Compact Single-Stage Micro-Inverter with Advanced Control Schemes for Photovoltaic Systems

Abstract

This paper proposes a grid-connected single-stage micro-inverter with low cost, small size, and high efficiency to drive a 320 W class photovoltaic panel. This micro-inverter has a new and advanced topology that consists of an interleaved boost converter, a full-bridge converter, and a voltage doubler. Variable switching frequency and advanced burst control schemes were devised and implemented. A 320 W prototype micro-inverter was very compact and slim with 60-mm width, 310-mm length, and 30-mm height. In evaluations, the proposed micro-inverter achieved CEC weighted efficiency of 95.55%, MPPT efficiency >95% over the entire load range, and THD 2.65% at the rated power. The proposed micro-inverter is well suited for photovoltaic micro-inverter applications that require low cost, small size, high efficiency, and low noise.