ABSTRACT
Abstract
Solar power systems and structures are mountable to a power distribution structure, e.g. a power pole or tower, which supports alternating current (AC) power transmission lines. An exemplary power generation structure is fixedly attached to and extends from the power distribution structure, and comprises a mounting rack. A solar array, comprising at least one solar panel, is affixed to the mounting rack. A DC to AC invertor is connected between the DC outputs of the solar array and the AC power transmission lines. The length of the solar array is generally in alignment with the power distribution structure, and the width of the solar array is greater than half the circumference of the power distribution structure. The mounting rack and solar array may preferably be rotatable, such as based on any of location, time of day, or available light.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This Application Claims Priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/534,802, entitled Pole-Mounted Systems, Structures and Processes with Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking and Tracking Mechanisms, filed 14 Sep. 2011, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.
The Application is also a Continuation in Part and claims priority for commonly disclosed matter to PCT Application No. PCT/US2010/045352, entitled Enhanced Solar Panels, Liquid Delivery Systems and Associated Processes for Solar Energy Systems, filed 12 Aug. 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/234,181, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure, and Process with Enhanced Solar Panel Coating, Cleaning and Cooling, filed 14 Aug. 2009, which are each incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference thereto.
PCT Application No. PCT/US2010/045352 is also a Continuation in Part and claims priority for commonly disclosed matter to U.S. Application No. 12,842,864, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 23 Jul. 2010, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/056,235, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 26 Mar. 2008, which was issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,772,716 on 10 Aug. 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/908,361, entitled Distributed Multiple Power Point Tracking, filed 27 Mar. 2007.
The Application is also a Continuation in Part and claims priority for commonly disclosed matter to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/250,887, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 30 Sep. 2011, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/842,864, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 23 Jul. 2010, which was issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,035,249 on 11 Oct. 2011, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/056,235, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 26 Mar. 2008, which was issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,772,716 on 10 Aug. 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/908,361, entitled Distributed Multiple Power Point Tracking, filed 27 Mar. 2007, which are each incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference thereto.
The Application is also related to PCT Application No. PCT/US08/58473, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 27 Mar. 2008, which claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/056,235, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 26 Mar. 2008, which was issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,772,716 on 10 Aug. 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/908,361, entitled Distributed Multiple Power Point Tracking, filed 27 Mar. 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of distributed solar power generation systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to distributed solar power system structures, operation and control, and enhanced inverter systems, structures, and processes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Solar power is a clean renewable energy resource, and is becoming increasingly important for the future of this planet. Energy from the Sun is converted to electrical energy via the photoelectric effect using many photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic (PV) panel. Power from a PV panel is direct current (DC), while modern utility grids require alternating current (AC) power. The DC power from the PV panel must be converted to AC power, of a suitable quality, and injected into the grid. A solar inverter accomplishes this task.
It would be advantageous to provide a structure, system and process to improve the efficiency of power inverters, such as for a solar panel system. Such a development would provide a significant technical advance.
To maximize the amount of power harvested, most solar inverters perform a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. These algorithms treat an entire array of PV panels as a single entity, averaging all of the PV panels together, with a preference towards the weakest link.
It would therefore also be advantageous to provide a structure, system and process, to maximize efficiency and harvest capabilities of any solar PV system, to capitalize on profit and maximum return for the owner of the system.
Three specific examples of DC energy sources that currently have a role in distributed generation and sustainable energy systems are photovoltaic (PV) panels, fuel cell stacks, and batteries of various chemistries. These DC energy sources are all series and parallel connections of basic âcellsâ. These cells all operate at a low DC voltage, ranging from less than a volt (for a PV cell) to three or four volts (for a Li-Ion cell). These low voltages do not interface well to existing higher power systems, so the cells are series connected, to create modules with higher terminal voltages. Paralleled modules then supply increased power levels to an inverter, for conversion to AC power.
These long strings of cells bring with them many complications. While the current exemplary discussion is focused on PV Panels, other power systems and devices are often similarly implemented for other sources of DC power.
A problem occurs when even a single cell in a PV array is shaded or obscured. The photocurrent generated in a shaded cell may drop to around 23.2% of the other cells.
The shaded cell is reverse biased by the remaining cells in the string, while current continues to flow through the shaded cell, causing large localized power dissipation. This power is converted to heat, which in turn lowers the panel's output power capability. Bypass diodes, generally placed in parallel around each 24 cells (which may vary between manufacturers), limit the reverse bias voltage and hence the power dissipation in the shaded cell, to that generated by the surrounding half panel. However, all the power from that sub-string is lost, while current flows in the bypass diode. As well, the bypass diode wastes power from the entire string current, which flows through the panel. The output voltage of the entire string is also negatively affected, causing an even larger imbalance in the system.
