Solar power optimiser for smart hybrid

• Main Author: Teng, Medwin Tong Wei.
• Other Authors: Foo, Gilbert Hock Beng
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/53017
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on energy, conventional power production using non-renewable resources is escalating at an tremendous rate in order to satisfy the demand. In face of surging prices and environmental concerns, the focus has shifted to alternative renewable solutions to ease the strain. One of the solutions, photovoltaic technology, is one of the most popular and widely researched system in renewable power production today. The objective of this project is to build a solar power optimiser as part of a photovoltaic system to increase its power efficiency and stability. The approach employs the use of a DC-DC boost converter for power conditioning coupled together with a microcontroller for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and closed-loop feedback control schemes. Running at a frequency of 95kHz, the continuous conduction mode DC-DC boost converter is capable of achieving a constant output of 75V across loads of 200 – 300 Ω from an input of 15V. When subjected to fluctuations in its input voltage, the individual unit is able maintain its desired output with a certain degree of robustness by adjusting the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation wave. Experimentation with the solar power optimiser have yield positive results as the output voltage remains at 75 V even thought the input voltage is varied between 8 – 15V. The closed loop functionality of the control circuit has also been achieved as the microcontroller is able to manipulate the boost converter to obtain the desired output set by the reference voltage.