WO2013067516A1 - System and method for power conversion for renewable energy sources - Google Patents

System and method for power conversion for renewable energy sources Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013067516A1
WO2013067516A1 PCT/US2012/063582 US2012063582W WO2013067516A1 WO 2013067516 A1 WO2013067516 A1 WO 2013067516A1 US 2012063582 W US2012063582 W US 2012063582W WO 2013067516 A1 WO2013067516 A1 WO 2013067516A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
power
operating mode
power converter
converter
modulation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/063582
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jeffrey A. Reichard
Nathan JOBE
Original Assignee
Zbb Energy Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to BR112014010500A priority Critical patent/BR112014010500A2/en
Priority to AU2012332081A priority patent/AU2012332081A1/en
Priority to MX2014005359A priority patent/MX2014005359A/en
Priority to RU2014118751/07A priority patent/RU2014118751A/en
Priority to KR1020147014056A priority patent/KR20140085554A/en
Priority to CN201280054150.XA priority patent/CN104040859A/en
Application filed by Zbb Energy Corporation filed Critical Zbb Energy Corporation
Priority to JP2014540185A priority patent/JP2014533088A/en
Priority to CA2854479A priority patent/CA2854479A1/en
Priority to EP12846491.4A priority patent/EP2774254A4/en
Publication of WO2013067516A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013067516A1/en
Priority to ZA2014/03840A priority patent/ZA201403840B/en
Priority to HK14110458A priority patent/HK1197113A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J3/00—Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
    • H02J3/28—Arrangements for balancing of the load in a network by storage of energy
    • H02J3/32—Arrangements for balancing of the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05F—SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G05F5/00—Systems for regulating electric variables by detecting deviations in the electric input to the system and thereby controlling a device within the system to obtain a regulated output
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05F—SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G05F1/00—Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
    • G05F1/66—Regulating electric power
    • G05F1/67—Regulating electric power to the maximum power available from a generator, e.g. from solar cell
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J3/00—Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
    • H02J3/36—Arrangements for transfer of electric power between ac networks via a high-tension dc link
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • H02J7/345—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering using capacitors as storage or buffering devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M3/00—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output
    • H02M3/02—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac
    • H02M3/04—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac by static converters
    • H02M3/10—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M3/145—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
    • H02M3/155—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M3/00—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output
    • H02M3/02—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac
    • H02M3/04—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac by static converters
    • H02M3/10—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M3/145—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
    • H02M3/155—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
    • H02M3/156—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators
    • H02M3/158—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators including plural semiconductor devices as final control devices for a single load
    • H02M3/1584—Conversion of dc power input into dc power output without intermediate conversion into ac by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only with automatic control of output voltage or current, e.g. switching regulators including plural semiconductor devices as final control devices for a single load with a plurality of power processing stages connected in parallel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M7/00—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output; Conversion of dc power input into ac power output
    • H02M7/02—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal
    • H02M7/04—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
    • H02M7/12—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M7/21—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
    • H02M7/217—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only
    • H02M7/219—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only in a bridge configuration
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M7/00—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output; Conversion of dc power input into ac power output
    • H02M7/42—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal
    • H02M7/44—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
    • H02M7/48—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M7/53—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
    • H02M7/537—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M7/00—Conversion of ac power input into dc power output; Conversion of dc power input into ac power output
    • H02M7/42—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal
    • H02M7/44—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters
    • H02M7/48—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
    • H02M7/53—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal
    • H02M7/537—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters
    • H02M7/5387—Conversion of dc power input into ac power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters in a bridge configuration
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
    • H02S40/30—Electrical components
    • H02S40/32—Electrical components comprising DC/AC inverter means associated with the PV module itself, e.g. AC modules
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2300/00—Systems for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by decentralized, dispersed, or local generation
    • H02J2300/20—The dispersed energy generation being of renewable origin
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
    • H02M1/00—Details of apparatus for conversion
    • H02M1/0003—Details of control, feedback or regulation circuits
    • H02M1/0032—Control circuits allowing low power mode operation, e.g. in standby mode
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B70/00—Technologies for an efficient end-user side electric power management and consumption
    • Y02B70/10—Technologies improving the efficiency by using switched-mode power supplies [SMPS], i.e. efficient power electronics conversion e.g. power factor correction or reduction of losses in power supplies or efficient standby modes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y02E10/56—Power conversion systems, e.g. maximum power point trackers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/76—Power conversion electric or electronic aspects
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/60—Arrangements for transfer of electric power between AC networks or generators via a high voltage DC link [HVCD]

Definitions

  • renewable energy sources Two of the most common and best developed renewable energy sources are photovoltaic energy and wind energy. Other renewable energy sources may include fuel cells, hydroelectric energy, tidal energy, and biofuel or biomass generators. However, using renewable energy sources to generate electrical energy presents a new set of challenges.
  • renewable energy sources provide a variable supply of energy.
  • the supply may vary, for example, according to the amount of wind, cloud cover, or time of day.
