Design and performance evaluation of a MWPMSM for distributed floating photovoltaic system

Abstract

In recent years, the growing interest in renewable energy has increased attention on photovoltaic systems. While traditional photovoltaic systems are typically built on the ground, floating photovoltaic power generation involves placing photovoltaic panels on floating platforms in water. When these platforms are on the sea surface, the solar radiation received by the photovoltaic array changes periodically due to ocean waves, leading to fluctuations in the maximum power point temperature and light radiation. This results in varying power generation capacities and an unbalanced energy supply at different locations. The current fixed DC bus voltage further exacerbates this issue, reducing power generation efficiency. A new multi-winding permanent magnet synchronous motor (MWPMSM) system for distributed energy is proposed to address these challenges. This system features multiple independent DC buses, each operating at a different voltage level to ensure compatibility with the energy absorbed by each part of the photovoltaic array. The MWPMSM system is designed with a specific structure and mathematical model, and its structure parameters are carefully chosen and verified through finite element analysis. A control strategy for the MWPMSM is then established, and an experimental platform is used to demonstrate that the system maintains high efficiency and unchanged output power while ensuring a balanced power ratio (the Maximum error of winding power ratio is 6.7%).