Power conversion for distributed DC source array

A power conversion system, comprising:

• a plurality of direct current (DC) power sources;
• a plurality of energy packet generators, each energy packet generator being connected to a corresponding DC power source and each energy packet generator comprising
• a first switching stage configured to pass power from the corresponding DC power source when in a closed state,
• an initial charge storage stage disposed electrically between the first switching stage and the corresponding DC power source;
• an energy packet combiner comprising, for each DC power source,
• a second switching stage, and
• an intermediate charge storage stage disposed between the first switching stage and the second switching stage, the intermediate charge storage stage being configured to receive and store charge when the first switching stage is in a closed state and the second switching stage is in an open state, and to be electrically isolated from the corresponding DC power source and to emit an electrical energy packet when the first switching stage is in an open state and the second switching stage is in a closed state;
• an output stage configured to receive a sequence of energy packets from the energy packet generators and to produce an output signal from the sequence of energy packets;
• and
• a controller configured to control the generation of the sequence of electrical energy packets.

A method of converting power from an array of direct current (DC) power sources to alternating current (AC) power, the method comprising:

• converting DC power from each DC power source to a series of electrical energy packets by, for each DC power source, operating a first switching stage in a closed state while operating a second switching stage in an open state thereby charging an intermediate charge storage stage located between the first switching stage and the second switching stage, and then operating the second switching stage in a closed state while operating the first switching stage in an open state to release an electrical energy packet from the intermediate storage stage;
• combining the series of electrical energy packets from each DC power source to form a combined electrical energy packet signal;
• directing the combined electrical energy packet signal into an oscillating circuit to drive the oscillating circuit;
• and
• producing an alternating current (AC) output signal via the oscillating circuit.

A power conversion system, comprising:

• a plurality of direct current (DC) power sources;
• a plurality of energy packet generators, each energy packet generator being connected to a corresponding DC power source to receive power from the corresponding DC power source and to selectively generate an electrical energy packet;
• an energy packet combiner configured to combine electrical energy packets from the plurality of energy packet generators;
• an output stage comprises an oscillating circuit configured to produce the output signal in the form of an alternating current waveform, the output stage comprising an LC tank circuit;
• a plurality of transformers, each transformer comprising a first coil connected to a corresponding second switching stage and a second coil connected to the output stage;
• and
• a controller in electrical communication with each energy packet generator and the energy packet combiner to control the generation and combination of electrical energy packets.