Control and configuration of three-level dual-active bridge DC-DC converter as a front-end interface for photovoltaic system

A novel converter configuration that allows for high frequency transformer integration and high voltage distribution is proposed for large scale grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system. The proposed configuration has in the front-end of the solar panel, dual-active bridge dc-dc converter with three-level neutral-point clamped secondary and a high-step-up ratio high frequency transformer. The output of the dual-active bridge converter may be connected to a high voltage inverter to achieve high ac voltage to allow for direct interconnection with the utility ac grid at distribution voltage level. The proposed configuration has advantages of high frequency transformer, high efficiency and high voltage operation. Phase-shift modulation technique along with Maximum Power Point Tracking is proposed for the three-level dual-active bridge converter and the overall converter performance is verified in simulation.