a small DC-to-DC converter

[BigInch]

Anyone have any ideas how this works, or if it works at all? I thought you couldn't convert DC-DC voltages, but I admit you can write what I know about that on the head of a pin and still have room for the Bible. Wouldn't you have to convert DC to AC for the step up, then covert back again to DC, or is it a one-time DC to AC convert and the balance of wiring system is then AC.

Could that go to 120VAC?
No batteries then?

Sounds like at least an efficiency penalty, or current reduction has got to be accounted for somewhere in this. One thing I'm sure about is that nothing comes free. What's the catch?

Any comments are highly appreciated.

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/eiq-unstealths-another-entrant-in-pv-bos/

**********************
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[GregLocock]

upconverters usually use a buck boost architecture, and are typically most efficient if they are working at high voltages since the main inefficiency is a 0.6V silicon gap. They can be high 90s % efficient. AERL used to make good ones.

Well, that's exhausted my knowledge.

Here's wiki, basically you use the transient voltage across a switch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck–boost_converter

Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

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[BigInch]

Greg, Thanks a lot for that link. I didn't even know what to look for; Buck boost converter. Almost makes sense now.

**********************
"Being GREEN isn't easy" ..Kermit

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[Sparweb]

Buck-boost converters - one good way to make a wind turbine rotor's power curve match the generator a bit better.

What you're asking about - and the link you included - looks like a panel-mount inverter. A relatively new trend in solar panel installation, though it's been possible for a long time it hasn't been economic until recently.

One is mounted on a panel, or several panels, and takes the DC and converts it to 120VAC, before any wires come in the building. The 120VAC wires can be smaller than the corresponding higer-current DC lines, so you gain with smaller wire and less line-loss from the current. Next, these wires all tie into the grid-tie breaker panel. The grid is like an infinite supply of voltage and an infinite sink of current. All of the solar panel's output can be therefore sold to the grid, without voltage fluctuation or filling up the "battery".

With gains such as these, you don't have to worry about the little inverter's 90-95% efficiency. You're still ahead, due to all the other efficiencies you've gained elsewhere in the "balance of the system" (BOS).


Steven Fahey, CET

 

[BigInch]

Sounds good. So, with no net physical disadvantage, there must be a roughly equal monetary cost disadvantage, if these things go the way that they usually go.

**********************
"Being GREEN isn't easy" ..Kermit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpiIWMWWVco

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