Erratum to “Steady-state analysis of PV supplied separately excited DC motor fed from IDB converter” [Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells 71 (4) (2002) 493–510]

Interleaved dual boost converter is capable of extracting more amount of power from the photovoltaic source than the conventional boost converter. Power extraction capabilities of the conventional boost and interleaved dual boost converters from the photovoltaic array are verified through experimental studies. As an application the effectiveness of this interleaved dual boost converter for PV supplied separately excited DC motor is studied through simulation. Extensive studies are made by formulating the mathematical models for photovoltaic source, interleaved dual boost converter, DC motor and load. Steady-state performance of the motor coupled to centrifugal pump load is analyzed for maximum power, gross mechanical energy operations. From the simulation studies, it is found that the motor performance is improved with gross mechanical energy output operation as compared to maximum power operation of solar cell array. Furthermore, the use of interleaved dual boost converter reduces the ripple content both in the source and load waveforms, thus resulting in reduced filtering requirements and improved photovoltaic array performance.     

Steady-state performance of DC motors supplied from photovoltaicgenerators with step-up converter

A simple step-up converter circuit consisting of a single power transistor and an inductor is used as an interface between a PV (photovoltaic) generator and a shunt DC motor driving a centrifugal water pump. The step-up converter allows maximum power output from the PV generator to the motor at all insolation levels. Steady-state performance of the motor is vastly improved as its input voltage and current are stabilized by the regenerative action of the converter. The PV generator operates at maximum power regardless of insolation variations. The converter duty ratio can be set at a fixed optimal value which is valid for all insolation levels. This remarkable property makes this device economically attractive since it is easy to build and does not require any insolation-dependent control as compared to other peak-power tracking devices     

Combined maximum power point tracking and output current control for a photovoltaic-electrolyser DC/DC converter

This paper covers the design and the implementation of the control strategy of a DC/DC converter aimed for hydrogen production from photovoltaic sources. This control scheme provides tight control of the injected current to the electrolyser and, if required, maximum power point tracking of the photovoltaic source, by means of two independent external control loops. The two outer loops create a reference signal for an inner control loop, which adjusts the duty cycle of the DC/DC converter and sets the output inductor current to the desired value. Embedded design, which includes analog and digital electronics, has been considered for the practical implementation. Converter and control loop modelling, simulation and experimental validation are discussed in this work.     

A maximum power point tracker for PV systems using a high performance boost converter

This work deals with the design and experimental implementation of a MPP-tracker for photovoltaic systems, which is a high efficiency dc/dc boost converter operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM). The converter is able to draw maximum power from the PV panel for a given solar radiation level and environment temperature by adjusting the duty cycle of the converter. Additionally, a passive nondissipative turn-on turn-off snubber is used, so that high efficiency and reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) levels due to the soft switching operation can be obtained. The snubber improves the converter efficiency since the energy that would be dissipated during turning on and turning off is transferred to the load. The control technique, implemented with a single-chip microcontroller 80C51, is based on the perturbation and observation method, where the maximum power point is tracked with periodical calculation of the panel output power. Simulation and experimental results describe the performance of the proposed MPP-tracker.     

5 kW DC/DC converter for hydrogen generation from photovoltaic sources

This paper covers the design of a DC–DC power converter aimed for hydrogen production from photovoltaic sources. Power conditioning for such application is usually driven by different constraints: high step-down conversion ratio is required if the input voltage of such equipment has to be compatible with photovoltaic sources that are connected to grid-connected inverters; galvanic isolation; high efficiency and low mass. Taking into account those factors, this work proposes a push–pull DC/DC converter for power levels up to 5 kW. The operation and features of the converter are presented and analyzed. Design guidelines are suggested and experimental validation is also given.     

Toward integrated PV panels and power electronics using printing technologies

In this paper, we review the latest developments in the area of printing technologies with an emphasis on the fabrication of control-embedded photovoltaics (PV) with on-board active and passive devices. We also review the use of power converters and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuits with PV panels. Our focus is on the investigation of the simplest implementations of such circuits in view of their integration with solar cells using printing technologies. We see this concept as potentially enabling toward further cost reduction. Besides a discussion as to feasibility, we shall also present some projections and guidelines toward possible integration.     

