Current Sensing Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems

Chenyang Xu, Katherine A. Kim, Philip T. Krein

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Motivation and Goals
Current sensing techniques are used in feedback for dc-dc converters photovoltaic (PV) systems. Different sensing techniques are investigated for their cost and power consumption. This is particularly important for smaller power PV module converters to increase: Affordability Energy efficiency Question: Which current sensing technique minimizes power loss and cost, while meeting control requirements for specific size PV module? Goal: Develop a model that can assist designers in choosing a current sensing technique to lower cost for specific size PV modules while keeping low power consumption.

Series Sense Resistor Technique

Technique: Sense resistor is put series with the measured current. Sensing the voltage across it determines current flowing through the sense resistor [1] . Advantages: Simple Lowest cost Disadvantage: High power the high current dissipation at high currents No electrical isolation between the high current and the logic circuitry. An isolation circuit is needed, which consumes more power [2] .
Price vs. Resistor Power Rating

Hall Effect Technique

Technique: Hall effect sensor is a transducer that produces a voltage in response to a magnetic field. A current I flows through a thin sheet of conductive material that is penetrated by a magnetic flux density B, and voltage is generated perpendicular to both current and field [1] .

Number of Carriers

Carrier charge

Sheet thickness

The liner fit of power rating and price of resistor[3].

Advantage: Isolation between current path and logic Low power consumption Disadvantage: Significant thermal drift Need additional circuitry to compensate the voltage offset Relatively high cost Types: open-loop closed-loop active current probes. Power Consumption: The supply voltage ranges from 2 V to 6 V and the supply current ranges from 8 mA - 10 mA, which results in low power consumption at the mW scale. Cost: Hall Effect sensor cost is more expensive. Chip: $4 to $7 Through-hole: $20 to $50 [3]

Support Circuitry for Series Sense Resistor

A low side monitor helps measure small voltages. Circuit is composed of an amplifier, analog-to-digital converter (A/D), microprocessor (uP) and various resistors. Amplifier output is the scaled resistor voltage (VRS). Chip Hall Effect Sensors Through-Hole Hall Effect Sensor

PURE Program Experience

Through participating PURE program, I gained insight on advanced research in my interested area great opportunity to meet and work with my mentor In a nutshell, the program not only shed light on my interest in academic research in future, but also enriched my knowledge in data analysis and software engineering.

Selected References
[1] S. Ziegler, R. C. Woodward, H. -C. Lu, L. J. Borle, "Current Sensing Techniques: A Review," Sensors Journal, IEEE , vol. 9, no.4, pp. 354-376, April 2009 [2] Fixed Resistors. Product Data Short Form.TT electronics (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.welwyn-tt.com/downloads /shortform/shortform-catalogue.pdf [3] Research Data is retrieved from http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll

This work is supported by Rockwell Collins through the Promoting Undergraduate Research in Engineering (PURE) program at the University of Illinois