Optimizing photovoltaic-electrolyzer efficiency
First Claim
1. A method for operation of a hydrogen-producing electrolyzer powered by two or more available photovoltaic modules, an array of modules, irradiated by sunlight, the electrolyzer having two or more electrolytic cells and having an operating direct current and an operating voltage, one or more photovoltaic modules being connectable in parallel or series circuit arrangement to form different arrays of module(s) for delivery of direct current power to the electrolyzer cells where a given array of module(s) may include less than the total number of available modules, the method comprising:
- pre-determining maximum power point operating voltages for representative arrays of module(s);
determining an operating current and operating voltage for the electrolyzer for a desired hydrogen production rate; and
selecting and employing a photovoltaic array of module(s), as a presently operating array, to operate at its maximum power point voltage for delivery of the determined operating current and operating voltage to the electrolyzer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An array of photovoltaic (PV) module(s) is arranged in series and/or parallel electrical connection to deliver direct current electrical power to an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen. The electric power is delivered by the array at its maximum power point (Vmpp) to deliver Ioper at Voper for the electrolyzer. The arrangement of the PV modules in the array, or the arrangement of cells in the electrolyzer, is continually monitored and controlled by an automatic controller system to operate the PV and electrolyzer systems at or near their respective maximum efficiencies. A DC-DC converter may be used to adjust the Vmpp to the operating voltage of the electrolyzer.
240 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for operation of a hydrogen-producing electrolyzer powered by two or more available photovoltaic modules, an array of modules, irradiated by sunlight, the electrolyzer having two or more electrolytic cells and having an operating direct current and an operating voltage, one or more photovoltaic modules being connectable in parallel or series circuit arrangement to form different arrays of module(s) for delivery of direct current power to the electrolyzer cells where a given array of module(s) may include less than the total number of available modules, the method comprising:
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pre-determining maximum power point operating voltages for representative arrays of module(s);
determining an operating current and operating voltage for the electrolyzer for a desired hydrogen production rate; and
selecting and employing a photovoltaic array of module(s), as a presently operating array, to operate at its maximum power point voltage for delivery of the determined operating current and operating voltage to the electrolyzer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for operation of a hydrogen-producing electrolyzer powered by an array of photovoltaic modules irradiated by sunlight, the electrolyzer having a plurality of electrolytic cells connectable in parallel or series arrangement and having an operating direct current and an operating voltage, the photovoltaic modules being connectable in parallel or series arrangement to form different arrays for delivery of direct current power to the electrolyzer, the method comprising:
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pre-determining maximum power point operating voltages for representative arrays of the modules;
determining a first operating current and operating voltage for the electrolyzer for a desired hydrogen production rate;
selecting a first array of the photovoltaic modules to operate at its maximum power point voltage for delivery of the determined operating current and operating voltage to the electrolyzer; and
thereafteraltering the hydrogen production rate of the electrolyzer by changing its operation to a second operating current and operating voltage; and
selecting a second array of the photovoltaic modules to operate at a second array maximum power point voltage for delivery of the second operating current and operating voltage to the electrolyzer.
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10. A method for continuously optimizing the operation of a solar-powered photovoltaic-electrolyzer system to generate hydrogen, the electrolyzer being powered by a group of two or more available photovoltaic modules irradiated by sunlight, the electrolyzer having two or more electrolytic cells connectable in series or parallel circuits with variable operating direct current values and operating voltage values, the photovoltaic system comprising one or more photovoltaic modules connectable in parallel or series circuit arrangement to form different arrays of module(s) for delivery of direct current power to the electrolyzer cells where a given array may include less than the total number of available modules;
- the method comprising;
continually measuring the operating voltage and current of the photovoltaic-electrolyzer system;
continually measuring the operating temperature of the photovoltaic modules; and
using a pre-programmed computer control system, comprising a mainframe or microprocessor and associated circuits, switches, and wiring, to continually receive present values of system operating current and voltage, and photovoltaic module temperature and to use the values to select and employ a present photovoltaic array of module(s) having a maximum power point close to the present operating voltage of the electrolyzer system, the computer having a database of maximum power point values related to operating temperatures for available photovoltaic arrays of module(s). - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
- the method comprising;
Specification