr. Ei Mon "Design Simulation
and Hardware Construction of an
Arduino-Microcontroller Based DC-DC
High-Side Buck Converter for
Standalone PV System" Published in
International
Journal of Trend in
Scientific Research
and Development
(ijtsrd), ISSN:
2456-6470,
Volume-8 | Issue-1,
February 2024,
pp.961-966, URL:
www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd64518.pdf
Copyright © 2024 by author (s) and
International Journal of Trend in
Scientific Research and Development
Journal. This is an
Open Access article
distributed under the
terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
INTRODUCTION
Nowadays, there is a growing demand for power
while the resources used for power generation are
becoming increasingly insufficient. Traditional
resources like fossil fuels contribute to global
warming and the greenhouse effect. As a result,
renewable energy resources are being utilized on a
large scale for power generation. Since most
renewable energy resources generate DC voltage,
DC-DC power electronic converter circuits are
extensively employed to convert one DC voltage
level to another. Various converter topologies such as
buck, boost, buck-boost, CUK, SEPIC, and ZETA are
commonly used in photovoltaic (PV) applications to
achieve regulated DC power based on the specific
requirements. This study focuses on the
implementation of an Arduino-microcontroller based
DC-DC converter using the buck topology for a
Stand-alone solar PV system [1].
Fig. 1. Stand-alone PV system with Arduino-
microcontroller based DC-DC High-side buck
converter
The study showcases the development of an Arduino-
microcontroller based DC-DC high-side buck
converter for a standalone PV system through design
simulation and hardware implementation. The power
supply is used for both simulation and practical
testing, replacing the 100 Wp solar PV module paired
with a 12 V,70Ah rechargeable lead acid battery.
Design calculations are meticulously performed based
IJTSRD64518

