Method and apparatus for maximum power point tracking in power conversion based on dual feedback loops and power ripples

• US 20090080226A1
• Filed: 09/25/2008
• Published: 03/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Enphase Energy Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Enphase Energy Incorporated
• Inventors: Fornage, Martin
• Granted Patent: US 7,986,539 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 363/74
• CPC Class Codes: G05F 1/67 to the maximum power available from a generator, e.g. from solar cell

Abstract

A method and apparatus for converting DC input power to AC output power. The apparatus comprises a conversion module comprising an input capacitor, and a first feedback loop for determining a maximum power point (MPP) and operating the conversion module proximate the MPP. The apparatus additionally comprises a second feedback loop for determining a difference in energy storage and delivery by the input capacitor, producing an error signal indicative of the difference, and coupling the error signal to the first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the conversion module to drive toward the MPP.

Claims

1. An apparatus for converting DC input power to AC output power, comprising:

a conversion module comprising an input capacitor;

a first feedback loop for determining a maximum power point (MPP) and operating the conversion module proximate the MPP; and

a second feedback loop for determining a difference in energy storage and delivery by the input capacitor, producing an error signal indicative of the difference, and coupling the error signal to the first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the conversion module to drive toward the MPP.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the error signal is determined based on a difference between a first power measurement and a second power measurement.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first power measurement measures the DC input power during a first phase range of a cycle of a commercial power grid and the second power measurement measures the DC input power during a second phase range of the cycle.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first power measurement comprises an average DC input power during the first phase range and the second power measurement comprises an average DC input power during the second phase range.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first phase range and the second phase range are of equal length.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second feedback loop comprises an integrator for integrating the error signal.

7. A method for converting DC input power to AC output power, comprising:

determining a maximum power point (MPP);

operating a conversion module proximate the MPP, wherein the steps of determining an MPP and operating a conversion module are implemented via a first feedback loop;

determining a difference in energy storage and delivery within the conversion module;

producing an error signal indicative of the difference; and

coupling the error signal to the first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the conversion module to drive toward the MPP, wherein the steps of determining a difference, producing an error signal, and coupling the error signal are implemented via a second feedback loop.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the energy storage and delivery is performed by a capacitor.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the error signal is determined based on a difference between a first power measurement and a second power measurement.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first power measurement measures the DC input power during a first phase range of a cycle of a commercial power grid, and the second power measurement measures the DC input power during a second phase range of the cycle.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the first power measurement comprises an average DC input power during the first phase range and the second power measurement comprises an average DC input power during the second phase range.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the first phase range and the second phase range are of equal magnitude

13. The method of claim 7, further comprising integrating the error signal.

14. A system for converting DC input power to AC output power, comprising:

at least one photovoltaic (PV) module;

at least one conversion module comprising an input capacitor;

at least one first feedback loop for determining a maximum power point (MPP) and operating the conversion module proximate the MPP; and

at least one second feedback loop for determining a difference in energy storage and delivery by the input capacitor, producing an error signal indicative of the difference, and coupling the error signal to the at least one first feedback loop to adjust at least one operating parameter of the at least one conversion module to drive toward the MPP

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the error signal is determined based on a difference between a first power measurement and a second power measurement.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first power measurement measures the DC input power during a first phase range of a cycle of a commercial power grid and the second power measurement measures the DC input power during a second phase range of the cycle.

17. The system of claim 14, further comprising at least one DC-DC converter, wherein the at least one DC-DC converter is coupled to the at least one conversion module.