Flexible low profile PV module integrated converter for distributed MPPT PV system

Constant advances in the development of PV modules have driven the PV module prices down making the PV energy one of the most affordable and promising solutions as a future renewable energy source. However, as the PV energy penetrates into the urban area, shortcomings of the conventional centralized PV system architectures become more pronounced under the influence of built environment with shading, soiling and orientation mismatch issues. To overcome these limitations new PV system architectures were proposed with more granular power processing by means of distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT). This paper presents a step further in the distributed power tracking approach, with the concept and design of a very low profile flexible power converter for integration into a low cost flexible thin-film PV module. Additional problems arise in this case, specifically in magnetic design and thermal management. Overcoming these limitations presents a challenge, but can lead to a cost effective, reliable solution for PV systems with improved integration level and power density.