Conventional module MPP currents may become unbalanced for other reasons. PV panels in a string are never identical. Because each PV panel in a series string is constrained to conduct the same current as the other PV panels in the string, the least efficient module sets the maximum string current, thereby reducing the overall efficiency of the array to the efficiency of this PV panel. For similar reasons, PV panels in a string are conventionally required to be mounted in the same orientation, and to be of identical size. This is not always possible or desirable, such as for aesthetic or other architectural reasons.
In standard solar array wiring, several series strings of solar panels are wired in parallel to each other to increase power. If there is an imbalance between these paralleled strings, current flows from the higher potential strings to the lower potential strings, instead of flowing to the inverter. Just as it is important to match the cells within a panel, it is also necessary to match the panels in a string, and then to match the strings, for maximum harvest from the solar array. If small fluctuations in environmental conditions occur, it can have a large impact on the system as a whole.
Solar inverters also âaverageâ the entire array when they perform a conventional MPPT function. However, it is not a true average, since there is a preference that leans towards the weakest link in the system. This means that, even though some panels may be capable of supplying 100 percent of their rated power, the system will only harvest a fraction of that power, due to the averaging effect of the algorithm, and the current following through the weaker string, panel, and/or cells.
It would therefore be advantageous to provide a means for applying an algorithm that maximizes the harvest of power from a string, panel, and/or cells. Such an improvement would provide a significant advance to the efficiency and cost effectiveness of power cells structures, processes, and systems.
All public utilities in the United States have been tasked by the Federal Government to generate 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Some states have mandated even higher percentages of renewable energy. For example, in 2011, California passed a law to raise the amount of renewable energy that all California utilities must use to 33 percent by 2020. While some states, such as California, already produce renewable energy through large hydropower installations, the need to increase electricity production through solar power is increasing rapidly.
Some current distributed solar panel installations, such as currently offered through Petra Solar, Inc., of South Plainfield N.J., comprise stationary brackets that are mountable to utility distribution poles, which support traditional, silicon-based, non-flexible solar panels that are locally connected to the power grid. In a typical installation, a 32 inch wide by 62 inch long silicon-based rigid solar panel is fixedly mounted at a +/â30 degree angle onto the a utility distribution pole.
Silicon panels are typically expensive, require direct light, and tolerate only a slight offset to the sun to provide power. As well, such silicon panels don't react to reflected light sources well. Furthermore, rigid silicon-based panels are fragile, and are susceptible to damage, such as by but not limited to rocks, bullets, or birds. As well, particularly when fixedly mounted at an inclined angle to a utility distribution pole, silicon-based panels are not self-cleaning, and are difficult to manually clean by hand.
It would be advantageous to provide a pole mounted solar power structure, process and system that provides enhanced power harvest, monitoring, and control for a wide variety of installations. The development of such a system would provide a significant advance to the efficiency and cost effectiveness of distributed power cells structures, processes, and systems.
One current alternative to traditional, silicon-based, non-flexible solar panels that are fixedly mounted to power distribution poles is offered through NextStep Electric, Inc., of Longmont, Colo. Flexible thin-film panels, having an adhesive backing, are wrapped directly to a power pole, and are connected to the local power grid through a micro-inverter 712 . When the mounting surface of the pole surface is clean, uncluttered, and consistent, the adhesive mounting of flexible thin-film panels may provide a fast, simple, and inexpensive installation. As the flexible panels are mounted vertically to the ground, they can be considered to be at least partially self-cleaning, since less dirt accumulates on the vertical panel surfaces, and at least a portion of any accumulated dirt is cleaned through any of wind, rain, dew, or fog.
Thin-film panels are typically less fragile than silicon panels. In most cases, a thrown rock will bounce off the panel without harm. While a gunshot may penetrate the panel and cause a small loss of efficiency, it will not normally disable the panel as with silicon. Furthermore, thin-film technology is more tolerant at producing electricity from indirect and reflected light than are traditional, silicon-based solar panels.
While installations that comprise flexible thin-film panels that are attached directly to power poles may provide easier installation, improved cleaning, and tolerance to incident light direction to that of traditional, silicon-based, non-flexible solar panels, such installations are inherently limited to the available circumferential surface area of the utility pole.
