A novel small-capacity photovoltaic module for mobile applications

We propose a new small-capacity photovoltaic module with a booster function from ultra low voltage input, low power consumption maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and power System-in-Package (SiP) technology for mobile applications. The ultra low voltage input booster function enable single solar cell application without a series connection of solar cell to drive the device and /or charging the battery. This function solves the problem of partial shading of the small capacity photovoltaic module. Low-power-consumption MPPT is achieved by using a newly developed boost control IC. The MPPT can draw 1.2 to 1.5 times more power from the photovoltaic module than can be drawn without MPPT. Moreover, in cloud condition this circuit can get over 1.5 times more power than without MPPT. The main feature of the circuit is raising up output voltage to 15 V from a single solar cell 0.4 V. The power SiP, contains three semiconductor devices and several tenth of passive parts to minimize the size and improve efficiency.