Abstract:
A power harvesting system (30a) including multiple parallel-connected photovoltaic strings (109), each photovoltaic string (109) includes a series-connection of photovoltaic panels (101). Multiple voltage-compensation circuits (307) may be connected in series respectively with the photovoltaic strings (109). The voltage-compensation circuits (307) may be configured to provide respective compensation voltages (Vc) to the photovoltaic strings (109) to maximize power harvested from the photovoltaic strings (109). The voltage-compensation circuits (307) may be include respective inputs which may be connected to a source of power (Vs) and respective outputs which may be connected in series with the photovoltaic strings (109).
Abstract:
A method for testing a photovoltaic panel ( 10 ) connected to an electronic module ( 12 ). The electronic module ( 12 ) includes an input attached to the photovoltaic panel and a power output. The method activates a bypass, by switch 50, to the electronic module ( 12 ). The bypass provides a low impedance path between the input and the output of the electronic module ( 12 ). A current is injected into the electronic module thereby compensating for the presence of the electronic module during the testing. The current may be previously determined by measuring a circuit parameter of the electronic module. The circuit parameter may be impedance, inductance, resistance or capacitance.
Abstract:
A device having a switch with a voltage applied across the switch. A current sensing circuit is connected to one terminal of the switch. The current sensing circuit receives power independently of the voltage applied across the switch. The power supply shares the other terminal of the switch with the current sensing circuit. The switch is adapted for opening and closing. When the switch closes, the current sensing circuit senses current through the switch and upon opening the switch the high voltage of the switch is blocked from the current sensing circuit. The sense current is caused to flow from the current sensing circuit to the other terminal when the switch is closed. The flow of the sense current produces a voltage which is compared differentially to another voltage referenced by the other terminal
Abstract:
A photovoltaic system including a photovoltaic cell, and an electronic module connected to the photovoltaic cell. The electronic module is adapted to produce at least one control signal indicative of electrical power being generated by the photovoltaic cells. A tracking controller is adapted to receive the control signal(s) and based on the control signal(s), the controller is adapted to control a tracking motor for adjusting the system so that electrical power generated by the photovoltaic cells is increased. The photovoltaic system may include an optical element, adapted for concentrating solar light onto the photovoltaic cells. The electronic module preferably performs direct current (DC) to direct current (DC) power conversion and maximum power point tracking by electrical power, current, or voltage at either their inputs or their outputs. Alternatively, the tracking controller is configured to also perform maximum power point tracking by increasing to a local maximum electrical power by varying at least one of (i) current or voltage output from the photovoltaic cell or (ii) current or voltage output from the electronic module.
Abstract:
A converter circuit providing multiple current bypass routes between the output leads to provide reliability in a series connection of several converters. If the converter malfunctions due to component failure, the current bypass routes provide a path for the current that views the malfunctioning converter as substantially a short. Diodes prevent backflow into the power source connected to the converter. Redundancy is provided in the bypass portions of the converter circuit that provides alternate parallel paths in case a defective component in one of the paths opens the circuit along that path. In one example, the converter is implemented as a buck plus boost converter where either the buck or the boost portion or both are operative responsive to a controller controlling the switches of both portions. Most of the converter circuit may be implemented in an integrated circuit.
Abstract:
Controlling a power converter circuit for a direct current (DC) power source is disclosed. The power converter may be operative to convert input power received from the DC power source to an output power and to perform maximum power point tracking of the power source. The power converter is adapted to provide the output power to a load that also performs maximum power point tracking.
Abstract:
A method for theft detection in a system for generation of electrical power, the system including a DC power line. An alternating current (AC) is applied to the DC power line from an alternating current (AC) source and an impedance component of the system is sensed. The impedance is responsive to the applied alternating current (AC). An impedance datum proportional to the impedance is stored with the impedance datum transmitted to a receiver. Electrical charge may be stored to power the sensing when the system is not generating electrical power. The sensing includes measuring voltage and current of the alternating current (AC) source. A potential theft of a component of the system is alerted which is responsive to a change in the impedance greater than a previously determined threshold or upon not receiving an expected transmission of the impedance datum.
Abstract:
A circuit for combining direct current (DC) power including multiple direct current (DC) voltage inputs; multiple inductive elements. The inductive elements are adapted for operatively connecting respectively to the DC voltage inputs. Multiple switches connect respectively with the inductive elements. A controller is configured to periodically switch the switches. A direct current voltage output is connected across one of the DC voltage inputs and a common reference to both the inputs and the output.
Abstract:
A photovoltaic system including a photovoltaic cell, and an electronic module connected to the photovoltaic cell. The electronic module is adapted to produce at least one control signal indicative of electrical power being generated by the photovoltaic cells. A tracking controller is adapted to receive the control signal(s) and based on the control signal(s), the controller is adapted to control a tracking motor for adjusting the system so that electrical power generated by the photovoltaic cells is increased. The photovoltaic system may include an optical element, adapted for concentrating solar light onto the photovoltaic cells. The electronic module preferably performs direct current (DC) to direct current (DC) power conversion and maximum power point tracking by electrical power, current, or voltage at either their inputs or their outputs. Alternatively, the tracking controller is configured to also perform maximum power point tracking by increasing to a local maximum electrical power by varying at least one of (i) current or voltage output from the photovoltaic cell or (ii) current or voltage output from the electronic module.
Abstract:
A circuit for combining direct current (DC) power including multiple direct current (DC) voltage inputs; multiple inductive elements. The inductive elements are adapted for operatively connecting respectively to the DC voltage inputs. Multiple switches connect respectively with the inductive elements. A controller is configured to periodically switch the switches. A direct current voltage output is connected across one of the DC voltage inputs and a common reference to both the inputs and the output.