ENERGY UNIT KIT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CLUSTER
Since solar generating capacity can be segmented, it is promising to move to the construction of generating power stations in the form of a cluster structure and the creation of unified generating units. It should also be noted that many households and small businesses are switching to using local,...
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| author | Bondarenko, D. Matyakh, S. Surzhyk, T. Shevchuk, V. |
| author_facet | Bondarenko, D. Matyakh, S. Surzhyk, T. Shevchuk, V. |
| author_institution_txt_mv | [
{
"author": "D. Bondarenko",
"institution": "Institute of Renewable energy of National Acad-emy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine."
},
{
"author": "S. Matyakh",
"institution": "Institute of Renewable energy of National Acad-emy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine."
},
{
"author": "T. Surzhyk",
"institution": "Institute of Renewable energy of National Acad-emy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine."
},
{
"author": "V. Shevchuk",
"institution": "Institute of Renewable energy of National Acad-emy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine."
}
] |
| author_sort | Bondarenko, D. |
| baseUrl_str | https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/oai |
| collection | OJS |
| datestamp_date | 2026-07-18T06:32:18Z |
| description | Since solar generating capacity can be segmented, it is promising to move to the construction of generating power stations in the form of a cluster structure and the creation of unified generating units. It should also be noted that many households and small businesses are switching to using local, small-capacity solar power plants for their own needs. Such generating mini-stations are quite typical and contain elements typical for their purpose and nominal parameters. Thus, it is proposed to create, and in the future to apply, typical universal mini power plants, which are units for the construction of power-generating clusters. In article, detailed set of the unit is shown. |
| doi_str_mv | 10.36296/1819-8058.2023.3(74).53-58 |
| first_indexed | 2025-07-17T11:39:07Z |
| format | Article |
| fulltext |
53
Відновлювана енергетика. №3/2023 | Сонячна енергетика
УДК 621.31:621.311.243 https://doi.org/10.36296/1819-8058.2023.3(74)53-58
ENERGY UNIT KIT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CLUSTER
Received Apr. 06, 2023; accepted May 27, 2023
Available online Sept. 30, 2023
Dmytro Bondarenko1, Serhii Matyakh2,
Tamila Surzhyk3, Volodymyr Shevchuk4
Author for correspondence: Dmytro Bondarenko,
e-mail: dima7007bond@gmail.com
Abstract. Since solar generating capacity can be segmented, it
is promising to move to the construction of generating power
stations in the form of a cluster structure and the creation of
unified generating units. It should also be noted that many
households and small businesses are switching to using local, small-capacity solar power plants for their own
needs. Such generating mini-stations are quite typical and contain elements typical for their purpose and nominal
parameters. Thus, it is proposed to create, and in the future to apply, typical universal mini power plants, which
are units for the construction of power-generating clusters. In article, detailed set of the unit is shown.
Keywords: cluster, unit, pv-panel, battery, kit, inverter, controller
КОМПЛЕКТ ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНОГО МОДУЛЯ ЯК ЕЛЕМЕНТА ФОТОЕЛЕКТРИЧНОГО КЛАСТЕРА
Отримано 6 квіт. 2023 р.; рекомендовано до публікації 27 трав. 2023 р.
Доступно онлайн 30 вер. 2023
Дмитро Бондаренко1, Сергій Матях2,
Таміла Суржик3, Володимир Шевчук4
Автор для коресподенції: Дмитро Бондаренко,
e-mail: dima7007bond@gmail.com
Анотація. Оскільки сонячні генерувальні потужності
можуть бути сегментовані, то є перспективним пере-
хід до побудови генерувальних електричних станцій у
вигляді кластерної структури та створення уніфікова-
них генерувальних модулів. Також треба зазначити, що багато домогосподарств та невеликих
підприємств переходять на використання локальних, невеликих за потужністю сонячних електро-
станцій для власних потреб. Такі генерувальні міністанції є досить типовими та містять типові за
призначенням та номінальними параметрами елементи. Таким чином, пропонується створити й у
подальшому застосовувати типові універсальні мініелектростанції, які є модулями для побудови
електрогенерувальних мінікластерів. У статті показана повна деталізація запропонованого модуля.
Ключові слова: кластер, модуль, фотовольтаїчна панель, акумулятор, комплект, інвертор, контролер
1 PhD, Senior scientist.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5629-930X
2 PhD, Head of department.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1707-3519
3 Doctor of science, Science secretary.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1418-7748
4 Scientist.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4176-7799
1, 2, 3, 4 Institute of Renewable energy of National
Academy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine.
