High-performance soft-commutated converter for solar energy conversion

In this paper, the authors present a detailed study and analysis of a series resonant converter topology operating in quasi-resonant mode. The dc-to-ac converter is used to convert the solar energy obtained from a photovoltaic field into an ac current. Theoretical study based on the state-plane method is completed and sets of static characteristics curves for all operating modes are obtained. A general design methodology is elaborated which permits the determination of the constraints on the semiconductors and reactive components. Finally, a performance analysis of the converter feeding different types of loads (utility, linear and nonlinear loads), and a harmonic analysis of different waveforms based on simulation and experimental results are presented.