Advanced Development of Parallel-Connected Converters with Innovative Control

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes a solar-based expandable, parallel-connected power system with robust maximum power point tracking (MPPT) capability. As the need for flexible, scalable solar power requirements increases,and in an effort to avoid the redesign of the solar based power systems, a modular infrastructure of power processing management is implemented for maximum utilization of the available power from multi-channel solar array sources. The proposed approachcombines the following innovative technologies and features (1) improved adaptability and efficiency of hybrid MPPT control algorithm, (2) shared-bus configuration is elaborated to allow the paralleled channels to operate in different modes withoutinteraction between each other, (3) flexibility for power expansion and near uniform current sharing, and (4) system can be configured with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) power modules.In this Phase II SBIR, Apecor, Corp. will (1) fine tune system parameters with large signal test/modeling to increase MPPT adaptability and system dynamic performance based on Phase I simulation and experimental setup, (2) develop a design platform for asatellite power system with multiple solar arrays peak-power tracking, (3) modify partner¿_Ts dc-dc converter modules to boost system efficiency and provide interface for current sharing and MPPT control, (4) design a ready for transfer satellite powersystem prototype with six solar arrays and the backup battery for demonstration, and (5) design Module Integration Converter (MIC) with proposed concepts for home utility applications,