Performance Quantization and Comparative Assessment of Voltage Equalizers in Mismatched Photovoltaic Differential Power Processing Systems

Voltage equalizers (VEs) are essential for partially shaded photovoltaic (PV) modules by equalizing the voltage of PV modules and preventing anti-paralleled diodes from bypassing the shaded PV modules, resulting in improved power yield under partial shading conditions (PSCs). Recently, different topologies for VEs have been discussed based on the distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) principle at the module level. Considering that the power flow distribution, operation modes, and actual performance of these VEs show distinct differences, it becomes increasingly important for the performance quantification and comparative assessment of various topologies both theoretically and experimentally. Here, three typical differential-power-processing-based VEs are selected, including series-resonant-voltage-multiplier (SRVM), flyback-based PV-to-IP (Flyback-PV-IP), and flyback-based PV-to-Bus (Flyback-PV-Bus). Key performance indexes for VEs have been defined, including the processed power, power losses, and overall system efficiency. To quantify the performance of different topologies of VEs, an algorithm is developed in MATLAB with daily irradiation and temperature under various PSCs. Moreover, three experimental prototypes for the selected topologies have been built and main tests under different mismatching conditions have been conducted. With a systematic performance quantification and a fair comparison of typical VEs, this article will propose a systematic evaluation method for VE schemes. Meanwhile, the optimal VE topology with its control for typical PSC cases will be identified.