1 канд. техн. наук, старший наук. співр.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5629-930X
2 канд. техн. наук, завідувач відділу.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1707-3519
3 д-р техн. наук, учений секретар.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1418-7748
4 наук. співр.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4176-7799
1, 2, 3, 4 Інститут відновлюваної енергетики
НАН України, Kиїв, Україна.
54
Відновлювана енергетика. №3/2023 | Сонячна енергетика
Introduction. Since solar generating capacity can be seg-
mented, it is promising to move to the construction of
generating power plants in the form of a cluster structure
and the creation of unified generating units. It should also
be noted that many households and small businesses are
switching to using local, small-capacity solar power plants
for their own needs. Such generating local micro plants
are quite typical and contain elements typical for their
purpose and nominal parameters [1]. The theory of clus-
ters is presented in [2,3,4,5], but it concerns large clus-
ters, on the scale of regions and countries. And research
for connecting microgrids into a cluster is important
[6,7,8,9]. To build unified scaled clusters, it is more ra-
tional to use a microgrids.
Setting objectives. It is proposed to create, and in the fu-
ture to apply, typical universal micro power pv-plants,
which are units for the construction of power-generating
mini clusters.
Unit. Full set detailing of such pv-unit should show any
cases of using of parts and these parts could be changeable
and removable. Some parts of Unit could change to other
type similar devices. Note that the typical contracted
power capacity in Ukraine is 5 kW [10], and the electrical
infrastructure of the vast majority of end consumers is de-
signed for a power consumption of 5 kW, therefore it is ex-
pedient to create a generating unit with a power of 5 kW as
well.
Such Unit should consist of a generating part, a storage part
(for secondary power supply and balancing), converting
and control parts (Fig.1). That is, for generation, you need
to use photovoltaic panels with a total nameplate capacity
of 5 kW. Although the generation capacity may be lower on
cloudy days, it is not advisable to increase the installed ca-
pacity as it may lead to negative consequences. The total
output voltage or DC current from photovoltaic panels
could be different, depending on the energy converting and
control equipment, but is usually 12V, 24V, or 48V. Some
models of converters require increased voltage from pho-
tovoltaic panels, to 120V or 400V, for that the photovoltaic
panels are connected in series. For connection panels and
for controlling output parameters we should use different
switching devices [11] in Combiner box. Combiner box con-
sist from contactors, fuses, blocking diodes, switchers and
control equipment (Fig.1).
For the accumulation of electrical energy and balancing of
the power system, the use of electrochemical accumulators
of electrical energy is proposed. The use of LiIon or LiFePo4
batteries is quite promising. The advantage of such batter-
ies is a large number of charge and discharge cycles, that is
necessary when using them in cyclic mode. Their disad-
vantage is the need to balance battery cells, for that it is
necessary to use BMS-devices. Also, BMS should have heat-
ing controls and communication ports, for example CAN or
WiFi.
Based on the research of the market for the retail of electric
energy, it should be said, that the daily consumption of a
household or a small office, as a unit of account, is within
5-10kWh. In the conditions of catastrophic blackouts of the
global energy system, it is advisable to install batteries for
individual storage, just within such limits, that is, to guaran-
tee daily consumption.
Main device of this Unit is Automatic panel (Fig.2). This
box consists from Manual transfer switch (MTS) and Auto
transfer switch (ATS) for connection the unit to grid or re-
serve supplier. Also, the main consumption of electrical
energy is carried out in the form of alternating current, so
the element of the system should be a convertor of elec-
tricity from direct current to alternating current, to on-
grid using and using of motors, the correct sinusoidal
form. For such tasks, inverters based on power switches,
such as MOSFET-transistors, are used. The efficiency of
such devices is quite high and can reach 95%. In addition,
you need to use a charge controller to charge and dis-
charge batteries from solar panels or grid. Devices that
use an algorithm for tracking the maximum generating
power from photovoltaic panels, such as MPPT control-
lers, are optimal. And for conversion alternating current
to direct current for charging battery, we need use AC-DC
converter. To connect to a grid, you need to use an in-
verter (DC-AC) with automatic synchronization of param-
eters of generation, such as voltage, frequency and phase.
And inverter should have ability to regulation of this pa-
rameters. Also, if it needs for grid, we should use a trans-
former that forms a neutral (NFT).
Alternative of the Automatic panel could be On-grid or Hy-
brid inverter, like non-separable device.