  • different energy sources provide different types of electrical energy.
  • a wind turbine for example, is better suited to provide Alternating Current (AC) energy while a photovoltaic cell is better suited to provide Direct Current (DC) energy.
  • AC Alternating Current
  • DC Direct Current Due to the variable nature of the energy supplied as well as the varying type of energy generated, power converters are commonly inserted between the renewable energy source and the utility gird or an electrical load, if operating independently of the utility grid.
  • the subject matter disclosed herein discloses a power converter configured to transfer energy from a photovoltaic (PV) array to a DC bus internal to the power converter.
  • the power converter executes a modulation module to selectively connect one or more switching devices between the output of the PV array and the DC bus.
  • the power converter is configured to operate in multiple operating modes. In one operating mode, the converter operates with a fixed modulation period and a variable on time, and in another operating mode, the converter operates with a variable modulation period and a fixed on time.
  • the improved power converter provides highly efficient low power energy capture, improving power efficiency and enabling energy capture in low light conditions with reduced converter losses
  • a power converter includes an input configured to receive power from a DC source, a DC bus having a positive and a negative rail, at least one switching device selectively connecting the input to the DC bus as a function of a corresponding control signal, a memory device storing a series of instructions, and a controller.
  • the controller is configured to execute the series of instructions to determine a magnitude of power generated by the DC source, generate the control signal for each switching device in a first operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the DC source exceeds a predefined threshold, and generate the control signal for each switching device in a second operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the DC source is less than the predefined threshold.
  • the series of instructions includes a modulation module having a modulation frequency and an on time.
  • the controller may execute the modulation module to generate control signals at a fixed modulation frequency with a varying on time
  • the controller may execute the modulation module to generate control signals at a varying modulation frequency with a fixed on time.
  • the memory device stores a lookup table defining the rate of change of the modulation frequency during the second operating mode as a function of the current modulation frequency. It is contemplated that the modulation frequency may vary from about 10 kHz to about 50 Hz.
  • a method of converting power from a renewable energy source having a variable power generation capability to a voltage potential present on a DC bus via a power converter includes the steps of monitoring a magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source, controlling at least one switching device in the power converter via a corresponding control signal to selectively connect the renewable energy source to the DC bus, executing a modulation module in the power converter to generate the control signals in a first operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source exceeds a predefined threshold, and executing the modulation module in the power converter to generate the control signals in a second operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source is less than the predefined threshold.
  • the modulation module determines an on time for each of the control signals within a switching period, where the switching period is defined as the inverse of a modulation frequency.
  • the modulation module generates control signals at a fixed modulation frequency with a varying on time
  • the modulation module generates control signals at a varying modulation frequency with a fixed on time.
  • module in the power converter to generate the control signals in a second operating mode may include the steps of reading a desired change in the modulation frequency from a look up table stored in a memory device of the power converter and varying the modulation frequency includes adding or subtracting the desired change as a function of the magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a converter according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a portion of the elements from one phase of the converter of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 is a graphic representation of the power generated by a photovoltaic array at varying levels of insolation
  • Fig. 4 is a graphic representation of the current during one modulation period of the converter of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 5 is a graphic representation of a variable modulation period.
  • the converter 10 includes three input terminals, Tj-T3, configured to receive input voltages.
  • the input terminals, T1-T3, of the illustrated embodiment are connected together to receive a positive terminal, +V v , from a photovoltaic array generating a DC voltage.
  • each of the input terminals, T ⁇ T 3 may be connected to separate terminals from different photovoltaic arrays.
  • the negative terminal, -V pv , from the photovoltaic array is connected to the negative rail 16 of the DC bus 12.
  • a single input terminal, T l5 may be provided or various other number of input terminals, T x , may be provided according to the configuration of the PV array.
  • An input filter 28 provides inductance connected in series with each of the terminals, T ! -T 3 .
  • the converter 10 converts the input voltage from the PV array to the desired DC voltage, Vdc, present on the DC bus 12 using switching devices 20.
  • the DC bus 12 includes a positive rail 14 and a negative rail 16 which are made available at outputs, + dc and -Vdc- As is understood in the art, the positive rail 14 and the negative rail 16 may conduct any suitable DC voltage potential with respect to a common or neutral voltage and are not limited to a positive or a negative DC voltage potential. Further, either of the positive rail 14 or the negative rail 16 may be connected to a neutral voltage potential.
  • the positive rail 14 typically conducts a DC voltage having a greater potential than the negative rail 16.
  • the switching devices 20 are typically solid-state power devices.
  • Fig. 1 shows the switching devices 20 as bipolar junction transistors (BJTs); however, it is
  • IGBT insulated gate bipolar transistors
  • FET field effect transistors
  • SCR silicon controlled rectifiers
  • IGCT integrated gate-commutated thyristor
  • GTO gate turn-off thyristors
  • a diode 22 is connected in parallel to each of the switching devices 20 for reverse conduction across the switching device as required when the switching device 20 is turned off. This diode 22 may also be a part of the semiconductor switch.
  • Each switching device 20 is controlled by a control signal 24.
  • the control signal 24 is enabled or disabled to selectively permit conduction through the switching device 20, which, in turn, selectively connects either the positive rail 14 or the negative rail 16 to one of the input terminals, TrT 3 .
  • a capacitance 50 is connected between the positive rail 14 and the negative rail 16 of the DC bus 12.
  • the capacitance 50 may be a single capacitor or any number of capacitors connected in series or parallel according to the system requirements.
  • the capacitance 50 is configured to reduce the magnitude of ripple voltage resulting from the voltage conversion between the input voltage and the DC bus 12.
  • a controller 40 executes a series of stored instructions to generate the control signals 24.
  • the controller 40 receives feedback signals from sensors corresponding to the amplitude of the voltage and/or current at various points throughout the converter 10. The locations are dependent on the specific control routines being executed within the controller 40.
  • input sensors, 26a-26c may provide an amplitude of the voltage present at each input terminal, T ! -T 3 .
  • an input sensor, 26a-26c may be operatively connected to provide an amplitude of the current conducted at each input terminal, T t -T 3 .
  • a current and/or a voltage sensor, 28 and 30, may be operatively connected to the positive rail 12 and the negative rail 16, respectively, of the DC bus 12.
  • the controller 40 interfaces with a memory device 42 to retrieve the stored instructions and with a communication port 44 to communicate with external devices.
  • the controller 40 is configured to execute the stored instructions to control the converter 10 as described herein.
  • the converter 10 of Fig. 1 is converts a DC voltage having a first potential and present at the input terminals, Ti-T3, to a second potential present at the DC bus.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a portion of the elements from one phase of the converter 10 configured to operate as a boost converter.
  • a solar, or PV, array 8 generates a DC voltage, V pv , which is connected between the input terminal, T l5 and the negative rail 16.
  • One phase of the input filter 28 provides the input inductance between the input terminal, T l5 and one of the lower switches 20.
  • One of the upper diodes 22 provides the output conduction path between the lower switch 20 and the DC bus 12 when the lower switch 20 is off.
  • Modulation of the lower switch 20 by a control signal 24, sometimes referred to as a gate signal, G pv operates to boost the amplitude of the voltage present at the input terminal, Tl, to a greater amplitude on the DC bus 12.
  • a control signal 24 sometimes referred to as a gate signal, G pv
  • G pv a gate signal
  • Modulation of the lower switch 20 by a control signal 24, sometimes referred to as a gate signal, G pv operates to boost the amplitude of the voltage present at the input terminal, Tl, to a greater amplitude on the DC bus 12.
  • the converter 10 converts the power supplied from a variable power energy source to power present on the DC bus 12 of the converter.
  • PV arrays generate power as a function of the light incident on the arrays, also known as insolation.
  • a graph 100 illustrates the voltage and current relationships for an exemplary PV array at varying levels of insolation.
  • the controller 40 executes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) module to identify the operating point at which the maximum power can be transferred from the PV array to the DC bus 12, identified as MPPT1 - MPPT3.
  • MPPT maximum power point tracking
  • the controller 40 utilizes a
  • perturb-observe type MPPT module an initial current reference is commanded, resulting in an initial duty cycle command, D, for the control signal, G pv , 24.
  • the resulting current, I pv , and voltage, V pv , output from the PV array are measured and the resulting power is determined.
  • the current reference is changed by an incremental amount in a first direction, either increased or decreased, and the resulting power output from the PV array is again determined. If the power output increased, the incremental changes are proceeding in the correct direction; however, if the power output decreased, the incremental changes are proceeding the incorrect direction and the direction of subsequent incremental changes is reversed. After identifying the correct direction for the incremental changes in the current references, the incremental changes continue until a decrease in the power output is identified. At this point, the maximum power point has been identified and the controller 40 maintains operation at this operating point. Further, the controller 40 continues to execute the MPPT module as the insolation varies to continue operating at the maximum power point corresponding to the level of light incident on the PV array.
  • the controller 40 executes a modulation module, which is stored in the memory device 42.
  • the modulation module executes at a periodic interval, also known as the switching period, T.
  • the switching period, T is defined as the inverse of the modulation frequency.
  • the modulation module generates a control signal 24 which enables a switching device 20 for a portion of the switching period.
  • the portion, or percentage, of the switching period during which the switching device 20 is enabled is also known as the duty cycle, D.
  • the MPPT module identifies a desired current that corresponds to the maximum power point and provides this current as a reference value to the modulation module within the controller 40.
  • the modulation module uses feedback signals to determine whether the current between the PV array 8 and the DC bus 12 is greater than or less than the desired current to achieve operation at the maximum power point.
  • the modulation module may increase or decrease the duty cycle, D, accordingly.
  • the current drawn from the PV array, I pv is illustrated over one switching period, T, of pulse width modulation as a function of the control signal 24 controlling the switching device 20.
  • the control signal 24 is on for a percentage of the total switching period, T, and off for the remainder of the switching period, T.