DC/DC converter topologies for electrolyzers: State-of-the-art and remaining key issues

In recent years, the use of electrolyzers to produce cleanly and efficiently hydrogen from renewable energy sources (i.e. wind turbines, photovoltaic) has taken advantage of a growing interest from researchers and industrial. Similarly to fuel cells, DC/DC converters are needed to interface the DC bus with the electrolyzer. Usually, electrolyzers require a low DC voltage to produce hydrogen from water. For this reason, a DC/DC buck converter is generally used for this purpose. However, other DC/DC converter topologies can be used depending on the feature of the electrolyzer and electrical grid as well. The main purpose of this paper is to present the current state-of-the-art of DC/DC converter topologies which can be combined with electrolyzers. The different DC/DC converter topologies are compared in terms of output current ripple reduction, conversion ratio, energy efficiency, and power switch fault-tolerance. Besides, remarks on the state-of-the-art and remaining key issues regarding DC/DC converters are provided.     

A control scheme with performance prediction for a PV fed water pumping system

This paper focuses on modeling and performance predetermination of a photovoltaic (PV) system with a boost converter fed permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor-centrifugal pump load, taking the converter losses into account. Sizing is done based on the maximum power generated by the PV array at the average irradiation. Hence optimum sizing of the PV array for the given irradiation at the geographical location of interest is obtained using the predetermined values. The analysis presented here involves systems employing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) as they are more efficient than directly coupled systems. However, the voltage and power of the motor might rise above rated values for irradiations greater than the average when employing MPPT, hence a control scheme has been proposed to protect the PMDC motor from being damaged during these conditions. This control scheme appropriately chooses the optimum operating point of the system, ensuring long-term sustained operation. The numerical simulation of the system is performed in Matlab/Simulink and is validated with experimental results obtained from a 180 V, 0.5 hp PMDC motor coupled to a centrifugal pump. The operation of the system with the proposed control scheme is verified by varying the irradiation levels and the relevant results are presented.     

Integrated modeling and control of a PEM fuel cell power system with a PWM DC/DC converter

A fuel cell powered system is regarded as a high current and low voltage source. To boost the output voltage of a fuel cell, a DC/DC converter is employed. Since these two systems show different dynamics, they need to be coordinated to meet the demand of a load. This paper proposes models for the two systems with associated controls, which take into account a PEM fuel cell stack with air supply and thermal systems, and a PWM DC/DC converter. The integrated simulation facilitates optimization of the power control strategy, and analyses of interrelated effects between the electric load and the temperature of cell components. In addition, the results show that the proposed power control can coordinate the two sources with improved dynamics and efficiency at a given dynamic load.     

A new approach in tracking maximum power under partially shaded conditions with consideration of converter losses

The fact that photovoltaic panels are very sensitive to non-uniform insolation conditions, which can occur several times a day, causes a decrease of efficiency and so increases time for return on investment. This work presents a maximum power point tracking algorithm (MPPT) operating on the load characteristic in order to take the converters losses into account. In addition, the proposed MPPT deals with the problems of shadowing for which the power-load characteristic can present two or more local maximums close to each other. Considering the converters losses it can be shown that the maximum output power of the photovoltaic panels does not necessarily coincide with the maximum output power of the converters. The proposed MPPT algorithm tracks the maximum power with the intention of reducing the total losses including those of converters. Its performance is verified by simulation and confirmed by experimental results.     

Analysis and development of a low-cost permanent magnet brushless DC motor drive for PV-array fed water pumping system

This paper deals with the analysis and development of a permanent magnet brushless DC (PMBLDC) motor drive coupled to a pump load powered by solar photovoltaic (PV) array for water pumping system. A simple low-cost prototype controller has been designed and developed without current and position sensors which reduces drastically the overall cost of the drive system. This controller is used to test the dynamic behavior of the PMBLDC motor drive system. The mathematical model of the system is developed with a view to carry out a comparison between experimental and simulated response of the drive system. A simple filter circuit incorporated in between PV-array and an inverter to reduce ripples and to improve the performance of the PV-array. The necessary computer algorithm is developed to analyze the performance under different conditions of varying solar insolation for a pump load.     

