A photovoltaic micro power-optimizer with integrated energy storage for data centers

加拿大信息和通信技术(ICT)数据中心和无线服务器市场目前价值超过50亿美元，预计每年将增长10%以上。因此，需要为这些应用提供清洁和可再生能源。由于数据中心中的大部分电气元件和设备，如用于提供备用电源的电池，都需要直流电源，高压直流配电(即~380V-400V)为数据中心应用提供了一个有吸引力的电源架构，以实现高功率转换效率。在行业合作伙伴Cistech Limited的支持下，拟议的研究项目是开发一种高功率密度光伏(PV)微功率优化器，以高效地从太阳能中提取和存储电能，以支持耗电的ICT数据中心和服务器。特别是，建议的光伏微功率优化器将能够在单个功率转换单元内执行以下功能：(1)在不同的辐照水平下从光伏面板中提取最大量的太阳能，(2)存储额外提取的功率或通过集成的储能电源接口提供额外的功率，(3)由于每个光伏面板的低电压输出，同时提供升压电压转换(即380V输出)。该项目的成功成果将有助于Cistech保持其在安大略省IT行业尖端技术开发方面的领先地位。除了技术进步，拟议的研究项目将为学生提供机会发展强大的分析技能，以设计新的电力电子电路，并在概念验证电力电路原型中获得丰富的硬件测试经验。由于拟议的项目将促进新的电力转换器的开发，从而提高为数据中心供电的光伏能源系统的效率和经济可行性，因此开发和采用更高效的光伏发电数据中心将显著减少温室气体排放，并为加拿大人带来环境和健康方面的好处。

The Canadian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) data center and wireless server market is currently worth over $5 billion and is forecasted to grow over 10% every year. Clean and renewable energy resources for these applications are therefore needed. As most of the electrical components and equipment in a data center, such as batteries for providing back-up power, require DC power, high voltage DC power distribution (i.e., ~380V - 400V) provides an attractive power architecture for data center applications to achieve high power conversion efficiency. Supported by industry partner, Cistech Limited, the proposed research project is to develop a high power density photovoltaic (PV) micro power-optimizer to extract and store power efficiently from solar energy for supporting the power-hungry ICT data centers and servers. In particular, the proposed PV micro power-optimizer will be able to perform the following functions within a single power conversion unit: (1) extract maximal amount solar energy from the PV panel at different irradiation level, (2) store extra extracted power or deliver extra power from an integrated energy storage power interface, (3) provide step-up voltage conversion at the same time (i.e. to 380V output) due to the low voltage output of each PV panel. Successful outcomes from this project will help Cistech to maintain its position as a leader in the development of cutting edge technology for the IT sector in Ontario. In addition to technology advancement, the proposed research project will provide opportunities for students to develop strong analytical skills to devise novel power electronic circuits, and to gain extensive hardware testing experience in proof-of-concept power circuit prototypes. Since the proposed project will facilitate the development of new power converters that increase the efficiency and economic viability of PV energy systems for powering data centers, the development and adoption of more efficient PV powered data centers will reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, and result in environmental and health benefits to Canadians.