# US 8,093,754 B2 · High voltage array converter > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,093,754 B2 - Document ID: US8093754B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/013,253 - Filed: 2011-01-25 - Published: 2011-05-19 - Granted: 2012-01-10 - Earliest claimed: 2009-04-22 - Assignees: Array Converter, Inc. - Inventors: Kent Kernahan - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8093754B2 ## CPC - H02M 7/48: using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode - H02J 3/381: {Dispersed generators} - H10F 77/955: {for photovoltaic devices} - H02J 3/44: with means for ensuring correct phase sequence - H02J 2101/20: Dispersed power generation using renewable energy sources - H02J 2101/24: Photovoltaics - H02J 2101/28: Wind energy - 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 - H10F: INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION - Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION ## Abstract Methods for compensating for reduced power output in stages of electrical power may be implemented within a direct current to pulse amplitude modulated (“PAM”) current converter, denominated a “PAMCC”, is connected to an individual source of direct current. The PAMCC receives direct current and provides pulse amplitude modulated current at its output. 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. The array is configured as a series of stages, wherein the power sources within each stage are in parallel. In some embodiments two or more stages are connected in series. In some embodiments tow or more stages are connected in a “Y” configuration. In some embodiments a weak power source is compensated for by adjusting the voltage or the current of the weak power source. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for compensating for the reduced power output of one or more power sources within a stage of electrical power, the method comprising: detecting a reduced power output of one or more power sources within a stage of electrical power among two or more stages of electrical power connected in series, wherein the two or more stages of electrical power comprise a plurality of power sources, each power source electrically connected to a pulse amplitude modulated current converter (“converter”), each of the converters receiving direct electrical current from their respective power source and providing pulse amplitude modulated current pulses at an output terminal of the converter, the output terminal of each converter electrically connected in parallel with the output terminals of all of the other converters in the stage and 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 forming a signal modulated onto the pulse output of the converters that is demodulated; and decreasing the value of the current output of the one or more reduced output power sources to maintain the value of voltage from the one or more reduced output power sources equal to the value of voltage of the remaining power sources comprising the stage. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the power sources are solar cells. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the power sources are solar panels. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the power sources are wind-powered generators. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the power sources are tidal energy generators. ### Claim 6 A method for compensating for the reduced power output of one or more power sources within a stage of electrical power, the method comprising: detecting a reduced power output of one or more power sources within a stage of electrical power among three branches of electrical power in a “Y” configuration, wherein each branch is comprised of at least one stage of electrical power and each stage of electrical power is comprised of a plurality of power sources, each power source electrically connected to a pulse amplitude modulated current converter (“converter”), each of the converters receiving direct electrical current from their respective power source and providing pulse amplitude modulated current pulses at an output terminal of the converter, the output terminal of each converter electrically connected in parallel with the output terminals of all of the other converters in the stage and 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 forming a signal modulated onto the pulse output of the converters that is demodulated; and decreasing the value of the current output of the one or more reduced output power sources to maintain the value of voltage from the one or more reduced output power sources equal to the value of voltage of the remaining power sources comprising the stage. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the power sources are solar cells. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the power sources are solar panels. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the power sources are wind-powered generators. ### Claim 10 (depends on 6) The method of claim 6, wherein the power sources are tidal energy generators.