The alternating current dynamic photovoltaic array

Jonathan Storey, Peter R. Wilson, Darren Bagnall

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

The use of switches within a photovoltaic arrays architecture is gaining recognition as an optimal solution to the partial shading problem because it allows the array to behave in a flexible manner which is ideal for rapid response to unpredictable shading environments. Although that has been the driving force behind recent research, an interesting alternative reason for implementing a dynamic array is that it is able to exhibit complex behaviours. One such behaviour is the ability to directly synthesize an alternating current by the switching of DC cells in a controlled sequence. Voltage inversion is a very well researched field and commercial inverters can achieve very high efficiencies (typically over 95%). However, high powered models are expensive and are often the cause of system failure. This paper discusses the concept of AC synthesis through the switching of PV sources and looks at the similarities with the conventional cascaded H bridge multilevel inverter. A basic Alternating current dynamic photovoltaic array (AC-DPVA) is disclosed and a theoretical solution to extracting maximum power is discussed. Many interesting new features are evident and implementing a PV array like this can ultimately remove the need for and inverter altogether.

Original languageEnglish
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2013
Event2013 4th IEEE International Symposium on Power Electronics for Distributed Generation Systems, PEDG 2013 - Rogers, AR, USA United States
Duration: 8 Jul 201311 Jul 2013

Conference

Conference2013 4th IEEE International Symposium on Power Electronics for Distributed Generation Systems, PEDG 2013
Country/TerritoryUSA United States
CityRogers, AR
Period8/07/1311/07/13

Keywords

  • Dynamic Photovoltaic Array
  • Irradiance profiling
  • Reconfigurable

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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