  • the percentage of the switching period, T, the control signal 24 is on is referred to as the duty cycle, D, also referred to as the on time, to n .
  • the switch 20 alternately conducts and blocks current.
  • a ripple current, I r is established.
  • the power calculation requires an average current value.
  • the current, I pv may be filtered or sampled over the entire switching period, T, and an average current for the switching period, T, is first determined. The average current is then used to determine the power output from the PV array.
  • the converter 10 monitors the magnitude of power generated by the PV array to determine a desired operating mode of the converter 10.
  • the controller 40 executes the modulation module at a fixed modulation frequency while varying the on time, ton- As previously indicated with respect to Fig. 3, as the total light incident on the PV array decreases, the amplitude of the voltage and current at the maximum power point and, consequently, the power output from the PV array, similarly decrease. Under these operating conditions, the duty cycle, D, of the control signal 24 becomes increasingly small, resulting in short periods of conduction and long periods of blocking current through the switch 20. With the controller 40 executing the modulation module at a fixed modulation frequency, the power losses in the converter 10 may exceed the power generated by the PV array 8.
  • an exemplary converter 10 capable of transferring up to 100 kilowatt of power from the PV array 8 may operate at 96% efficiency from about one quarter power (i.e. 25 kilowatts) to full power (i.e. 100 kilowatts).
  • the PV array 8 is only generating 10 kilowatts, or about 10% of the capacity of the converter 10, the operating efficiency drops to about 90%.
  • the previous usable input range of the converter 10 may have been when the PV array 8 is generating between 10% and 100% of the rated capacity of the converter 10.
  • the present converter 10 has a second operating mode to expand the operating range of the converter 10.
  • a predefined minimum value for the on time, ton is set.
  • the controller 40 executing the modulation module, to reaches this minimum value, the controller 40 begins executing the modulation module in the second operating mode.
  • the converter 10 begins varying the modulation frequency, which inversely varies the switching period, T, of the pulse width modulation.
  • Fig. 5a may represent the point at which the first operating mode has reached its minimum on time, ton,.
  • the period, Tl is equal to the normal operating period which may be, for example, 100 ⁇ , corresponding to a 10 kHz switching frequency.
  • the switching period may be extended, for example, to T2 and subsequently to T3. Because the switching period is being extended the modulation frequency is being decreased. As a result, the switching devices 20 are not being turned on as often, thereby reducing the corresponding switching losses.
  • the converter 10 operates at increased efficiency at lower power levels in the second operating mode than it would in the first operating mode.
  • the converter 10 previously discussed which was capable of transferring up to 100 kWatt of power from the PV array 8, operated at 90% efficiency at 10% of its rated capacity in the first mode of operation.
  • the converter 10 operates instead at about 95% efficiency at 10 % of its rated capacity.
  • the increased efficiency permits the converter to continue operating down to about 1% of its rated capacity before the power losses in the converter 10 may exceed the power generated by the PV array 8. It is contemplated that the switching period may be extended to at least 20 msec,
  • the converter 10 may continue operation across a broader operating range to increase the amount of energy obtained from the PV array.
  • a look up table may be stored in the memory device 42 which defines the rate at which the controller 40 changes the modulation frequency during operation in the second mode.
  • the relationship between the current and the switching period is nonlinear. For example, a 10 ⁇ change in the modulation period when operating at a 10 kHz switching frequency (i.e. a 100 ⁇ period) represents a greater percentage increment than when operating at a 50 Hz switching frequency (i.e. a 20 msec period).
  • the modulation period is changed at larger increments when the converter 10 is operating at lower modulation frequencies than when the converter is operating at higher modulation frequencies.
  • the lookup table may store the desired incremental changes in the modulation frequency at varying operating points.

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Abstract

A power converter is configured to transfer energy from a photovoltaic (PV) array to a DC bus internal to the power converter. The power converter executes a modulation module to selectively connect one or more switching devices between the output of the PV array and the DC bus. The power converter is configured to operate in multiple operating modes. In one operating mode, the converter operates with a fixed modulation period and a variable on time, and in another operating mode, the converter operates with a variable modulation period and a fixed on time. The improved power converter provides highly efficient low power energy capture, improving power efficiency and enabling energy capture in low light conditions with reduced converter losses.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POWER CONVERSION FOR RENEWABLE
ENERGY SOURCES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No.
61/555,727, filed November 4, 2011, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to power converters and, more
specifically, to improved power conversion for renewable energy systems during periods of low power production.
[0003] In recent years, increased demands for energy and increased concerns about supplies of fossil fuels and their corresponding pollution have led to an increased interest in renewable energy sources. Two of the most common and best developed renewable energy sources are photovoltaic energy and wind energy. Other renewable energy sources may include fuel cells, hydroelectric energy, tidal energy, and biofuel or biomass generators. However, using renewable energy sources to generate electrical energy presents a new set of challenges.
