Incorporating subpanel DC-DC converters into solar array design

Jason Galtieri, Philip T. Krein

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Subpanel dc-dc converters have demonstrated improved energy harvest in photovoltaic (PV) arrays experiencing mismatch. Converters decouple neighboring solar panels and subunits within them to improve energy production. As the technology matures and converter deployments become more commonplace, solar array design methods must adapt. This work will investigate potential benefits offered by including converter operation in the initial stages of array design. We show that the installed energy density of a rooftop array can be increased as conventional rules of thumb are traded against new operating capabilities. Additionally, a comparison is made with existing simulation tools which finds that current simulators may overestimate inter-row shading effects and produced energy density can be increased by 5-15% with suitable designs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2016 IEEE 43rd Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2016
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages3219-3224
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781509027248
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 18 2016
Event43rd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2016 - Portland, United States
Duration: Jun 5 2016Jun 10 2016

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
Volume2016-November
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Other

Other43rd IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland
Period6/5/166/10/16

Keywords

  • DC-DC converters
  • photovoltaic systems
  • power converters
  • solar power generation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Incorporating subpanel DC-DC converters into solar array design'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this