Current Photovoltaic Research

Korea Photovoltaic Society (한국태양광발전학회)
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Development and Evaluation of Optimizer for Solar Modules Based on Step-down Converter

Step-down converter 기반 태양광 모듈용 Optimizer 개발 및 평가

  • In-Sung Jung (New&Renewable Energy Materials Development Support Center (NewREC), Jeonbuk National University) ;
  • Jaeho Choi (New&Renewable Energy Materials Development Support Center (NewREC), Jeonbuk National University)
  • 정인성 (신재생에너지소재개발지원센터, 전북대학교 산학협력단) ;
  • 최재호 (신재생에너지소재개발지원센터, 전북대학교 산학협력단)
  • Received : 2024.12.04
  • Accepted : 2024.12.25
  • Published : 2025.03.31
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Abstract

This study addresses the significant power loss in solar power systems caused by shading on solar modules connected in series. To mitigate this issue, a power optimizer using a step-down DC/DC converter was developed and evaluated. The study introduces an indoor performance evaluation methodology for the optimizer, which is novel compared to existing approaches that primarily rely on outdoor shading conditions. The optimizer was designed to maintain current consistency across series-connected solar modules by dynamically adjusting voltage and current. Prototype testing was conducted under indoor conditions with a simulated power supply and batteries to validate its operational characteristics. Subsequently, outdoor testing was performed on a 3 kW solar power plant with controlled shading scenarios. The results demonstrated an increase in power output by approximately 15.5% when the optimizer was operational, compared to non-optimized conditions. This confirms the effectiveness of the optimizer in improving energy yield under partial shading. The study concludes with recommendations for the standardization of indoor testing methodologies and further exploration of optimizers under diverse shading and connection scenarios.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 2023년도 산업통상자원부 한국에너지기술평가원 신재생에너지핵심기술개발사업(과제번호 : RS-2023-00236715)과 2022년도 중소벤처기업부 중소기업 Net-Zero 기술혁신개발사업(과제번호 : RS- 2022-00166698)의 일환으로 수행되었습니다.

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