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Journal ArticleDOI

Review and Comparison of Step-Up Transformerless Topologies for Photovoltaic AC-Module Application

01 Jun 2013-IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics (IEEE)-Vol. 28, Iss: 6, pp 2649-2663
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive review of step-up single-phase non-isolated inverters suitable for ac-module applications is presented, where the selected solutions are designed and simulated complying with the benchmark obtaining passive and semiconductor components ratings.
Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive review of step-up single-phase non-isolated inverters suitable for ac-module applications. In order to compare the most feasible solutions of the reviewed topologies, a benchmark is set. This benchmark is based on a typical ac-module application considering the requirements for the solar panels and the grid. The selected solutions are designed and simulated complying with the benchmark obtaining passive and semiconductor components ratings in order to perform a comparison in terms of size and cost. A discussion of the analyzed topologies regarding the obtained ratings as well as ground currents is presented. Recommendations for topological solutions complying with the application benchmark are provided.

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Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The generation mechanism of leakage current is investigated and the concepts of dc-based and ac-based decoupling networks are proposed to not only cover the published symmetrical inductor-based topologies but also offer an innovative strategy to derive advanced inverters.
Abstract: Single-phase voltage source transformerless inverters have been developed for many years and have been successful commercial applications in the distributed photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected systems. Moreover, many advanced industrial topologies and recent innovations have been published in the last few years. The objective of this paper is to classify and review these recent contributions to establish the present state of the art and trends of the transformerless inverters. This can provide a comprehensive and insightful overview of this technology. First, the generation mechanism of leakage current is investigated to divide the transformerless inverters into asymmetrical inductor-based and symmetrical inductor-based groups. Then, the concepts of dc-based and ac-based decoupling networks are proposed to not only cover the published symmetrical inductor-based topologies but also offer an innovative strategy to derive advanced inverters. Furthermore, the transformation principle between the dc-based and ac-based topologies is explored to make a clear picture on the general law and framework for the recent advances and future trend in this area. Finally, a family of clamped highly efficient and reliable inverter concept transformerless inverters is derived and tested to offer some excellent candidates for next-generation high-efficiency and cost-effective PV grid-tie inverters.

553 citations


Cites background from "Review and Comparison of Step-Up Tr..."

  • ...trols for single-phase grid-connected inverters is authored [37]– [43]....

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  • ...stage converters are surveyed and compared to investigate the suitable candidates for PV ac modules [37]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: To integrate the advantages of the high voltage gain of a switched-capacitor (SC) converter and excellent output regulation of a switching-mode dc-dc converter, a method of combining the two types of converters is proposed in this paper.
Abstract: In a photovoltaic (PV)- or fuel-cell-based grid-connected power system, a high step-up dc-dc converter is required to boost the low voltage of a PV or fuel cell to a relatively high bus voltage for the downstream dc-ac grid-connected inverter. To integrate the advantages of the high voltage gain of a switched-capacitor (SC) converter and excellent output regulation of a switching-mode dc-dc converter, a method of combining the two types of converters is proposed in this paper. The basic idea is that when the switch is turned on, the inductor is charged, and the capacitors are connected in series to supply the load, and when the switch is turned off, the inductor releases energy to charge multiple capacitors in parallel, whose voltages are controlled by a pulsewidth modulation technique. Thus, a high voltage gain of the dc-dc converter can be obtained with good regulation. Based on this principle, a series of new topologies are derived, and the operating principles and voltage gains of the proposed converters are analyzed. Finally, the design of the proposed converter is given, and the experiment results are provided to verify the theoretical analysis.

331 citations


Cites background from "Review and Comparison of Step-Up Tr..."

  • ...As a result, the voltage stress of the switch will be increased, whereas the efficiency of the converter is degraded [7]–[9]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a non-isolated high step-up dc-dc converter with dual coupled inductors suitable for distributed generation applications, which inherits shared input current with low ripple, which also requires small capacitive filter at its input.
Abstract: This paper introduces a non-isolated high step-up dc–dc converter with dual coupled inductors suitable for distributed generation applications. By implementing an input parallel connection, the proposed dc–dc structure inherits shared input current with low ripple, which also requires small capacitive filter at its input. Moreover, this topology can reach high voltage gain by using dual coupled inductors in series connection at the output stage. The proposed converter uses active clamp circuits with a shared clamp capacitor for the main switches. In addition to the active clamp circuit, the leakage energy is recycled to the output by using an integrated regenerative snubber. Indeed, these circuits allow soft-switching conditions, i.e., zero voltage switching and zero current switching for active and passive switching devices, respectively. The mentioned features along with a common ground connection of the input and output make the proposed topology a proper candidate for transformer-less grid-connected photovoltaic systems. The operating performance, analysis and mathematical derivations of the proposed dc–dc converter have been demonstrated in the paper. Moreover, the main features of the proposed converter have been verified through experimental results of a 1-kW laboratory prototype.

