Energy Conversion
Lecture 6 – PV System Architecture
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Content
1. PV system architecture
2. Charge controller
3. Inverter
4. Battery
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Content
1. PV system architecture
2. Charge controller
3. Inverter
4. Battery
3
PV System Architecture
Stand alone system
Hybrid system
Grid connected system
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Stand alone system – direct
connection
Very simple architecture
Limited to only DC load
PV not operated at MPP
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Stand alone system with battery
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Why need battery?
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Hybrid system
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Hybrid system
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Grid-connected PV system
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Grid-connected system – 1
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Grid-connected system – 2
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Grid-connected system – 3
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Typical layout of a utility-scale PV
system
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Grid-connected PV system using
central inverter
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Grid-connected PV system using
central inverter
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Grid-connected PV system using
string inverter
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Floating PV system
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Content
1. PV system architecture
2. Charge controller
3. Inverter
4. Battery
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Functions of charge controller
o Main role is to control charging and discharging of the
battery
o Over charge protection
o Over discharge protection
o Monthly equalization charge
o Various controlling mode for load
o Over temperature and overload protection
o Short circuit protection of load and PV
o Reverse current protection at night
o Reverse connection protection of PV, load, and battery
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PWM charge controller
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MPPT charge controller
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Maximum Power Point Tracker
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Types of charge controller
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Connection of charge controller
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Example of a MPPT charge controller’s spec
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Content
1. PV system architecture
2. Charge controller
3. Inverter
4. Battery
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Solar PV inverter
Solar PV Inverters convert the DC output of
photovoltaic (PV) solar panels or strings of
panel into a AC current which is injected to
the grid (or load).
Solar PV inverters have thefollowing functions:
◦ DC/AC conversion and voltage adaptation
◦ Maximum power point tracking
◦ Anti-islanding protection
◦ Synchronization with the grid
◦ Support to the grid where the PV system is
connected
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Inverter efficiency
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Central inverter
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Central inverter
Advantages of a Central Inverter
The most traditional inverter topology
Easy system design and implementation
Low cost per Watt
Easy accessibility for maintenance and troubleshooting
Disadvantages of a Central Inverter
High DC wiring costs and power loss due to Voltage Drop.
Single MPPT for the entire PV system
System output can be drastically reduced in case of partial shading and string mismatch
Difficult to add strings or arrays for future expansion
Single failure point for the entire system
Monitoring at array level
Huge size! (It is a disadvantage because the bigger size requires more land and creates a
shading issue for the PV array.)
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String inverter
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String inverter
Advantages of a String Inverter
Smaller in size when compared to central inverters
Better MPPT capability per string
Scalability for future expansion by adding parallel strings
Short DC wires
Monitoring at string level
Disadvantages of a String Inverter
The installation requires special racking for the inverter for each string
Poor flexibility at partial shading
Higher per Watt cost than central inverter
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Micro Inverter
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Micro Inverter
Advantages of Micro Inverters
Resilience to partial shading effects as compared to the central
and string inverters.
MPPT at module level
Highest system flexibility for future expansion
Minimum DC wiring costs
Monitoring at module level
Disadvantages of Micro Inverters
High per Watt cost
High maintenance costs
Difficult access for maintenance since the installation is under
the PV modules
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Example datasheet
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Example datasheet
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Content
1. PV system architecture
2. Charge controller
3. Inverter
4. Battery
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SOC and DOD
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Battery life
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DOD vs Battery temperature
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Battery self discharge
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Battery voltage
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Battery charging
Bulk, absorption, and float charging control
battery voltage with the charging current during a
multiple-stage charging cycle.
Rated capacity
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Rated capacity
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Connection in series/parallel
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