CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER CONDITIONER DEVELOPMENT USING SMART POWER/POWER INTEGRATED CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGIES

摘要

PV power applications are currently concentrated in intermediate or residential size for utility-interactive or small stand-alone modes of operation. Consequently, the development of low cost , highly efficient and reliable power conditioning subsystems (PCS) in the small to medium power range is critical for the viability of PV systems as an alternative energy source.The paper summarizes current directions and development efforts in photovoltaic PCS designs and development. It presents new opportunities arising from increased availability and capabilities of semiconductor switching components such as smart power devices and power integrated circuits (PICs). It also describes developmental efforts of manufacturers of these components for various applications and evaluates their synergistic impacts that will assist in required PCS development and will accelerate PV power applications. It is found that the use of these technologies in future PCS designs offers significant promise of improved PCS reliability, cost and performance, thereby making PV AC power more competitive with utility power. The concept of an AC photovoltaic module can be implemented with current technology.