Smart PV Modules- Design Considerations Conference Paper uri icon

abstract

  • This paper explores the design of a smart photovoltaic (PV) module - A PV module in which PV cells in close proximity are electrically grouped to form a pixel and are connected to dc-dc converter blocks which reside embedded in the back pane of the module. An auto-connected flyback converter topology processing less than full power is used to provide high gain and perform maximum power point tracking (MPPT). These dc-dc converters interface with cascaded H-bridge inverter modules operating on feed forward control for dc-link voltage ripple rejection. The proposed configuration is capable of producing 120V/ 240V AC voltage. The PV module now becomes a smart AC module by virtue of embedded intelligence to selectively actuate the individual dc-dc converters and control the output AC voltages directly, thus becoming a true plug and power energy system. Such a concept is ideal for curved surfaces such as building integrated PV (BIPV) system applications where gradients of insolation and temperature cause not only variations from PV module-to-PV module but from group-to-group of cells within the module itself. A detailed analysis along with simulation and experimental results confirm the feasibility of the proposed concept. 2012 IEEE.

name of conference

  • 2012 IEEE International Conference on Power Electronics, Drives and Energy Systems (PEDES)

published proceedings

  • IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON POWER ELECTRONICS, DRIVES AND ENERGY SYSTEMS (PEDES 2012)

author list (cited authors)

  • Mazumdar, P., Enjeti, P. N., & Balog, R. S.

citation count

  • 7

complete list of authors

  • Mazumdar, Poornima||Enjeti, Prasad N||Balog, Robert S

publication date

  • December 2012