An improved MPPT interleaved boost converter for solar electric vehicle application

An interleaved boost dc/dc converter is developed featuring smaller input/output filters, faster dynamic response and lower device stress than conventional designs, for solar electric vehicle (SEV) applications. The converter is connected between the photovoltaic power generation and dc bus in a multisource energy storage system of a SEV. Typically, interleaved converters require a current control loop to reduce the input current ripples, the output voltage ripples, and the size of passive components with high efficiency. A Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller for a Photovoltaic (PV) solar system associated to backup source (Battery) guarantees an uninterrupted power supply and assist the propulsion of the vehicle during transients and recover energy during regenerative braking. The design, construction, and testing of an experimental hardware prototype is presented, with the test results included.