Distributed MPPT PV system with current source inverter

The operation of a distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) photovoltaic (PV) system with a current source inverter (CSI) is confirmed. We proposed a current-linked distributed PV system instead of a voltage-linked one. All the previous studies of DMPPT PV systems use a voltage source inverter (VSI). Moreover, all commercial power optimizers that are provided by Solar Edge, Solar Magic, Tigo Energy, and so on are assumed to be connected to a VSI. The drawback of the power conditioning system (PCS) with a VSI is that it has to carry an electrolytic capacitor, which determines the life span of the PCS. By using a CSI, the reliability of the PCS is greatly improved; moreover, the module integrated converter (MIC) can consist of a buck-only converter. In this paper, we implemented two cascaded MICs with a CSI and confirmed the operation of the entire current-linked distributed PV system. The experimental results agree strongly with the theory and it proves the validity of the proposed system.