Method of and apparatus for enabling output power of solar panel to be maximized
US4375662A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 1979 |
| Grant date | Mar 1, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S323/906
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The d.c. power supplied by a photovoltaic solar panel to a load is controlled by monitoring the slope of the panel voltage vs. current characteristic and adjusting the current supplied by the panel to the load so that the slope is approximately unity. The slope is monitored by incrementally changing the panel load and indicating whether the resulting change in current derived from the panel is above or below a reference value, indicative of the panel voltage. In response to the change in the monitored current being above the reference value, the slope of a voltage vs. current curve is greater than unity and the load is adjusted to decrease the current supplied by the panel to the load. Conversely, in response to the current being less than the reference value, the slope of the voltage vs. current curve is less than unity and the load is adjusted to increase the current supplied by the panel to the load.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.