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Comparative Study on Buck and Buck-Boost DC-DC Converters for MPP

Tracking for Photovoltaic Power Systems

Conference Paper · February 2016

DOI: 10.1109/CICT.2016.81

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Comparative Study on Buck and Buck-Boost DC-DC
Converters for MPP Tracking for Photovoltaic Power Systems
Abstract— This research work addresses a comparative
examination of the two basic non-isolated DC-DC converters that
could be interfaced effectively for maximum power point
tracking (MPPT) in photovoltaic (PV) systems via tracking
algorithm of controlling the duty ratio of these converters.
Examination of two famous DC-DC convertor topologies i.e.
buck, and buck-boost converters has been performed here to
scrutinize the behavior of converter behavior relating to
changing atmospheric attributes, sequentially the deviation in the
duty ratio (due to MPPT), and tracking efficiency. With the
variant in the atmospheric conditions, the working value of
resistance at the maximum power point (Rmpp) varies. In order
to efficiently operate the system at the maximum power point,
the MPPT algorithm must make the system work near to the
value of Rmpp for the intermittent atmospheric pattern of
varying insolation and temperature. The effectiveness of the
MPPT algorithm can be scaled by this very obligation. The
simulation study verifies that, although buck, and buck-boost
converters are implemented as power converters for MPPT
control, they are don’t equally efficient. The consequence of
diverse loads having values different to Rmpp on converter-side
output is analyzed for the two important topologies, and it is
inferred that the buck-boost converter topology most efficiently
tracks the maximum power point (MPP) in case of varying
temperature, insolation, and loading effect.
Keywords— PV system; Maximum power point tracking; Buck
convertor; Buck-Boost DC-DC Converters; duty ratio control
I. INTRODUCTION
The photovoltaic (PV) generation system as a renewable
energy source being nonpolluting, and inexhaustible, is
becoming increasingly popular in modern power system. Solar
energy may replace fossil fuels when used in combination
with other green power sources such as wind, hydroelectric
power etc. [1].
The low conversion efficiency is the main issue with the
PV, that lie between 12–18%, even though experimental cells
over 30% have been fabricated [2] PV panels demonstrate
current voltage (I–V) and power voltage (P–V) characteristics
which are nonlinear in nature [3] a occurrence that is
prominent in partly shaded environment owing to more than
one maximum power point (MPP). At a fixed solar irradiation,
temperature, and load , it is important to make Photo Voltaic
power system function in a state that extracts maximum power
from the PV panel for most advantageous utilization. Thus,
among the methods to get the most out of the obtainable PV
system output, maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
control for DG integration and correct Network
reconfiguration, is of utmost importance[4].
For the period of intermittent fluctuations in solar
insolation, temperature, and connected load, the algorithm for
MPPT control controls the duty ratio of the power electronics
interface i.e. a DC-DC converter connected between the
photovoltaic panel and load end, so that it makes the the
operating point of the converter and the MPP of the PV panel
coincides for the maximum power to be extracted from the
panel to the load. The attention of most of the researches is on
the expansion, and realization of tracking algorithms
pertaining to MPP functionality. Nevertheless, the individual
performance of power electronics interfacing DC-DC
converters relating to duty ratio variation in MPPT
implementation still remains to be investigated in depth. The
alteration of the duty ratio has a subsequent varying effect on
performance parameters of DC-DC converter that might lead
to contravention of the converter topology’s design constraints
like increment of ripple content in inductor current and in
output voltage. To build up a reliable photovoltaic system
with a appropriate converter topology, which may track MPP
functionality, it is necessary to scrutinize DC-DC converters
interfaced for this operation. Their tracking ability, and
efficiency with varying solar insolation, temperature, and
loading demands.
The presented research work accounts for the analysis of
the performance of the PV system that utilize a MPPT
algorithm which is customized to perform in intermittent solar
insolation and temperature schemas, using two popular
topologies of DC-DC converters. Each converter topology has
been analysed for its tracking efficiency for a certain set of
resistive loads, and a relative estimation of the behavior of the
converters id presented. Liu et al. [3] examined that HC and
P&O techniques be extensively utilized by PV set ups owing
to lesser monitored parameters needed in the tracking
algorithm and its simplified architecture. To make the
operation unfuzzy and execution lucid, the tracking algorithm
for the presented study is chosen to be the HC direct duty ratio
control algorithm.
II. PV MODULE MODELLING
The equivalent circuit of a PV cell is presented in
Fig. 1. The photon current is realized by the inclusion of a
current source Iph. The intrinsic shunt and series resistances
are represented by Rsh and Rs respectively, and in that Rsh is
very large in general and can be ignored to abridge the
examination [4].
Every Photovoltaic unit, when arranged collectively
in a grouping of parallel and series cells form a PV array. The
KYOCERA KC-120-1 PV array has been mathematically
modelled in the equations from (1) to (4) [5].
 series are expressed as Np and Ns with the values for the
above PV panel as Ns=36 and Np=1.

Table I: Electrical Characteristics of Kyocera

KC120-1 PV model

Parameter Rating
Maximum Power 120 W
Voltage at maximum power 16.9 V
Current at maximum power 7.10 A
Short circuit current 7.45 A
Open circuit voltage 21.5 V
Fig. 1. Circuit representation of a PV cell Total number of cells in 36
series
Photon current of PV panel Iph (Eq.(1)) Total no of cells in parallel 1

Iph  [ Iscr  Ki (T  298)]*  /1000
(1)
Module reverse saturation current Irs (Eq.(2))
Irs  Iscr /[exp(qVoc / NsKAT )  1]
(2)
The saturation current of the PV panel i.e. Io changes when
there is a varying cell temperature, and is modelled by Eq.(3)
1 1
Io  Irs[T / Tr ]3 * e xp(qEgo / AK )[  ]
Tr T
Table I lists the electrical specifications of the Kyocera
KC120-1 PV module specified at STC (i.e. at a irradiation of
1000 W/m2, 25° C temperature and AM 1.5) which has been
considered as the reference module in this paper for
investigation. I-V & PV curve of the PV module at 1kW/m2 &
25 ºC are shown in Fig.2.
8 140
Current
7 Power
120
6
100

Power (W)
5
(3) 80
Current (A)

4
The phovoltaic panel’s output current is given by Eq.(4) 60
3

q *(Vpv  IpvRs) 40
Ipv  NpIph  Np * Io[e xp{ }  1] 2
NsAKT 1 20
(4)
0 0
Where the short-circuit current of the photovoltaic panel is 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

represented as Iscr in Amperes, at 1kW/m2 of solar insolation Voltage (V)

and temperature of 25 ºC, short-circuit current temperature co-
efficient is represented as Ki at Iscr (0.0017A/°C) , operating
temperature of the solar panel is represented as T which is
expressed in Kelvin (K), illumination of the solar panel is
represented as λ and expressed in (kW/m2), reverse saturation
current is represented as Irs and is expressed in Amperes,
Electron charge is represented as q which in numerical terms
is (1.6 × 10-19 C ), open circuit voltage of solar panel is
represented as Voc expressed in Volts, the number of cells
connected in series is given as Ns in the above equations ,
Boltzmann’s constant k is having the value of 1.3805 × 10 -23
J/K , an ideality factor is given by A acquiring the value of
1.2, reference temperature Tr is fixed in the Kelvin scale as (
298 K), band gap for silicon is represented as Ego which is 1.1
eV , output current of a PV module is represented as Ipv in
Amperes , output voltage of the PV module is represented as
Vpv n is expressed in volts, the number of cells in parallel and
Fig 2. I-V & PV curve of the PV module at 1kW/m2 & 25 ºC
III. DC-DC CONVERTERS
Through manipulating the functional sequence of the switches
in a DC-DC converter (switched mode), its output voltage can
be modified or varied just through manipulating the funtional
duration—which is the on time (ton) and off time (toff ) of
switching. This can be achieved through pulse width
modulation (PWM) [6]. The ratio of ton to ts which is the
switching time (and the ratio is known as the duty ratio) is
assorted. The DC-DC power electronic converter behaves in
the form of a MPPT interface for a PV system and is
connected between the source and the load. The operation of
this converter would be to alter the duty ratio (D) realize
MPPT algorithm. The converter’s duty ratio of a converter is
given as:
(5)
The guiding concept of the converter’s Steady-state study is
constituted by two basic rules: the equilibrium of volt-second
and ampere-second [7]. The circuit diagram of buck converter
and buck-boost converter topologies is given in Fig. 3.
. Vin 1  D
(a)
(b)
Fig 3.The circuit diagram of (a) buck converter and
(b) buck-boost converter
A. Buck Converter Funtionality
The buck converter acts as a step-down converter, since, it creates
values of DC voltage output which is lower as compared to its
input. The buck converter can be regarded as a transformer with
the turns ratio being varied by modifying the duty cycle[8]. The
mathematical interdependency can be realized considering the
power input and power output equality criterion such that:
Vo
 D (8)
Vin
where input voltage of converter in (V) is represented as Vin;
converter’s output voltage (V) is represented as Vo; converter’s
input current (A) is represented as Iin and converter’s output
current (A) is represented as Io.
B. Buck-Boost Converter Funtionality
In order to control the DC supply a step-down/step-up buck-boost
converter may be integrated as the power electronic interface
with PV Panels, where a output may be necessary having a
polarity which is negative in regard to the input voltage common
terminal, and as per the need of the application concerned the
output voltage could be lower or higher than the input voltage.
The realization of a buck-boost converter is done through the
cascade link of the step-down (buck) step-up (boost) converters.
The conversion ratio defined as relation of the ratio of output to
input voltage considered for steady state operation, can be given
as the multiplication of the conversion ratios of the two cascaded
connected converters
Vo D
 (9)
The performance of the two major topologies of the power
electronic interface DC-DC converters sems to be affected by the
variation in the duty. The impedance reflected at the input side of
the converter (Ri) is one such performance parameter which may
influence the system’s MPPT ability and that acts as a critical
factor in determining the efficiency of the MPPT algorithm for a
given converter topology in relation varying environmental
parameters[9]. Keeping aside the duty ratio, there exists a relation
between the input impedance reflected at the input side of the
DC-DC converter and the impedance of the load (RL). All such
interrelations are tabulated in Table II.
Table II: Converters performance characteristics
Parameter Buck Buck-
boost
Gain in D -D/(1-D)
Voltage
(Av)
Gain in 1/D -(1-D)/D
Current
(Ai)
Impedance RL /D 2 RL (1-D)
2
Input (Ri) /D 2
The functionality of a buck converter’s pertains to the
modifications in duty ratio in a way so as to make the input
impedance greater than the load impedance related to the output
terminals of the converter [10]. Consequently, the values of the
input impedance for a buck converter lies in the realm of Ri ≥
RL. With the variation in the duty ratio from zero to 1, there is a
variation in the input impedance ranging from Ri = ¼ RL at D ¼
to Ri ¼ to zero at D[ ¼ to 1]. For a buck-boost converter, the ,this
function leads to a change in input impedance from Ri ≥ RL for
D in the range [0,0.5], Ri ¼ RL at D ¼ to0.5, and Ri < RL for D
in the range [0.5,1].
IV. MPPT ALGORITHM IMPLEMENTATION
This simulation studies implements a Hill Climbing algorithm
flowchart as given in Fig. 4. The voltage and power
variations are taken as the input signals and the equivalent
change in duty ratio for the resultant output through a constant
step D (depending on the designer decision) which would
track the operational point for maximum power transfer. In
 this technique power n voltage variations causes an immediate V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
modification in duty ratio and therefore many a times it’s
known as the direct duty ratio MPPT technique[8]. A. Buck converter operation analysis

40

36 Ri for RL = 1.5 

32

28 Ri for RL = 20 
Ropt(max)

Resistance (Ohms)
24

20

16
Ri for RL = 5
12 RL= 20 
R L= 5 
Ropt(min)
8 RL= 1.5 

0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
Duty ratio

Fig. 5. Effect of the duty ratio on the optimum impedance of

the buck converter

Fig. 5 represents the effect of change of duty ratio on

Fig. 4. Flow chart of MPPT technique using HC method for
direct duty ratio control
In order to track the MPP of the PV panel for solar
radiation and temperature, we determine the tracking
effectiveness of the algorithm with the parameter tracking
efficiency (  )for each of the converters which is defined as
(Eq.(11))
0t Pinst (t ) dt

t tracker can match the MPP. However for all practical
 Pmpp (t ) dt
0 (11)
Where Pinst is the instantaneous power at the operating point of
the PV module (W), and Pmpp is the instantaneous maximum
power point of the PV module under a certain condition of
insolation and temperature.
the optimum impedance due to the change in the atmospheric
condition based on MPPT operation for buck converter with
different resistive loads.
The range of load that the buck converter will be able
to track using MPPT is for Ri  [RL,  ], as the impressed
impedance at the converter input side is always greater than
the load resistance. The load resistance RL connected with the
converter should be such that RL > Ropt(min) . For RL= 1.5Ω ≤
Ropt(min), it is seen that the converter is incapable of matching
the MPP under different atmospheric conditions. This is
because the converter’s MPPT tracking region is [R opt(min)
,  ]. As shown in Figure 10, the area covered by the Ri for RL
= 1.5 Ω is in the non-operational region for the tracker,
making it an mismatched load and thereby impossible to track
the MPP. So it can be said that for values of resistance Ri
lower than Ropt(min) , the converter will fail to track the
maximum power point.
Ri for RL= 20 Ω, and its load line suggests higher
impressed loads seen at the converter input. Hence this
condition of loading is also not ideal for a buck converter.
Although at low level of insolation and temperature, the
resistance of the PV panel is high it was observed that the
purposes, these conditions are hardly in existence.
For RL= 5Ω ≥ Ropt(min), it is seen that the tracker is
able to track the MPP at higher insolation levels and
temperature values. This is because under these conditions,
the resistance of the panel is low. The low value of the load
resistance and its equivalent input impedance at the converter
input side makes it possible for the tracker to track the MPP
with improved efficiency compared to 20 Ω load. The MPPT
curve and the tracking efficiency for resistive loads of 20 Ω B. Buck-Boost converter operation analysis
and 5 Ω for a buck converter are shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8.
In order to obtain optimum MPPT operation based on
40
the buck converter under different climatic condition, the load
impedance should be chosen close to, but less than the Ropt(min), 36
Ri for RL = 20 
value for the module. To make it a more practical condition, 32
Ropt(max)
we can choose the point RL= Ropt(STC), almost equivalent to the 28 RL = 20 
Ropt(min), as they are seen to be quite close to one another. The

Resistance (Ohms)
24
analysis then becomes easier as the value of Ropt(STC) can be
A D
evaluated from the Manufacturer’s datasheet. 20

16
Ri for RL = 5  RL = 5 
12

8 Ropt(min)
140 E
Pmpp Pmpp RL=20  B
4 C F
126
Pmpp RL=5 
0
112
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
98 Duty Ratio
Power (W)

84

70 Fig. 9. The effect of duty ratio on the optimum impedance for

56
Buck-Boost converter
42
In Fig. 9, different loads are considered to analyze
28 the operation of the buck-boost converter for the change in
14 optimal impedance due to duty ratio variation, and its
subsequent ability to track the MPP.
0
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Consider the resistive load RL =5 Ω> Ropt(min) ,
Time (h)
<Ropt(max). The load line Ri for RL = 5 Ω intersects the
resistance lines of 20 Ω, 5 Ω and Ropt(min) at point A, B and C
as indicated in Figure 16. At the highest condition the
Fig. 7. MPP tracking for buck converter for RL=20 Ω & RL = 5 Ω.
matching will occurs when the duty ratio is such that the
operating point is in the region covering point B and point C,
where the converter operates as a boost converter. Under the
110 lowest condition, the converter is seen to have a matching at
100
the point A on the graph for Ri for RL =5 Ω, where the
90
operation of the converter is seen to be in buck mode. For the
resistive load of RL =20 Ω> Ropt(min) , <Ropt(max), the load line
80
for Ri for RL = 20 Ω intersects the resistance lines of 20 Ω, 5
Tracking Efficiency (%)

70
Ω and Ropt(min) at point D,E and F as indicated in Figure 16.
60
Efficiency for RL= 5  Tracking curve and the MPP tracking efficiency for
50
buck-boost converter has been shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11.
40
The results indicate that the converter is successfully able to
30 track the wide range of variation in external atmospheric
Efficiency for RL= 20 
20 conditions as well as the fluctuations in loading conditions as
10 seen from Table III.
0 So it is evident from observation that the buck-boost
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
converter is capable of tracking the MPP at all the operating
Time (h)
conditions of duty ratio. Thus the imposed restrictions of the
above two converters does not affect the buck-boost converter,
Fig. 8. Tracking efficiency for buck converter for R L=20 Ω indication little possibility of mismatch of load in this
and RL = 5 Ω. topology. As such it can be concluded that the ideal converter
topology for applications in PV systems is a buck-boost
converter for tracking the MPPT of the PV panel using the
duty cycle control scheme of MPP tracking.
 interfaced in linking the PV panel and the load, the scheme is
140
operates near the MPP for lower irradiance and temperature
Pmpp values (for higher MPP impedance). For highest values of
126
Pmpp for RL=20  solar irradiation the Rmpp takes the minimum value and
112 Pmpp for RL=5  consequently the buck converter fails to track MPP. Thus the
98 buck converter has the limitation to track the MPP at some
84 condition or the other. However with the buck-boost converter
Power (W)

these inabilities could be overcome. The buck-boost converter

70
can track the MPP with a reasonably higher efficiency in all
56
the subjected atmospheric conditions of insolation and
42 temperature. The reason behind this ability is that, during
28 lower insolation and temperature that reflects greater
14
impedance, the converter can act in buck mode and during
higher insolation and temperature, the converter transforms to
0
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 boost mode leading to the reduction in the input impedance as
Time (h) reflected on the converter and thus there is an improvement in
the ability to meet the converters MPP.
Fig. 10. MPPT of buck-boost converter with load resistance of
RL=20 Ω and RL = 5 Ω. References

[1] S.Sivasubramaniam, A. Faramus, R.D. Tilley and M.M. Alkaisi,

110 “Performance enhancement in silicon solar cell by inverted nanopyramid
Efficiency for RL= 20  texturing and silicon quantum dots coating,” Journal of Renewable and
100
Sustainable Energy 6, 011204 (2014). doi 10.1063/1.4828364
90

80 Efficiency for RL= 5  [2] H. Abu-Rub, A. Iqbal, et al., “Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference-based
Tracking Efficiency (%)

maximum power point tracking of solar PV modules for fast varying solar
70
radiations,” International Journal of Sustainable Energy. 31(6),383-398
60 (2012).
50
[3] L.Liu, C. Liu and H. Gao, “ A novel improved particle swarm
40
optimization maximum power point tracking control method for photovoltaic
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doi 10.1063/1.4858615
10

0 [4] Zaheeruddin and Munish Manas “Analysis of Design of technologies,

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 tariff Structures and regulatory policies for sustainable growth of the Smart
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Fig. 11. Tracking efficiency of buck-boost converter with
[5] Zaheeruddin and Munish Manas, “A New Approach for the Design and
load resistance of RL=20 Ω and RL = 5 Ω. Development of Renewable Energy Management System through Microgrid
Central Controller”, Energy Reports, Elsevier Inc., vol. 1, pp. 156-163, 2015.
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IV. CONCLUSION
Considering the tracking efficiency to be the deciding
parameter, we may conclude that a buck converter when
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