Designing a Z-Source Microinverter for Low-Input Voltage Solar Applications

Abstract

The global transition to renewable energy emphasizes the role of photovoltaic systems, where inverters are essential. This paper investigates microinverters tailored for individual solar panels, recognizing the need to customize the outputs of each panel due to their inherent low voltage of solar cells. Size reduction and efficiency enhancement are also among the goals of microinverters. Significant progress in boosting capabilities and enabling integration with grid and home applications highlights the promising potential of Z-source microinverters in photovoltaic systems. Notably, achieving a substantial boosting factor of nearly four suggests significant potential for further optimization, complemented with a total harmonic distortion of less than 5%, indicating improved efficiency and compatibility with existing infrastructure. This research presents the integration of the Z Source topology into microinverter design as a promising solution to address the challenge of low voltage output from individual solar panels for residential use, contributing to the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions. To evaluate the advantages of employing Z source inverters, this paper uses the Simulink simulation tool to analyze associated design aspects and control mechanisms.