Solar power control using irradiance
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for converting DC power from a solar DC source to AC power to drive an AC motor, comprising:
- a variable frequency drive (VFD) which produces an AC output from a DC input;
a controller operatively associated with the VFD;
a sun meter connected to the controller for applying a solar irradiance signal to the controller;
wherein the controller controls the VFD to apply its AC output to the motor when the solar irradiance signal is at or above a threshold value.
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Abstract
Distribution of solar power in a solar DC source—variable frequency drive (VFD)—AC motor system is controlled by using solar irradiance. In addition, motor speed may be controlled as a function of available power, i.e. maximum power point tracking of motor speed, using solar irradiance.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. Apparatus for converting DC power from a solar DC source to AC power to drive an AC motor, comprising:
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a variable frequency drive (VFD) which produces an AC output from a DC input; a controller operatively associated with the VFD; a sun meter connected to the controller for applying a solar irradiance signal to the controller; wherein the controller controls the VFD to apply its AC output to the motor when the solar irradiance signal is at or above a threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A system comprising:
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a solar DC source; a variable frequency drive (VFD) connected to the solar DC source to produce an AC output from a DC input; a controller operatively associated with the VFD; a sun meter connected to the controller for applying a solar irradiance signal to the controller; an AC motor connected to the AC output from the VFD; wherein the controller controls the VFD to apply its AC output to the motor when the solar irradiance signal is at or above a threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for powering an AC motor from a solar DC source comprising:
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obtaining DC power from the solar DC source; measuring the solar irradiance; converting the DC power to AC power; powering the AC motor with the AC power when the solar irradiance is at or above a threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification