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Solar Power Inverters

The solar inverter performs the conversion of the variable DC output of the PV cells into a clean sinusoidal 50- or 60 Hz current.

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Design Considerations

Solar Power Inverter

The solar inverter is a critical component in a solar energy system. It performs the conversion of the variable DC output of the Photovoltaic (PV) module(s) into a clean sinusoidal 50- or 60 Hz AC current that is then applied directly to the commercial electrical grid or to a local, off-grid electrical network. Typically, communications capability is included so users can monitor the inverter and report on power and operating conditions, provide firmware updates and control the inverter grid connection. Depending on the grid infrastructure wired (RS-485, CAN, Power Line Communication, Ethernet) or wireless (Bluetooth, ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4, 6loWPAN) networking options can be used.

At the heart of the inverter is a real-time microcontroller. The controller executes the very precise algorithms required to invert the DC voltage generated by the solar module into AC. This controller is programmed to perform the control loops necessary for all the power management functions necessary including DC/DC and DC/AC. The controller also maximizes the power output from the PV through complex algorithms called maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The PV maximum output power is dependent on the operating conditions and varies from moment to moment due to temperature, shading, soilage, cloud cover, and time of day so tracking and adjusting for this maximum power point is a continuous process. For systems with battery energy storage, the controller can control the charging as well as switch over to battery power once the sun sets or cloud cover reduces the PV output power. The controller contains advanced peripherals like high precision PWM outputs and ADCs for implementing control loops. The ADC measures variables, such as the PV output voltage and current, and then adjusts the DC/DC or DC/AC converter by changing the PWM duty cycle.

The C2000 in particular is designed to read the ADC and adjust the PWM within a single clock cycle, so real time control is possible. Communications on a simple system can be handled by a single processor, more elaborate systems with complex displays and reporting on consumption and feed-in-tariff pay back may require a secondary processor, potentially with ethernet capability like the Stellaris Cortex M3 parts. For safety reasons, isolation between the processor and the current and voltage is also required, as well as on the communications bus to the outside world.

Application Notes (11)

Title Abstract Type Size (KB) Date Views
HTM 8 KB 24 Jan 2011 1517
HTM 8 KB 29 Dec 2010 1808
HTM 9 KB 21 Sep 2009 3142
HTM 8 KB 19 Aug 2008 4657
HTM 8 KB 25 Oct 2007 1391
HTM 9 KB 26 Jul 2007 2106
HTM 8 KB 20 Dec 2006 2565
HTM 9 KB 05 May 2006 1880
HTM 9 KB 20 Jul 2005 2378
HTM 9 KB 19 Jul 2005 2156
HTM 9 KB 07 Jun 2004 661
    

Reference Designs

Description Part # Company
CC1101EM 315 and 433MHz Reference Design CC1101EM433_REFDES Texas Instruments
CC1101EM 868 and 915MHz Reference Design CC1101EM868-915_REFDES Texas Instruments
CC1110EM 315MHz Reference Design CC1110EM315_REFDES Texas Instruments
CC1110EM 433MHz Reference Design CC1110EM433_REFDES Texas Instruments

Selection and Solution Guides

Solution Guides (1)

Title Abstract Type Size (KB) Date Views
PDF 409 KB 10 Jan 2011 8230

Tools and Software

Name Part # Company Software/Tool Type
TMS320F28044 eZdsp Starter Kit (DSK) TMDSEZ28044 Texas Instruments Starter Kits
TMS320F2812 eZdsp Start Kit (DSK) TMDSEZD2812 Texas Instruments Starter Kits
TMS320F2812 eZdsp Starter Kit (DSK) - Socketed version TMDSEZS2812 Texas Instruments Starter Kits
TMS320LF2407A eZdsp Starter Kit (DSK) TMDSEZD2407 Texas Instruments Starter Kits

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White Papers (1)

Title Abstract Type Size (MB) Date Views
PDF 103 KB 07 Apr 2010 2210

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Texas Instruments' Training Lab - ARM Tech Conference 2010
This self-paced training course provides an introduction to the various components that make up the C66x KeyStone devices.
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Attached and Integrated Electronics for Solar Modules
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