Distributed maximum power point tracking system, structure and process
First Claim
1. A control module for a power panel, comprising:
- input connections that are connectable to one or more DC power cells;
output connections that are connectable to an inverter;
a signal processing circuit connected to the input connections and to the output connections; and
a controller that is connected to the signal processing circuit, wherein the controller comprises a communications link that is connectable to a server;
wherein the DC output of the power panel is controllably adjustable in response to an input signal that is sent from the server and received at the controller over the communications link.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Distributed maximum power point tracking systems, structures, and processes are provided for power generation structures, such as for but not limited to a solar panel arrays. In an exemplary solar panel string structure, distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) modules are provided, such as integrated into or retrofitted for each solar panel. The DMPPT modules provide panel level control for startup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown, and further provide flexible design and operation for strings of multiple panels. The strings are typically linked in parallel to a combiner box, and is then toward and enhanced inverter module, which is typically connected to a power grid. Enhanced inverters are controllable either locally or remotely, wherein system status is readily determined, and operation of one or more sections of the system are readily controlled. The system provides increased operation time, and increased power production and efficiency, over a wide range of operating conditions.
185 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A control module for a power panel, comprising:
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input connections that are connectable to one or more DC power cells; output connections that are connectable to an inverter; a signal processing circuit connected to the input connections and to the output connections; and a controller that is connected to the signal processing circuit, wherein the controller comprises a communications link that is connectable to a server; wherein the DC output of the power panel is controllably adjustable in response to an input signal that is sent from the server and received at the controller over the communications link. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A process, comprising the steps of:
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providing a power panel, comprising a control module comprising input connections, output connections that are connectable to an inverter, a signal processing circuit connected to the input connections and to the output connections, and a controller connected to the signal processing circuit, and a plurality of DC power cells connected to the input connections of the control module; providing a communications link between the controller and a server; receiving an input signal at the control module over the communications link, wherein the input signal is transmitted from the server; and controllably adjusting the DC output of the power panel in response to the received input signal. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A server, comprising:
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at least one processor; and one or more communications links for connection to each of a plurality of power cells, wherein each power cell comprises a control module comprising input connections, output connections that are connectable to an inverter, a signal processing circuit connected to the input connections and to the output connections, and a controller connected to the signal processing circuit, and a plurality of DC power cells connected to the input connections of the control module; wherein the at least one processor is programmed to send an input signal to one or more of the control modules over one or more of the communications links to one or more of the control modules, wherein the DC output of one or more of the power panels is controllably adjustable by the respective controllers in response to the received input signal. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification