Power generation system that couples a photovoltaic array to a DC energy storage source
AssigneeInventus Holdings, LLC
InventorsRyan K. McMorrow, Jeffrey R. Burkett
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A controller of a power generation system can control coupling of a photovoltaic (PV) array to an inverter coupled to a power grid. The controller can also monitor an output voltage of a DC energy storage source disconnectedly coupled to the inverter and monitor an output power of the inverter. The controller can also couple the PV array to the DC energy storage source and adjust an effective output voltage of the PV array based on the output voltage of the DC energy storage source to charge the DC energy storage source.
Claims20
A controller of a power generation system that:
- controls coupling of a photovoltaic (PV) array to an inverter coupled to a power grid;
- monitors an output voltage of a direct current (DC) energy storage source disconnectedly coupled to the inverter;
- monitors an output power of the inverter;
- couples the PV array to the DC energy storage source;
- and
- adjusts an effective output voltage of the PV array based on the output voltage of the DC energy storage source to control an amount of charge of the DC energy storage source.
A power generation system comprising:
- an inverter coupled to a power grid;
- a photovoltaic (PV) array disconnectedly coupled to the inverter;
- a DC energy storage source disconnectedly coupled to the inverter and the PV array;
- and
- a controller that connects the PV array to the DC energy storage source in response to determining that an output power of the inverter meets a selectable grid limit that changes over time and the controller adjusts an effective output voltage of the PV array based on an open circuit voltage and a charging voltage of the DC energy storage source to charge the DC energy storage source.
A method comprising:
- detecting that an output of an inverter meets a selectable grid limit, wherein a photovoltaic (PV) array provides power to the inverter;
- setting an effective output voltage of the PV array to match an open circuit voltage of a DC energy storage source;
- electrically coupling, in response to the setting, the PV array to a DC energy storage source;
- and
- adjusting the effective output voltage of the PV array based on the open circuit voltage and a charging voltage of the DC energy storage source to charge the DC energy storage source and provide power to a power grid concurrently.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.