A Tri-port DC-DC Converter for Bifacial PV Panels Coupled with Energy Storage

Abstract

The power output of photovoltaic (PV) systems, especially bifacial modules, varies due to daily fluctuations in irradiance and temperature. Maximising the efficiency and power extraction are considered crucial. Hybrid DC off-grid topologies are highly promising for rural electrification with solar energy and battery backup. These systems, tailored for household appliance use, feature low semiconductor count, continuous current ports for PV, battery and DC loads, low-voltage levels for PV and battery, voltage regulation for DC loads, maximum power point tracking (MPPT), proper battery charging and discharging, high-voltage boosting without low-frequency transformers and reduced power converter stages. However, the existing schemes often lack the above-mentioned critical features. Hence, this paper proposes a novel three-switch tri-port converter with integrated energy storage for stand-alone bifacial PV applications, with modelling and experimental validation. The battery serves as an energy storage component, regulating the DC link voltage for consistency. This paper underscores PV system power optimisation and introduces a novel tri-port converter for stand-alone bifacial PV setups, emphasising energy storage’s role in voltage regulation.