Evaluation of Inverter Power Losses and Its Overall Impact on the Solar System
Student: Ikpewock Ali David (Project, 2025)
Department of Electrical /Electronics Engineering
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State
Abstract
Human life depends on energy, which lead to the growing demand for renewable energy has increased interest in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, but efficiency challenges, particularly inverter power losses, remain a concern. This study evaluates inverter power losses and their impact on solar PV systems using MATLAB-based simulations and experimental analysis. Key factors such as heat generation, parasitic resistances, switching losses, and conduction losses were investigated under varying load conditions, temperature fluctuations, and irradiance levels. Findings show that load balance and ambient temperature significantly affect inverter efficiency. At 80% load, the inverter experienced substantial power losses, with energy surplus dropping to 659.91 J. Temperature variations further impacted efficiency, with peak ambient temperatures reaching 31.8°C and inverter load temperatures rising to 36.7°C. Poor load distribution and high temperatures led to increased energy losses, while MATLAB simulations suggested that optimizing thermal regulation could enhance inverter efficiency by up to 10%. This study highlights the need for advanced inverter technologies with better cooling mechanisms, adaptive load balancing, and improved semiconductor materials. Addressing inverter losses is essential for reducing operating costs, maximizing solar PV efficiency, and promoting sustainable energy solutions. These findings provide valuable insights for engineers, researchers, and policymakers working to improve the reliability and performance of solar energy systems.
Keywords
For the full publication, please contact the author directly at: ikpewockd@gmail.com
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Institutions
- HASSAN USMAN KATSINA POLYTECHNIC (NCE), KATSINA, KATSINA STATE 4
- Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina, Katsina State 5
- Heritage Polytechnic, Ikot Udota, Akwa Ibom State 46
- Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Jigawa State 8
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State 24
- Igbinedion University, Okada, Benin City, Edo State 2
- Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State 8
- Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Owerri, Imo State 3
- Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State 45
- Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Enugu State 11