Development of a modular, bi-directional power inverter for photovoltaic applications. Annual technical progress report, August 1995--August 1996

The goal of this research and development contract is to develop and prototype for manufacturing a modular, bi-directional power inverter for photovoltaic applications. This modular inverter will be used as building block for larger inverters by connecting in parallel (for higher power) or in series (for higher AC voltage) or both. The modular inverter will be capable of being interconnected for single, split and three phase configurations for both 60 hertz (domestic) and 50 hertz (international) applications. The design will also construction of units with different DC input voltages and AC output voltages to further satisfy various application and market requirements. By standardizing on a single {open_quotes}building block{close_quotes} inverter module, the need to build multiple models and sizes for different application can be avoided. The higher volume of a single design will allow improved manufacturing and will result in higher reliability by reducing low volume will allow improved manufacturing will result in higher reliability by reducing low volume modifications. The result will be lower cost and improved performance of photovoltaic systems