Control Intelligence Improves Renewable Energy Efficiency

Focus:

Digital signal controllers (DSCs) enable real-time control of the inverters, battery management functions, and protection functions required in solar- and wind-powered systems. A single DSC can control multiple conversion stages in an inverter, while also handling maximum power point tracking (MPPT), battery-charge monitoring, surge protection, data logging and communications. The first DSC-based inverter designs used fixed-point controllers. However, the recent introduction of floating-point DSCs enhances inverter design by making it possible to implement more complex control algorithms. This article discusses the control requirements of the inverters and other elements of solar-power systems including control techniques for MPPT, efficient dc-ac conversion, and "nonislanding." It also discusses the functions performed by the DSC in a solar power inverter design and the performance advantages afforded by floating-point control. A table illustrates the improvement in cycle counts of floating-point C code over fixed-point C code for algorithms used in inverter control. Possible improvements in inverter design such as the use of a three-phase inverter at the output of the dc-ac stage in place of an H-bridge converter, and real-time fault management for the inverter are also discussed.

What you’ll learn:

• How to enhance performance of solar power inverters using floating-point DSCs in place of fixed-point DSCs
• How to understand the advantages of DSCs in renewable energy systems

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Author & Publication:

Arefeen Mohammed, C2000 Applications Engineer, Texas Instruments, Dallas, Power Electronics Technology, Sep 01 2007

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