Photovoltaic system controller
First Claim
1. A photovoltaic system controller for utilization with a photovoltaic power system including at least a photovoltaic array, a system battery adapted to be charged by said array and a load adapted to be powered by said battery, said controller comprising a microprocessor having an erasable programmable memory, said microprocessor having means to receive input data from said array, said battery and said load, said microprocessor having means to evaluate said input data in relation to at least one predetermined setpoint, said microprocessor in response to said evaluation being adapted to disconnect said battery from said array or to disconnect said load from said battery, said setpoint being adapted to be adjusted to a second setpoint by adjustment means, said erasable programmable memory being adapted to be changed whereby said evaluation performed by said microprocessor is also changed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A photovoltaic system controller particularly adapted for utilization with a photovoltaic power system including a photovoltaic array, system battery, load and, optionally, an auxiliary generator. The controller utilizes a microprocessor to monitor various parameters of the system and to perform system control functions. The microprocessor is provided with a plurality of setpoints corresponding to desired system parameters for utilization as reference points for the conducting of control functions. The setpoints are adapted to be easily field adjustable to cover a wide range of parameters. The controller is particularly suited for adaption to an entire spectrum of system designs merely by replacing the programmable memory component of the controller. The controller derives its power from a tap off the system battery and is designed to withstand the harsh environment associated with remote site locations. All of the control functions are temperature compensated. The controller is provided with timing control means which allows the controller to be inactive between operating cycles so as to reduce power requirements.
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Citations
19 Claims
- 1. A photovoltaic system controller for utilization with a photovoltaic power system including at least a photovoltaic array, a system battery adapted to be charged by said array and a load adapted to be powered by said battery, said controller comprising a microprocessor having an erasable programmable memory, said microprocessor having means to receive input data from said array, said battery and said load, said microprocessor having means to evaluate said input data in relation to at least one predetermined setpoint, said microprocessor in response to said evaluation being adapted to disconnect said battery from said array or to disconnect said load from said battery, said setpoint being adapted to be adjusted to a second setpoint by adjustment means, said erasable programmable memory being adapted to be changed whereby said evaluation performed by said microprocessor is also changed.
- 8. A photovoltaic system controller for utilization with a photovoltaic power system including at least a photovoltaic array, a system battery adapted to be charged by said array and a load adapted to be powered by said battery, said controller being adapted to be powered by tapping from said battery, said controller comprising a logic unit, said logic unit including an input/output board, a logic board and a display board, said input/output board and said logic board being separated from each other by isolation means, said logic board including a microprocessor, said microprocessor having means to receive input data at least from said battery, said microprocessor having means to compare said input data to at least one predetermined setpoint provided to said microprocessor, said setpoint being adapted to be adjusted to another second setpoint, said input data being temperature compensated.
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18. A method of using a photovoltaic system controller in a photovoltaic power system comprising a PV array, a system battery and a load, said controller being characterized by a logic unit enclosed in a casing, said logic unit having a logic board and an input/output board, said logic board having a microprocessor, an erasable programmable memory component and adjustment means for providing at least one predetermined setpoint to said microprocessor, said input/output board having a terminal strip, said controller having a main terminal block, a plurality of shunts and a plurality of relays, said method comprising the steps of:
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opening said casing to gain access to said logic board; adjusting said adjustment means to a desired setpoint; closing said casing; electrically connecting said battery, said load and said array to said main terminal block; electrically connecting said load to one of said shunts and to one of said relays; electrically connecting said array to another of said shunts and to another of said relays; and electrically connecting said main terminal block to said terminal strip. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification