Smart utility interface for photovoltaic converters

Abstract

The main objective of this project is to develop an intelligent, compact powerconditioning module that can be directly interfaced to PV converters and the utility grid. This inverter will be incorporate smart control electronics that will synchronize to the utility voltage. Additionally, this technology will use power tracking to extract the optimum power from the solar panels. This will involve developing software algorithms to extrapolate the maximum amount of power from the PV arrays under changing solar intensity. Data obtained will show that the DC voltage of an array initially drops only slightly, when loaded but after passing the maximum power point, decreases rapidly.