ABSTRACT
The goal of this project was to develop two Universal Photovoltaic Management System (UPMS) based on selected standard sizes for applications in hybrid PV power plants. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Engineering and ATERSA developed and built the prototypes with a standard ac output rating of 3 kVA and 15 kVA in cooperation with WIP. The basic aims was to achieve substantial cost reduction, increased system efficiency, user friendliness and reliability improvements over the past conventional balance of system (BOS) configurations. This UPMS concept combines in one unit all power electronics, energy management unit, and their cabling necessary to control, regulate power, and monitor a complete hybrid PV plant. Cost reduction, increased system efficiency, user friendliness and reliability improvements are possible because all the critical BOS hardware and wiring are integrated in one box, resulting in use of common parts, cheaper transportation, installation, testing, and maintenance. Both UPMS prototypes have been installed and tested in two pilot plants and operate successfully. The inverter of the prototypes achieve a value of 92% and the cost reduction of the compact systems is 33% and 16 %. This project was co-financed by the European Commission in the framework of the Non Nuclear Energy Programme JOULE III.