Main block of unit is Operation, monitoring and communi-
cation module. This module controls collection of data and
operating of devices. It has microcontroller module (MCU),
inputs and outputs, display and keyboard (Fig3). The idea
of creating a unified module is to combine such Units into
a Cluster. That is, for the coordinated operation of the same
type of systems, it is also necessary to have the possibility
of communication. To implement communication, it is nec-
essary to apply communication modules for common infor-
mation exchange protocols, such as ModBus, CAN or others
(Fig3.). It is necessary to exchange all or many electrical pa-
rameters and modes of operation of the units. For example,
information about the operation of the unit may contain
such data as the output power of the generation, the value
of accumulated charge in the battery, the value of the con-
sumed load that is connected to the unit.
55
Відновлювана енергетика. №3/2023 | Сонячна енергетика
Fig. 1. Unit
Cluster. The main idea of creating a cluster is the use of uni-
fied and independent electric energy generation units that
can perform their work both in combination with other
units and autonomously. This approach allows you to move
away from the critical infrastructure of the energy system.
Thus, if one of the units fails or is damaged, the cluster as a
whole remains in working order and continues to generate
and distribute energy, but with less power. Also, the uni-
formity of the units facilitates repair and maintenance of
the cluster as a whole.
It is advisable to combine units into a cluster within the lim-
its of the voltage of the final distribution network for the
retail of electric energy, so in the case of Ukraine it is 0.4
kV. Of course, raising the voltage to 10kV would reduce
losses in the transmission of electrical energy, especially
over long distances, but it would introduce a critical infra-
structure element into the system, such as a step-up/step-
down transformer substation, which does not correspond
to the main idea of clustering and creates a certain depend-
ence. That is, by creating a cluster, we combine small, but
distributed, generation with final consumption. Thus, by
combining two hundred units into one cluster, we get 1MW
of generating and distribution power within the localization
of such a cluster. This power corresponds to the generation
of one small thermoelectric or hydroelectric plant and also
corresponds to the power of a minimal distribution substa-
tion [3]. It should also be noted that due to batteries, such
a cluster is self-balancing, that is, it does not require exter-
nal power for balancing.
We also mark that the information and communication sys-
tem of the cluster must be distributed and may not contain
the main controller. And the algorithms of the units can be
such that the units work both autonomously and as part of
a cluster, but without centralized control [12].
56
Відновлювана енергетика. №3/2023 | Сонячна енергетика
Fig. 2. Detailing of automatic panel of the unit
57
Відновлювана енергетика. №3/2023 | Сонячна енергетика
Fig. 3. Operating, monitoring and communication module of the unit
Using of micro-inverters. Other way is using of microinvert-
ers, that is modern solution of PV-energy systems to com-
mercial and residential customers. It is very practical solu-
tion to distributed systems. Microinverters transform DC
12-20 volts to AC 220 volts 50/60Hz near PV-module di-
rectly (Fig.4). They are small power devices, approximately
200-400W, with good quality of power conversion and 97%
efficiency [13]. Main idea of application of microinverters
is using of AC from grid for transfer electricity inside of unit.
And this solution is more convenient, that we can connect
to AC bus in any parts of circuit and connection to grid in
the automatic or combiner box is simply. Also, we can con-
nect different type of pv-panels or other equipment in this
case. And if happened failure some inverters or shading
some panel, this application is more stable. We should note
about good practice galvanic isolation in grid-connected
photovoltaic microinverters [14].
Fig. 4. Unit based on microinverters
58
Відновлювана енергетика. №3/2023 | Сонячна енергетика
Conclusion. The mini cluster, the creation of which is pro-
posed, is a self-sufficient energy union, which in turn con-
sists of self-sufficient typical and unified units that contain
generation, storage and distribution. And units of mini clus-
ter need full set detailing for construct and analyze of the
local energy system.
The cluster-unit approach significantly improves the stability
of the energy system as a whole and in local areas, especially
during blackouts [15]. Also, the cluster can replace or create
an alternative to modern thermoelectric power plants.
Using of smart systems and algorithms in the modules and
the cluster will allow to control the processes of genera-
tion, accumulation and distribution in optimal modes and
quickly balance the system in case of failure of individual
elements of the cluster. We also note that the use of a self-
learning unit control algorithms is a step towards the intro-
duction of artificial intelligence in cluster power systems.
Also, using of microinverters is good way for united of small
power applications, like units of distributed system, to mini
cluster.
Many companies offer their cluster organization system,
for example Schneider [16]. But in such a case, own con-
cepts and equipment of own production are offered, which
does not lead to the unification of typical equipment of dif-
ferent manufacturers into a cluster. In addition, manufac-
turers offer significantly higher power of modules of a clus-
ter, actually on an industrial scale, in opposite to the
system proposed in the article. In next time, will need re-
search for safety connection to the power grid to ensure
the reliability of power supply [17].
