Development of Smart Grid Technology for Reducing Power Loss in Solar Panels through Detection of Malfunctions in Panels by AIST
Cost and efficiency are two formidable stumbling blocks in proliferation of solar power generation system, an important step for promoting the use of renewable energy and realization of low carbon society. A normal solar panel is estimated to have a life span of around 20 years; however it is very difficult to prevent failures in a solar panel during its entire life cycle. Once a solar panel generation system is installed, it generally not inspected, making it difficult to identify a defective panel even there is a fall in the output of photovoltaic system, and therefore the system is not fully utilized. Now, to overcome this issue, a group researchers at AIST have come up with a cost effective way of monitoring the health of each panel through development of communication technology which utilizes the direct current (DC) power line of a solar panel as a communication line. The new technology monitors the power generation in each solar panel and prompt detection of malfunctions in the panel. Read more
Development of New Photovoltaic Inverter Technology By MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC
The current photovoltaic (PV) system output power as well as other characteristics is increasingly influenced by the amount of sunlight plus temperature. In a conventional PV arrays, groups of PV modules are connected either in series or parallel, which utilize maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) system for assisting the PV systems to achieve their maximum output power points. However, in this system if part of a PV array is covered in shadow, while the rest of the array is still in sunlight would result in multiple peak points where conventional MPPT system has difficulty in tracking the maximum point. This could be a natural occurrence in urban areas where PV systems are likely to be installed near buildings or other sunlight obstructing objects, where shadow can greatly decrease output power of PV systems. In response to overcome this shortcoming by MPPT system, Mitsubishi Electric has developed a world’s first new photovoltaic inverter technology which is capable of maximizing output power in PV systems through incorporation of new MPPT system in PV inverters. Read more
