INDUSTRYNEWS
STMicro aims to capture lost power
STMicroelectronics has unveiled the industry’s first IC to combine important power-optimization and power-conversion functions for solar generators. ST’s innovation will allow multi-panel arrays, ranging from domestic rooftop-type equipment to larger installations, to deliver more energy at a lower cost per Watt.
ST’s new SPV1020 chip allows Maximum Power-Point Tracking (MPPT) to be applied individually for each panel. MPPT automatically adjusts a solar generator’s output circuitry to compensate for power fluctuations resulting from varying solar intensity, shadowing, temperature change, panel mismatch, or ageing. Without MPPT, the power from a solar panel can fall by 10 to 20 percent if even a small percentage of its surface is in shadow. This disproportionate decrease may restrict the choice of site or force the use of a smaller array to avoid shadows. In some cases, it can challenge the viability of the project.
The SPV1020 enables Distributed MPPT (DMPPT), which compensates each panel individually, in contrast to a centralized MPPT scheme that applies a ‘best-fit’ compensation to all the panels in the array. DMPPT is the most promising technique to improve the energy productivity of photovoltaic systems
Standing together
because it maximizes the power extracted from each panel regardless of adjacent module performance, even if a module has failed.
Implementing DMPPT usually requires a network of discrete components for each panel in an array. The SPV1020 replaces this network with a single chip and also integrates the DC/DC converter to step-up the panel’s low-voltage DC output to a larger DC voltage from which line-quality AC power is produced. By integrating MPPT and the DC/DC converter, the SPV1020 dramatically simplifies design and reduces part count, making DMPPT economical for solar generators across a range of power ratings and price points.
ST has integrated all of the required functions in a monolithic chip using its advanced 0.18-micron BCD8 multi-power process technology. BCD8 holds the key to combining power and analog functions for the DC/DC converter on the same chip as the digital logic performing the MPPT algorithm. This technology enables a smaller, more reliable and longer-lasting solution than an alternative built with discrete components. The IC also has an advanced DC/DC converter architecture that minimizes the size and number of external passive components needed.
“Maximizing efficiency and reliability are key elements to deliver cost-competitive power from renewable sources,” said Pietro Menniti, General Manager of ST’s Industrial and Power Conversion Division.
Power plant grid connected
CARPEVIGO AG, an independent project developer and operator of solar power plants, has put into operation the solar power plant Osterhofen-II. The plant Osterhofen-I, put into operation at the turn of the year, has a capacity of 1.33 MWp. The recently completed plant Osterhofen- II has a capacity of 1.71 MWp.
Together the two plants fulfill the power needs of 915 typical 4-people households and spare the environment a carbon emission of approx. 2,900 tons per year.
Funding partner of the project is the
Sparkasse Passau. The Solea AG was in charge of the construction works. In both plants Carpevigo used a technical design already which was successfully applied in other projects, with a fixed orientation of the PV panels and a soil-friendly sub- structure made of hot-dip galvanized ground screws by PV-EIWA Systemtechnik.
Carpevigo AG will take the power plant into its own investment portfolio. Carpevigo Management GmbH will be in charge of the management and operation of the plant for the period of operation of
A GROUP engineers and photovoltaic manufacturing professionals recently met at Flextronics Inc.’s campus in Milpitas, California to discuss the formation of a new professional association to advance the photovoltaic engineering and related manufacturing professions. Such an association would address research, education, industry standards, and training. The meeting began with a welcome by Dr. Dongkai Shangguan, Vice President of Flextronics, who discussed the solar industry in general and the need to lower the cost per watt as an industry imperative.
Matt Holzmann, President of Christopher Associates, then presented an overview of why an association would be beneficial to the industry and the participants. He placed strong emphasis on a member driven model dedicated to engineering, management, and other related professional activities. There was widespread agreement that such an association would have significant benefits both to participants and the industry at large.
Afterwards, Holzmann stated, “This was a great first step. We must now focus on defining the scope and activities of the organization. Member involvement is critical to achieving success.”
Committees are now being formed to execute the necessary key activities to establish a legal entity and its functions.
All photovoltaic industry professionals are invited to participate.
11
20 years. The solar power plant Osterhofen is made up of two separate plants. In the foreground, the plant Osterhofen-II, connected to the grid on the 9th of June with a capacity of 1.71 MWp; in the background the plant Osterhofen-I, with a capacity of 1.33 MWp and will connect later.
www.solar-pv-management.com Issue IV 2010
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