287 citations


Cites background from "Review and Comparison of Step-Up Tr..."

  • ...One convenient way to reach this goal is to implement a common grounded transformer-less inverter [3]–[6]....

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  • ...In recent years, PV systems got the largest growth in both investigations and installations among other renewable energy sources [3]–[6]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper aims to comprehensively review and classify various transformerless inverters with detailed analytical comparisons, and to give more insight on the CM characteristics and leakage current, computer simulations of major transformer less inverter topologies have been performed in PLECS software.
Abstract: In photovoltaic (PV) applications, a transformer is often used to provide galvanic isolation and voltage ratio transformations between input and output. However, these conventional iron- and copper-based transformers increase the weight/size and cost of the inverter while reducing the efficiency and power density. It is therefore desirable to avoid using transformers in the inverter. However, additional care must be taken to avoid safety hazards such as ground fault currents and leakage currents, e.g., via the parasitic capacitor between the PV panel and ground. Consequently, the grid connected transformerless PV inverters must comply with strict safety standards such as IEEE 1547.1, VDE0126-1-1, EN 50106, IEC61727, and $\text{A}S/N$ ZS 5033. Various transformerless inverters have been proposed recently to eliminate the leakage current using different techniques such as decoupling the dc from the ac side and/or clamping the common mode (CM) voltage (CMV) during the freewheeling period, or using common ground configurations. The permutations and combinations of various decoupling techniques with integrated voltage buck–boost for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) allow numerous new topologies and configurations which are often confusing and difficult to follow when seeking to select the right topology. Therefore, to present a clear picture on the development of transformerless inverters for the next-generation grid-connected PV systems, this paper aims to comprehensively review and classify various transformerless inverters with detailed analytical comparisons. To reinforce the findings and comparisons as well as to give more insight on the CM characteristics and leakage current, computer simulations of major transformerless inverter topologies have been performed in PLECS software. Moreover, the cost and size are analyzed properly and summarized in a table. Finally, efficiency and thermal analysis are provided with a general summary as well as a technology roadmap.

258 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A family of novel flying capacitor transformerless inverters for single-phase photovoltaic (PV) systems based on a flying capacitor principle and requires only four power switches and/or diodes, one capacitor, and a small filter at the output stage is proposed.
Abstract: This paper proposes a family of novel flying capacitor transformerless inverters for single-phase photovoltaic (PV) systems. Each of the new topologies proposed is based on a flying capacitor principle and requires only four power switches and/or diodes, one capacitor, and a small filter at the output stage. A simple unipolar sinusoidal pulse width modulation technique is used to modulate the inverter to minimize the switching loss, output current ripple, and the filter requirements. In general, the main advantages of the new inverter topologies are: 1) the negative polarity of the PV is directly connected to the grid, and therefore, no leakage current; 2) reactive power compensation capability; and 3) the output ac voltage peak is equal to the input dc voltage (unlike neutral-point-clamped and derivative topologies, which requires twice the magnitude of the peak ac voltage). A complete description of the operating principle with modulation techniques, design guidelines, and comprehensive comparisons is presented to reveal the properties and limitations of each topology in detail. Finally, experimental results of 1-kVA prototypes are presented to prove the concept and theoretical analysis of the proposed inverter family for practical applications.

252 citations

References
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on inverter technologies for connecting photovoltaic (PV) modules to a single-phase grid and categorize the inverters into four classifications: 1) the number of power processing stages in cascade; 2) the type of power decoupling between the PV module(s) and the single phase grid; 3) whether they utilizes a transformer (either line or high frequency) or not; and 4) the kind of grid-connected power stage.
Abstract: This review focuses on inverter technologies for connecting photovoltaic (PV) modules to a single-phase grid. The inverters are categorized into four classifications: 1) the number of power processing stages in cascade; 2) the type of power decoupling between the PV module(s) and the single-phase grid; 3) whether they utilizes a transformer (either line or high frequency) or not; and 4) the type of grid-connected power stage. Various inverter topologies are presented, compared, and evaluated against demands, lifetime, component ratings, and cost. Finally, some of the topologies are pointed out as the best candidates for either single PV module or multiple PV module applications.

3,530 citations


"Review and Comparison of Step-Up Tr..." refers background or methods in this paper

  • ...Passive and semiconductor ratings, obtained based on simulation results, are used as a simple method to compare the selected topologies in terms of size and cost [7]....

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  • ...The design of this decoupling capacitor has a significant impact in the utilization ratio of the maximum available power of the PV module [7]....

