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Switch for the Optimization of Module Power by Reconfiguration of All Strings (SOMBRA): An Insulated Integrated Switch for a Reconfigurable Solar Panel

Author

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  • Pieter Bauwens

    (CMST–ELIS, imec and Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park—Campus A 126, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Jan Doutreloigne

    (CMST–ELIS, imec and Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park—Campus A 126, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium)

Abstract

The energy yield of a solar panel can be severely impacted by partial shading. Shade caused by nearby static objects can hardly be avoided in installations such as building-applied or building-integrated photovoltaics. Smart reconfigurable photovoltaics (PV) panels are able to change their intra-module configuration to reduce this impact: small substrings can be rewired to be connected in a more optimal configuration. To achieve this, a reconfiguration switch needs to be designed. In this paper a switch for the optimization of module power by reconfiguration of all strings (SOMBRA), a smart switch, is presented. SOMBRA is a fully integrated, low-ohmic switch, designed for currents up to 10 A. It is fully floating up to 50 V, while still being able to communicate with a central unit as an inter-integrated circuit (I 2 C) slave. Two versions were realized, SOMBRA-LV10 for low voltages (LV) and a load current of 10 A, and SOMBRA-HV05 for high voltages (HV) and a load current of 5 A. Measurements proved these devices to be functional, measuring an on-resistance of 1.3 m Ω for SOMBRA-LV10 and 7.3 m Ω for SOMBRA-HV05. This paper will elaborate on the operation, design, and implementation of SOMRBA, as well as the first tests with a small reconfigurable PV module.

Suggested Citation

  • Pieter Bauwens & Jan Doutreloigne, 2019. "Switch for the Optimization of Module Power by Reconfiguration of All Strings (SOMBRA): An Insulated Integrated Switch for a Reconfigurable Solar Panel," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:21:p:4179-:d:282733
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pieter Bauwens & Jan Doutreloigne, 2016. "NMOS-Based Integrated Modular Bypass for Use in Solar Systems (NIMBUS): Intelligent Bypass for Reducing Partial Shading Power Loss in Solar Panel Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-15, June.
    2. Reza Reisi, Ali & Hassan Moradi, Mohammad & Jamasb, Shahriar, 2013. "Classification and comparison of maximum power point tracking techniques for photovoltaic system: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 19(C), pages 433-443.
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