This paper presents a stand-alone photovoltaic energy system aimed for small power consumer applications in isolated areas of the countryside of Brazil. In order to develop a cost-effective and simple product, a double power conversion UPS (uninterruptible power supply) was analyzed and modified. A whole new battery charger was implemented using a PIC microcontroller equipped with a MPP seeking algorithm, to maximize the energy extracted from the solar panels, and a supervisory unit to control the charge process of the batteries, in order to ensure that they are fully charged
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IEEE Industrial Electronics, IECON 2006 - 32nd Annual Conference on
Date of Conference: 6-10 Nov. 2006