It would be advantageous to provide a pole mounted solar power structure, process and system that provides a greater surface area than that of flexible thin-film panels that are attached directly to power poles, which also provides any of enhanced cleaning, robustness, monitoring, and control for a wide variety of installations. The development of such a system would provide a further significant advance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Solar power systems and structures are mountable to a power distribution structure, e.g. a power pole or tower, which supports alternating current (AC) power transmission lines. An exemplary power generation structure is fixedly attached to and extends from the power distribution structure, and comprises a mounting rack. A solar array comprising at least one solar panel is affixed to the mounting rack. A DC to AC invertor is connected between the DC outputs of the solar array and the AC power transmission lines. The length of the solar array is generally in alignment with the power distribution structure, and the width of the solar array is greater than half the circumference of the power distribution structure. The mounting rack and solar array may preferably be rotatable, such as based on any of location, time of day, or available light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary enhanced power module comprising a plurality of power cells connected to a distributed maximum power point tracking module;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary enhanced solar panel comprising a plurality of solar cells and a distributed maximum power point tracking module;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary photovoltaic solar cell having DC output power connections to a DMPPT module;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exemplary solar array comprising a plurality of enhanced solar panels;
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary solar panel system having a plurality of strings of enhanced solar panels routed through a combiner box and controlled through a modular power module housing having one or more enhanced inverter modules;
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an alternate exemplary solar panel system having a plurality of strings of enhanced solar panels having string-level combiner modules and routed through a combiner box and controlled through a modular power module housing having one or more enhanced inverter modules;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary distributed MPPT circuit;
FIG. 8 is a first graph showing exemplary current-voltage (IV) curves of photovoltaic solar panels over a range of temperatures;
FIG. 9 is a second graph showing exemplary current-voltage (IV) curves of photovoltaic solar panels over a range of temperatures;
FIG. 10 is time chart of voltage output for an enhanced power module having a DMPPT module;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary operation of an enhanced power module having a DMPPT module;
FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an exemplary solar array comprising a plurality of solar panels, wherein a portion of the panels in one or more strings further comprise DMPPT modules;
FIG. 13 shows the relative pro
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This Application Claims Priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/534,802, entitled Pole-Mounted Systems, Structures and Processes with Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking and Tracking Mechanisms, filed 14 Sep. 2011, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.
The Application is also a Continuation in Part and claims priority for commonly disclosed matter to PCT Application No. PCT/US2010/045352, entitled Enhanced Solar Panels, Liquid Delivery Systems and Associated Processes for Solar Energy Systems, filed 12 Aug. 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/234,181, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure, and Process with Enhanced Solar Panel Coating, Cleaning and Cooling, filed 14 Aug. 2009, which are each incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference thereto.
PCT Application No. PCT/US2010/045352 is also a Continuation in Part and claims priority for commonly disclosed matter to U.S. Application No. 12,842,864, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 23 Jul. 2010, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/056,235, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 26 Mar. 2008, which was issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,772,716 on 10 Aug. 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/908,361, entitled Distributed Multiple Power Point Tracking, filed 27 Mar. 2007.
The Application is also a Continuation in Part and claims priority for commonly disclosed matter to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/250,887, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 30 Sep. 2011, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/842,864, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 23 Jul. 2010, which was issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,035,249 on 11 Oct. 2011, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/056,235, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 26 Mar. 2008, which was issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,772,716 on 10 Aug. 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/908,361, entitled Distributed Multiple Power Point Tracking, filed 27 Mar. 2007, which are each incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference thereto.
The Application is also related to PCT Application No. PCT/US08/58473, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 27 Mar. 2008, which claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/056,235, entitled Distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking System, Structure and Process, filed 26 Mar. 2008, which was issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,772,716 on 10 Aug. 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/908,361, entitled Distributed Multiple Power Point Tracking, filed 27 Mar. 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of distributed solar power generation systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to distributed solar power system structures, operation and control, and enhanced inverter systems, structures, and processes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Solar power is a clean renewable energy resource, and is becoming increasingly important for the future of this planet. Energy from the Sun is converted to electrical energy via the photoelectric effect using many photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic (PV) panel. Power from a PV panel is direct current (DC), while modern utility grids require alternating current (AC) power. The DC power from the PV panel must be converted to AC power, of a suitable quality, and injected into the grid. A solar inverter accomplishes this task.
It would be advantageous to provide a structure, system and process to improve the efficiency of power inverters, such as for a solar panel system. Such a development would provide a significant technical advance.
To maximize the amount of power harvested, most solar inverters perform a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. These algorithms treat an entire array of PV panels as a single entity, averaging all of the PV panels together, with a preference towards the weakest link.
