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%.
California Energy Commission. Energy Innovations Small Grant Program
- 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
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jonathan-kimball/67/