Boost Converter with a Reconfigurable Inductor

A modified boost converter with a reconfigurable inductor is presented for increasing solar energy capture during low light periods. The flexibility of the reconfigurable magnetic component allows a higher inductance, and therefore a smaller current ripple without increasing the volume to meet peak current saturation requirements. A gain of 18% of collected energy at 0.07 kW/m² was found experimentally, compared with an equivalent volume inductor sized for the peak photovoltaic (PV) panel current. Low-light conditions generally dictate worst-case design requirements in off-grid applications with battery energy storage. An increase in collected energy at low light can reduce the necessary PV panel size, inductor volume, or both. These potential reductions may offset the cost of the extra semiconductors needed for reconfiguring the inductor.