It would therefore also be advantageous to provide a structure, system and process, to maximize efficiency and harvest capabilities of any solar PV system, to capitalize on profit and maximum return for the owner of the system.
Three specific examples of DC energy sources that currently have a role in distributed generation and sustainable energy systems are photovoltaic (PV) panels, fuel cell stacks, and batteries of various chemistries. These DC energy sources are all series and parallel connections of basic âcellsâ. These cells all operate at a low DC voltage, ranging from less than a volt (for a PV cell) to three or four volts (for a Li-Ion cell). These low voltages do not interface well to existing higher power systems, so the cells are series connected, to create modules with higher terminal voltages. Paralleled modules then supply increased power levels to an inverter, for conversion to AC power.
These long strings of cells bring with them many complications. While the current exemplary discussion is focused on PV Panels, other power systems and devices are often similarly implemented for other sources of DC power.
A problem occurs when even a single cell in a PV array is shaded or obscured. The photocurrent generated in a shaded cell may drop to around 23.2% of the other cells.
The shaded cell is reverse biased by the remaining cells in the string, while current continues to flow through the shaded cell, causing large localized power dissipation. This power is converted to heat, which in turn lowers the panel's output power capability. Bypass diodes, generally placed in parallel around each 24 cells (which may vary between manufacturers), limit the reverse bias voltage and hence the power dissipation in the shaded cell, to that generated by the surrounding half panel. However, all the power from that sub-string is lost, while current flows in the bypass diode. As well, the bypass diode wastes power from the entire string current, which flows through the panel. The output voltage of the entire string is also negatively affected, causing an even larger imbalance in the system.
Conventional module MPP currents may become unbalanced for other reasons. PV panels in a string are never identical. Because each PV panel in a series string is constrained to conduct the same current as the other PV panels in the string, the least efficient module sets the maximum string current, thereby reducing the overall efficiency of the array to the efficiency of this PV panel. For similar reasons, PV panels in a string are conventionally required to be mounted in the same orientation, and to be of identical size. This is not always possible or desirable, such as for aesthetic or other architectural reasons.
In standard solar array wiring, several series strings of solar panels are wired in parallel to each other to increase power. If there is an imbalance between these paralleled strings, current flows from the higher potential strings to the lower potential strings, instead of flowing to the inverter. Just as it is important to match the cells within a panel, it is also necessary to match the panels in a string, and then to match the strings, for maximum harvest from the solar array. If small fluctuations in environmental conditions occur, it can have a large impact on the system as a whole.
Solar inverters also âaverageâ the entire array when they perform a conventional MPPT function. However, it is not a true average, since there is a preference that leans towards the weakest link in the system. This means that, even though some panels may be capable of supplying 100 percent of their rated power, the system will only harvest a fraction of that power, due to the averaging effect of the algorithm, and the current following through the weaker string, panel, and/or cells.
It would therefore be advantageous to provide a means for applying an algorithm that maximizes the harvest of power from a string, panel, and/or cells. Such an improvement would provide a significant advance to the efficiency and cost effectiveness of power cells structures, processes, and systems.
All public utilities in the United States have been tasked by the Federal Government to generate 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Some states have mandated even higher percentages of renewable energy. For example, in 2011, California passed a law to raise the amount of renewable energy that all California utilities must use to 33 percent by 2020. While some states, such as California, already produce renewable energy through large hydropower installations, the need to increase electricity production through solar power is increasing rapidly.
Some current distributed solar panel installations, such as currently offered through Petra Solar, Inc., of South Plainfield N.J., comprise stationary brackets that are mountable to utility distribution poles, which support traditional, silicon-based, non-flexible solar panels that are locally connected to the power grid. In a typical installation, a 32 inch wide by 62 inch long silicon-based rigid solar panel is fixedly mounted at a +/â30 degree angle onto the a utility distribution pole.
Silicon panels are typically expensive, require direct light, and tolerate only a slight offset to the sun to provide power. As well, such silicon panels don't react to reflected light sources well. Furthermore, rigid silicon-based panels are fragile, and are susceptible to damage, such as by but not limited to rocks, bullets, or birds. As well, particularly when fixedly mounted at an inclined angle to a utility distribution pole, silicon-based panels are not self-cleaning, and are difficult to manually clean by hand.
It would be advantageous to provide a pole mounted solar power structure, process and system that provides enhanced power harvest, monitoring, and control for a wide variety of installations. The development of such a system would provide a significant advance to the efficiency and cost effectiveness of distributed power cells structures, processes, and systems.