Comparative study and performance evaluation of central and distributed topologies of photovoltaic system

In this paper, we present a new alternative for improving both the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems and the efficiency of the energy conversion by using different configuration of power converters. For this purpose, a comparative study between two configurations is carried out. The first configuration consists of a classical PV generator with a single centralized high power converter and the second one concerns a distributed topology. For this latter we use a certain number of PV strings with low power converters attached in series, in parallel or in a combination of series and parallel. Obviously the string topology has some advantages. Each power converter can control the power conversion of each module individually, which results in increased overall energy conversion of the entire system. The MPPT control system in this case can react effectively to atmospheric variations, to shading effect and to changes in the load. The PV system still operates even in case of failure on one of the power converters in a string. We simulated and compared the different conversion configurations in order to find the best one in terms of efficiency and produced energy. The obtained results are very interesting and can lead to optimal sizing and selection of best PV topology for a given application.     

Dynamic behaviour of PV generator trackers under irradiation and temperature changes

Maximum power point trackers (MPPTs) have a decisive role to extract power from the photovoltaic (PV) generators as they have to assume the maximum power output (MPP) whatever are the continuous changes of temperature and irradiation conditions. Therefore, they take a prior place in the global PV system efficiency. These trackers are driven by MPPT algorithms and lot of these MPPT algorithms are proposed in literature. The two most common implemented algorithms for power optimisation are the Perturb and Observe (P&O) and the Incremental of Conductance (IncCond) algorithms, which present a high simplicity of implementation within electronics programmable circuits. With an approach based on realistic parameters such as those found when the generator is integrated in a real photovoltaic installation, the two MPPT techniques are dynamically compared using testing procedures developed with Matlab/Simulink. The study leads us to conclude that both algorithms can be performed for PV exposures in unfavourable but realistic external conditions.     

Rapid transaction to load variations of active filter supplied by PV system

This paper deals with the analysis and control of a photovoltaic (PV) system connected to the main supply through a Boost converter and shunt active filter supplied by a PV system providing continuous supply of nonlinear load in variation. A robust control of a PV system connected to the grid while feeding a variable nonlinear load is developed and highlighted. This development is based on the control of the Boost converter to extract the maximum power from the PV system using the Perturb and Observe (P and O) algorithm in the presence of temperature and illumination. The proposed modeling and control strategy provide power to the variable nonlinear load and facilitates the transfer of power from solar panel to the grid while improving the quality of energy (harmonic currents compensation, power factor compensation and dc bus voltage regulation). Validation of the developed model and control strategy is conducted using power system simulator Sim-Power System Blockset Matlab/Simulink. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the shunt active filter to load changes, the method of instantaneous power (pq theory) is used to identify harmonic currents. The obtained results show an accurate extraction of harmonic currents and perfect compensation of both reactive power and harmonic currents with a lower THD and in accordance with the IEEE-519 standard.     

Static and dynamic wind turbine simulator using a converter controlled dc motor

This paper describes a new wind turbine simulator for dynamic conditions. The authors have developed an experimental platform to simulate the static and dynamic characteristics of real wind energy conversion system. This system consists of a 3 kW dc motor, which drives a synchronous generator. The converter is a 3 kW single-phase half-controlled converter. MATLAB/Simulink real time control software interfaced to I/O board and a converter controlled dc motor are used instead of a real wind turbine. A MATLAB/Simulink model is developed that obtains wind profiles and, by applying real wind turbine characteristics in dynamics and rotational speed of dc motor, calculates the command shaft torque of a real wind turbine. Based on the comparison between calculated torques with command one, the shaft torque of dc motor is regulated accordingly by controlling armature current demand of a single-phase half-controlled ac–dc converter. Simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of proposed wind turbine simulator in emulating and therefore evaluating various turbines under a wide variety of wind conditions.     

Determination of magnetic field constant of DC permanent magnet motor powered by photovoltaic for maximum mechanical energy output

The DC permanent magnet motor coupled with centrifugal pump has the better matching when directly powered by photovoltaic (PV) array. The important parameter of DC permanent magnet (DC PM) motor is magnetic field constant. The method for the determination of optimum magnetic field constant of DC PM motor, when powered by PV, has been obtained, and its analysis has been carried out for different magnetic field constants. It has been found that the maximum output is available at the output-energy-weighted average value of magnetic field constant. The parameter, magnetic field constant, should be properly selected during the design of DC PM motor in order to extract the maximum power from PV array.     

