Simulation and Modeling of a Photovoltaic Energy System Using Boost Converter and MPPT Control to Improve Solar Power Extraction

Abstract

In this paper, a photovoltaic (PV) system with a dual-phase boost converter and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control has been designed, simulated, and experimentally validated. The suggested converter uses coupled inductors and active clamp connection, which lightens current stress on the power switches, minimizes input current ripple, and prevents voltage spikes. This enables low voltage rated IGBT to be used, reducing conduction loss and the cost of the system. Leakage inductances are used to recover energy, and it is increasing efficiency in general. This system was simulated in MATLAB/Simulink, and a prototype created and tested under natural conditions of a real solar irradiance in Kirkuk, Iraq. The results indicate that the system achieves a peak efficiency of 94.6% under maximum irradiance (920 W/m² at 1:00 PM local time), with the MPPT controller successfully tracking the maximum power point during changing environmental conditions. An extensive ablation experiment determines the individual contribution of the dual-phase topology (2.8% efficiency enhancement) and active clamp circuit (2.5% efficiency enhancement and 28.4% voltage stress reduction). The comparative analysis of the results with the literature of the recent past reveals that the design being proposed can provide the competitive performance (94.6% peak efficiency, <5% ripple) at the lower complexity and cost compared to the sophisticated ANN-based techniques. The simulation results showed a strong correlation with experimental measurements, with a maximum deviation not exceeding 0.6% (a simulated efficiency of 94.6% versus an experimental efficiency of 94.0%), thereby confirming the validity of the proposed design approach. The statistical validation of the results in several trials indicates a consistent performance with a standard deviation of less than 0.4 percent. The system exhibits quick dynamic response to the changes in irradiance which stabilize in 150-200 milliseconds. This piece of work offers a low cost and efficient method of extracting solar energy in areas where the solar potential is high and verified using real environment data of Kirkuk, Iraq. The results will be used to design viable, commercializable PV systems with balanced performance, ease and economic viability to be deployed in large scale installations in other related climatic areas.