Photovoltaic module-mounted AC inverter
First Claim
1. An apparatus for communicating using power line communications comprising:
- an inverter, comprising;
an input terminal for receiving DC input from a photovoltaic module;
an output terminal for coupling an AC output, converted from the DC input, to a power line;
a power conversion module for converting the DC input to the AC output;
a monitoring system for monitoring the DC input and the AC output and forming data representative of at least one of the DC input or AC output;
a control system for controlling the power conversion module; and
a communications system electrically connected to the power monitoring system and the control system; and
wherein;
(i.) the monitoring system detects an analog communication signal on the power line and converts the analog communication signal to a digital communication signal for processing by the communications system;
(ii.) the communications system encodes the data for external communication and sends the encoded data to the control system; and
(iii.) the control system, based on the encoded data, drives the power conversion module to modulate a carrier signal to communicate the encoded data via the power line.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A photovoltaic module-mounted AC inverter circuit uses one or more integrated circuits, several switches, solid dielectric capacitors for filtering and energy storage, inductors for power conversion and ancillary components to support the above elements in operation. The integrated circuit includes all monitoring, control, and communications circuitry needed to operate the inverter. The integrated circuit controls the switches in both an input boost converter and a single-phase or multi-phase output buck converter. The integrated circuit also monitors all power processing voltages and currents of the inverter and can take appropriate action to limit power dissipation in the inverter, maximize the available power from the associated PV module and shut down the inverter output if the grid conditions so warrant. The integrated circuit implements power line communications by monitoring the AC wiring for signals and generating communications signals via the same pulse-width modulation system used to generate the AC power.
-
Citations
15 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for communicating using power line communications comprising:
-
an inverter, comprising; an input terminal for receiving DC input from a photovoltaic module; an output terminal for coupling an AC output, converted from the DC input, to a power line; a power conversion module for converting the DC input to the AC output; a monitoring system for monitoring the DC input and the AC output and forming data representative of at least one of the DC input or AC output; a control system for controlling the power conversion module; and a communications system electrically connected to the power monitoring system and the control system; and wherein; (i.) the monitoring system detects an analog communication signal on the power line and converts the analog communication signal to a digital communication signal for processing by the communications system; (ii.) the communications system encodes the data for external communication and sends the encoded data to the control system; and (iii.) the control system, based on the encoded data, drives the power conversion module to modulate a carrier signal to communicate the encoded data via the power line. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
Specification