Inverter for a three-phase AC photovoltaic system
First Claim
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1. An inverter apparatus for converting power from a bipolar photovoltaic source to 3-phase AC power, comprising:
- a bipolar DC input port, a DC capacitive energy storage element, a single-stage DC to 3-phase power converter, AC line isolation contactors, a 3-phase AC output port and a control circuit;
wherein the bipolar DC input port is configured to accept two monopolar photovoltaic source circuits, where a first conductor of each of said monopolar photovoltaic source circuits is coupled to earth ground and where a second conductor of each of said monopolar photovoltaic source circuits are collectively of opposite polarities and coupled across a DC capacitive energy storage bus;
wherein the DC capacitive energy storage element further comprises film type capacitors;
wherein the DC capacitive energy storage element is coupled to an input of the single-stage DC to 3-phase power converter;
wherein the AC line isolation contactors are configured to make or break a coupling between an output of the single-stage DC to 3-phase power converter and the 3-phase AC output port under control of the control circuit; and
wherein the 3-phase AC output port is connected to an electrical utility grid.
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Abstract
Various methods and apparatus are described for a photovoltaic system. In an embodiment, pluralities of three-phase Alternating Current (AC) inverter circuits electrically connect into a common three phase AC output. Each of those inverters receives a bipolar DC voltage supplied from its own set of Concentrated PhotoVoltaic (CPV) modules.
54 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An inverter apparatus for converting power from a bipolar photovoltaic source to 3-phase AC power, comprising:
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a bipolar DC input port, a DC capacitive energy storage element, a single-stage DC to 3-phase power converter, AC line isolation contactors, a 3-phase AC output port and a control circuit; wherein the bipolar DC input port is configured to accept two monopolar photovoltaic source circuits, where a first conductor of each of said monopolar photovoltaic source circuits is coupled to earth ground and where a second conductor of each of said monopolar photovoltaic source circuits are collectively of opposite polarities and coupled across a DC capacitive energy storage bus; wherein the DC capacitive energy storage element further comprises film type capacitors; wherein the DC capacitive energy storage element is coupled to an input of the single-stage DC to 3-phase power converter; wherein the AC line isolation contactors are configured to make or break a coupling between an output of the single-stage DC to 3-phase power converter and the 3-phase AC output port under control of the control circuit; and wherein the 3-phase AC output port is connected to an electrical utility grid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification