Simulation of Buck-Boost Converter for Solar Panels using PID Controller

Abstract

Currently, there are plenty of technological applications that utilize natural, environmental-friendly sources of energy. However, a disadvantage often found in natural energy sources is that the intensity produced is uncertain. This occurence is also found in solar panels, wherein the light intensity that enters is not always equal. Light intensity may be affected by various factors such as ones on gloomy or sunny weathers. This irregularity on light intensity leads to deviation of voltage output produced by the solar panel. With the use of buck-boost converters, the amount of output voltage may be set to higher or lower than the input voltage, enabling us to maintain the desired output voltage. The amount of output voltage produced is controlled by a microcontroller program which regulates pulse widths produced by PWM signals. This paper discusses about designing a buck-boost converter for solar panels, with a voltage input range of 10 to 50 V. The regulation of output voltage is the main aim in analyzing the success of the design created. The design is simulated with Proteus 8.4, and yields a voltage output with an efficiency of 90 to 99%.