High performance low cost power conditioning subsystems using smart power/power integrated circuits in photovoltaic power systems

This paper discusses circuit designs using smart power and power IC devices that are suitable for power conditioning subsystems in photovoltaic and other industrial applications such as electrical appliances, instrumentation, AC motor drives, battery chargers, automobiles, telecommunications, UPS and switch mode power supplies. It examines the cost of high volume production and current technological barriers associated with the development of these technologies. Some US Government and international programs currently in place are presented. Currently available funding opportunities are includes. Government-industry partnership activities required to promote this technology and extend it to include applications in increasingly larger systems are discussed. Currently available hardware, their ratings and manufacturers are also presented