Device for distributed maximum power tracking for solar arrays

摘要

A system for providing power from solar cells whereby each cell or cell array is allowed to produce its maximum available power and converted by an operatively connected DC/DC converter. Each cell or cell array has its own DC/DC converter. In one form the system includes one or more solar generators wherein each solar generator has one to nine solar cells; a maximum power tracker operatively associated with each solar generator, each maximum power tracker including a buck type DC/DC converter without an output inductor, each maximum power tracker being operatively connected in series with each other; an inductor operatively connected to the series connected maximum power trackers; and means for providing electrical power from the inductor to load means, wherein each maximum power tracker is controlled so that the operatively associated solar generator operates at its maximum power point to extract maximum available power.

主权项

1. A system, comprising:
a plurality of solar units, each solar unit of the solar units comprising:
a solar generator having at least one solar cell to generate electric power;only one pair of output connections to provide output; anda DC/DC converter coupled between the solar generator and the pair of output connections to receive electricity provided by the solar generator in entirety and to provide the output via the pair of output connections, wherein the DC/DC converter includes
a switch,an energy storage capacitor coupled between the solar generator and the switch, anda controller configured to control the switch to operate the solar generator at a maximum power point independent of other solar units of the plurality of solar units; an output inductor; and a set of wires configured to connect output connections of the solar units and the output inductor in series; wherein when the switch is turned on, the solar generator and the energy storage capacitor are connected in parallel and further connected in the series connection of the solar units established by the set of wires; wherein when the switch is turned off,
the solar generator and the energy storage capacitor are electronically disconnected from the series connection, andthe DC/DC converter provides at least one path for the series connection.