Maximizing output power from solar cells/panels through the development of an integrated voltage regulator/MPPT circuit

This paper presents the initial results of our research effort to fully integrate a voltage regulator with a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) circuit in order to harvest maximum power from solar cells or panels. We take a novel approach to emulate the inductor in a buck-boost voltage regulator using a Generalized Impedance Converter (GIC), thereby eliminating the requirement for the grounded inductor which impedes full integration. LTSPICE™ models are developed to compare a traditional “inductive” voltage regulator with a “GIC” voltage regulator, and experimental results are discussed. Component size, switching frequency, and load-matching are optimized to achieve maximum efficiency; however, GIC operational-amplifier power consumption was an obstacle to high-efficiency operation.