Full Bridge LLC Converter Secondary Architecture Study for Photovoltaic Application

Abstract

The increasing global energy demand calls for attention on renewable energy development. Among the available technology, the photovoltaic (PV) panels is a popular solution. Thus, targeted Power Conditioning Systems (PCSs) are drawing increased attention in research. Microconverter is one of the PCS that can support versatile applications in various power line architectures. This work focuses on the comparison of circuit secondary side architectures for LLC converter for microconverter application. As the research foundation, general characteristic of solar energy and PV panel operation are introduced for the understanding of the needs. Previous works are referenced and compared for advantages and limitation. Base on conventional secondary resonant full bridge LLC converter, the two sub-topologies of different secondary rectification network: active, full bridge secondary and active voltage doubler output end LLC converter are presented in detail. The main operating principle is also described in mathematical formula with the corresponding cycle-by-cycle operation to ensure the functional equality before proceeding to performance comparison. Circuit efficiency analysis is conducted on the main power stage and the key components with frequency consideration. The hardware circuit achieved the designed function while the overall hardware efficiency result agrees with analysis. In the implementation, the transformer is costume built for the system pacification. Another part is the parasitic effect analysis. At a high operating frequency and to achieve very high-frequency operation, parasitic effect need to be fully understood and considered as it may have the dominating effect on the system.