Brain Cells: Intelligent Efficiency for Solar Systems
by Keith Curtis, Microchip Technology Inc., Bodo's Power Systems, Jan 01 2009
Focus:
A variety of techniques are available for maximizing the solar power systems that employ solar cells to charge batteries and operate dc-powered loads. This article discusses a variety of system configurations using rectifier diodes, maximum power point (MPP) tracking converters, battery chargers, and switching regulators. The efficiency and reliability of the different configurations and the tradeoffs of efficiency versus reliability, and daytime versus nighttime efficiency are discussed. The efficiency of the solar cells themselves is considered a given, but the goal of reducing power dissipation and heating within the solar cells is addressed. Techniques are described for modifying and/or combining the functions of battery charger, MPP tracking converters, and switching regulators to optimize efficiency. A power saving MPP dithering technique and use of an intelligent load are also discussed. Although many of the techniques discussed increase the complexity of system control, microcontrollers with mixed-signal peripherals allow such systems to be implemented with a reduced number of chips.
What you’ll learn:
- How to maximize the efficiency of solar-powered systems with battery storage
- How to determine the configuration of solar cells, maximum power point tracking converters, battery cells battery chargers, and switching regulators that results in highest system efficiency
- How to reduce power dissipation within solar cells
Notes:
Article appears on pages 30-34 of January issue in article archive. You must register to access articles in this magazine's archive.
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