[0004] Many renewable energy sources provide a variable supply of energy. The supply may vary, for example, according to the amount of wind, cloud cover, or time of day. Further, different energy sources provide different types of electrical energy. A wind turbine, for example, is better suited to provide Alternating Current (AC) energy while a photovoltaic cell is better suited to provide Direct Current (DC) energy. Due to the variable nature of the energy supplied as well as the varying type of energy generated, power converters are commonly inserted between the renewable energy source and the utility gird or an electrical load, if operating independently of the utility grid.
[0005] It is known that power converters have inherent losses which prevent all of the power generated by the renewable energy source from being converted to usable electrical energy. At low levels of power generation, the energy losses may be greater than the power being generated by the renewable energy source. The power converter is typically switched off to avoid an operating condition in which the power generation system is actually using more energy than it is generating.
[0006] Thus, in order to maximize the efficiency of the power generation system, it is desirable to provide a converter able to efficiently operate at a very wide range of power generation levels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The subject matter disclosed herein discloses a power converter configured to transfer energy from a photovoltaic (PV) array to a DC bus internal to the power converter. The power converter executes a modulation module to selectively connect one or more switching devices between the output of the PV array and the DC bus. The power converter is configured to operate in multiple operating modes. In one operating mode, the converter operates with a fixed modulation period and a variable on time, and in another operating mode, the converter operates with a variable modulation period and a fixed on time. The improved power converter provides highly efficient low power energy capture, improving power efficiency and enabling energy capture in low light conditions with reduced converter losses
[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, a power converter includes an input configured to receive power from a DC source, a DC bus having a positive and a negative rail, at least one switching device selectively connecting the input to the DC bus as a function of a corresponding control signal, a memory device storing a series of instructions, and a controller. The controller is configured to execute the series of instructions to determine a magnitude of power generated by the DC source, generate the control signal for each switching device in a first operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the DC source exceeds a predefined threshold, and generate the control signal for each switching device in a second operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the DC source is less than the predefined threshold. The series of instructions includes a modulation module having a modulation frequency and an on time. During the first operating mode, the controller may execute the modulation module to generate control signals at a fixed modulation frequency with a varying on time, and during the second operating mode, the controller may execute the modulation module to generate control signals at a varying modulation frequency with a fixed on time.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the memory device stores a lookup table defining the rate of change of the modulation frequency during the second operating mode as a function of the current modulation frequency. It is contemplated that the modulation frequency may vary from about 10 kHz to about 50 Hz.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of converting power from a renewable energy source having a variable power generation capability to a voltage potential present on a DC bus via a power converter is disclosed. The method includes the steps of monitoring a magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source, controlling at least one switching device in the power converter via a corresponding control signal to selectively connect the renewable energy source to the DC bus, executing a modulation module in the power converter to generate the control signals in a first operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source exceeds a predefined threshold, and executing the modulation module in the power converter to generate the control signals in a second operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source is less than the predefined threshold.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the modulation module determines an on time for each of the control signals within a switching period, where the switching period is defined as the inverse of a modulation frequency. During the first operating mode, the modulation module generates control signals at a fixed modulation frequency with a varying on time, and during the second operating mode, the modulation module generates control signals at a varying modulation frequency with a fixed on time.
[0012] According to yet another aspect of the invention, executing the modulation
module in the power converter to generate the control signals in a second operating mode may include the steps of reading a desired change in the modulation frequency from a look up table stored in a memory device of the power converter and varying the modulation frequency includes adding or subtracting the desired change as a function of the magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source. [0013] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and
accompanying drawings, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGfS)
[0014] Various exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a converter according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a portion of the elements from one phase of the converter of Fig. 1 ;
[0017] Fig. 3 is a graphic representation of the power generated by a photovoltaic array at varying levels of insolation;
[0018] Fig. 4 is a graphic representation of the current during one modulation period of the converter of Fig. 1 ; and
[0019] Fig. 5 is a graphic representation of a variable modulation period.
[0020] In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention which are illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word "connected," "attached," or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The various features and advantageous details of the subject matter disclosed herein are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.
Turning initially to Fig. 1, an exemplary converter 10 incorporating one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The converter 10 includes three input terminals, Tj-T3, configured to receive input voltages. The input terminals, T1-T3, of the illustrated embodiment are connected together to receive a positive terminal, +V v, from a photovoltaic array generating a DC voltage. Optionally, each of the input terminals, T^ T3, may be connected to separate terminals from different photovoltaic arrays. The negative terminal, -Vpv, from the photovoltaic array is connected to the negative rail 16 of the DC bus 12. According to still other embodiments of the invention, a single input terminal, Tl5 may be provided or various other number of input terminals, Tx, may be provided according to the configuration of the PV array. An input filter 28 provides inductance connected in series with each of the terminals, T!-T3.
