Higher PV Module Efficiency by a Novel CBS Bypass

Abstract

There is an increasing focus on reducing costs and improving efficiency for photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules as well as finding a more efficient approach to the product manufacturing. This letter introduces an innovative solution to bypass shaded PV cells instead of a traditional Schottky diode, in order to avoid overheating of cells in the case of partial shading. The goal is to reduce the power dissipation and improve the general efficiency of a PV generator. A novel device called cool bypass switch is then presented. It is made up of a Power MOS driven by a controller with the task to charge a storage capacitor. Tests and comparisons with standard Schottky diodes are then performed and experimental results are reported in terms of current intensity and operating temperature. The resulting circuit shows better diode performances and considerably lower dissipated power in shading condition. The little packing cases allow an easy integration inside the PV module. In comparison with traditional diodes, the integrated power switch provides a negligible leakage current during PV panel energy production

Photovoltaic Hot-Spot Detection for Solar Panel Substrings Using AC Parameter Characterization

“…A prevention method was developed, commonly called the bypass diode, which places a passive diode in parallel with the PV string in order to provide an alternate current path around the PV string when hot spotting occurs. A bypass diode or, more recently, an active bypass switch [5] placed over PV panel substrings is still the main prevention method for hot spotting today. Although bypass diodes and active bypass switches mitigate the hot spotting problem (i.e., limit the amount of power that can be dissipated through the PV cell) [6], they do not prevent hot spot damage.…”

Reconfigurable Power Converter for Constant Current Underwater Observatory

“…One goal of this paper is to solve this problem by studying a soft bypass technology under special strategy which can depress voltage transient while bypassing redundant modules as shown in Figure 2c. It is worth mentioning that various bypass methods are widely studied in the photovoltaic field [29][30][31]. However, in the photovoltaic field, each module has the characteristics of low voltage and small current.…”

Application of “PolySwitch” fuses for the limitation of current overloads in photovoltaic systems of solar arrays

“…This overloads lead to the failures and the appearance of local overheating ("hot spot") in the photovoltaic components of solar arrays. In particular, such solutions of this problem are known: the use of photovoltaic converters (PVC) with a low reverse-breakdown voltage [5]; the inclusion of additional elements (in particular, bypass diodes and active bypass switches [3,4,[6][7][8]) into the photovoltaic system; the methods and technical means based on the detection of a "hot spot" by measuring the electrical parameters of solar panels in combination with active protection by using the open circuit method [9,10]. However, they are not universal.…”