Reconfigurable power management using novel monolithically integrated CMOS-on-PV switch

Abstract

This paper presents a novel reconfigurable power management architecture for PV modules. This architecture allows for operation or isolation (islanding) of individual or groups of cells. Flexible Voc and Isc combinations may be achieved with switching speeds up to 1MHz. Multiple advantages and functionalities can be achieved, such as lower power losses if one cell is shaded or degrading, variable optimized maximum power point tracking, integrated monitoring and communication from PV modules, longer lifetime and others. In order to properly understand the benefits of cell-level switching, bypassing and MPPT, a simulation framework was developed using NGSPICE and Octave which allows component-level simulation of PV modules.

Improving performance of photovoltaic panel by reconfigurability in partial shading condition

“…The minimization of ONresistance in a reconfigurable PV module can be achieved by creating monolithic CMOS-on-PV, as presented in Ref. 36. Besides offering lower resistance, a monolithic CMOS-on-PV module offers many advantages that are discussed in Refs.…”

“…[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31] A PV module embedded with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) switches has recently been proposed as an alternative to the SP-based PV module with bypass diode. [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] Studies have shown that PV modules embedded with switches have better capability for dealing with partial shading, mismatch issues, and faulty conditions. 32,33,35,37 Additionally, such PV modules reconfigure in real-time (i.e., an number of PV cells connected in series × number of cells connected in parallel change), which enables creating a power island.…”

“…32,33,35,37 Additionally, such PV modules reconfigure in real-time (i.e., an number of PV cells connected in series × number of cells connected in parallel change), which enables creating a power island. 36 Among all switches, CMOS-based switches are ideal for creating a reconfigurable PV module, since they can be easily integrated with PV cells in a single die, i.e., monolithic CMOS-on-PV. 36,39 However, unlike all other contemporary topologies, the reconfigurable PV module requires a controller, a computing device, and an algorithm for partial shading or fault detection.…”

“…36 Among all switches, CMOS-based switches are ideal for creating a reconfigurable PV module, since they can be easily integrated with PV cells in a single die, i.e., monolithic CMOS-on-PV. 36,39 However, unlike all other contemporary topologies, the reconfigurable PV module requires a controller, a computing device, and an algorithm for partial shading or fault detection. Therefore, a comparative study between the reconfigurable PV modules with these newer topologies is required to better understand the effectiveness of switches in alleviating the limitations in the PV module.…”