Enhanced Systems and Methods for Using a Power Converter for Balancing Modules in Single-String and Multi-String Configurations
First Claim
1. A solar array comprising:
- one or more string buses of series-connected solar modules, whereineach solar module produces a current; and
each string bus produces a voltage; and
a controller configured to;
balance currents produced by the solar modules in each string bus; and
balance voltages produced by the one or more string buses in the solar array.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods include a solar array having one or more string buses of series-connected solar modules. The current outputs from the solar modules on each string bus can be balanced along with the voltage output from the string buses. Local management units coupled between the solar modules and the string buses are configured to control the voltage output from each solar module. When the solar modules on each string are balanced, and when the string buses are balanced (or before the solar modules and string buses are balanced), an inverter or other device connected to the solar array can find the array'"'"'s maximum power point via a maximum power point tracking algorithm.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A solar array comprising:
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one or more string buses of series-connected solar modules, wherein each solar module produces a current; and each string bus produces a voltage; and a controller configured to; balance currents produced by the solar modules in each string bus; and balance voltages produced by the one or more string buses in the solar array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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9. A computer-implemented method comprising:
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balancing, via a computing device, currents produced by solar modules in each of one or more string buses of a solar array; and balancing, via the computing device, voltages produced by the one or more string buses of the solar array. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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18. A solar array comprising:
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a string bus of series-connected solar modules, wherein each solar module produces a current; and a controller configured to balance currents produced by the solar modules. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20. The solar array of 19, wherein the local management units control voltage outputs from the solar modules.
Specification