Systems and method for limiting maximum voltage in solar photovoltaic power generation systems
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An energy production system, comprising:
- a string bus;
a first solar module connected to the string bus and generating a first voltage;
a second solar module connected to the string bus and generating a second voltage;
a single controller configured to limit at least one of the first and second voltages provided to the string bus;
a first local management unit coupled between the first solar module and the string bus, and in communication with the single controller; and
a second local management unit coupled between the second solar module and the string bus, and in communication with the single controller.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for regulating or limiting the voltage output from solar modules connected in series such that the voltage on a string bus connecting those solar modules does not exceed regulatory or safety limitations. This can be accomplished via a controller, local management units (for downconverting solar module voltage output), or a combination of the two.
214 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. An energy production system, comprising:
-
a string bus; a first solar module connected to the string bus and generating a first voltage; a second solar module connected to the string bus and generating a second voltage; a single controller configured to limit at least one of the first and second voltages provided to the string bus; a first local management unit coupled between the first solar module and the string bus, and in communication with the single controller; and a second local management unit coupled between the second solar module and the string bus, and in communication with the single controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. An energy production system, comprising:
-
a string bus; a solar module connected to the string bus and generating a voltage; and a controller in communication with the solar module and the string bus, and configured to control the voltage provided to the string bus based on a predicted future voltage as predicted by the controller and a maximum regulatory safety voltage. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A method comprising:
-
monitoring a first voltage across a first string bus section connecting a first solar module to a second solar module; monitoring a second voltage across a second string bus section connecting the second solar module to a voltage output; and limiting the voltage output based on a maximum regulatory safety voltage by limiting at least one of a voltage of the first solar module and a voltage of the second solar module. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
-
Specification