High-Gain DC-DC Conversion for Parallel Photovoltaic Arrays
Abstract
A new approach to photovoltaic (PV) arrays is proposed based on a parallel connection scheme. In a series-connected array, differing insolation due to shading or obstructions causes disproportionate reduction in power output. Because operating voltage is governed more by temperature than by insolation, a parallel-connected array is much more robust to the shading effect. Direct paralleling is inappropriate due to the low voltage of a conventional PV module. Therefore, high-gain dc-dc converters are introduced in the proposed system. Three converter types are discussed. Two use transformers to increase gain and one uses a tapped inductor. Experimental results validate the concept and demonstrate tracking accuracy up to 99.87% despite a 39% difference in insolation, and weighted efficiency of up to 92.9%.
Recommended Citation
Z. S. Johnson et al., "High-Gain DC-DC Conversion for Parallel Photovoltaic Arrays," Proceedings of the 28th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (2013, Long Beach, CA), pp. 2871 - 2875, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Mar 2013.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1109/APEC.2013.6520705
Meeting Name
28th Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (2013: Mar. 17-21, Long Beach, CA)
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Sponsor(s)
National Science Foundation (U.S.)
California Energy Commission. Energy Innovations Small Grant Program
Keywords and Phrases
DC-DC Conversion; Operating Voltage; Parallel Connections; Parallel-Connected; Photovoltaic Arrays; Series-Connected; Tapped Inductor; Tracking Accuracy; DC-DC Converters; Electric Connectors; Incident Solar Radiation; Photovoltaic Cells; Power Electronics
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-1467343541; 978-1467343558
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1048-2334
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2013 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Mar 2013
Comments
This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under award ECCS-0900940 and in part by the California Energy Commission through their Energy Innovations Small Grant program, award 56086A/0822.