A system and method for combining power from DC power sources. Each power source is coupled to a converter. Each converter converts input power to output power by monitoring and maintaining the input power at a maximum power point. Substantially all input power is converted to the output power, and the controlling is performed by allowing output voltage of the converter to vary. The converters are coupled in series. An inverter is connected in parallel with the series connection of the converters and inverts a DC input to the inverter from the converters into an AC output. The inverter maintains the voltage at the inverter input at a desirable voltage by varying the amount of the series current drawn from the converters. The series current and the output power of the converters, determine the output voltage at each converter.

Distributed Power Harvesting Systems Using DC Power Sources

A monitoring system and method for monitoring performance of individual powers sources in a distributed power source system A monitoring module is coupled to each of the power sources, or to each string of serially connected power sources, to monitor and collect data regarding current, voltage, temperature and other environmental factors at the power source The collected data is transmitted over a power line to a central analysis station for analysis Data collected from each source indicates malfunction or degradation at the source Comparison of data collected from adjacent sources filters for environmental factors impacting neighboring sources such as cloudy days for a solar panel Comparison of data collected from the same source at different times indicates soiling or degradation of the source with time or periodic events such as a moving shade from an adjacent building

Monitoring of Distributed Power Harvesting Systems Using DC Power Sources

Method for distributed power harvesting using DC power sources

An improved battery saving circuit for radio receivers and/or radio transceivers and/or radio communication systems of same under the control of one or more control radio transmitters and/or transceivers. The "on" and "off" time intervals for the battery saving circuits in all remote radio receivers and/or transceivers is actively and dynamically controlled in real time from a central control station so as to provide improved battery saving features.

Battery saving radio circuit and system

A distributed power system including multiple DC power sources and multiple power modules. The power modules include inputs coupled respectively to the DC power sources and outputs coupled in series to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the serial string to output power. A signaling mechanism between the inverter and the power module is adapted for controlling operation of the power modules.

Safety mechanisms, wake up and shutdown methods in distributed power installations

An electronic control circuit for use with a varying power supply (21) such as the output from a solar collector or wind generator and a load (22) such as a battery being charged by the power supply, provides two forms of control for maximizing power transfer. Firstly, an inverter (20) with varying duty cycle is connected between supply and load and the circuit controls the duty cycle thereof to maximize power transfer and secondly a stepper motor (25) is connected to the supply to physically alter the power provided by the supply by, in the case of a solar collector for example, altering the angle of the collector relative to the sun. The cirucit compares successive measurements of the output power and generates control signals to alter the angle of the collector and modify the duty cycle. The circuit is adapted to calculate the mean maximum power position. Limit detection is included to prevent latch-up and a voltage regulator is included to override the system.

Allan Russell Jones

Papers

Electronic control circuit