Robustness analysis of the efficiency in PV inverters

During last years an increasing attention has been paid to the efficiency of grid-connected PV inverters. They are manufactured from a number of discrete components and by using a certain topology and control strategy. Hence, the performance of a certain PV inverter not only depends on the selected topology and control strategy but also on the characteristics of the employed components. The aim of this paper is evaluate the effect of physical variations associated to the main components on the overall efficiency of PV inverters. It is concluded that a statistical evaluation of the power converter provides a better understanding of the PV inverter performance and, in this sense, the definition of the European Efficiency must be reviewed in order to show the quality of the manufactured product.

[1]  Thomas A. Lipo,et al.  Pulse Width Modulation for Power Converters: Principles and Practice , 2003 .

[2]  Hongbo Wang,et al.  A Review of Six Sigma Approach: Methodology, Implementation and Future Research , 2008, 2008 4th International Conference on Wireless Communications, Networking and Mobile Computing.

[3]  A. Consoli,et al.  The future of electronic power processing and conversion , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications.

[4]  Mietek Glinkowski,et al.  Advances in Wind Energy Technologies in the Context of Smart Grid , 2011, Proceedings of the IEEE.

[5]  Jan T. Bialasiewicz,et al.  Power-Electronic Systems for the Grid Integration of Renewable Energy Sources: A Survey , 2006, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[6]  Yong-Tae Kim,et al.  Parameter optimization of field oriented control with 6 sigma tool , 2001, ISIE 2001. 2001 IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics Proceedings (Cat. No.01TH8570).

[7]  P. O'Connor,et al.  Practical Reliability Engineering , 1981 .

[8]  M. Keramat,et al.  A novel approach to efficient yield estimation for microwave integrated circuits , 1999, 42nd Midwest Symposium on Circuits and Systems (Cat. No.99CH36356).

[9]  Sammy G. Shina.  Six Sigma for Electronics Design and Manufacturing , 2002 .

[10]  F. Massey.  The Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test for Goodness of Fit , 1951 .

[11]  R. S. Balog,et al.  Decision making framework for solar photovoltaic power conditioning unit topologies using Six Sigma , 2012, 2012 38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference.

[12]  M. Liserre,et al.  Design and control of an LCL-filter based three-phase active rectifier , 2001, Conference Record of the 2001 IEEE Industry Applications Conference. 36th IAS Annual Meeting (Cat. No.01CH37248).

[13]  Marco Liserre,et al.  Grid Converters for Photovoltaic and Wind Power Systems , 2011 .

[14]  M. Liserre,et al.  Renewable Energy Operation and Conversion Schemes: A Summary of Discussions During the Seminar on Renewable Energy Systems , 2010, IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine.

[15]  Patrick D. T. O'Connor,et al.  Practical Reliability Engineering: O'Connor/Practical Reliability Engineering , 2011 .

[16]  Leon M. Tolbert,et al.  Efficiency Impact of Silicon Carbide Power Electronics for Modern Wind Turbine Full Scale Frequency Converter , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[17]  R. E. Draper,et al.  Resolution of insulation related manufacturing problems using the Six Sigma methodology and tools , 1997, Proceedings: Electrical Insulation Conference and Electrical Manufacturing and Coil Winding Conference.