Systems and methods for enhanced efficiency auxiliary power supply module
DCFirst Claim
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a first stage power converter to generate a first output from a direct current input;
a second stage power converter connected to the first stage power converter to convert the first output to a second output;
a micro-controller;
a power absorption circuit; and
a control circuit coupled with the first stage power converter and the second stage power converter, the control circuit powered by the first output to control the second stage power converter, wherein;
when the second stage power converter is in a first mode of not providing the second output to power the micro-controller, the control circuit monitors a voltage of the first output powering the power absorption circuit and signals the second stage power converter to remain in the first mode during a time period in which the voltage is below a threshold; and
when the voltage is above the threshold, the control circuit signals the second stage power converter to enter a second mode of providing the second output to power the micro-controller.
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Abstract
Provided is a power supply for use in a solar electric production system, including: a first stage having an input connected to a voltage from a photovoltaic panel and an output providing a first voltage different from the voltage from the photovoltaic panel; and a second stage connected to the output of the first stage, the second stage supplying power at a second voltage to a micro-controller, where the output of the first stage is turned on and stable for a period of time before the second stage is turned on to supply the power at the second voltage to the micro-controller.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a first stage power converter to generate a first output from a direct current input; a second stage power converter connected to the first stage power converter to convert the first output to a second output; a micro-controller; a power absorption circuit; and a control circuit coupled with the first stage power converter and the second stage power converter, the control circuit powered by the first output to control the second stage power converter, wherein; when the second stage power converter is in a first mode of not providing the second output to power the micro-controller, the control circuit monitors a voltage of the first output powering the power absorption circuit and signals the second stage power converter to remain in the first mode during a time period in which the voltage is below a threshold; and when the voltage is above the threshold, the control circuit signals the second stage power converter to enter a second mode of providing the second output to power the micro-controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method to supply power, the method comprising:
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providing a first stage power converter to generate a first output from a direct current input, wherein the first stage power converter is coupled to a power absorption circuit; providing a second stage power converter connected to the first stage power converter to convert the first output to a second output, wherein the second stage power converter is coupled to a micro-controller; powering, by the first output, a control circuit that is coupled with the first stage power converter and the second stage power converter; and controlling, by the control circuit powered by the first output, the second stage power converter, by; when the second stage power converter is in a first mode of not providing the second output to power the micro-controller, monitoring a voltage of the first output powering the power absorption circuit and signaling the second stage power converter to remain in the first mode during a time period in which the voltage is below a threshold; and when the voltage is above the threshold, signaling the second stage power converter to enter a second mode of providing the second output to power the micro-controller. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A power supply for use in a solar electric production system, the power supply comprising:
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a first stage power converter having; an input connected to a first voltage from a photovoltaic panel; and an output providing a second voltage different from the first voltage from the photovoltaic panel; a second stage power converter connected to the output of the first stage power converter, the second stage power converter supplying power at a third voltage to a micro-controller of the photovoltaic panel; and a control circuit coupled to the first stage power converter and the second stage power converter and powered by the output of the first stage power converter, wherein after the first stage power converter is turned on, the control circuit instructs the second stage power converter to; not supply the power at the third voltage to the micro-controller before a determination that the output of the first stage power converter has been stable for a predetermined period of time; and supply the power at the third voltage to the micro-controller after the determination that the output of the first stage power converter has been stable for the predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification