Tigo optimizer |
  
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Tigo optimizer |
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See Power Optimizers for generalities.
The Tigo Energy® Maximizer system is based on a concept named current boosting (buck-only):
| - | Below the Vmpp voltage the current is "boosted" along an (Impp * Vmpp) curve (hyperbola), up to a maximum current. This is achieved, for a given current I, by a Voltage diminution corresponding to the available Pmpp (Vout = Pmpp / I). In this way, operating the string at Impp of the best module will draw the Pmpp of each module. |
| - | For voltages over Vmpp, the optimizer's output follows then I/V curve of the module. |
This system involves a permanent communication between the optimizers Tigo Energy® Module Maximizer (MM-ES) and a central Tigo Energy® Maximizer Management Unit (MM-U). This communication is relayed by gateways distributed in the array (one gateway manages up to 120 optimizers).
At each instant, the MM-ES measures the available energy of its PV module, and receives the information about its operating point. This permanent information at the module level may be stored and managed externally, therefore allowing a permanent supervision of the running of the system.
- The MM-ES and TS4- devices are available for diverse input voltages/powers, for crystalline or thin film modules.
- Double devices 2-MM-ES are available (independent optimizers for 2 different modules, common communication).
- Some modules are specifically equipped at the factory with Tigo optimizers.
| - | Smart modules are modules equipped with a special Tigo optimizer (models MMJ-ES50, TS4-L) with a fixed voltage limit just over Vmpp. This avoids the Voc limit (at low temperature) and allows an increased number of modules per string. However be careful: this may induce very high losses if the Vmax (optimizer) > VmppMax of the inverter: in overload conditions, the inverter will try to limit the power by displacing the operating point on the curve, and in these conditions ther is no possible point: the inverter will stop working. |
When using a Tigo converter, we have to check that the PV module is compatible with the input specifications (Voltage, Current, Power) of the device. This is indicated by green devices in the choice listbox.
Except for the clipped voltage devices, the sizing conditions for the number of modules in a string are identical as for usual PV arrays.