The converter 10 converts the input voltage from the PV array to the desired DC voltage, Vdc, present on the DC bus 12 using switching devices 20. The DC bus 12 includes a positive rail 14 and a negative rail 16 which are made available at outputs, + dc and -Vdc- As is understood in the art, the positive rail 14 and the negative rail 16 may conduct any suitable DC voltage potential with respect to a common or neutral voltage and are not limited to a positive or a negative DC voltage potential. Further, either of the positive rail 14 or the negative rail 16 may be connected to a neutral voltage potential. The positive rail 14 typically conducts a DC voltage having a greater potential than the negative rail 16.
The switching devices 20 are typically solid-state power devices. Fig. 1 shows the switching devices 20 as bipolar junction transistors (BJTs); however, it is
contemplated that any suitable switching device according to the application
requirements may be used, including, but not limited to, insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT), field effect transistors (FETs), silicon controlled rectifiers (SCR), thyristors such as integrated gate-commutated thyristor (IGCT) or gate turn-off thyristors (GTO), or other controlled devices. A diode 22 is connected in parallel to each of the switching devices 20 for reverse conduction across the switching device as required when the switching device 20 is turned off. This diode 22 may also be a part of the semiconductor switch. Each switching device 20 is controlled by a control signal 24. The control signal 24 is enabled or disabled to selectively permit conduction through the switching device 20, which, in turn, selectively connects either the positive rail 14 or the negative rail 16 to one of the input terminals, TrT3. A capacitance 50 is connected between the positive rail 14 and the negative rail 16 of the DC bus 12. The capacitance 50 may be a single capacitor or any number of capacitors connected in series or parallel according to the system requirements. The capacitance 50 is configured to reduce the magnitude of ripple voltage resulting from the voltage conversion between the input voltage and the DC bus 12.
A controller 40 executes a series of stored instructions to generate the control signals 24. The controller 40 receives feedback signals from sensors corresponding to the amplitude of the voltage and/or current at various points throughout the converter 10. The locations are dependent on the specific control routines being executed within the controller 40. For example, input sensors, 26a-26c, may provide an amplitude of the voltage present at each input terminal, T!-T3. Optionally, an input sensor, 26a-26c, may be operatively connected to provide an amplitude of the current conducted at each input terminal, Tt-T3. Similarly a current and/or a voltage sensor, 28 and 30, may be operatively connected to the positive rail 12 and the negative rail 16, respectively, of the DC bus 12. The controller 40 interfaces with a memory device 42 to retrieve the stored instructions and with a communication port 44 to communicate with external devices. The controller 40 is configured to execute the stored instructions to control the converter 10 as described herein.
The converter 10 of Fig. 1 is converts a DC voltage having a first potential and present at the input terminals, Ti-T3, to a second potential present at the DC bus.
According to one embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 illustrates a portion of the elements from one phase of the converter 10 configured to operate as a boost converter. A solar, or PV, array 8 generates a DC voltage, Vpv, which is connected between the input terminal, Tl5 and the negative rail 16. One phase of the input filter 28 provides the input inductance between the input terminal, Tl5 and one of the lower switches 20. One of the upper diodes 22 provides the output conduction path between the lower switch 20 and the DC bus 12 when the lower switch 20 is off. Modulation of the lower switch 20 by a control signal 24, sometimes referred to as a gate signal, Gpv, operates to boost the amplitude of the voltage present at the input terminal, Tl, to a greater amplitude on the DC bus 12. Although a multiphase power converter is illustrated in Fig. 1, it is contemplated that the power conversion method described herein may be equally applicable to a single phase power converter or other DC-to-DC converters as is demonstrated by the single phase representation of Fig. 2.
[0027] In operation, the converter 10 converts the power supplied from a variable power energy source to power present on the DC bus 12 of the converter. As is known in the art, PV arrays generate power as a function of the light incident on the arrays, also known as insolation. Referring next to Fig. 3, a graph 100 illustrates the voltage and current relationships for an exemplary PV array at varying levels of insolation. During periods when the PV array is receiving maximum light, it is capable of generating its maximum power as represented by the top curve 102. At periods of medium and low light intensity, the power capability of the PV array decreases as represented by curves 104 and 106, respectively. Because the current-voltage relationship is non-linear, the controller 40 executes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) module to identify the operating point at which the maximum power can be transferred from the PV array to the DC bus 12, identified as MPPT1 - MPPT3.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the controller 40 utilizes a
perturb-observe type MPPT module. According to the perturb-observe type MPPT module, an initial current reference is commanded, resulting in an initial duty cycle command, D, for the control signal, Gpv, 24. The resulting current, Ipv, and voltage, Vpv, output from the PV array are measured and the resulting power is determined.
Subsequently, the current reference is changed by an incremental amount in a first direction, either increased or decreased, and the resulting power output from the PV array is again determined. If the power output increased, the incremental changes are proceeding in the correct direction; however, if the power output decreased, the incremental changes are proceeding the incorrect direction and the direction of subsequent incremental changes is reversed. After identifying the correct direction for the incremental changes in the current references, the incremental changes continue until a decrease in the power output is identified. At this point, the maximum power point has been identified and the controller 40 maintains operation at this operating point. Further, the controller 40 continues to execute the MPPT module as the insolation varies to continue operating at the maximum power point corresponding to the level of light incident on the PV array.
