New PV Inverter Technology Developed by Mitsubishi Electric to Maximize PV Systems Power Output

A new PV inverter technology was developed by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation that maximizes the power output in PV systems. The new maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) system developed by the company is incorporated into a single PV inverter and is capable of maximizing the output power when part of a PV array is covered by dust or shadow.

The characteristics of a PV system are determined by the amount of sunlight and temperature. Conventional MPPT systems are utilized by PV systems to achieve maximum power output points. But when a part of the array is in the shadow and rest is exposed to sunlight, multiple peak power points are created, which a conventional MPPT system will have difficulty to track the maximum power point. The problem is more pronounced in urban areas where nearby buildings can cast their shadow on the PV systems thus reducing power outputs.

The new technology from the company enables the MPPT system to measure the output power characteristics of the PV array automatically. The array is controlled by the new system to function at its maximum output-power point thus making sure the PV system receives maximum power output from the array. In certain cases, the new technology from the company is capable of doubling the power output when compared to a PV inverter incorporated with conventional MPPT system.