Modeling and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method for PV array under partial shade conditions

Influenced by partial shade, PV module aging or fault, there are multiple peaks on PV array's output power–voltage (P–V) characteristic curve. Conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are effective for single peak P–V characteristic under uniform solar irradiation, but they may fail in global MPP tracking under multi-peak P–V characteristics. Existing methods in literature for this problem are still unsatisfactory in terms of effectiveness, complexity and speed. In this paper, we first analyze the mathematical model of PV array that is suitable for simulation of complex partial shade situation. Then an adaptive MPPT (AMPPT) method is proposed, which can find real global maximum power point (MPP) for different partial shade conditions. When output characteristic of PV array varies, AMPPT will adjust tracking strategies to search for global peak area (GPA). Then it is easy for conventional MPPT to track the global MPP in GPA. Simulation and experimental results verify that the proposed AMPPT method is able to find real global MPP accurately, quickly and smoothly for complex multi-peak P–V characteristics. Comparison analysis results demonstrate that AMPPT is more effective for most shade types.     

Quantitative field performance analysis of a photovoltaic array

A quantitative analysis of the long-term field performance of a photovoltaic (PV) array has been made considering such field variables as solar insolation, temperature and long-term degradation of a solar cell. It deals with (i) the numerical analysis of two degradation factors of a single crystal solar cell, namely, increased lumped series resistance R_s and decreased short circuit current I_sc, (ii) the field condition V_m — I_m relation, and (iii) the ratio of I_m and I_sc for a PV array. The value of I_m has been computed from the solution of a transcendental equation using Newton–Raphson approximation technique. This approach has been verified by field data obtained in Delhi, India, over a period of four years for the single crystal silicon PV modules (manufactured by CEL, India). It can be used for the study of the long-term field performance of a polycrystalline and amorphous silicon PV module.     

Comprehensive review and performance evaluation of maximum power point tracking algorithms for photovoltaic system

A photovoltaic array is environmentally friendly and a source of unlimited energy generation. However, it is presently a costlier energy generation system than other non-renewable energy sources. The main reasons are seasonal variations and continuously changing weather conditions, which affect the amount of solar energy received by the solar panels. In addition, the non-linear characteristics of the voltage and current outputs along with the operating environment temperature and variation in the solar radiation decrease the energy conversion capability of the photovoltaic arrays. To address this problem, the global maxima of the PV arrays can be tracked using a maximum power point tracking algorithm (MPPT) and the operating point of the photovoltaic system can be forced to its optimum value. This technique increases the efficiency of the photovoltaic array and minimizes the cost of the system by reducing the number of solar modules required to obtain the desired power. However, the tracking algorithms are not equally effective in all areas of application. Therefore, selecting the correct MPPT is very critical. This paper presents a detailed review and comparison of the MPPT techniques for photovoltaic systems, with consideration of the following key parameters: photovoltaic array dependence, type of system (analog or digital), need for periodic tuning, convergence speed, complexity of the system, global maxima, implemented capacity, and sensed parameter(s). In addition, based on real meteorological data (irradiance and temperature at a site located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia), a simulation is performed to evaluate the performance of tracking algorithms suitable for the application being studied. Finally, the study clearly validates the considerable energy saving achieved by using these algorithms.     

Theoretical assessment of the maximum power point tracking efficiency of photovoltaic facilities with different converter topologies

The operating point of a photovoltaic generator that is connected to a load is determined by the intersection point of its characteristic curves. In general, this point is not the same as the generator’s maximum power point. This difference means losses in the system performance. DC/DC converters together with maximum power point tracking systems (MPPT) are used to avoid these losses. Different algorithms have been proposed for maximum power point tracking. Nevertheless, the choice of the configuration of the right converter has not been studied so widely, although this choice, as demonstrated in this work, has an important influence in the optimum performance of the photovoltaic system. In this article, we conduct a study of the three basic topologies of DC/DC converters with resistive load connected to photovoltaic modules. This article demonstrates that there is a limitation in the system’s performance according to the type of converter used. Two fundamental conclusions are derived from this study: (1) the buck–boost DC/DC converter topology is the only one which allows the follow-up of the PV module maximum power point regardless of temperature, irradiance and connected load and (2) the connection of a buck–boost DC/DC converter in a photovoltaic facility to the panel output could be a good practice to improve performance.