Optimizing solar power conversion

摘要

A solar power system is provided for maximizing solar power conversion. The solar power system includes n power units connected in series and n−1 DC-DC converting units, and each of the n−1 DC-DC converting units is coupled to at least one of n solar power units. Each of the n−1 DC-DC converting units is configured to control the correspondingly connected solar power units to operate at a target current generation. The solar power system further includes a controlling unit coupled to the n−1 DC-DC converting units. The controlling unit monitors and compares the n currents generated by the n solar power units. Based on the current comparison, the controlling unit determines a series current and controls the n solar power units so that each of the generated photovoltaic currents is substantially equal to the determined series current.

主权项

1. A method for maximizing power generation in a solar power system, which includes a set of n series-connected solar power units and a set of n−1 DC-DC converting units, each of the n solar power units generates a DC photovoltaic current and produces a DC photovoltaic voltage, and each of n−1 DC-DC converting units is coupled to and controls at least one of the n solar power units, the method comprising:
monitoring and comparing the n currents generated by the n solar power units;based on the current comparison, determining a series current for the n solar power units;
controlling the n solar power units, via the correspondingly coupled n−1 DC-DC converting units, so that each of the generated photovoltaic currents is substantially equal to the determined series current; determining whether one of the n solar power units generates a current that is less than a predetermined current threshold percentage of the determined series current; and based on the current threshold percentage determination, causing the correspondingly coupled DC-DC converting unit to shunt the one of the n solar power units.