Abstract

Methods, apparatus and systems for controlling a photovoltaic panel, to output three-phase power while ensuring the power source operates safely include determining a temperature of the photovoltaic panel, determining a voltage provided from the photovoltaic panel, determining a parameter based on the voltage and the temperature and controlling a DC to three-phase power converter based on the determined parameter. The three-phase power converter may be a pulse amplitude modulated current converter (PAMCC), configured to output first, second and third pulse amplitude modulated current pulse from three terminals controlled in timing and phase so that when respective outputs of multiple PAMCCs are connected, each phase of PAMCCs is demodulated to produce a three-phase alternating current output. The PAMCC may be controlled through tables of pulse durations based on the determined parameter. The voltage output may be controlled through a fast control loop and through a slower control loop.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 7/48 - Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode
• H01L 31/042 - PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
• H02J 7/35 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering with light sensitive cells

Abstract

Due to their exposure to extreme environments, it is expected that parts or all of a solar power system will experience degradation in performance. The degradation may be due to temporary environmental factors, such as cloud cover; damage or localized soiling; a general dirty condition; or ageing of the components. A method is disclosed wherein a remote system may detect degraded performance and determine the cause, thereby enabling a decision as to the appropriate corrective action to be taken, if any.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 31/00 - Arrangements for testing electric propertiesArrangements for locating electric faultsArrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere

Abstract

A base unit is mechanically connected to the structure of a first electronic device. The base unit is round and includes conductive threads around the inside surface of an outer ring. The base unit may also include a center threaded post with conductive threads. The first electronic device is electrically connected to the base unit. A replaceable unit is sized such that it may screw into the base unit, the replaceable unit including matching threads which engage with the threads of the base unit. The threads of the replaceable unit are also electrically conductive, and are electrically connected to a second electronic device which is encapsulated within the replaceable unit. When the two pieces are screwed together the two electronic devices are thereby electrically connected. The first electronic device may be a solar panel. Another version of the invention does not include electrical connections.

IPC Classes  ?

• H05K 5/06 - Hermetically-sealed casings

Abstract

A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated ("PAM") current converter, denominated a "PAMCC", is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its three output terminals, wherein the current of each terminal is one hundred twenty degrees out of phase with the other two terminals. The pulses are produced at a high frequency relative to the signal modulated on a sequence of pulses. The signal modulated onto a sequence of pulses may represent portions of a lower frequency sine wave or other lower frequency waveform, including DC. When each phased output is connected in parallel with the outputs of similar PAMCCs an array of PAMCCs is formed, wherein each voltage phased output pulse is out of phase with respect to a corresponding current output pulse of the other PAMCCs. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed three-phase multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC on each phase.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks

Abstract

An enclosure includes a base unit and an insertable unit wherein the base unit has an opening corresponding to the insertable unit. A single structure is formed when the insertable unit is inserted into the base. The base is electrically connected to a first electronic device, such as a solar panel. The insertable unit includes a second electronic device. The base and the insertable unit have connectors that make electrical connections when the insertable unit is inserted into the base unit. The base unit further includes electrical connectors connected to a memory device wherein the electrical connections correspond to matching connections in the insertable unit. Upon assembly the second electronic device reads data prepositioned in the memory device, thereby passing data to the second electronic device. The data may be parametric, characteristic, flag, or a serial number, for example.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements

Abstract

Power output of a power generation system is controlled by measuring the output voltage of the system, dividing the measured voltage value into a target power value, then controlling the current provided by the generation system to the calculated value. In some embodiments the power generation system is connected to a grid.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 1/10 - Parallel operation of dc sources

Abstract

An electronic module compares the output voltage of a solar panel to an expected value and controls the power demand from the solar panel such that the output voltage does not vary from the expected value by more than a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be determined by correcting a room temperature value for the temperature dependence of the photodiodes comprising the solar panel and manufacturing tolerance.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05F 5/00 - Systems for regulating electric variables by detecting deviations in the electric input to the system and thereby controlling a device within the system to obtain a regulated output

Abstract

Solar panels of certain technologies may experience a degradation of their efficiency as a result of exposure to sunlight, either prior to installation or during normal operation. A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated ("PAM") current converter, denominated a "PAMCC", is connected to the solar panel and to a source of alternating current The PAMCC receives direct current from the solar. panel and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output terminals at such times that the solar panel is capable to provide current, denominated "normal operation". The PAMCC may be reconfigured to form a buck converter and a rectifier wherein the rectifier converts power received at the output (during normal operation) terminals to provide rectified, direct current to the buck converter. The buck converter provides direct current in the forward biased direction to the solar panel, thereby reconditioning the solar panel.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 3/34 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output with intermediate conversion into AC by dynamic converters

Abstract

Power is provided to one or more loads by a photovoltaic power generating system wherein the system provides alternating current. No direct current connection is required, allowing the system to be collocated with a load.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 31/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof

Abstract

A solar panel including rray converters is installed in a solar power generation system by first completing a self-test of the solar panel in an uninstalled state. Certain data is obtained and compared to specifications to verify proper operation. Other data obtained is compared to a work order to insure the intended unit is being installed. A functional, proper panel is installed into the solar power generation system, then tested again in an operational state. The system includes steps for activating a system, wherein a system that is not activated within a predetermined time period will no longer operate. The solar power generation system may be monitored remotely, thereby allowing maintenance to be performed on an as-needed basis.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02N 6/00 - Generators in which light radiation is directly converted into electrical energy (solar cells or assemblies thereof H01L 25/00, H01L 31/00)

Abstract

A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated ("PAM") current converter, denominated a "PAMCC", is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC. The array is configured as a series of stages, wherein the power sources within each stage are in parallel. The series of stages provides for a high voltage AC or DC output. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02M 7/44 - Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters

Abstract

A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated ("PAM") current converter, denominated a "PAMCC", is connected to an individual source of direct current. Some embodiments provide a PAMCC for each direct current source in an array, for example multiple solar panels. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. The pulses are produced at a high frequency relative to the signal modulated on a sequence of pulses. The signal modulated onto a sequence of pulses may represent portions of a lower frequency sine wave or other lower frequency waveform, including DC. When a PAMCC's output is connected in parallel with the outputs of similar PAMCCs an array of PAMCCs is formed, wherein the output pulses of the PAMCCs are out of phase with respect to each other. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC.

IPC Classes  ?

• H03K 7/02 - Amplitude modulation, i.e. PAM

Abstract

A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated ("PAM") current converter, denominated a "PAMCC", is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. The pulses are produced at a high frequency relative to the signal modulated on a sequence of pulses. The signal modulated onto a sequence of pulses may represent portions of a lower frequency sine wave or other lower frequency waveform, including DC. When the PAMCC's output is connected in parallel with the outputs of similar PAMCCs an array of PAMCCs is formed, wherein the output pulses of the PAMCCs are out of phase with respect to each other. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC.

IPC Classes  ?

• H03K 7/02 - Amplitude modulation, i.e. PAM