[0029] In order to draw the desired operating current to maintain power transfer from the
PV array 8 to the converter 10 at the maximum power point, the controller 40 executes a modulation module, which is stored in the memory device 42. The modulation module executes at a periodic interval, also known as the switching period, T. The switching period, T, is defined as the inverse of the modulation frequency. During the switching period, the modulation module generates a control signal 24 which enables a switching device 20 for a portion of the switching period. The portion, or percentage, of the switching period during which the switching device 20 is enabled is also known as the duty cycle, D. The MPPT module identifies a desired current that corresponds to the maximum power point and provides this current as a reference value to the modulation module within the controller 40. The modulation module uses feedback signals to determine whether the current between the PV array 8 and the DC bus 12 is greater than or less than the desired current to achieve operation at the maximum power point. The modulation module may increase or decrease the duty cycle, D, accordingly.
[0030] Referring next to Fig. 4, the current drawn from the PV array, Ipv, is illustrated over one switching period, T, of pulse width modulation as a function of the control signal 24 controlling the switching device 20. The control signal 24 is on for a percentage of the total switching period, T, and off for the remainder of the switching period, T. As discussed, the percentage of the switching period, T, the control signal 24 is on is referred to as the duty cycle, D, also referred to as the on time, ton. As the control signal 24 turns on and off, the switch 20 alternately conducts and blocks current. As a result of the switching, a ripple current, Ir, is established. The power calculation requires an average current value. Thus, the current, Ipv, may be filtered or sampled over the entire switching period, T, and an average current for the switching period, T, is first determined. The average current is then used to determine the power output from the PV array.
[0031] The converter 10 monitors the magnitude of power generated by the PV array to determine a desired operating mode of the converter 10. During a first operating mode, the controller 40 executes the modulation module at a fixed modulation frequency while varying the on time, ton- As previously indicated with respect to Fig. 3, as the total light incident on the PV array decreases, the amplitude of the voltage and current at the maximum power point and, consequently, the power output from the PV array, similarly decrease. Under these operating conditions, the duty cycle, D, of the control signal 24 becomes increasingly small, resulting in short periods of conduction and long periods of blocking current through the switch 20. With the controller 40 executing the modulation module at a fixed modulation frequency, the power losses in the converter 10 may exceed the power generated by the PV array 8. Previously, at this point, the converter 10 would cease operating. For example, an exemplary converter 10 capable of transferring up to 100 kilowatt of power from the PV array 8 may operate at 96% efficiency from about one quarter power (i.e. 25 kilowatts) to full power (i.e. 100 kilowatts). When the PV array 8 is only generating 10 kilowatts, or about 10% of the capacity of the converter 10, the operating efficiency drops to about 90%. Thus, the previous usable input range of the converter 10 may have been when the PV array 8 is generating between 10% and 100% of the rated capacity of the converter 10.
[0032] However, the present converter 10 has a second operating mode to expand the operating range of the converter 10. To improve efficiency, a predefined minimum value for the on time, ton, is set. When the current required by the MPPT module causes the controller 40, executing the modulation module, to reaches this minimum value, the controller 40 begins executing the modulation module in the second operating mode. In order to continue operating at the maximum power point when the minimum on time, ton, has been reached, the converter 10 begins varying the modulation frequency, which inversely varies the switching period, T, of the pulse width modulation.
[0033] Referring next to Fig. 5, operation with a fixed on time, ton, an varying switching period, T, is illustrated. For example, Fig. 5a may represent the point at which the first operating mode has reached its minimum on time, ton,. The period, Tl is equal to the normal operating period which may be, for example, 100 μββϋ, corresponding to a 10 kHz switching frequency. As the required current to remain at the maximum power point continues to decrease, the switching period may be extended, for example, to T2 and subsequently to T3. Because the switching period is being extended the modulation frequency is being decreased. As a result, the switching devices 20 are not being turned on as often, thereby reducing the corresponding switching losses. As a result, the converter 10 operates at increased efficiency at lower power levels in the second operating mode than it would in the first operating mode. For example, the converter 10 previously discussed, which was capable of transferring up to 100 kWatt of power from the PV array 8, operated at 90% efficiency at 10% of its rated capacity in the first mode of operation. In the second mode of operation, the converter 10 operates instead at about 95% efficiency at 10 % of its rated capacity. The increased efficiency permits the converter to continue operating down to about 1% of its rated capacity before the power losses in the converter 10 may exceed the power generated by the PV array 8. It is contemplated that the switching period may be extended to at least 20 msec,
corresponding to a 50 Hz switching frequency. Thus, as the incident light decreases, the converter 10 may continue operation across a broader operating range to increase the amount of energy obtained from the PV array.
