A smart PV module with integrated electrical storage for smart grid applications

The increasing penetration of intermittent Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), such as PhotoVoltaic (PV), into Distribution Networks (DNs) and Microgrids (μgs) is posing relevant challenges to the power system operations and control. Thus, there is a growing interest for the development of innovative solutions to reduce the uncertainty of these resources and to properly manage their intrinsic variability. This paper proposes an innovative PV solution in which the PV module is equipped with on-board Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) to properly manage the charge/discharge cycle of the ESS while implementing the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) of the PV source. Furthermore, the system is capable to communicate with the external grid in order to allow the implementation of advanced network services, such as power support, to the DN.