International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
on the specifications of the chosen module and
battery. Subsequently, modeling and simulation
activities are conducted using Proteus software. The
hardware design is then constructed with the
calculated component values. The outcomes are
meticulously documented and stored using an
Arduino Data Logger Shield, accompanied by
graphical representations. Finally, the efficiency and
effectiveness of the designed converter are assessed.
OPERATION OF ARDUINO-
MICROCONTROLLER BASED DC-DC HIGH-
SIDE BUCK CONVERTER
The DC-DC high-side buck converter based on
Arduino microcontroller primarily comprises storage
elements (specifically inductor and capacitor), power
electronic switches (transistor switches like BJT,
MOSFET, or IGBT, and diode switch), and an
Arduino microcontroller. In Figure 2, the inductor is
linked with the capacitor to create an LC low pass
filter, which aids in reducing the output ripple
voltage. During the ON state, the inductor stores
energy and discharges it to the load during the OFF
state. The capacitor functions as a smoothing filter. A
variable resistor is utilized for adjusting the duty
cycle from 0% to 100%. A transistor switch like
MOSFET is employed to regulate the duty cycle of
the pulse width modulation (PWM) signal produced
by the Arduino microcontroller and manage the
energy flow between the input and output. When the
switch is turned ON, the diode becomes reverse
biased and supplies energy to both the inductor and
the load [2].
Fig. 2. Circuit Schematic for Arduino-
microcontroller based DC-DC High-side Buck
Converter
When the switch is in the OFF position, the diode will
be forward biased, allowing the stored energy from
the inductor current to be transferred to the load. The
diode switch is designed to ensure continuous
conduction even when the circuit is open (OFF). To
trigger the MOSFET, a MOSFET gate driver is
employed. The Arduino microcontroller is
responsible for generating a PWM signal with the
desired switching frequency (fs). Voltage and current
sensors are utilized to detect and measure the voltage
and current levels. The primary purpose of the DC-
DC buck converter is to decrease a higher input DC
voltage to a lower output DC voltage level [3].
MAIN COMPONENTS NEEDED FOR STAND-
ALONE PV SYSTEM WITH ARDUINO-
MICROCONTROLLER BASED DC-DC HIGH-
SIDE BUCK CONVERTER
The hardware circuit is constructed by gathering the
components depicted in Fig. 2. The primary
component in this circuit includes:
 Arduino UNO board and Arduino Data Logger
Shield: This combination is utilized to supply the
PWM signal to the Gate terminal of the MOSFET
and for real-time measurement and data logging
of input/output voltage and current.
 Voltage and Current Sensor: These sensors are
employed to detect and quantify the input/output
voltage and current of the high-side buck
converter.
 MOSFET and Schottky Diode: These
semiconductor devices are utilized for the
necessary switching operations.
 MOSFET driver: This circuit is responsible for
driving the gate of power MOSFETs in
applications requiring high-speed switching.
The key components utilized for the Arduino-
converter are illustrated in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3. Circuit components used in High-side
Buck Converter: (a) Arduino UNO Board with
data logger shield, (b) Voltage Sensor and
Current Sensor, (c) MOSFET and MOSFET
Driver, (d) Schottky Diode, (e) Self-made
Inductors and (f) Capacitors and Variable
Resistor
MATHEMATICAL DESIGN CALCULATION
OF ARDUINO-MICROCONTROLLER BASED
DC-DC HIGH-SIDE BUCK CONVERTER
In order to determine the accurate rating of circuit
components, the mathematical equations specified for
Arduino-microcontroller based DC-DC high-side
buck converter design are utilized. Equation (1) is
employed to compute the desired output voltage
based on the maximum input voltage. The inclusion
of converter efficiency (ƞ) in the duty cycle (D)
calculation enhances the accuracy of the duty cycle
value. Equation (2) is utilized to determine the
maximum output current required for this particular
design. Equation (3) provides a reliable estimation for
the appropriate inductor ripple current. Equation (4) is
used to calculate the correct power transistor switch
current. Equation (5), in conjunction with the desired
switching frequency (fs), aids in selecting the suitable
inductor. A smaller inductance (L) results in a
reduced inductor size. Equation (6) considers the
peak-to-peak ripple voltage to calculate the minimum
input capacitance. Lastly, Equation (7) considers the
output ripple voltage to calculate the minimum output
capacitance.
METHODOLOGY
The Arduino-microcontroller based high-side buck
converter is designed to reduce the DC voltage from
the solar panel input range of 17V-18.05V to the
output range of 11V to 14.7V. The converter operates
at a switching frequency of 31.375 kHz and has
realistic values for efficiency (90%), input
capacitance ripple voltage (75mV), and output
capacitance ripple voltage (20mV). The calculated
values include the duty cycle (0.98), inductor ripple
current (1.39A), inductance (50uH), input capacitance
(32uF), and output capacitance (249uF). The
simulation model of the Arduino-based low-side buck
converter is performed using Proteus 8 Professional
Software, considering the estimated and calculated
values based on Equations (1) to (7). The PWM
output signal from the Arduino microcontroller,
operating at the desired switching frequency of
31.375 kHz, is measured using a virtual instrument
(oscilloscope), while the voltage, current, and power
values are measured using virtual instruments
(voltmeter, ammeter, and wattmeter). A low pass
filter is added to the circuit to obtain a purely DC
output voltage, and a metal oxide field effect
transistor (MOSFET) is used as the power transistor
switch for faster switching speed.
The necessary components for the hardware
construction are selected based on the maximum
transistor switch current and maximum solar input
voltage. This is because components like MOSFET,
inductor, capacitor, diode, and resistor need to be able
to withstand these specifications. The hardware
design is then tested, analyzed, and measured using
measuring instruments such as a digital oscilloscope,
laboratory DC power supply, RLC meter, and digital
multimeter. The real-time measuring results, obtained
using a 12V, 100W solar panel and a 12V, 70Ah
rechargeable battery, demonstrate that the Arduino-
converter circuit can successfully produce the
expected results.
ARDUINO-MICROCONTROLLER BASED DC-
DC HIGH-SIDE BUCK CONVERTER DESIGN
SIMULATION
A simulation model of a DC-DC high-side buck
converter based on Arduino microcontroller is
developed using the block diagram illustrated in
Figure 1. The input voltage is set to 18 V, based on
the PV module specifications. The output of the
converter is linked to charge a 12.0 V battery. The
values of inductance and capacitance for the circuit
are determined using the equations provided in
Section 4. The simulation model design is depicted in
Figure 4.