One current alternative to traditional, silicon-based, non-flexible solar panels that are fixedly mounted to power distribution poles is offered through NextStep Electric, Inc., of Longmont, Colo. Flexible thin-film panels, having an adhesive backing, are wrapped directly to a power pole, and are connected to the local power grid through a micro-inverter 712 . When the mounting surface of the pole surface is clean, uncluttered, and consistent, the adhesive mounting of flexible thin-film panels may provide a fast, simple, and inexpensive installation. As the flexible panels are mounted vertically to the ground, they can be considered to be at least partially self-cleaning, since less dirt accumulates on the vertical panel surfaces, and at least a portion of any accumulated dirt is cleaned through any of wind, rain, dew, or fog.
Thin-film panels are typically less fragile than silicon panels. In most cases, a thrown rock will bounce off the panel without harm. While a gunshot may penetrate the panel and cause a small loss of efficiency, it will not normally disable the panel as with silicon. Furthermore, thin-film technology is more tolerant at producing electricity from indirect and reflected light than are traditional, silicon-based solar panels.
While installations that comprise flexible thin-film panels that are attached directly to power poles may provide easier installation, improved cleaning, and tolerance to incident light direction to that of traditional, silicon-based, non-flexible solar panels, such installations are inherently limited to the available circumferential surface area of the utility pole.
It would be advantageous to provide a pole mounted solar power structure, process and system that provides a greater surface area than that of flexible thin-film panels that are attached directly to power poles, which also provides any of enhanced cleaning, robustness, monitoring, and control for a wide variety of installations. The development of such a system would provide a further significant advance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Solar power systems and structures are mountable to a power distribution structure, e.g. a power pole or tower, which supports alternating current (AC) power transmission lines. An exemplary power generation structure is fixedly attached to and extends from the power distribution structure, and comprises a mounting rack. A solar array comprising at least one solar panel is affixed to the mounting rack. A DC to AC invertor is connected between the DC outputs of the solar array and the AC power transmission lines. The length of the solar array is generally in alignment with the power distribution structure, and the width of the solar array is greater than half the circumference of the power distribution structure. The mounting rack and solar array may preferably be rotatable, such as based on any of location, time of day, or available light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary enhanced power module comprising a plurality of power cells connected to a distributed maximum power point tracking module;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary enhanced solar panel comprising a plurality of solar cells and a distributed maximum power point tracking module;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary photovoltaic solar cell having DC output power connections to a DMPPT module;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exemplary solar array comprising a plurality of enhanced solar panels;
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary solar panel system having a plurality of strings of enhanced solar panels routed through a combiner box and controlled through a modular power module housing having one or more enhanced inverter modules;
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an alternate exemplary solar panel system having a plurality of strings of enhanced solar panels having string-level combiner modules and routed through a combiner box and controlled through a modular power module housing having one or more enhanced inverter modules;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary distributed MPPT circuit;
FIG. 8 is a first graph showing exemplary current-voltage (IV) curves of photovoltaic solar panels over a range of temperatures;
FIG. 9 is a second graph showing exemplary current-voltage (IV) curves of photovoltaic solar panels over a range of temperatures;
FIG. 10 is time chart of voltage output for an enhanced power module having a DMPPT module;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary operation of an enhanced power module having a DMPPT module;
FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an exemplary solar array comprising a plurality of solar panels, wherein a portion of the panels in one or more strings further comprise DMPPT modules;
FIG. 13 shows the relative proportion and size of an exemplary solar array having a capacity of approximately 170 W, comprising a plurality of enhanced solar panels, wherein a portion of the panels in one or more strings further comprise DMPPT modules;
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a modular power module housing having one or more enhanced inverter modules, a central interface, and connectable to one or more local or remote monitoring or control devices;
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a modular power module housing having two sub-modules installed;
FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a modular power module housing having three sub-modules installed;
FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a modular power module housing having a four sub-module installed;
FIG. 18 is a simplified schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary power section for an enhanced inverter module;
FIG. 19 shows resultant output power signal properties for active elimination of harmonics by inverter signal modification using sine-weighted pulses;
FIG. 20 is a schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary self-power section of a DMPPT module;
FIG. 21 is a schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary boost circuit for a DMPPT module;
FIG. 22 is a schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary current sensor for a DMPPT module;
FIG. 23 is a schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary voltage sensor for a DMPPT module;
FIG. 24 is a schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary output safety switch for a DMPPT module;
FIG. 25 is a schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary crowbar circuit for a DMPPT module;
FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram showing microprocessor-based enhancement of an inverter, such as to eliminate one or more levels of harmonics;
FIG. 27 is flowchart of exemplary operation of an enhanced inverter;
FIG. 28 is an exemplary user interface for monitoring and/or control of an enhanced power harvesting system comprising power modules having DMPPT modules; and
