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US 6,262,558 B1Granted
Solar array system
OwnerAlan H Weinberginventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A solar array system is described having a solar array 31 divided into sections 33, 35, 37, 39 connected by switches 43, 45, 47, 49 to an output bus 51. The switches can be opened and closed so the system operates at its maximum power point. The system can be used, for example, to power satellites.
Claims26
A solar array system, comprising:
- a solar array having a plurality of array sections, the array sections being capable of producing a maximum output power as a function of output voltage, at a maximum power point;
- an output bus;
- a plurality of switches switchably connecting respective array sections to the output bus;
- and
- switch controller means for controlling system power output from the solar array system by operating the switches to vary the number of array sections connected to the output bus, such that system power output matches load power demand on the bus, and such that those solar array sections that are connected to the output bus are at their maximum power point.
2 more elements
A solar array system, comprising:
- a solar array having a plurality of array sections, the array sections being capable of producing a maximum output power, as a function of output voltage, at a maximum power point;
- an output bus;
- a sequential switching shunt regulator having a plurality of switches switchably connecting a number of array sections to the output bus controlled by a control voltage;
- and
- switch controller means for varying the control voltage to control the number of array sections connected to the output bus, such that system power output matches load power demand on the bus, and such that those solar array sections that are connected to the bus are at their maximum power point.
2 more elements
A solar array system, comprising:
- a solar array having a plurality of array sections, each array section having a maximum power point;
- an output bus;
- a switching regulator having a plurality of switches, each switch between an array section and the output bus;
- and
- switch controller means, having an output coupled to the switches, for controlling system power output from the solar array system by switching selected array sections to the output bus and by switching non-selected array sections into a no-power state, such that system power output matches load power demand on the bus, and such that each selected array section operates at its maximum power point.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.