Fig. 4. (31.375 kHz) Arduino-microcontroller
based DC-DC High-Side Buck Simulation Test
by Proteus Software
During the simulation test, the converter's
input/output voltage, current, and power are assessed
using virtual measuring instruments. The duty cycle
remains consistent at 0.98 per unit. The PWM signal
is observed at the MOSFET driver's input and the
MOSFET's Gate terminal through a virtual
oscilloscope. The simulation is conducted by
considering different battery SoC levels to gather
realistic data. The simulation outcomes of the
converter design are illustrated in Figure 5.
In Figure 5(a), the voltage output is lower than the
input voltage, falling within the range of 12.7 V to
12.9 V. This specific voltage range is suitable for
charging the battery safely. In Figure 5(b), the output
current is slightly higher than the input current. This
increased output current helps in minimizing power
losses within the system. Moving on to Figure 5(c),
the efficiency shows a slight improvement as the
State of Charge (SoC) of the battery increases. The
efficiency range is between 71% and 73%, with an
average efficiency of approximately 72%.
Fig. 5. Simulation Results for: (a) Voltage vs.
Battery SoC, (b) Current vs. Battery SoC and (a)
Efficiency vs. Battery SoC of High-side Buck
Converter
HARDWARE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION OF
ARDUINO-MICROCONTROLLER BASED
HIGH-SIDE BUCK CONVERTER
The hardware design of the high-side buck converter,
which is based on an Arduino microcontroller, is
implemented using the simulation model depicted in
Figure 4. Instead of using the voltage from the PV
module, the input voltage is sourced from the power
supply and set to 18.1 V. The output of the converter
is connected to charge a 12.0 V,70Ah battery. The
values of the circuit parameters, such as inductance
and capacitance, are determined using the equations
presented in Section 4. The hardware construction
and experimental setup are illustrated in Figures 6(a)
and 6(b).

(a)
(b)
Fig. 6. (a) Hardware Design of Arduino-
microcontroller based DC-DC High-side Buck
Converter and (b) Practical Setup with buck
converter
During the experimental test, the converter's input
voltage and current are measured using sensors, while
the output voltage and current are measured with
digital multimeters. The duty cycle is maintained at a
constant value of 0.98 per unit. The Pulse Width
Modulation (PWM) signal is observed at the Gate
terminal of the MOSFET using a digital oscilloscope.
In the experimental process, a discharged 70Ah, 12V
lead-acid battery is recharged from 61% to 73% State
of Charge (SoC) using the designed hardware circuit.
Data from the experiment, which includes various
battery SoC levels, is gathered every 20 minutes from
9:30 am to 4:30 pm and presented in Fig. 7.
In Figure 7(a), the voltage output is lower than the
input voltage, measuring approximately 13.28V. This
voltage is sufficient for safely charging the battery. In
Figure 7(b), the output current is slightly higher than
the input current, which helps in reducing power
losses within the system. Moving on to Figure 7(c),
the efficiency shows a slight improvement as the
State of Charge (SoC) of the battery increases. The
efficiency range falls between 80% and 83%, with an
average efficiency of around 81.5%.
Figure 7. Practical Results for: (a) Voltage vs.
Battery SoC, (b) Current vs. Battery SoC and (a)
Efficiency vs. Battery SoC of High-side Buck
Converter
CONCLUSION
In a standalone solar PV system, buck converters play
a crucial role in reducing the high PV output voltage
to a level suitable for the load or battery. This study
focuses on the design, modeling, and construction of
an Arduino-microcontroller based DC-DC high-side
buck converter. The circuit is designed to utilize
power from the supply for charging a 12V battery,

rather than directly from the solar PV module. Both
simulation and practical tests were conducted to
measure input and output parameters. The
experimental results showed higher output voltages
compared to the simulation, which are adequate for
battery charging. However, the output currents from
the experimental tests were lower than those from the
simulation, leading to increased power losses and
reduced system efficiency. Despite being suitable for
practical use, the designed high-side buck circuit is
deemed less efficient due to the lower output currents.
Future research should focus on implementing a new
current booster buck circuit and a closed-loop control
technique to enhance converter efficiency using an
appropriate MPPT method.
References
[1] N H Baharudin, et al, “Performance Analysis of
DC-DC Buck Converter for Renewable Energy
Application”, IOP Conf. Series: Journal of
Physics: Conf. Series 1019 (2018) 012020.
[2] Shafinaz A. Lopa, et al, “Design and
Simulation of DC-DC Converters”,
International Research Journal of Engineering
and Technology [IRJET], Volume: 03, Issue:
01, Jan-2016.
[3] Moez Youssef, et al, “Design of DC-DC
Converter Bench Controlled by an Arduino
Microcontroller”, International Journal of
Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT),
Vol.9 Issue 07, July-2020.
[4] Brigitte Hauke, “Basic Calculation of a Buck
Converter’s Power Stage”, Application Report,
Texas Instrument, SLVA477B-December
2011-Revised 2015.
[5] Ananya Dutta, et al, “Design of an Arduino
based Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
Solar Charge Controller”, Department of
Electrical and Electronic Engineering, BRAC
University, Dhaka, 2016.

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