Performance Studies on a Multi-cellular Boost Converter Dedicated for Domestic DC Applications (Cooker)

Abstract

In this chapter, we present the structure, the dimensioning and the experimentation of a power system that allows supplying, through solar batteries, the DC equipment with photovoltaic renewable energies (Cookers, distillers, refrigerators, dryers, ...). The proposed system is based on the use of a multi-cell DC/DC converter of Boost type, controlled by a Microcontroller, which generates PWM signals of frequency 20 kHz and variable \(\alpha\) duty cycle. The electrical energy, produced by the photovoltaic panels (600 W), is stored in the solar batteries (24V, 520 Ah) and then transferred to the application through the proposed DC/DC converter. During experimentation the system for cooking fries (by Hot plate cooker), shows a DC/DC converter efficiency of 84%, the maximum temperatures of the heating resistance and that of oil are respectively of the order of 640°C and 230°C, oil temperature reaches 100°C after 6 minutes of heating, or 16.67°C / min with a cooking time of the order of 20 minutes. The battery consumption capacity is about 28.72 Ah or 5.52% of the total battery capacity.

The comparison of all the results obtained with those simulated and the economic analysis of the use of renewable energies stored in the batteries, show the good functioning and the validity of the power system, proposed in this work.