APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED SOLAR POWER GENERATION AND MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING
First Claim
1. A solar power generation apparatus for providing operating power for a desired application, the desired application having a predetermined operating voltage level requirement, comprising:
- an array of solar cells comprising a first number of solar cells electrically connected in series to form a string of solar cells and a second number of said strings of solar cells connected in parallel to form the array, said array capable of producing a first output voltage level; and
a power converter coupled to said array, said power converter configured to boost the first output voltage level to a second output voltage level higher than said first output voltage level,wherein the first output voltage level is insufficient to meet the desired application operating voltage level requirement.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for generating operating power for various desired applications using solar energy. A solar array is formed using a small number of solar cells connected in series to form a string of solar cells and then connecting multiple strings in parallel. Unlike conventional solar arrays, no bypass diodes are incorporated into the array. A power converter is coupled to the array to boost output voltage to a level sufficient to operate the desired application. The power converter may be operated independently or based on output levels of the array, the material from which the solar cells of the array are constructed and the operating temperature of the array or combinations thereof.
187 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A solar power generation apparatus for providing operating power for a desired application, the desired application having a predetermined operating voltage level requirement, comprising:
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an array of solar cells comprising a first number of solar cells electrically connected in series to form a string of solar cells and a second number of said strings of solar cells connected in parallel to form the array, said array capable of producing a first output voltage level; and a power converter coupled to said array, said power converter configured to boost the first output voltage level to a second output voltage level higher than said first output voltage level, wherein the first output voltage level is insufficient to meet the desired application operating voltage level requirement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of providing operating power for a desired application, comprising:
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providing a solar array; coupling a power converter to said solar array; and operating the power converter to provide an increased voltage level from the solar array to provide operating power to the desired application. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification