Solar panels often steal the limelight when it comes to solar power systems, so it’s good to see developments in inverter technology getting a little more press attention.
In a grid connected solar power system, a solar inverter converts the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity suitable for use by home appliances and for exporting to the mains grid.
Calling it a “laboratory breakthrough once thought impossible” an Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) assistant professor has invented a new class of power inverter that uses a single switching transistor and generates infinite-level voltages.
Current inverters using multiple switching transistors can be rather cumbersome, offer limited voltage levels and generate unwanted voltage frequencies, requiring filters to reduce possible harmful effects to the mains grid. All this added componentry adds weight – and cost.
IUPUI says Professor Afshin Izadian’s invention will make inverters cheaper, lighter and therefore more efficient than current models.
“An on-demand change of voltage polarity might not seem very exciting, but it becomes increasingly important if you can accomplish it while maintaining desired voltage amplitudes,” says Professor Izadian.
While studying how voltage levels and polarities are created in inverters, he tweaked an inverter circuit and discovered a new property technique to create infinite voltage levels and invert the voltage polarity of power circuits. This also led to discovery of several other circuits and controllers for high-power inverters with lower switching loss, higher voltage performance and lighter reconfigured circuits.
Professor Izadian has several patents pending on his invention and is seeking research funding to complete the development of the analysis and controls needed for commercial viability. According to a news item from IUPUI, it appears funding won’t be an issue, with companies already lining up for a piece of the action. The technology could be ready for prime time in as little as 3 years.
While Professor Izadian’s invention won’t benefit those in the market for a solar power system now; prospective purchasers should still pay special attention to the solar inverter offered in packages they are considering.
According to Australian provider Energy Matters, not all solar inverters are equal and the company released a video earlier this year to demonstrate some of the important differences that can have a marked impact on overall system efficiency and total cost of ownership.