FIG. 29 shows an enhanced power harvesting system located on the Earth, wherein one or more panels within a string have different angles and/or orientations;
FIG. 30 is a partial cutaway view of an enhanced solar panel structure having an outer coating layer;
FIG. 31 is a simplified schematic view of an array of enhanced solar panels having a rack mounting angle;
FIG. 32 is a top schematic view of an exemplary curved panel mount;
FIG. 33 is a front schematic view of an exemplary curved panel mount;
FIG. 34 is a side schematic view of an exemplary curved panel mount;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an exemplary curved panel mount;
FIG. 36 is a top schematic view of an exemplary curved channel stay;
FIG. 37 is a front schematic view of an exemplary curved channel stay;
FIG. 38 is a side schematic view of an exemplary curved channel stay;
FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an exemplary curved channel stay;
FIG. 40 is top schematic view of an exemplary flat panel mounting bracket;
FIG. 41 is a front schematic view of an exemplary flat panel mounting bracket;
FIG. 42 is a side schematic view of an exemplary flat panel mounting bracket;
FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an exemplary flat panel mounting bracket;
FIG. 44 is top schematic view of an exemplary horizontal channel stay;
FIG. 45 is a front schematic view of an exemplary horizontal channel stay;
FIG. 46 is a side schematic view of an exemplary horizontal channel stay;
FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal channel stay;
FIG. 48 is a detailed top schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a curved panel mount;
FIG. 49 is a detailed top schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a flat panel mount;
FIG. 50 is a partial cutaway view of an exemplary vertical channel stay;
FIG. 51 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted stationary arched solar power structure having a DMPPT module;
FIG. 52 is a partial front view of an exemplary pole-mounted stationary arched solar power structure having a DMPPT module;
FIG. 53 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable arched solar power structure having an enhanced DMPPT module;
FIG. 54 is a partial front view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable arched solar power structure having an enhanced DMPPT module;
FIG. 55 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable arched solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a first time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Eastward direction;
FIG. 56 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable arched solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a second time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Southward direction;
FIG. 57 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable arched solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a third time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Westward direction;
FIG. 58 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted stationary flat solar power structure having a DMPPT module;
FIG. 59 is a partial front view of an exemplary pole-mounted stationary flat solar power structure;
FIG. 60 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable flat solar power structure;
FIG. 61 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable flat solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a first time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Eastward direction;
FIG. 62 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable flat solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a second time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Southward direction;
FIG. 63 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable flat solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a third time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Westward direction;
FIG. 64 is a partial schematic view of a transmission line mounted solar power structure;
FIG. 65 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted arched solar concentrating power structure;
FIG. 66 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted flat solar concentrating power structure;
FIG. 67 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted arched solar power structure that is integrated with a wind turbine;
FIG. 68 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted flat solar power structure that is integrated with a wind turbine;
FIG. 69 is a flowchart of an exemplary operation of a pole mounted rotatable power module;
FIG. 70 is a partial schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted solar power structure having an extended pivot structure;
FIG. 71 is a partial bird's eye schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable flat solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a first time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Eastward direction;
FIG. 72 is a partial bird's eye schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable flat solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a second time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Southward direction;
FIG. 73 is a partial bird's eye schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable flat solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a third time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Westward direction;
FIG. 74 is a side schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable flat solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a first time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Eastward direction;
FIG. 75 is a side schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable flat solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a second time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Southward direction; and
FIG. 76 is a side schematic view of an exemplary pole-mounted rotatable flat solar power structure located in the Northern Hemisphere at a third time, wherein the solar array is rotatably positioned in a generally Westward direction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary enhanced power module 10 comprising a plurality of power cells 12 , e.g. 12 a - 12 n , such as but not limited to photovoltaic solar cells, fuel cells, and battery cells, connected 16 , 17 to a distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) module 18 . FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary enhanced power structure 10 , e.g. an enhanced solar panel 10 , comprising a plurality of solar cells 12 and a distributed maximum power point tracking module 18 . FIG. 3 is a schematic view 30 of an exemplary photovoltaic solar cell having DC output power connections 17 to a DMPPT module 18 . FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exemplary solar array 34 comprising a plurality of enhanced solar panels 10 , e.g. 10 a - 10 k , arranged in a plurality of strings 36 , e.g. 36 a - 36 n.
The exemplary DMPPT module 18 seen in FIG. 1 has DC inputs 17 , and a DC output 21 , such as comprising a positive lead 19 a and a negative lead 19 b , The exemplary DMPPT module 18 also comprises a communications interface 20 , and means for connection to a temperature sensor 24 , such as responsive to a local panel temperature 23 .
DMPPT modules 18 , such as seen in FIG. 1 , are preferably locally powered from the solar panel 10 that they are attached to, wherein each DMPPT module 18 draws its operating power from it's respective panel 10 that it is connected to, such as to reduce wiring and to improve efficiency.
DMPPT modules 18 are currently implemented for both new panels 10 , i.e. at the point of manufacture, and for existing systems, wherein the DMPPT modules 18 may be retrofitted to existing panels 10 . As also seen in FIG. 1 , the external DC connection 21 , comprising leads 19 a , 19 b , is similar to the input DC connection 17 , such as provided by an existing conventional panel. Therefore, wiring for the DMPPT modules is similar to conventional solar panels, which minimizes the learning curve for installation personnel.
The communications link 22 shown in FIG. 1 may be a wired connection or a wireless connection, such as to provide flexibility in design and installation. For example, the DMPPT module 18 can communicate via a wireless network, or through a wired connection, e.g. single twisted pair standard RS485 cable.
Some embodiments of either the wired or wireless style DMPPT modules feature a self-discovery function, such that when a new DMPPT module 18 is added to a system 40 ( FIGS. 5 , 6 , 14 ), the system server 153 ( FIG. 14 ) discovers the new module 18 over the communications link 22 , and adds the new module 18 and associated panel 10 to the system 40 .
As well, some embodiments of wireless style DMPPT modules 18 feature a self-healing function, wherein a DMPPT module 18 having a wireless communication link 22 also has the ability to bypass non-functioning devices or branches.
For example, if a DMPPT Module 18 is broken or removed, such as by a thief, in a wireless system 40 , everything continues to function. The system 40 sees the âbrokenâ device 18 , and continues normal communications with the other DMPPT modules 18 . This ensures continuous communications with the other active DMPPT modules 18 in the system 40 . In a wired system, this may typically cause the loss of communications with several modules 18 , as the communications line 22 could be damaged, broken, or cut. In addition to the DMPPT modules 18 and inverters 54 , other devices may preferably be connected to the wireless network 22 . If something should happen to one of these, it will not affect the system 40 as a whole. Therefore, some system embodiments 40 comprise a self-discovery module, such as provided through the server 153 , built into the software. As well, the system 40 can be expanded to include utility monitoring and other applications.
In a conventional solar panel system, solar cells 12 are typically matched to make efficient solar panels, and solar panels are typically matched to make efficient solar arrays. In a conventional solar system, the output of a solar array having a plurality of conventional solar panels, i.e. without DMPPT modules 18 , can never match the sum of the maximum power of the conventional solar panels, and the conventional panels can never match the sum of the maximum power of the solar cells 12 . In additional to such inherit losses of power, environmental conditions, e.g. such as but not limited to the time of day, season, weather, location, panel positioning, panel age, and/or panel condition, further degrade the short-term and/or long term efficiency of such systems.
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary solar panel system 40 , e.g. 40 a , having a plurality of strings 36 , e.g. 36 a - 36 n , of enhanced solar panels 10 , e.g. 10 a - 10 k , routed through a combiner box 48 and controlled through a modular power module housing 50 having one or more enhanced inverter power modules 54 , e.g. 54 a - 54 j . FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram 60 of an alternate exemplary solar panel system 40 b having a plurality of strings 36 , e.g. 36 a - 36 n of enhanced solar panels 10 having string- level combiner modules 62 , routed through a combiner box 48 , and controlled through a modular power module housing 50 having one or more enhanced inverter power modules 54 , e.g. 54 a - 54 j.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary distributed MPPT circuit 70 for a distributed maximum power point tracker (DMPPT) module 18 , which typically comprises an integrated or retrofitted module 18 for each enhanced solar panel 18 . DMPPT modules 18 associated with the enhanced solar panels 10 overcome several problems inherent with conventional solar panels and the harvesting of power.
An input filter 74 is preferably attached to the input 72 of the DMPPT module 18 , to help reduce EMI/RFI, as well as to supply protection from surges, etc. on the input side. This also helps in impedance matching between the solar panel 10 and the DMPPT module 18 , such as to improve MPPT tracking.
