In photovoltaic (PV) energy systems, overcharging can be prevented by using a PV charge controller to regulate current flow from the PV array to the battery which stores the charge. This project will design, develop, and manufacture a new type of charge controller for PV power systems. The approach combines a DC-DC soft switched boost converter, a micro controller "brain", and line-carrier communications capability. Large-scale (> 2 kWp) stand-alone PV systems will have a simpler, more efficient and more reliable way of connecting PV modules to a battery bank. A custom Smart Power ASIC will be used for all analog circuitry, allowing a controller to be made that is small enough to fit inside a standard PV module junction box.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The results should greatly reduce the cost and complexity of stand-alone PV system balance of system.
