Case Study | Performance of SUNGO OPT Optimizer at TAKAMI Power Station in Japan

In the field of photovoltaic (PV) power generation, the application of optimizers is gaining increasing attention. SUNGO Energy has installed its self-developed SUNGO OPT photovoltaic optimizer at the TAKAMI Power Station to conduct compatibility and optimization function testing. The testing period began on December 19, 2023, and will conclude on October 16, 2024. Analysis of the test results clearly demonstrates the optimizer's significant role in enhancing power generation efficiency.

Testing Overview

The TAKAMI Power Station is equipped with five 8kW Yaskawa electric PV inverters, each connected to four strings of PV modules, with each string containing 12 modules of 250W polycrystalline specifications. The specific configurations are as follows:

· Installed Devices:

Optimizers were installed on inverters #1, #2, and #4, totaling 144 SUNGO OPT units.

Inverters #3 and #5 did not have optimizers installed.

· Environmental Factors:

The area surrounding the inverter modules is obstructed by fences, utility poles, and large trees, which impact the power generation capabilities of the PV modules.

Data Analysis

• Power Generation Improvement According to the test data provided by the owner, the installation of optimizers significantly enhanced the power generation capacity of the inverters. The key findings are as follows: before the installation of the optimizers, Inverter #2 had the highest daily power generation, while Inverter #4 had the lowest. After the installation of the optimizers, the daily power generation of Inverter #4 increased by approximately 3.3%. For Inverters #1 and #4, which were more affected by shading, the effect of the optimizers was even more pronounced. Data shows that the optimizers increased the instantaneous power of Inverters #1 and #4 by over 50%.

• Impact of Shading The test results indicate that the optimizers significantly overcome shading issues: Inverters #2 and #3 experienced relatively light shading, and the improvement from the optimizers was not obvious. Inverters #1, #4, and #5 suffered from more severe shading, and the installation of optimizers significantly improved their power generation capacity. After the installation of the optimizers, the power generation of Inverter #4 consistently exceeded that of Inverter #5 throughout the day, with an average daily output power increase of over 20%.

• Long-Term Performance Observation From the test data, it can be seen that the effectiveness of the optimizers improves over time: during the observation period from December 2023 to July 2024, the power generation and daily output of Inverter #4 continued to increase, reflecting the stability and effectiveness of the optimizers during long-term operation.

As experts in the MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics) field, SUNGO Energy is committed to driving innovation and development in photovoltaic technology. This testing showcases the outstanding performance and reliability of the SUNGO OPT optimizer, particularly in complex environments with shading issues. We will continue to deepen our R&D efforts and optimize our products to ensure we provide more efficient solutions for future photovoltaic projects.

SUNGO looks forward to collaborating with partners from various sectors to promote the adoption and application of renewable energy, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.