This article is made in accordance with the scientific pro-
gram 6541230 - "Energogarant".
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|
| id | veorgua-article-411 |
| institution | Vidnovluvana energetika |
| keywords_txt_mv | keywords |
| language | Ukrainian |
| last_indexed | 2026-07-19T01:11:41Z |
| publishDate | 2023 |
| publisher | Institute of Renewable Energy National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine |
| record_format | ojs |
| resource_txt_mv | veorgua/4a/c1286621e2c722641cd689e8a693074a.pdf |
| spelling | veorgua-article-4112026-07-18T06:32:18Z ENERGY UNIT KIT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CLUSTER КОМПЛЕКТ ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНОГО МОДУЛЯ ЯК ЕЛЕМЕНТА ФОТОЕЛЕКТРИЧНОГО КЛАСТЕРА Bondarenko, D. Matyakh, S. Surzhyk, T. Shevchuk, V. cluster, unit, pv-panel, battery, kit, inverter, controller кластер, модуль, фотовольтаїчна панель, акумулятор, комплект, інвертор, контролер Since solar generating capacity can be segmented, it is promising to move to the construction of generating power stations in the form of a cluster structure and the creation of unified generating units. It should also be noted that many households and small businesses are switching to using local, small-capacity solar power plants for their own needs. Such generating mini-stations are quite typical and contain elements typical for their purpose and nominal parameters. Thus, it is proposed to create, and in the future to apply, typical universal mini power plants, which are units for the construction of power-generating clusters. In article, detailed set of the unit is shown. Оскільки сонячні генерувальні потужності можуть бути сегментовані, то є перспективним перехід до побудови генерувальних електричних станцій у вигляді кластерної структури та створення уніфікованих генерувальних модулів. Також треба зазначити, що багато домогосподарств та невеликих підприємств переходять на використання локальних, невеликих за потужністю сонячних електростанцій для власних потреб. Такі генерувальні міністанції є досить типовими та містять типові за призначенням та номінальними параметрами елементи. Таким чином, пропонується створити й у подальшому застосовувати типові універсальні мініелектростанції, які є модулями для побудови електрогенерувальних мінікластерів. У статті показана повна деталізація запропонованого модуля. Institute of Renewable Energy National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 2023-10-19 Article Article application/pdf https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/411 10.36296/1819-8058.2023.3(74).53-58 Vidnovluvana energetika ; No. 3(74) (2023): Scientific and applied Journal renewable energy ; 53-58 Возобновляемая энергетика; ##issue.no## 3(74) (2023): Scientific and applied Journal renewable energy ; 53-58 Відновлювана енергетика; № 3(74) (2023): Науково-прикладний журнал Відновлювана енергетика; 53-58 2664-8172 1819-8058 10.36296/1819-8058.2023.3(74) uk https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/411/321 Copyright (c) 2023 D. Bondarenko, S. Matyakh, T. Surzhyk, V. Shevchuk https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 |
| spellingShingle | cluster unit pv-panel battery kit inverter controller Bondarenko, D. Matyakh, S. Surzhyk, T. Shevchuk, V. ENERGY UNIT KIT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CLUSTER |
| title | ENERGY UNIT KIT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CLUSTER |
| title_alt | КОМПЛЕКТ ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНОГО МОДУЛЯ ЯК ЕЛЕМЕНТА ФОТОЕЛЕКТРИЧНОГО КЛАСТЕРА |
| title_full | ENERGY UNIT KIT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CLUSTER |
| title_fullStr | ENERGY UNIT KIT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CLUSTER |
| title_full_unstemmed | ENERGY UNIT KIT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CLUSTER |
| title_short | ENERGY UNIT KIT FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CLUSTER |
| title_sort | energy unit kit for photovoltaic cluster |
| topic | cluster unit pv-panel battery kit inverter controller |
| topic_facet | cluster unit pv-panel battery kit inverter controller кластер модуль фотовольтаїчна панель акумулятор комплект інвертор контролер |
| url | https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/411 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT bondarenkod energyunitkitforphotovoltaiccluster AT matyakhs energyunitkitforphotovoltaiccluster AT surzhykt energyunitkitforphotovoltaiccluster AT shevchukv energyunitkitforphotovoltaiccluster AT bondarenkod komplektenergetičnogomodulââkelementafotoelektričnogoklastera AT matyakhs komplektenergetičnogomodulââkelementafotoelektričnogoklastera AT surzhykt komplektenergetičnogomodulââkelementafotoelektričnogoklastera AT shevchukv komplektenergetičnogomodulââkelementafotoelektričnogoklastera |