Analysis of Boost Converter Topologies for Photovoltaic Systems Under Partial Shading Conditions

Abstract

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into power grids and standalone applications is rapidly expanding due to the growing demand for sustainable energy sources. However, the efficiency of these systems is highly sensitive to fluctuations in solar irradiance, particularly under partial shading conditions (PSC). To address the negative impact of PSC and improve energy conversion, various boost converter topologies have been extensively studied and developed. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of different boost converter configurations designed for PV systems operating under PSC, including conventional, interleaved, quadratic, and switched-capacitor converters. Their performance is evaluated in terms of voltage gain, efficiency, and power quality. In addition, the study assesses the influence of PSC on power output and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) capabilities for each topology, offering valuable insights into their suitability for PV systems under dynamically varying solar conditions. The findings highlight the critical importance of selecting the appropriate converter topology to maximize energy harvesting and minimize power losses in shaded environments.