H.P. Thomas

Benefits of Power Electronic Interfaces for Distributed Energy Systems

With the increasing use of distributed energy (DE) systems in industry and its technological advancement, it is becoming more important to understand the integration of these systems with the electric power systems. New markets and benefits for DE applications include the ability to provide ancillary services, improve energy efficiency, enhance power system reliability, and allow customer choice. Advanced power electronic (PE) interfaces will allow DE systems to provide increased functionality through improved power quality and voltage/volt-ampere reactive (VAR) support, increase electrical system compatibility by reducing the fault contributions, and flexibility in operations with various other DE sources, while reducing overall interconnection costs. This paper will examine the system integration issues associated with DE systems and show the benefits of using PE interfaces for such applications.

Benefits from the US photovoltaic manufacturing technology project

This paper examines the goals of the Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) project and its achievements in recapturing the investment by the photovoltaic (PV) industry and the public in this research. The PVMaT project was initiated in 1990 with the goal of enhancing the worldwide competitiveness of the US PV industry. Based on the authors analysis, PVMaT has contributed to PV module manufacturing process improvements, increased product value and reductions in the price of todays PV products. An evaluation of success in this project was conducted using data collected from 10 of the PVMaT industrial participants in late fiscal year (FY) 1995. These data indicate a reduction of 56% in the weighted average module manufacturing costs from 1992 to 1996. During this same period, US module manufacturing capacity has increased by more than a factor of 6. Finally, the analysis indicates that both the public and the manufacturers will recapture the funds expended in R&D manufacturing improvements well before the year 2000.

Recent progress in the Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology Project (PVMaT)

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) Project was initiated in 1990 to help the US photovoltaic (PV) industry extend its world leadership role in manufacturing and commercially developing PV modules and systems. It is being conducted in several phases, staggered to support industry progress. The four most recently awarded subcontracts (Phase 2B) are now completing their first year of research. They include two subcontracts in CdTe, one on spheral solar cells, and one on cast polysilicon. These subcontracts represent new technology additions to the PVMaT Project. Subcontracts initiated in earlier phases are nearing completion, and their progress is summarized. An additional phase of PVMaT, Phase 4A, is being initiated which will emphasize product-driven manufacturing research and development. The intention of Phase 4A is to emphasize improvement and cost reduction in the manufacture of full-system PV products. The work areas may include, but not limited to, issues such as: improvement of module manufacturing processes; system and system component packaging, integration, manufacturing, and assembly; product manufacturing flexibility; and balance-of-system development with the goal of product manufacturing improvements.

Decade of PV industry R&D advances in silicon module manufacturing

The US photovoltaic (PV) industry has made significant technical advances in crystalline silicon (Si) module manufacturing through the PV Manufacturing R&D Project during the past decade. Funded Si technologies in this project have been Czochralski, cast polycrystalline, edge-defined film fed growth (EFG) ribbon, string ribbon, and Si-film. Specific R&D Si module-manufacturing categories that have shown technical growth and are discussed are in crystal growth and processing, wafering, cell fabrication, and module manufacturing. These R&D advancements since 1992 have contributed to a 30% decrease in PV manufacturing costs and stimulated a sevenfold increase in PV production capacity.

Ten years of manufacturing R&D in PVMAT-technical accomplishments, return on investment, and where we go next

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology Project (PVMaT) has been conducting cost-shared R&D with industry for ten years. Objectives of this project are to improve photovoltaic manufacturing processes and products and to lower manufacturing costs. The majority of the efforts have been module related. Results in terms of automation, yield, and throughput have provided a significant reduction in direct manufacturing costs. Some of these results are detailed, and a measure of the return due to these efforts is discussed. Finally, technical directions for future activities are identified.

PVMaT 1998 Overview

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) Project is a government/industry research and development (RD accelerate manufacturing cost reductions for PV modules, balance-of-systems components, and integrated systems; increase commercial product performance and reliability; and enhance investment opportunities for substantial scale-ups of U.S.-based PV manufacturing plant capacities. The approach for PVMaT has been to cost-share the R&D risk as industry explores new manufacturing options and ideas for improved PV modules and components, advances system and product integration, and develops new system designs. These activities will lead to overall reduced system life-cycle costs for reliable PV end-products. The 1994 PVMaT Product-Driven BOS and Systems activities...

Status of the IEEE P1547 draft interconnection standard and distributed energy resources R&D

The Department of Energy (DOE) Distributed Power Program (DPP) is conducting work to complete, validate in the field, and support the development of a national interconnection standard for distributed energy resources (DER), and to address the institutional and regulatory barriers affecting the commercial adoption of DER systems. This work includes support for the IEEE interconnection standard development process, including P1547 Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems, P1589 Standard for Conformance Test Procedures for Equipment Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems, and the P1608 Application Guide. Work is also in progress on system integration research and development (R&D) on the interface and integration of control of DER with local energy systems. Additional efforts are supporting DERs role in providing high-reliability power for industry, evaluating innovative concepts for DER applications, and exploring effective interface and control technologies for intelligent autonomous interconnection systems. This paper summarizes (1) the current status of the IEEE interconnection standards and application guides in support of DER and (2) the R&D in progress at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for interconnection and system integration and application of distributed energy resources.

Terrestrial photovoltaic technologies update

A description of terrestrial photovoltaics (PV), what it is and what it accomplishes, and a very brief historical perspective of its development are presented. Todays leading technologies are identified and discussed. Current areas for improvement and suggestions for future R&D focus are presented. Information is provided on the latest developments in terms of efficiencies, cost, industry output and prospects. The most suited applications are also addressed.

Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) Project—Latest results

The Photovoltaic Manufacturing Technology (PVMaT) Project was initiated in 1990 to help the U.S. photovoltaic (PV) industry extend its world leadership role in manufacturing and the commercial development of PV modules and systems. It is being conducted in several staggered phases to support industry progress. The twelve subcontracts awarded under Phase 4A are now completing their first year of research. The subcontracts initiated in earlier phases are nearing completion, and their progress is summarized in this paper. An additional phase of PVMaT, Phase 4A, has been initiated and emphasizes product-driven manufacturing research and development. The intention of Phase 4A is to emphasize improvement and cost reduction in the manufacture of full-system PV products. The work areas include, but were not limited to, issues such as improving module manufacturing processes; system and system component packaging, integration, manufacturing, and assembly; product manufacturing flexibility; and balance-of-system de...

Advancements in Distributed Generation Issues Interconnection, Modeling, and Tariffs

The California Energy Commission is cost-sharing research with the Department of Energy through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to address distributed energy resources (DER) topics. These efforts include developing interconnection and power management technologies, modeling the impacts of interconnecting DER with an area electric power system, and evaluating possible modifications to rate policies and tariffs. As a result, a DER interconnection device has been developed and tested. A workshop reviewed the status and issues of advanced power electronic devices. Software simulations used validated models of distribution circuits that incorporated DER, and tests and measurements of actual circuits with and without DER systems are being conducted to validate these models. Current policies affecting DER were reviewed and rate making policies to support deployment of DER through public utility rates and policies were identified. These advancements are expected to support the continued and expanded use of DER systems.