Multi-string inverter with individual MPPT controller

2021 ELE Engineering Design Project (DX04)

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Faculty Lab Coordinator

David Xu

Topic Category

Power

Preamble

Solar power is considered as clean energy to provide electricity. The photo-voltaic panels are usually connected in series (string) to increase the voltage to feed the solar inverter. Multiple strings may parallel connect to provide large current while reducing the cost of solar inverters. The parallel connected strings suffer from the lower conversion efficiency. Maximum power point tracking control is degraded in the parallel connected strings. It is necessary to develop separate MPPT controller for each string in multi-string solar inverters

Objective

The objective of this project is to develop the solar inverter with individual MPPT controller to independently control the PV strings.

Partial Specifications

The requirements of the project:
1) PV panel nominal voltage is 12V, 100W
2) The controller is capable of connecting 5 panels. The output feeds the solar inverter at 24V (nominal).
3) Independent control of the PV panels with MPPT algorithm.
4) The AC grid voltage is 120V, 60Hz single phase.

Suggested Approach

The group should take following steps:
1) Get familiar with PV panel and MPPT algorithm.
2) Get familiar with DC/DC converter (power electronics) and control.
3) Get familiar with DC/AC inverter and control
4) Know the digital control system with power electronics

Group Responsibilities

The group should be responsible for the project management, demo and project report

Student A Responsibilities

Student A is responsible for the DC/DC power converter and associated power circuits.

Student B Responsibilities

Student B is responsible for the signal conditioning circuit and digital controller.

Student C Responsibilities

Student C is responsible for the MPPT control algorithm and power converter control.

Student D Responsibilities

Student D is responsible for the DC/AC inverter.

Course Co-requisites

ELE754

To ALL EDP Students

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, in the event University is not open for in-class/in-lab activities during the Winter term, your EDP topic specifications, requirements, implementations, and assessment methods will be adjusted by your FLCs at their discretion.