A global maximum power point tracking DC-DC converter

Abstract

This thesis describes the design, and validation of a maximum power point tracking DC-DC converter capable of following the true global maximum power point in the presence of other local maximum. It does this without the use of costly components such as analog-to-digital converters and microprocessors. It substantially increases the efficiency of solar power conversion by allowing solar cells to operate at their ideal operating point regardless of changes in load, and illumination. The converter switches between a dithering algorithm which tracks the local maximum and a global search algorithm for ensuring that the converter is operating at the true global maximum.