According to another aspect of the invention, a look up table may be stored in the memory device 42 which defines the rate at which the controller 40 changes the modulation frequency during operation in the second mode. The relationship between the current and the switching period is nonlinear. For example, a 10 μβεϋ change in the modulation period when operating at a 10 kHz switching frequency (i.e. a 100 μβεϋ period) represents a greater percentage increment than when operating at a 50 Hz switching frequency (i.e. a 20 msec period). In order to improve the response time of the controller 40 to variations in insolation, the modulation period is changed at larger increments when the converter 10 is operating at lower modulation frequencies than when the converter is operating at higher modulation frequencies. The lookup table may store the desired incremental changes in the modulation frequency at varying operating points. [0035] As the incident light on the PV array begins to increase and the corresponding power generated by the PV array increases, the converter 10 returns to operation in the first mode rather than operation in the second mode. The controller 40 executes the modulation module to reduce the switching period, T, until it again reaches the duration corresponding to the fixed modulation period. At this point, the operating efficiency of the converter 10 has improved such that operation with a fixed modulation period and a variable on time, ton, operation is again desirable. The transition between operation with a fixed modulation period, T, and variable on time, ton, to operation with a variable modulation period, t, and a fixed on time, ton, is seamless because both operating modes encompass the common operating point at which both the modulation period, T, and the on time, , are at their minimum values.
[0036] It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It also being understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:
1. A power converter comprising:
an input configured to receive power from a DC source;
a DC bus having a positive and a negative rail;
at least one switching device selectively connecting the input to the DC bus as a function of a corresponding control signal;
a memory device storing a series of instructions; and
a controller configured to execute the series of instructions to:
determine a magnitude of power generated by the DC source,
generate the control signal for each switching device in a first operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the DC source exceeds a predefined threshold, and
generate the control signal for each switching device in a second operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the DC source is less than the predefined threshold.
2. The power converter of claim 1 wherein:
the series of instructions includes a modulation module having a modulation frequency and an on time,
during the first operating mode, the controller executes the modulation module to generate control signals at a fixed modulation frequency with a varying on time, and during the second operating mode, the controller executes the modulation module to generate control signals at a varying modulation frequency with a fixed on time.
3. The power converter of claim 2 wherein the memory device stores a lookup table defining a rate of change of the modulation frequency during the second operating mode as a function of the current modulation frequency.
4. The power converter of claim 2 wherein the modulation frequency varies from about 10 kHz to about 50 Hz.
5. A method of converting power from a renewable energy source having a variable power generation capability to a voltage potential present on a DC bus via a power converter, the method comprising the steps of:
monitoring a magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source; controlling at least one switching device in the power converter via a
corresponding control signal to selectively connect the renewable energy source to the DC bus;
executing a modulation module in the power converter to generate the control signals in a first operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source exceeds a predefined threshold; and
executing the modulation module in the power converter to generate the control signals in a second operating mode when the magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source is less than the predefined threshold.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein:
the modulation module determines an on time for each of the control signals within a switching period, the switching period defined as the inverse of a modulation frequency,
during the first operating mode, the modulation module generates control signals at a fixed modulation frequency with a varying on time, and
during the second operating mode, the modulation module generates control signals at a varying modulation frequency with a fixed on time.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein executing the modulation module in the power converter to generate the control signals in the second operating mode further comprises the steps of:
reading a desired change in the modulation frequency from a look up table stored in a memory device of the power converter, and varying the modulation frequency includes adding or subtracting the desired change as a function of the magnitude of power generated by the renewable energy source.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein the modulation frequency varies from about 10 kHz to about 50 Hz.
PCT/US2012/063582 2011-11-04 2012-11-05 System and method for power conversion for renewable energy sources WO2013067516A1 (en)

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AU2012332081A AU2012332081A1 (en) 2011-11-04 2012-11-05 System and method for power conversion for renewable energy sources
MX2014005359A MX2014005359A (en) 2011-11-04 2012-11-05 System and method for power conversion for renewable energy sources.
RU2014118751/07A RU2014118751A (en) 2011-11-04 2012-11-05 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRIC ENERGY CONVERSION FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
KR1020147014056A KR20140085554A (en) 2011-11-04 2012-11-05 System and method for power conversion for renewable energy sources
CN201280054150.XA CN104040859A (en) 2011-11-04 2012-11-05 System and method for power conversion for renewable energy sources
BR112014010500A BR112014010500A2 (en) 2011-11-04 2012-11-05 power converter; and method of converting energy from a renewable energy source having a variable power generation capacity to a potential voltage present on a dc bus by means of a power converter
JP2014540185A JP2014533088A (en) 2011-11-04 2012-11-05 Power conversion system and method for renewable energy sources
CA2854479A CA2854479A1 (en) 2011-11-04 2012-11-05 System and method for power conversion for renewable energy sources
EP12846491.4A EP2774254A4 (en) 2011-11-04 2012-11-05 System and method for power conversion for renewable energy sources
ZA2014/03840A ZA201403840B (en) 2011-11-04 2014-05-26 System and method for power conversion for renewable energy sources
HK14110458A HK1197113A1 (en) 2011-11-04 2014-10-20 System and method for power conversion for renewable energy sources

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