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  • ...Several topologies for ac-module application have been presented [6], [7]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
10 Dec 2002
TL;DR: The Z-source converter employs a unique impedance network to couple the converter main circuit to the power source, thus providing unique features that cannot be obtained in the traditional voltage-source (or voltage-fed) and current-source converters where a capacitor and inductor are used, respectively.
Abstract: This paper presents an impedance-source (or impedance-fed) power converter (abbreviated as Z-source converter) and its control method for implementing DC-to-AC, AC-to-DC, AC-to-AC, and DC-to-DC power conversion. The Z-source converter employs a unique impedance network (or circuit) to couple the converter main circuit to the power source, thus providing unique features that cannot be obtained in the traditional voltage-source (or voltage-fed) and current-source (or current-fed) converters where a capacitor and inductor are used, respectively. The Z-source converter overcomes the conceptual and theoretical barriers and limitations of the traditional voltage-source converter (abbreviated as V-source converter) and current-source converter (abbreviated as I-source converter) and provides a novel power conversion concept. The Z-source concept can be applied to all DC-to-AC, AC-to-DC, AC-to-AC, and DC-to-DC power conversion. To describe the operating principle and control, this paper focuses on an example: a Z-source inverter for DC-AC power conversion needed in fuel cell applications. Simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the new features.

2,851 citations


"Review and Comparison of Step-Up Tr..." refers methods in this paper

  • ...Other energy conversion technique, mostly used in threephase applications, is the Z-source inverter [58]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A general conceptual circuit for high-step-up, low-cost, and high-efficiency dc/dc conversion is proposed to derive the next-generation topologies for the PV grid-connected power system.
Abstract: The photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected power system in the residential applications is becoming a fast growing segment in the PV market due to the shortage of the fossil fuel energy and the great environmental pollution. A new research trend in the residential generation system is to employ the PV parallel-connected configuration rather than the series-connected configuration to satisfy the safety requirements and to make full use of the PV generated power. How to achieve high-step-up, low-cost, and high-efficiency dc/dc conversion is the major consideration due to the low PV output voltage with the parallel-connected structure. The limitations of the conventional boost converters in these applications are analyzed. Then, most of the topologies with high-step-up, low-cost, and high-efficiency performance are covered and classified into several categories. The advantages and disadvantages of these converters are discussed. Furthermore, a general conceptual circuit for high-step-up, low-cost, and high-efficiency dc/dc conversion is proposed to derive the next-generation topologies for the PV grid-connected power system. Finally, the major challenges of high-step-up, low-cost, and high-efficiency dc/dc converters are summarized. This paper would like to make a clear picture on the general law and framework for the next-generation nonisolated high-step-up dc/dc converters.

1,162 citations


"Review and Comparison of Step-Up Tr..." refers background in this paper

  • ...In [10], the parallel-connected configuration of PV modules is analyzed....

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  • ...Several high step-up converters have been proposed in the literature [10] as an alternative to the boost converter....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a topology study of the PV MICs in the power range below 500 W and covers most topologies recently proposed for MIC applications is presented, where the MIC topologies are classified into three different arrangements based on the dc link configurations.
Abstract: The annual world photovoltaic (PV) cell/module production is growing at almost an exponential rate and has reached 1727 MW in 2005. Building integrated PV (BIPV) projects are emerging as the strongest part of the PV market and grid interactive inverters are a key component in determining the total system cost. Module integrated converter (MIC) technology has become a global trend in grid interactive PV applications and may assist in driving down the balance of system costs to secure an improved total system cost. This paper concentrates on the topology study of the PV MICs in the power range below 500 W and covers most topologies recently proposed for MIC applications. The MIC topologies are classified into three different arrangements based on the dc link configurations. A systematic discussion is also provided at the end of the paper that focuses on the major advantages and disadvantages of each MIC arrangement. These are considered in detail and will provide a useful framework and point of reference for the next generation MIC designs and applications.

1,158 citations


"Review and Comparison of Step-Up Tr..." refers background in this paper

  • ...Several topologies for ac-module application have been presented [6], [7]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper proposes a new topology, based on the H-bridge with a new ac bypass circuit consisting of a diode rectifier and a switch with clamping to the dc midpoint, which achieves high conversion efficiency and low leakage current.
Abstract: There is a strong trend in the photovoltaic inverter technology to use transformerless topologies in order to acquire higher efficiencies combining with very low ground leakage current. In this paper, a new topology, based on the H-bridge with a new ac bypass circuit consisting of a diode rectifier and a switch with clamping to the dc midpoint, is proposed. The topology is simulated and experimentally validated, and a comparison with other existing topologies is performed. High conversion efficiency and low leakage current are demonstrated.

743 citations


"Review and Comparison of Step-Up Tr..." refers background or methods in this paper

  • ...Ground currents in fullbridge derived inverters are well known and have been deeply studied; thus, several solutions that allow to comply with the regulations have been proposed [8], [17]–[19], [32], [62]–[64]....

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  • ...Based on the survey presented in [8], transformerless topologies are more efficient, lighter, less bulky, and less costly than...

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  • ...In [8], a survey of commercial PV inverter topologies in terms of maximum efficiency, weight, and...

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