A returned energy architecture for improved photovoltaic systems efficiency

Abstract

A major loss mechanism in photovoltaic (PV) power systems is known as mismatch loss, which may result in up to 30% power reduction, depending on a PV system's installation configuration and atmospheric conditions. To overcome excess losses due to mismatch losses, a new photovoltaic architecture is proposed which applies an internal power feedback (RECCs - returned energy current converters) to restore the symmetry among the PV modules i-v curves. This results in recovery of most of the internally trapped energy. The RECC units are realized by means of power electronics.