Module Level Power Regulation
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This document discusses module-level power electronics (MLPE) and a new distributed parallel MLPE power regulation topology called tenK. It notes that annual MLPE installations are expected to grow significantly by 2020 according to research firms. The tenK topology utilizes modular, low-cost components to create an easy to install, highly reliable, zero maintenance PV system. Key aspects of tenK include modules that have redundant power controllers and a parallel DC bus connecting groups of inverters. This approach aims to improve system longevity and allow energy from any solar cell to be inverted despite failures.
Module Level Power Regulation
- 1. Simply More Energy Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing a Distributed Parallel MLPE Power Regulation Topology Tim Johnson
- 2. tenKsolar Worldwide Installations Bloomington, MN (HQ) Shanghai, China
- 3. Value of Module Electronics • What is MLPE really meant to do? –Remove serial limitations in infrastructure applications –Enable Faster Growth in PV by making it foolproof to install • Solve Serial DC –Module Mismatch, Stringing, MPPT, etc…. • Make DC “Plug and Play” – It’s easy to install Serial DC incorrectly – Hard to diagnose – Difficult to maintain
- 4. • Navigant Research reports that annual installations of global module-level power electronic (MLPE) capacity will grow from 1,185 MW in 2013 to 12,844 MW by 2020. • IHS Research The worldwide market for module-level power electronics (MLPEs), including PV microinverters and power optimisers, is expected to reach US$1 billion by 2019, according to IHS. Market Value of MLPE
- 5. • MLPE is not a coherent market, creating some misidentification – Add on Optimizers – Micro Inverters – System Integrated – Others…. • Barriers to Entry to “Bankability” – Not as high as they used to be • How to address? – Design – Manage component failure so system performs above required service levels. – Quality Assurance Systems – IECRE will be a critical standard to enable overall faster growth in the industry. – Do specific MLPE types need specific IEC standards? Challenges of MLPE
- 6. 3/6/2016 tenKsolar Confidential 6 The tenK Topology Parallel/Serial Cell Matrix Within Each Module All Modules in Parallel DC Bus Delivers Energy to Group of Inversion Units Energy From Any Cell Can Go Through Any Inversion Unit 15VDC Non-PV Source: <57VDC 480VAC • Utilize modular, low cost components to create an easy to install, highly reliable, zero maintenance PV system Embedded DC:DC Boost Charge Controller
- 7. RAIS PV Module Onboard LED aids installation
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- 10. 3/6/2016 tenKsolar Confidential 10 Logical Construction of a tenK PV module PV+ PV (-) BAT+ BAT- Parallel Matrix Controller Ultra-Low Cost Aluminum Backsheet (Very Low Impedance Current Return Path) Serial Cell Connections (Red)Parallel Cell Connections (Green)
- 11. 3/6/2016 tenKsolar Confidential 11 tenK – Dual Listed to UL1703 + UL1741 CSA Listing to UL1703 + UL1741 No Other Module Listed This Way UL1703 Covers Panel Portion UL1741 Covers Charge Controller Grounding Tested to UL2703
- 12. RAIS® Parallel Matrix Controller (RAIS® = Redundant Array of Integrating Solar) • Contains six DC:DC converters operating off of selectable, parallel buses internal to the module. • The energy available the module at STC conditions can be produced by four of the six converters operating, thus two are fully redundant. Each converter is internally fused and fully isolated from each other. • Each DC:DC converter operates only as needed, is virtualized to wear- level across each. • All electronic boards repeat functionally tested during a continuous module light test where the electronics runs a full diagnostic on the module.
- 13. RAIS® Parallel Matrix Controller (RAIS® = Redundant Array of Integrating Solar) • Self-starting and used to self-charge the circuit to begin operation when illumination is present on the PV cells. • Only produce energy when connected to a pre-qualified circuit (circuit cannot be shorted, open or purely resistive), and has an embedded ground fault detection circuit. • It can also detect arc-fault failures by continuously monitoring the line for voltage fluctuations over a very narrow range of limits.
- 14. RAIS® Parallel Matrix Controller (RAIS® = Redundant Array of Integrating Solar) • The Parallel Matrix Controller tracks and stores all performance information over the lifetime of module. • An LED is used on the circuit board to present both visual and binary information to the user. • A power-line carrier based digital communication routine allows all modules to be transmit information to a receiving device
- 15. 3/6/2016 tenKsolar Confidential 15 The tenK Topology Parallel, Un-Interrupted DC Bus Parallel (Fault Tolerant) Inversion Units All Modules in Parallel DC Bus Delivers Energy to Group of Inversion Units Energy From Any Cell Can Go Through Any Inversion Unit Non-PV Source: <57VDC 480VAC • Utilize modular, low cost components to create an easy to install, highly reliable, zero maintenance PV system DC Coupled Energy Storage
- 16. tenKsolar RAIS Inverter Bus pv dc distribution box pv to specific Service pv dc distribution box pv Multiple Inverters Operating Off DC Bus (Fault Tolerant) No Digital Communication Between Units All Operate Based Off DC Setpoint Targets Only Operate as Needed Randomized DC Setpoint Process Daily Wear Leveling Across All Units If One Fails or is Damaged No Impact on Others (Fused) Extremely Simple Repair Changing Failed Units is a Very Simple Swap-Out All Units are Inter-operable
- 17. 3/6/2016 tenKsolar Confidential 17 Simplified System Block Design (33.6 kWAC) Modules RIB RIB Modules Modules Modules RIB RIB AC Box (4 RIB’s) AC Subpanel 8.4KW 8.4KW8.4KW 8.4KW 8.4KW
- 18. Improved System Longevity – Redundant Inversion 18 0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% tenK RIB String 50% Fewer Annual hours operating Inversion Units All Come On at Different Times Note: Total Power Curve is Smooth Also – Repeats AM and PM Randomized Each Day Net Required On-Time: 25% vs. 50% For Module Dedicated Inversion
- 19. Benefit of Redundant Inversion
- 20. Electronic Failures Grouping in Time MLPE Availability Inverter Bus AvailabilityXc-Si Degredation X = Output tenK RAIS PV Module
- 21. 3/6/2016 tenKsolar Confidential 21 Zero Energy Loss With No Maintenance In Year 25, 13% Additional Loss in Total AC Power is Compenstated for with redundant bus. Results in Zero lifetime Energy Loss versus Expected with No Maintenance or Corrective Actions for Inversion. As failures are distributed among redundant buses, remaining functioning boost converters on the module and inverters on RIB ensure no effective
- 22. Simply More Energy Thank You www.tenksolar.com