Development of a microprocessor controller for stand-alone photovoltaic power systems

Technical Report · Fri Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6080741

Millner, A R; Kaufman, D L

As the cost of photovoltaic modules decreases, system control and related engineering costs become very important. To meet this need for flexibility with a minimum of customizing cost, and yet consume only a few watts of power is within the capabilities of today's microprocessor. The first unit was produced under DOE contract DEN3-310 and tested for NASA at TriSolarCorp. It is 5kW maximum power controlling battery charger which can also be configured as a 5kW batteryless motor drive. The entire controller interfaces with existing 500 watt MPC power modules, operates in a NEMA-4 enclosuer over an ambient temperature range of -25/sup 0/C to /sup +/45/sup 0/C, operates from either a 12V battery or a 40V to 300V dc unregulated solar array or battery bus. The unit design and cost are discussed, and testing is reported.

• Research Organization: TriSolar Corp., Bedford, MA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AI01-76ET20485
• OSTI ID: 6080741
• Report Number(s): DOE/NASA/0310-1; NASA/CR-174723; ON: DE86008611
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
COMPUTER CODES
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
COMPUTERS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
COST ESTIMATION
DESIGN
DIAGRAMS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENGINEERING DRAWINGS
EQUIPMENT
MICROELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
MICROPROCESSORS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TESTING