System and method for system-level power point control of a photovoltaic device

摘要

Controlling a photovoltaic system includes providing a photovoltaic device having a variable DC voltage output and a variable DC current output. The photovoltaic device has a combination of a voltage output level and a current output level corresponding to a predetermined, desired power point. A DC power supply is connected in a parallel and/or series combination with the photovoltaic device. A DC load is connected in series to the combination of the DC power supply and the photovoltaic device such that the load is powered by the combination. A characteristic of the DC power supply is adjusted such that the voltage output and the current output of the photovoltaic device substantially match the voltage output level and the current output level corresponding to the desired power point.

主权项

1. A method of controlling a photovoltaic system, the method comprising:
providing a photovoltaic device having a variable DC voltage output and a variable DC current output, the photovoltaic device having a combination of a voltage output level and a current output level corresponding to a predetermined, desired power point; connecting a DC power supply in a parallel or series combination with the photovoltaic device, the DC power supply providing an electrical output and being powered by a source of energy other than the photovoltaic device; connecting a DC load to the combination of the DC power supply and the photovoltaic device such that the DC load is powered by the combination; and adjusting a characteristic of the DC power supply such that the voltage output and the current output of the photovoltaic device substantially match the voltage output level and the current output level corresponding to the predetermined, desired power point.