Module interaction losses in a 100 kilowatt utility interactive array

Conference · Wed Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Conf. Rec. IEEE Photovoltaic Spec. Conf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5494858

Marchese, F J; Addiss, R R

The 100 kW array at the Beverly High School in Beverly, Massachusetts consists of two independent subfields of 20 subarrays each. Subarrays are configured as 16 series-connected groups of 5 paralleled solar photovoltaic modules, to provide the nominal system operating voltage of 240 volts. Each subfield is constrained to operate at its overall maximum power point, but because all modules do not have identical electrical characteristics, they will be constrained by interaction with each other to operate at points other than their individual peak power points. This constitutes a ''mismatch'' power loss. Measurements of this mismatch loss after 18 months of service show that total power output is reduced by only 1 1/2%. About half of this is associated with mismatch at the subarray level. By converting selected subarrays to a series string of single modules, measurements show that total system mismatch loss would be cut in half by using this configuration. The implications of these results are discussed.

• Research Organization: Solar Power Corporation, Wodburn, MA
• OSTI ID: 5494858
• Report Number(s): CONF-820906-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Conf. Rec. IEEE Photovoltaic Spec. Conf.; (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
BUILDINGS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ENERGY LOSSES
EQUIPMENT
FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS
LOSSES
MODULAR STRUCTURES
OPERATION
PEAK LOAD
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
POWER LOSSES
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SYSTEM FAILURE ANALYSIS
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS