This paper introduces a new converter called reconfigurable solar converter (RSC) for photovoltaic (PV)-battery application, particularly utility-scale PV-battery application. The main concept of the new converter is to use a single-stage three-phase grid-tie solar PV converter to perform dc/ac and dc/dc operations. This converter solution is appealing for PV-battery application, because it minimizes the number of conversion stages, thereby improving efficiency and reducing cost, weight, and volume. In this paper, a combination of analysis and experimental tests is used to demonstrate the attractive performance characteristics of the proposed RSC.

Reconfigurable Solar Converter: A Single-Stage Power Conversion PV-Battery System

From a path breaking innovation, electricity has grown into one of the most important factors helping us to sustain civilization today. The entire world economy is dependent on technology today. Yet, certain remote areas are deprived of this basic amenity, either due to the lack of concern from the authorities or due to the unawareness about harvesting locally available resources. In this paper, the challenges faced by one such area are identified and the issue is solved by utilizing alternate energy source. This paper describes how rural electrification can be implemented in a cost-effective manner without compromising efficiency. The area under study is located farthest from the existing power grid and the high expenditure that has to be incurred in its electrification withdrew the authority from this task. However the project team formed under the Local Integrated Network of Kerala IEEE Students identified that the solar energy can be harvested in the area. All the project parameters were analyzed in detail and thorough research was done on the land and its inhabitants. Underground cables were chosen as the means of transmission. The project implemented provided electricity for basic lighting devices. The project can be viewed from a global perspective, as the characteristics of the area selected are identical to similar non-electrified regions around the world.

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A Study on Low Cost Electrification Using Solar Energy a Field Work

A new, hybrid integrated topology, fed by photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cell (FC) sources and suitable for distributed generation applications, is proposed. It works as an uninterruptible power source that is able to feed a certain amount of power into the grid under all conditions. PV is used as the primary source of power operating near maximum power point (MPP), with the FC section (block), acting as a current source, feeding only the deficit power. The unique “integrated” approach obviates the need for dedicated communication between the two sources for coordination and eliminates the use of a separate, conventional dc/dc boost converter stage required for PV power processing, resulting in a reduction of the number of devices, components, and sensors. Presence of the FCsource in parallel (with the PVsource) improves the quality of power fed into the grid by minimizing the voltage dips in the PVoutput. Another desirable feature is that even a small amount of PV power (e.g., during low insolation), can be fed into the grid. On the other hand, excess power is diverted for auxiliary functions like electrolysis, resulting in an optimal use of the energy sources. The other advantages of the proposed system include low cost, compact structure, and high reliability, which render the system suitable for modular assemblies and “plug-n-play” type applications. All the analytical, simulation, and experimental results of this research are presented .

Reconﬁgurable Solar Converter: A Single-Stage Power Conversion PV-Battery System

Design of hybrid energy system using expert system and optimization techniques.

A novel technique for the reduction of the overall system cost of PV (photovoltaic) systems in rural areas is presented. This technique consists of centralized PV generation at a maximum power point voltage of between 90 V and 108 V, power distribution at around 85 V, and decentralized battery storage at 12 V (nominal). Maximum power point tracking (MPPT), single axis solar path tracking (daily), and reflectors are used to maximize the energy from the PV array. Decentralized energy storage in every house, with access restricted to the particular house, encourages energy management by the individual households. Load diversity is exploited by charging remaining batteries at a higher rate when some of the batteries are fully charged. Low distribution losses are obtained by charging the 12 V batteries in series, but access to the energy in the 12 V batteries is restricted to the individual households only. Experimental results are presented, including the power conversion efficiencies of the MPPT and the battery regulator, the energy conversion efficiency of a storage battery, and the increase in ampere hours from a PV panel using a three-stage solar path tracker.

D.B. Snyman

Papers

Centralized PV generation and decentralized battery storage for cost effective electrification of rural areas