Distributed power harvesting systems using DC power sources
First Claim
1. A power converter comprising:
- a controller configured to determine input power to the power converter at a maximum power point based on a maximum power point tracking algorithm and to reduce the input power to the power converter from the maximum power point based on a temperature of a power source coupled to the power converter.
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Abstract
A method for maintaining reliability of a distributed power system including a power converter having input terminals and output terminals. Input power is received at the input terminals. The input power is converted to an output power at the output terminals. A temperature is measured in or in the environment of the power converter. The power conversion of the input power to the output power may be controlled to maximize the input power by setting at the input terminals the input voltage or the input current according to predetermined criteria. One of the predetermined criteria is configured to reduce the input power based on the temperature signal responsive to the temperature. The adjustment of input power reduces the input voltage and/or input current thereby lowering the temperature of the power converter.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A power converter comprising:
a controller configured to determine input power to the power converter at a maximum power point based on a maximum power point tracking algorithm and to reduce the input power to the power converter from the maximum power point based on a temperature of a power source coupled to the power converter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method comprising:
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determining input power to a power converter at a maximum power point based on a maximum power point tracking algorithm; and reducing the input power to the power converter from the maximum power point based on a temperature of a power source coupled to the power converter. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus comprising:
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a power converter; a DC power source connected to an input terminal of the power converter; and a temperature sensor configured to provide a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the DC power source, wherein the power converter comprises; a controller configured to determine input power to the power converter at a maximum power point based on a maximum power point tracking algorithm and to reduce the input power to the power converter from the maximum power point based on the temperature of the DC power source. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification