A distributed photovoltaic energy optimization system based on a sub-module resonant switched-capacitor implementation

This work presents a sub-module power management system for large-scale photovoltaic systems. Individual `micro-converters´ configure across strings of PV cells at terminals normally connected to bypass diodes. The converters enforce set voltage ratios among adjacent strings of cells, mitigating power loss due to shading, factory and lifetime variation, and other sources of mismatch. The balancing function extends to multiple series-connected PV modules through a dual-core cable and connector, enabling high-voltage operation with active and passive components exposed to only a fraction of total system voltage. Converters are based on a resonant switched-capacitor standard switching cell. The module-integrated converter achieves conversion efficiency over 99% for a wide range of mismatch scenarios and insertion loss below 0.1%.