A Novel Solar PV Inverter Topology Based on an LLC Resonant Converter

In this paper, a new topology for grid-connected solar PV inverter is proposed. The proposed topology employs an LLC resonant converter with high frequency isolation transformer in the DC-DC stage. The DC-DC converter stage is controlled to generate a rectified sine wave voltage and current at the line frequency. An unfolder inverter interfaces between this DC stage and the grid. Both phase-shift and frequency control methods are used to control the LLC resonant converter. The switching frequency is determined depending on the phase-shift angle to extend the zero-voltage switching (ZVS) region. The transformer leakage and magnetization inductances are also properly designed to provide ZVS for wide operation area. The LLC converter operates in the ZVS region except the narrow band around the zero-crossings of the inverter output current. Since the LLC resonant converter has a high frequency transformer, the line frequency transformer requirement is eliminated, and thus more compact and efficient design is obtained. The proposed topology is validated by the simulation and experimental results.