Abstract
Traditionally, isolated and non-isolated boost converters are used for solar photovoltaic systems (SPV). These converters have limitations such as low voltage gain, less voltage ripples, temperature dependence, high voltage stress across the switches, and being bulky in size. Besides, the solar PV system also has non-linear characteristics between I–V and P–V, and the energy yield potential is affected by partial shading phenomena. Therefore, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is being added to the SPV system to get the maximum output power under steady and dynamic climate conditions. Although the conventional MPPT has drawbacks such as less accuracy in predicting the MPP under partial shading conditions, low tracking speed, and more ripples, Hence, the research proposes a stackable single switch boost converter (SSBC) with a Cuckoo search MPPT controller for the SPV system. The efficiency of the proposed circuit topology has been compared with conventional boost converters with various MPPTs. Subsequently, the accuracy of tracking true MPPT by CSO is compared with that of PSO and FPNA. The results show, that the CMPPT with CBC has produced more ripples, whereas the BMPPT with SSBC produces ripple-free power under steady conditions. It is also observed that SSBC with BMPPT produces more power than SSBC with TMPPT. The efficiency of SSBC with BMPPT is better than other combinations. Finally, a prototype model has been developed and verified.