Distributed maximum power point tracking and internal fault detection technologies for solar PV-powered roadways

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This Alliance project aims to develop solar PV submodule level distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) power optimizer and smart internal fault monitoring unit to improve solar power yield and reliability of PV arrays for solar powered roadways. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Canadian industrial partner, Solar Earth Technologies (SET), a high-tech solar energy solution company based in Vancouver, BC. The company focuses on the development and marketing of solar-powered roadway systems to transform concrete and asphalt pathways into distributed solar energy sources that will supply power to electric vehicles and power grids. Two major technology challenges that the company would like to tackle are submodule scale distributed maximal power point tracking and the detection and protection of the PV submodule internal short-circuit and open-circuit faults. This will improve the solar energy yield efficiency for partial shading condition in solar systems due to environmental factors, e.g. clouds, dirtiness, snow, panel aging, and road surface pollutions. It will also enhance the PV submodule reliability due to the degradation of cable insulation, mechanical wearing-out, and moisture environment. The objective of this Alliance project is to characterize SET PV sub-modules using experimental test data for accurate modeling of the PV sub-modules and to develop the distributed MPPT control and internal fault monitoring strategies. The MPPT control and internal fault monitoring strategies will be implemented into a high efficiency compact DC-DC converter and low cost analogue control platform. The research project will contribute to Canadian clean energy technology development to enable large-scale solar energy generation, conversion and utilization with increased efficiency and reduced energy cost.