Optimization of Subcell Interconnection for Multijunction Solar Cells Using DC-DC Converter

Abstract:

The extraction of solar energy will be higher using the multijunction solar cells instead of single junction solar cell by splitting the solar spectrum. This work proposes a detailed study to identify the optimum interconnection method for various multijunction solar cells. An effective power electronic circuit could substantially enhance the efficiency and utilization of a photovoltaic (PV) power system constructed from multijunction solar cells. The multiple input dc-dc non-inverting buck-boost converter is used to demonstrate the advantage of the proposed interconnection technique, which can maintain a constant output voltage by performing both the buck and boost mode of operation. In order to ensure maximum power point (MPP) operation, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied which needs only one MPP control for multiple solar modules resulting reduction in cost and complexity. The PSO algorithm has the ability to track the global maxima of the system even under complex illumination situations.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 573)
• Pages: 52-58
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.573.52
• Online since: June 2014
• Authors: Ani Pious*, K. Rajalakshmi
• Keywords: Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), Multijunction Solarcell, PSO Algorithm

References

[1] M. K. Alam, F. H. Khan, A. M. Imtiaz, Optimization of Subcell Interconnection for Multijunction Solar Cells Using Switching Power Converters, IEEE Trans. SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, Vol. 4, No. 2, April (2013).

DOI: 10.1109/tste.2012.2223493

[2] M. K. Alam, F. H. Khan, and A. M. Imtiaz, Interconnection and optimization issues of multijunction power converters, in Proc. IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conf. (APEC), Feb. 2012, p.583–589.

DOI: 10.1109/apec.2012.6165878

[3] A. Barnett, D. Kirkpatrick, C. Honsberg, D. Moore, M. Wanlass, and K. Emery et al., Very high efficiency solar cell modules, Prog. Photovoltaics: Res. Applicat., vol. 17, 2009, p.75–83.

DOI: 10.1002/pip.852

[4] T. Esram and P. L. Chapman, Comparison of photovoltaic array maximum power point tracking techniques, IEEE Trans. Energy Convers., vol. 22, no. 2, Jun. 2007, p.439–449.

DOI: 10.1109/tec.2006.874230

[5] L. Gao, R. A. Dougal, S. Liu, and A. P. Iotova, Parallel-connected solar PV system to address partial and rapidly fluctuating shadow conditions, IEEE Trans. Ind. Electron., vol. 56, no. 5, May 2009, p.1548–1556.

DOI: 10.1109/tie.2008.2011296

[6] J.M. A. MyrzikandM. Calais, String and module integrated inverters for single-phase grid connected photovoltaic systems—A review, in Proc. Power Tech Conf., vol. 2, 2003, p.8.

DOI: 10.1109/ptc.2003.1304589

[7] M. Meinhardt, G. Cramer, B. Burger, and P. Zacharias, Multi stringconverter with reduced specific costs and enhanced functionality, Solar Energy, vol. 69 (Suppl. ), no. 1–6, 2000pp. 217–227.

DOI: 10.1016/s0038-092x(01)00067-6

[8] S. A. Khajehoddin, A. Bakhshai, and P. Jain, A novel topology and control strategy for maximum power point trackers and multi-string grid-connected PV inverters, in Proc. APEC, 2008, p.173–178.

DOI: 10.1109/apec.2008.4522718

[9] L. Gao, R. A. Dougal, S. Liu, and A. Jotova, Portable solar systems using a step-up power converter with a fast-speed MPPT and a parallelconfigured solar panel to address rapidly changing illumination, in Proc. APEC, , 2007, p.520–523.

DOI: 10.1109/apex.2007.357563

[10] N. E. Ball, Parallel and Virtual Parallel Interconnection of Solar Cells in Solar Panel, U.S. Patent 7521630, Apr. 21, (2009).

[11] M. Miyatake, M. Veerachary, F. Toriumi, N. Fujii, and H. Ko, Maximum power point tracking of multiple photovoltaic arrays: A PSO approach, IEEE Trans. Aerosp. Electron. Syst., vol. 47, no. 1, Jan. 2011, p.367–380.

DOI: 10.1109/taes.2011.5705681

[12] KhandkerTawfique Ahmed, MithunDatta, Nur Mohammad A Novel Two Switch Non-inverting Buck-Boost Converter based Maximum Power Point Tracking System, International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE)Vol. 3, No. 4, August 2013, pp.467-477.

DOI: 10.11591/ijece.v3i4.2772

[13] B. H Bhalachandra& J N Hemalatha, A new multi-input converter configuration for renewable energy systems, International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering ( IJEEE )Vol. 1, Issue 1, Aug 2012, pp.36-45.