Photovoltaic (PV) energy has grown at an average annual rate of 60% in the last five years, surpassing one third of the cumulative wind energy installed capacity, and is quickly becoming an important part of the energy mix in some regions and power systems. This has been driven by a reduction in the cost of PV modules. This growth has also triggered the evolution of classic PV power converters from conventional singlephase grid-tied inverters to more complex topologies to increase efficiency, power extraction from the modules, and reliability without impacting the cost. This article presents an overview of the existing PV energy conversion systems, addressing the system configuration of different PV plants and the PV converter topologies that have found practical applications for grid-connected systems. In addition, the recent research and emerging PV converter technology are discussed, highlighting their possible advantages compared with the present technology. Solar PV energy conversion systems have had a huge growth from an accumulative total power equal to approximately 1.2 GW in 1992 to 136 GW in 2013 (36 GW during 2013) [1]. This phenomenon has been possible because of several factors all working together to push the PV energy to cope with one important position today (and potentially a fundamental position in the near future). Among these factors are the cost reduction and increase in efficiency of the PV modules, the search for alternative clean energy sources (not based on fossil fuels), increased environmental awareness, and favorable political regulations from local governments (establishing feed-in tariffs designed to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies). It has become usual to see PV systems installed on the roofs of houses or PV farms next to the roads in the countryside. Grid-connected PV systems account for more than 99% of the PV installed capacity compared to

An Overview of Recent Research and Emerging PV Converter Technology

Photovoltaic (PV) energy has grown at an average annual rate of 60% in the last five years, surpassing one third of the cumulative wind energy installed capacity, and is quickly becoming an important part of the energy mix in some regions and power systems. This has been driven by a reduction in the cost of PV modules. This growth has also triggered the evolution of classic PV power converters from conventional single-phase grid-tied inverters to more complex topologies to increase efficiency, power extraction from the modules, and reliability without impacting the cost. This article presents an overview of the existing PV energy conversion systems, addressing the system configuration of different PV plants and the PV converter topologies that have found practical applications for grid-connected systems. In addition, the recent research and emerging PV converter technology are discussed, highlighting their possible advantages compared with the present technology.

Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems: An Overview of Recent Research and Emerging PV Converter Technology

Impedance networks cover the entire of electric power conversion from dc (converter, rectifier), ac (inverter), to phase and frequency conversion (ac-ac) in a wide range of applications. Various converter topologies have been reported in the literature to overcome the limitations and problems of the traditional voltage source, current source as well as various classical buck-boost, unidirectional, and bidirectional converter topologies. Proper implementation of the impedance-source network with appropriate switching configurations and topologies reduces the number of power conversion stages in the system power chain, which may improve the reliability and performance of the power system. The first part of this paper provides a comprehensive review of the various impedance-source-networks-based power converters and discusses the main topologies from an application point of view. This review paper is the first of its kind with the aim of providing a “one-stop” information source and a selection guide on impedance-source networks for power conversion for researchers, designers, and application engineers. A comprehensive review of various modeling, control, and modulation techniques for the impedance-source converters/inverters will be presented in Part II.

Impedance-Source Networks for Electric Power Conversion Part I: A Topological Review

One of the most promising power electronics converter topologies is the Z-source inverter (ZSI). The ZSI is an emerging topology for power electronics dc?ac converters with interesting properties such as buck-boost characteristics and single-stage conversion. A two-port network, composed of two capacitors and two inductors connected in an X shape, is employed to provide an impedance source (Z-source) network, coupling the inverter main circuit to the dc input source. The ZSI advantageously uses the shoot-through (ST) state to boost the input voltage, which improves the inverter reliability and enlarges its application fields. In comparison with other power electronics converters, it provides an attractive single stage dc?ac conversion with buck-boost capability with reduced cost, reduced volume, and higher efficiency due to a lower component number. For emerging power-generation technologies, such as fuel cells, photovoltaic (PV) arrays, and wind turbines, and new power electronic applications such as electric and hybrid vehicles, the ZSI is a very promising and competitive topology [1]-[4].

Z-Source Inverter: Topology Improvements Review

This study presents a novel three-level neutral-point-clamped quasi-Z-source inverter in the single-stage buck-boost multilevel inverter family. The topology was derived by combining the properties of the quasi-Z-source network with those of a three-level neutral point clamped inverter. It features such advantages as low voltage stress of the switches, single-stage buck-boost power conversion, continuous input current, short-circuit withstandability and low total harmonic distortion of the output voltage and current. The authors present a steady state analysis of the topology along with a special modulation technique to distribute shoot-through states during the whole fundamental period. Component design guidelines for a single-phase case study system are described. All the findings have been confirmed by simulations and experiments. The topology could be recommended for applications requiring continuous input current, high input voltage gain and enhanced quality of the output voltage.

https://ietresearch.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1049/iet-pel.2013.0904

Single phase three-level neutral-point-clamped quasi-Z-source inverter

This paper describes a new modulation technique for a single phase three-level neutral-point-clamped qZS inverter. The proposed converter is intended for applications that require input voltage gain and high quality of the output voltage. The simulation and experimental results are presented and discussed.

Single phase three-level quasi-z-source inverter with a new boost modulation technique

This paper presents an experimental investigation of a single phase three-level neutral-point-clamped quasi-Z-source inverter for photovoltaic application. The prototype and the case study system are described. Experimental results along with theoretical losses analysis are discussed. The implemented maximum power point tracking algorithm was verified in a real photovoltaic system.

Experimental Investigation of high frequency 3L-NPC qZS inverter for photovoltaic application

This paper presents a CCM analysis of a new modification of a three-level single phase neutral-point-clamped inverter. The proposed topology combines advantages of the three-level neutral-point-clamped full-bridge inverter with those of the quasi-Z-source inverter. The three-level neutral-point-clamped quasi-Z-source inverter is especially suitable for renewable energy sources. The steady-state analysis of a three-level neutral-point-clamped quasi-Z-source inverter in the case of the continuous conduction mode is presented. The conditions of the continuous conduction mode are obtained and analyzed.

CCM operation analysis of the single-phase three-level quasi-Z-source inverter

This article presents a comparative analysis of the input current parameters for active power factor corrector (PFC) based on conventional boost converter (BC) and zero-current-switching quasi-resonant boost converter (ZCS-QRBC). The comparison was performed taking into account the spectral composition of the input current (individual harmonic levels, total harmonic distortion) and power factor. It has been shown that both converters rated for 1 kW output power are compliant with the requirements of international standard IEC61000-3-2.

Serhii Stepenko

Papers

Single phase three-level neutral-point-clamped quasi-Z-source inverter

Single phase three-level quasi-z-source inverter with a new boost modulation technique

Experimental Investigation of high frequency 3L-NPC qZS inverter for photovoltaic application

CCM operation analysis of the single-phase three-level quasi-Z-source inverter

Input current parameters analysis for PFC based on quasi-resonant and conventional boost converters