Synchronous buck converter for MPPT charge controller

Abstract

This paper presents the design, simulation, and experimental validation of a synchronous buck converter for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controllers. Conventional buck converters suffer from diode conduction losses that reduce efficiency, particularly in low-voltage, high-current applications. By replacing the diode with a synchronously controlled MOSFET, the proposed converter achieves reduced power loss, smoother current transfer, and enhanced overall efficiency. A half-bridge topology incorporating bootstrap driving, inductorbased energy storage, and capacitor filtering was developed and tested. Both simulation and prototype results confirm stable operation with low ripple, rapid MPPT response, and peak efficiency above 90 %. These findings demonstrate that the synchronous buck converter is a superior alternative to traditional designs, enabling reliable and efficient solar energy harvesting in next-generation PV charge controllers.