PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE-MOUNTED AC INVERTER
First Claim
1. An inverter for use in a photovoltaic module comprising:
- a DC input terminal;
an AC output terminal; and
a communications system for receiving and sending information through the AC output terminal.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A photovoltaic module-mounted AC inverter circuit uses one or more integrated circuits, several power transistors configured as switches, several solid-dielectric capacitors for filtering and energy storage, several inductors for power conversion and ancillary components to support the above elements in operation. The integrated circuit includes all monitoring, control and communications circuitry needed to operate the inverter. The integrated circuit controls the activity of pulse-width modulated power handling transistors in both an input boost converter and a single-phase or multi-phase output buck converter. The integrated circuit also monitors all power processing voltages and currents of the inverter and can take appropriate action to limit power dissipation in the inverter, maximize the available power from the associated PV module and shut down the inverter output if the grid conditions so warrant. The integrated circuit implements power line communications by monitoring the AC wiring for signals and generating communications signals via the same pulse-width modulation system used to generate the AC power. Communications is used to report inverter and PV module status information, local identification code and to allow for remote control of inverter operation.
166 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. An inverter for use in a photovoltaic module comprising:
-
a DC input terminal; an AC output terminal; and a communications system for receiving and sending information through the AC output terminal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A single-inductor, bipolar-output boost converter for use in an inverter comprising:
-
a DC input terminal; a negative DC output terminal; a positive DC output terminal; a single inductor having a first node and a second node; a first switch coupled between the DC input terminal and the first node of the inductor; a second switch coupled between ground and the second node of the inductor; a first diode having an anode coupled to the negative DC output terminal and a cathode coupled to the first node of the inductor; a second diode having an anode coupled to the second node of the inductor and a cathode coupled to the positive DC output terminal; a first capacitor coupled to the negative DC output terminal; and a second capacitor coupled to the positive DC output terminal. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
-
-
18. A tandem bipolar-output boost converter for use in an inverter comprising:
-
a DC input terminal; a negative DC output terminal; a positive DC output terminal; a first boost converter having a single inductor switched between the DC input terminal and ground, a first output coupled to the negative DC output terminal, and a second output coupled to the positive DC output terminal; a second boost converter having a single inductor switched between the DC input terminal and ground, a first output coupled to the negative DC output terminal, and a second output coupled to the positive DC output terminal; a first capacitor coupled to the negative DC output terminal; and a second capacitor coupled to the positive DC output terminal. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
-
Specification