Multi-objective optimization of the energy capture and boost inductor mass in a module-integrated converter (MIC) photovoltaic energy system

As photovoltaic (PV) energy continues to gain market penetration, thanks in part to substantial cost reductions on the solar modules, attention is shifting to the balance-of-system performance and costs. For the power electronics, effective design approaches are required to ensure maximum energy harvest from the PV modules at a price-point that makes the technology economically viable. Inevitably, this means design tradeoffs are required. In this paper we present a multi-objective optimization methodology to maximize the energy harvested from a PV module while minimizing the mass of the module-integrated converter. The optimization between the size of the boost-converter inductor and the deviation from the maximum power point of the module is not trivial since the boost inductor affects the ripple current drawn from the PV module. Models for the optimization will be provided and simulation results showing the validity of the tradeoffs presented.