Análise experimental comparativa do comportamento de um sistema fotovoltaico de arquitetura com otimizador de potência

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a significant growth in the adoption of renewable energy sources, with photovoltaic electricity generation emerging as one of the main alternatives. This is highly viable in the Brazilian context. Typical photovoltaic systems predominantly adopt the central inverter topology, consisting of one or more sets of modules connected in series. These sets direct the generated energy, in the form of direct current, to a frequency inverter responsible for converting it into alternating current. However, this central inverter topology has a substantial disadvantage, as during operation, any problem, such as shading or low efficiency, in a single module can negatively impact the performance of all other panels connected to the same circuit. In response to this challenge, manufacturers have developed the architecture with power optimizers, which aims to ensure that low energy production in a modular unit does not affect the overall performance of the system. In this context, an analysis of photovoltaic systems with power optimizers connected to the electrical grid is carried out. The results are presented through measurements made under various solar irradiation conditions. To compare these results with the conventional central inverter topology and provide different irradiation conditions, cover mats with different levels of opacity are used. Thus, the research adopts a field experimental typology for the selection of relevant variables and for observing the effects according to each photovoltaic architecture considered Finally, the study conducts a quantitative investigation of results related to efficiency, feasibility, and quality of the generated energy, demonstrating superior energy generation outcomes in the optimized system. The findings of this study have the potential to contribute to the understanding and improvement of photovoltaic system performance under adverse conditions, as well as to advancements in the selection of more effective architectures.