A Simple Fault-Tolerant Control Strategy for Boost Converter Power Switch Faults in MPPT-Based Photovoltaic Systems
Keywords:
Fault-tolerant control, Boost converter, Photovoltaic systems, MPPT, SiC MOSFETAbstract
In this paper, we studied the design of a PV system consisting of a boost DC/DC converter controlled by an analog MPPT controller. However, the use of DC/DC converters to match the PV panel to the load raises the issue of faults. For example, the power transistor, which constitutes the DC/DC converter, is the component most susceptible to faults. In this context, we developed a simple fault-tolerant (FTC) circuit for the DC/DC converter’s transistor. It relies on the transistor’s drain-source voltage (Vds) to detect transistor malfunction. We then configured another transistor as a backup to replace the damaged one. Simulation results show that a single fault in a PV system without a FTC circuit results in the loss of all power generated by the PV system. In contrast, when using the FTC circuit, the system continues to operate normally even in the event of a transistor fault.
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