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

A device for providing power factor correction of a low voltage subnet that includes a low voltage feeder line that is connected to one or more low voltage power supply lines that supply power to one or more customer premises is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a power factor measurement module configured to measure power parameters for determining a power factor of the power traversing the low voltage subnet; a power factor correction assembly configured to vary a capacitance connected to the low voltage feeder of the low voltage subnet; a controller in communication with the power factor measurement assembly and the power factor correction assembly. The controller may be configured to cause the power factor correction assembly to change the capacitance based on the determined power factor. The controller may form part of a power line communication device configured to provide communications to the one or more customer premises.

Method and system for providing power factor correction in a power distribution system

A system for providing communications with a plurality of power distribution equipment via a broadband over power line communication system that provides broadband internet access to a plurality of consumers is provided. In one embodiment, the system may include a computer system having executable program code executable to generate control messages for controlling the plurality of power distribution automation equipment and a plurality of interface devices, wherein each interface device is communicatively coupled to one or more of the plurality of power distribution equipment. The computer system may be configured to transmit control messages to the plurality of power distribution equipment via a communication path that includes the broadband over power line communication system and the plurality of interface devices.

Power Line Communication Interface Device and Method

An automatic power factor correction system (1), for an electrical power installation drawing varying levels of reactive power, measures an electrical parameter of the power drawn by a load (2) of a power installation using a power measurement integrated circuit (8), the parameter being capable of indicating a level of reactive power drawn by the load (2), and couples a combination of capacitors (6) to the power line (3) to compensate for the level of reactive power indicated by the electrical parameter measured. In a first embodiment (1) of the invention, the combination of power factor compensating capacitors (6) is calculated from a signed value of reactive power drawn by the load (2). In a second embodiment (56), the compensating capacitor combination (6) is calculated from a value of power factor for the load which is calculated from a ratio of an active power value to an apparent power value.

Automatic power factor correction using power measurement chip

An automatic power factor correction system (1), for an electrical power installation (3) drawing varying levels of reactive power, measures an electrical parameter of the power drawn by a load (5) of the power installation (3) which is capable of indicating a level of reactive power drawn by the load (5) and couples a combination of capacitors (32) to the power line (4) to compensate for the level of reactive power indicated by the electrical parameter measured. In particular, the system (1) measures the phase angle of the power drawn and calculates a combination of capacitors (32) to connect to the power line (4) to compensate for a measured level of reactive powre.

William D. Mcdaniel

Papers

Automatic power factor correction using power measurement chip

Automatic power factor correction system