Date: Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011
6:00PM: Networking & Pizza
6:30PM: Meeting
7:30pm: Q&A
Location:
Texas Instruments (formerly National Semiconductor) Building E Auditorium
2900 Semiconductor Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Cost: Donations for food accepted

Title:

The Impact of Microinverters in Photovoltaic Systems

Speaker:

Dr. Brandon J. Pierquet, Senior Design Engineer at Enphase Energy

Abstract:

Interest in photovoltaic (PV) systems has increased significantly over the past decade, in both the public and private sector. With the cost of photovoltaic modules dropping, and increasing energy costs, many installations are proving to be a fiscal benefit. In traditional installations, a single central dc-ac inverter is fed by a series connected string of modules; mismatch between the ideal maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of each module reduces the realisable energy capture of the system. A new style of inverter, often referred to as a microinverter, provides the MPPT and dc-ac conversion at each PV module, allowing direct connection to the grid. This talk will cover the trade-offs presented by microinverters in various system configurations, from kilowatt sized residential systems through multi-megawatt utility scale installations. Focus will be placed on the challenges faced in cost, efficiency, reliability, safety, and overall market acceptance. Some depth into the common power electronic topologies and control algorithms will be covered, along with grid interconnection challenges and standards compliance issues.

Speaker Biography:

Dr. Brandon J. Pierquet is currently a Senior Design Engineer at Enphase Energy, where he is working on the development of new microinverter implementations and control strategies. He received his Ph.D. and S.M. degrees in from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2011 and 2006 respectively, and his B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004, all in electrical engineering. His research interests include resonant power conversion for ac systems, multi-port converter topologies, embedded system control, and solar energy applications.