Enhanced Quadratic Boost Converter for PV Applications

Abstract

This paper presents a performance analysis of an enhanced quadratic boost converter (EQBC) designed for photovoltaic applications (PV). The design topology aims for quadratic voltage gain with continuous converter current and high conversion efficiency, making the new converter adaptive to various PV operating conditions. The converter architecture is designed and simulated using LTspice based on optimized component parameters. The converter features a coupled-inductor arrangement and a quadratic boost topology, which enhance gain characteristics while maintaining operational efficiency across a wide duty-cycle range. Furthermore, a 300 W PV module is used as the input source to assess system behavior under different loads and environmental factors. Simulation results reveal that the maximum power delivered effectively to the load at a duty cycle of 0.34, providing mid-range flexibility for compensating for load and environmental variation. The voltage analysis verifies the quadratic relationship for a duty cycle of 0.5, and two slopes have been identified: one linear from 0.1 to 0.46 and another modified after that. The efficiency is high for duty cycles up to 0.54, ranging from 96% to 93%, and then reduces linearly to 84% for higher duty cycles. Therefore, EQBC records superior gain and efficiency across a wider duty cycle range compared to a conventional quadratic converter. The results reveal that the EQBC is a promising solution for PV systems that require high voltage gain, high efficiency, and operate under dynamic conditions, particularly in systems utilizing maximum power point tracking (MPPT).