Predictive Control Applied to a Boost Converter of a Photovoltaic System

Generation units like photovoltaics systems require high efficiency using closed-loop control system. MPPT algorithm permits to track maximum power from photovoltaic module. This paper proposes the predictive control applied to a boost converter of solar plant to increase the controller performance. The controller consists in two control loops: the outer control loop calculates the inductor current oriented by voltage from MPPT algorithm to minimize input voltage error. And inner control loop employs the state-space boost converter model computed using its transfer function to predict the current. Duty cycle that guarantees the current tracks the reference current has computed by a minimized cost function using the future references and the predicted values. Additionally, the proposal employs constant switching frequency using a modulator. A lead-lag controller and sliding mode controller are implemented in order to compare the performance of the predictive controller in experimental setup and the results endorses the proposal.