System for maximizing efficiency of power transfer
US4916382A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 1988 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S323/906
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for maximizing the efficiency of power transfer from a photovoltaic source to a load element, such as a fluid pump to circulate fluid in a swimming pool system. The system is operative to maximize the power output by the photovoltaic power source, or, alternatively, to maximize the amount of work performed by the load element. A microprocessor controller receives input information concerning the voltage and current levels of the electrical power generated by the photovoltaic source, and input information concerning the work performed by the load element. When the load element is a fluid pump, the input information includes the flow rate of the fluid pumped by the fluid pump. The controller generates an output signal causing a power convertor to increase the current of the signal output by the power converter until the output power is maximized, or, alternatively, until the efficiency of the work performed by the load element is maximized. The controller provides overload protection to the load element by responding to an appropriate sensor output with an appropriate control signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.