Boosting inverter power output: Case study - Solar system

Abstract

Solar energy can be defined as energy obtained from the sun. [1] Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of everevolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaic, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis. [2] Solar energy has turned into a popular alternative energy source to meet certain demands around the world due to the instability of oil and coal prices with global warming issues. This source of energy is simple and cost-effective for the rural areas where grid electricity is not available. The main components of solar power system are photovoltaic (PV) cells, charge controller, battery, and inverter. The solar cells convert solar energy to electric energy that have many different cell configurations. The controller is the brain of the solar power plant that can manage and control the energy from the PV cells to the load and also from and to battery. The battery is the storage energy that can charge and discharge conveniently through controller. The inverter is a very important part of the solar consisting of power electronics components that can convert direct current (DC) to DC and DC to alternating current (AC). This project report discusses the design and implementation of a unit that boosts the power output of an inverter without increasing the number of battery array and solar cells. This boosting unit consists of two major parts to which inverter output is connected, a High voltage transformer, which steps up the current and a step down toroidal transformer which steps down the current. The result is an adequate power supply that can supply the added loads. This power rise comes about only when the loads connected to the inverter have exceeded the prior calculated minimum making the system automatic and self-switching. Because there are high tendencies of inverter overload in domestic solar systems, this power boosting unit can be used for households to run home appliances.