Power loss analysis of photovoltaic dc distributed generation systems with grid-connection

This paper presents power loss analysis for PV dc-distributed systems based on the loss factors of double line-frequency voltage ripple (DLFVR), fast irradiance variation + DLFVR, fast dc load variation + DLFVR, limited operating voltage range + DLFVR, and overall loss factor combination. These loss factors will result in power deviation from the maximum power points. In the paper, both single-stage and two-stage grid-connected PV systems are considered. All of the effects on a two-stage system are insignificant due to an additional maximum power point tracker, but the tracker will reduce the system efficiency typically about 2.5%. The power loss caused by these loss factors in a single-stage grid-connected PV system is also around 2.5%; that is, a single-stage system has the merits of saving components and reducing cost, while does not penalize overall system efficiency in dc-distribution applications. Simulation results with the MATLAB software package and experimental results have confirmed the analysis.