Apparatus and methods for managing output power of strings of solar cells
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A solar power generation system comprising:
- a string of solar cells that are connected in series to generate electrical power; and
an injection circuit with an output connected in series with the string of solar cells and an input connected to an external power source.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method that controls the power produced by a string of solar cells, enabling the string to operate at its maximum power point when connected to a bus that operates at an externally controlled voltage. The apparatus and method can also be used to increase or decrease the output power of a string to any desired operating point.
209 Citations
30 Claims
-
1. A solar power generation system comprising:
-
a string of solar cells that are connected in series to generate electrical power; and an injection circuit with an output connected in series with the string of solar cells and an input connected to an external power source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A method comprising:
-
connecting an injection circuit output in series with a string of solar cells; connecting an input of the injection circuit to an external power source; and controlling an amount of power injected into the string from the external power source, thereby controlling a power output of the string of solar cells.
-
- 16. The method of claim 16, wherein controlling the power output of the string of solar cells includes decreasing the power generated by the cells from sunlight.
-
18. A solar power generation system comprising:
-
a first string of solar cells electrically connected in series between a first conductor and a second conductor, such that the first conductor is at a higher voltage than the second conductor; a second string of solar cells electrically connected in series between the first conductor and the second conductor, such that the first and second strings of solar cells are connected in parallel between the first and second conductors; and an injection circuit having an output electrically connected in series with the second string of solar cells at a location between the first conductor and the second conductor, such that the injection circuit can insert electrical power into the second string of solar cells.
-
- 21. The system of claim 21, wherein the injection circuit has an input that is connected to the first conductor.
-
30. A solar power generation system comprising:
-
a first string of solar cells electrically connected in series to produce electrical power, the first string connected to a first boost circuit that controls the power output of the first string, the first boost circuit connected between a first conductor and a second conductor, such that the first conductor is at a higher voltage than the second conductor; and a plurality of strings of solar cells each of which is electrically connected in series to produce electrical power, each of the plurality of strings connected to a respective boost circuit, each of the respective boost circuits controlling the power output of the string to which it is connected, the plurality of boost circuits connected between the first conductor and the second conductor, such that the power output of the first string and the power output of each of the plurality of strings can be independently controlled.
-
Specification