AN3152

Grid connected inverter

Doc ID 17056 Rev 1

5/17

2

Grid connected inverter

A PV inverter must perform three main functions in order to feed energy from a PV array into

the utility grid:

1.

Shape the current into a sinusoidal waveform

2.

Invert the current into an AC current

3.

Boost the PV array voltage if it is lower than the grid voltage

The way these functions are sequenced within an inverter design determines the choice of

semiconductor and passive components, and consequently their losses, sizes and prices. In

order to validate new technologies, a solar inverter prototype was developed and equipped

with ST MDmesh™ and SiC devices. The block diagram is shown in

Figure 1, and block-by-

block details are shown in Figures

2, 3, 4 and 5.

Note:

The new approach and topologies of each stage allow the use of a 650 V power MDmesh™.

Figure 1.

Block diagram