Central Station Advanced Power Conditioning Technology, Utility Interface, and Performance

摘要

This paper describes the development of ac and dc interface specifications and array voltage trade-off studies leading to a conceptual design of a central station rated (1 to 10 MW) photovoltaic power conversion system (PCS). The ac interface specifications are based on utility practices and standards, modified by the unique characteristics of the photovoltaic array and power conditioner. The dc and transient interface is based on utility lightning and transient protection standards and practices. The effect of array voltage level on power conditioner cost, efficiency, and power device selection is presented. Promising methods are proposed for the power converters to minimize subsystem costs (including field installation costs), harmonic currents, and size, while maximizing efficiency. The results of these trade-off studies and interface specifications are used to perform a conceptual design of a 5 MW photovoltaic (PV) power conditioner and control system. (ERA citation 09:035316)