Power Conditioning Systems in the EC Photovoltaic Pilot Plants

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Abstract
The fifteen photovoltaic pilot plants in the current EC programme have given system designers a unique opportunity to address the problems of reliable and efficient power conditioning for a variety of applications in the 30 kWp to 300 kWp range. In this article, the power conditioning systems are described and classified in such a way as to highlight the many similarities and differences of approach. With a single exception, all designers have opted for ac systems, employing solid-state inverters. Some, however, have opted for a simple system with one inverter, while others have sought to improve the low-load efficiency by employing multiple switched units in more complicated systems. Some again have used commercially available inverters with minor modifications, while others have developed new designs which are more efficient but as yet unproven. The majority have decided against maximum power point trackers as not being worth the added expense and complication. The importance of managing power flows to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation has been generally recognised and microprocessor control has been widely used to this end.

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