Simulation of a Load-Managing Photovoltaic System

Joseph A. Azzolini, Meng Tao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We proposed and demonstrated a load-managing photovoltaic (PV) system that significantly reduces the levelized cost of electricity over conventional PV systems. Instead of managing the PV power, the system manages the number of loads connected to the PV array throughout the day to maximize the utilization efficiency of available PV power without a conventional maximum power point tracker. The system can also regulate its output voltage without a DC/DC converter. This paper presents a simulation study for a stand-alone load-managing system with direct-coupled ohmic loads. The simulation program can model a load-managing system with a PV array of any size and any number of loads, and outputs the power delivered to the loads. The theoretical utilization efficiency was found to increase with the number of loads being managed and reaches above 99% for a direct-coupled system with just eight ohmic loads. The voltage variation seen by the loads can be reduced to less than ±5% by adjusting the switch points for the loads.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2018 IEEE 7th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018 - A Joint Conference of 45th IEEE PVSC, 28th PVSEC and 34th EU PVSEC
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1158-1162
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781538685297
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 26 2018
Event7th IEEE World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018 - Waikoloa Village, United States
Duration: Jun 10 2018Jun 15 2018

Publication series

Name2018 IEEE 7th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018 - A Joint Conference of 45th IEEE PVSC, 28th PVSEC and 34th EU PVSEC

Other

Other7th IEEE World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWaikoloa Village
Period6/10/186/15/18

Keywords

  • directcoupled system
  • levelized cost of electricity
  • load management
  • maximum power point tracking
  • photovoltaic system

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

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