The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Mar. 15, 2016

Filed:

Mar. 25, 2011
Applicants:

Prakash Easwaran, Bangalore, IN;

Saumitra Singh, Bangalore, IN;

Rupak Ghayal, Bangalore, IN;

Amit Premy, Bangalore, IN;

Inventors:

Prakash Easwaran, Bangalore, IN;

Saumitra Singh, Bangalore, IN;

Rupak Ghayal, Bangalore, IN;

Amit Premy, Bangalore, IN;

Assignee:

Other;

Attorneys:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G01J 1/20 (2006.01); G05F 1/67 (2006.01); H01L 31/05 (2014.01); H02S 50/10 (2014.01); H02J 3/38 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G05F 1/67 (2013.01); H01L 31/05 (2013.01); H01L 31/0504 (2013.01); H02S 50/10 (2014.12); H02J 3/385 (2013.01); Y02E 10/50 (2013.01); Y02E 10/58 (2013.01); Y10T 307/609 (2015.04); Y10T 307/685 (2015.04);
Abstract

In a solar panel array, each solar panel in a series-connected string has a current source connected across its output terminals. The current source generates a programmable output current equal to the difference of the load current drawn from the panel and the current corresponding to the maximum power point (MPP) of the panel. As a result, each of the panels in the string is operated at its MPP. When the array contains multiple strings connected in parallel, a voltage source is additionally connected in series with each string. The voltage sources are programmable to generate corresponding output voltages to enable operation of each panel in each of the multiple strings at its MPP. Respective control blocks providing the current sources and voltage sources automatically determine the MPP of the corresponding panels. In an embodiment, the control blocks are implemented as DC-DC converters in conjunction with measurement and communication units.


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