Masters Theses

Abstract

"Most solar arrays used today are connected in series and have tremendous power losses in partially shaded conditions. This document explores photovoltaic arrays in a parallel connection to reduce the power losses in other solar cell connected applications. The two main issues with any photovoltaic arrays are solar modules being shaded and the efficiency of the power converters used within the solar array. This thesis concentrates on alleviating these problems with the development of a two phase dc to dc forward converter with a snubber circuit as well as connecting a solar array in parallel to increase the performance in partially shaded conditions. This work illustrates a fully functional forward converter that boost the input voltage within a solar array. The experiments include efficiency tests at certain voltage within the specifications as well as outdoor solar testing in sunny and partially shaded conditions. These tests illustrate that in a parallel connected array, the shaded solar module does not have a dominating effect on the overall output power of the combination, but rather the converter's efficiency is the main factor of the performance of the array"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Kimball, Jonathan W.

Committee Member(s)

Corzine, Keith, 1968-
Ferdowsi, Mehdi

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Free Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM)
National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (U.S.)
National Science Foundation (U.S.)

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2012

Pagination

xii, 91 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 89-90).

Rights

© 2012 Nickolas Arthur McFowland, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

DC-to-DC converters
Photovoltaic cells -- Testing
Solar collectors -- Design

Thesis Number

T 9974

Print OCLC #

815959109

Electronic OCLC #

776660648

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