Modeling and Model Predictive Control of a 7-Level Packed U-Cell Converter for Grid-Tied PV Applications

In this study, a novel 7-Level Packed U-Cell (PUC) converter with Model Predictive Controller (MPC) for solar grid-tied applications is presented. The excellence of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels as an interface application in producing green power for utility is examined by the proposed topology. Our innovation represents a novel attempt to use PV solar panels incorporated with PUC converter in its two DC links rather than just one. The designed model's primary advantage is its overall reduced complexity design compared with other existing topologies. Hence, no additional controller other than MPC—such as a PI controller—is needed to extract grid reference current, Additionally, since the utilized Perturbation and Observation (P&O) technology directly controls the provided power, no DC-DC booster converter is needed while integrating PV solar panels to the PUC converter. To assess and verify the proposed concept's performance, Matlab/Simulink simulations were run. However, to verify the suggested topology's robustness and dynamic response, it was tested in steady state condition and under other various types of sudden disturbances. The system demonstrates resilience to changes in grid voltage, phase shift and irradiation.