# US 7,929,324 B1 · Blade architecture array converter > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,929,324 B1 - Document ID: US7929324B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 12/276,411 - Filed: 2008-11-23 - Granted: 2011-04-19 - Earliest claimed: 2008-04-02 - Assignees: Array Converter, Inc. - Inventors: Kent Kernahan; Sorin Andrei Spanoche - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7929324B1 ## CPC - H02M 7/493: the static converters being arranged for operation in parallel - H02J 3/381: {Dispersed generators} - H02J 3/44: with means for ensuring correct phase sequence - H02J 3/46: Controlling the sharing of generated power between the generators, sources or networks - H02J 2101/20: Dispersed power generation using renewable energy sources - H02J 2101/24: Photovoltaics - H02J 2101/28: Wind energy - H02M 1/0064: {Magnetic structures combining different functions, e.g. storage, filtering or transformation} - H02M 3/1586: {switched with a phase shift, i.e. interleaved} - Y02E 10/56: Power conversion systems, e.g. maximum power point trackers - Y02E 10/76: Power conversion electric or electronic aspects - H02M: APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF (transformers H01F; dynamo-electric converters H02K47/00; controlling transformers, reactors or choke coils, control or regulation of electric motors, generators or dynamo-electric converters H02P) - H02J: ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY - Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION ## Abstract A direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. Some embodiments provide a PAMCC for each direct current source in an array, for example multiple solar panels. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. The pulses are produced at a high frequency relative to the signal modulated on a sequence of pulses. The signal modulated onto a sequence of pulses may represent portions of a lower frequency sine wave or other lower frequency waveform, including DC. When a PAMCC's output is connected in parallel with the outputs of similar PAMCCs an array of PAMCCs is formed, wherein the output pulses of the PAMCCs are out of phase with respect to each other. An array of PAMCCs constructed in accordance with the present invention form a distributed multiphase inverter whose combined output is the demodulated sum of the current pulse amplitude modulated by each PAMCC. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system for converting electrical power, the system comprising: a direct electrical current source; a plurality of pulse amplitude modulated current converters (“converters”) connected to the direct electrical current source, wherein each of the converters receives direct electrical current from the direct electrical current source and each of the converters provides pulse amplitude modulated current pulses at an output terminal of the converter and further wherein the output terminal of each converter is electrically connected in parallel with the output terminals of all of the other converters in the system and further wherein the current pulses of at least two converters are out of phase with respect to each other, thereby summing the current pulses of all of the converters such that a signal modulated onto the pulse output of the converters is demodulated. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the current pulse of each converter is out of phase with respect to the current pulses of all other converters. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1 wherein the signal is a sixty-cycle alternating current voltage. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1 wherein the signal is an approximately fixed value of direct current voltage. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1 wherein the signal is a square wave. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1 wherein the signal is a triangle wave. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1 wherein the signal is a Gaussian wave. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1 wherein the signal provides a communications signal for communicating data. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The system according to claim 8, wherein the communications signal provides data from a given converter to at least one other converter in the system. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The system according to claim 8, wherein the communications signal provides data from a given converter to all other converters in the system. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The system according to claim 8, wherein the data comprises phase data. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The system according to claim 8, wherein the data comprises control commands. ### Claim 13 (depends on 8) The system according to claim 8, wherein the data comprises operational data. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1 wherein the direct electrical current source is a photovoltaic panel. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1 wherein the direct electrical current source is a wind powered generator. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1 wherein the direct electrical current source is a tidal power generator. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1 wherein the direct electrical current source is a piezoelectric power generator. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1 wherein the direct electrical current source is a battery. ### Claim 19 (depends on 8) The system according to claim 8, wherein the communications signal is superimposed upon the signal. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein the current pulses are modified to diminish any distortion of the signal.