Title :
A High-Power-Density DC–DC Converter for Distributed PV Architectures
Author :
Agamy, Mohammed S. ; Song Chi ; Elasser, Ahmed ; Harfman-Todorovic, M. ; Yan Jiang ; Mueller, Frank ; Fengfeng Tao
Author_Institution :
GE Global Res. Center, Niskayuna, NY, USA
Abstract :
In order to maximize the solar energy harvesting capabilities, power converters for photovoltaic (PV) systems have to be designed for high efficiency, accurate maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and voltage/current performance. When many converters are used in distributed PV systems, power density also becomes an important factor since it allows for simpler system integration. In this paper, a high-power-density string-level MPPT dc-dc converter suitable for distributed medium- to large-scale PV installations is presented. A simple partial power processing topology that is implemented exclusively with silicon carbide devices provides high efficiency and high power density. A 3.5-kW, 100-kHz converter is designed and tested to verify the proposed methods.
Keywords :
distributed power generation; energy harvesting; maximum power point trackers; photovoltaic power systems; silicon compounds; solar cells; wide band gap semiconductors; SiC; distributed PV architectures; distributed PV systems; distributed medium-large-scale PV installations; frequency 100 kHz; high-power-density string-level MPPT DC-DC converter; maximum power point tracking; partial power processing topology; photovoltaic systems; power 3.5 kW; silicon carbide devices; simple system integration; solar energy harvesting capabilities; voltage-current performance; Inductors; Insulated gate bipolar transistors; MOSFETs; Silicon; Silicon carbide; Switches; Switching frequency; DC–DC converters; distributed photovoltaic (PV) architectures; partial power processing; silicon carbide devices;
Journal_Title :
Photovoltaics, IEEE Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/JPHOTOV.2012.2230217