The exemplary DMPPT module 18 shown in FIG. 7 preferably comprises one or more boost inductors 76 , such as a dual inductively-coupled link inductor 76 to boost the efficiency of the DC-DC conversion stage. This has the added benefit of splitting the power path, which provides an increase in efficiency. At the present time, small inductor units 76 cost less and weigh less than a single inductor design, and there is less chance for core saturation. Another benefit of this design is the increased compensation factor. This allows a more stable distributed DC Bus
42 , 52 to be produced, with fewer requirements for DC-ripple and output filtering 86 .
Some DMPPT embodiments 18 uses a multi-phase approach, wherein the controller 80 can reduce the current flow through the power switch 78 , thus increasing efficiency and reducing the heat dissipation load. This also allows the DMPPT 18 to improve power harvesting of the solar panels 10 . The controller 80 controls the switching of these power devices 78 in a modified spread-spectrum switching scheme, to minimize EMI/RFI radiation of the modules 18 . Low loss switching devices 78 are used to improve overall efficiency. In some embodiments 18 , these switching devices 78 comprise transistors, FETs, MOSFETs, IGBTs, or any other power-switching device 78 that meets the design criteria.
Two diodes typically provide rectification 84 for the DMPPT modules 18 , thus reducing the power dissipation and providing a plurality of paths for the power flow. The rectification diodes 84 also effectively isolate each DMPPT module 18 and associated solar panel 18 from the system array 30 , in case of total panel failure. Even if a DMPPT module 18 fails, this isolation still exists, if it was not the diodes 84 or the output filter</f
CLAIMS
Claims ( 30 )
The invention claimed is:
1. A system, comprising:
alternating current (AC) power transmission lines that are connected to a power grid;
a power distribution structure for supporting the power transmission lines, wherein the power distribution structure has a defined axis and a defined circumference;
a mounting structure that is attached to the power distribution structure, wherein the mounting structure extends from the power distribution structure and comprises a mounting rack;
a solar array comprising at least one solar panel that is affixed to the mounting rack, and DC outputs extending from the solar array, wherein the solar array defines a rectangle having a defined length and width; and
an DC to AC invertor connected between the DC outputs of the solar array and the AC power transmission lines;
wherein the length of the solar array is generally aligned with the defined axis of the power distribution structure, and wherein the width of the solar array is greater than half the circumference of the power distribution structure.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the power distribution structure comprises any of a power distribution pole or a power distribution tower.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the DC to AC invertor further comprises a DMPPT module.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the DC to AC invertor further comprises
a control module: and
a communications link connected to the control module;
wherein the control module comprises
input connections that are connected to the solar array,
output connections that are connected to the micro-inverter,
a signal processing circuit connected to the input connections, and
a controller that is connected to the signal processing circuit, wherein the controller is connected to any of a computer or a server through the communications link;
wherein the DC output of the solar array is controllably adjustable in response to an input signal that is sent from the computer or server and received at the controller over the communications link.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the solar array and at least a portion of the mounting structure are rotatable with respect to the power distribution structure.
6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a rotation mechanism that is configured to rotate the mounting rack and the solar array with respect to the power distribution structure.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the rotation mechanism is controllably responsive to a signal.
8. The system of claim 6 , wherein the rotation mechanism is responsive to any of location, time of day, available light, or any combination thereof.
9. The system of claim 6 , wherein the rotation mechanism is configured to rotate mounting rack and the solar array based on the direction of incident solar energy.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mounting rack and the solar array are substantially planar.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mounting rack and the solar array are curved.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the solar array is substantially rigid.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the solar array is flexible.
14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the solar array further comprises at least one heliostat mechanism.
15. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a wind turbine mounted to the power distribution structure and connected to the AC power transmission lines.
16. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
an access structure affixed to the power distribution structure that is configured to provide access to any of the (AC) power transmission lines, the mounting structure, the solar array, or the DC-AC inverter.
17. A structure for locally harvesting solar power at a power distribution structure that supports alternating current (AC) power transmission lines, wherein the power distribution structure has a defined axis and a defined circumference, wherein the power generation structure comprises:
a mounting structure that is attached to the power distribution structure, wherein the mounting structure extends from the power distribution structure and comprises a mounting rack;
a solar array comprising at least one solar panel that is affixed to the mounting rack, and DC outputs extending from the solar array, wherein the solar array has a defined length and width; and
a DC to AC invertor connected between the DC outputs of the solar array and the AC power transmission lines;
wherein the length of the solar array is generally aligned with the defined axis of the power distribution structure, and wherein the width of the solar array is greater than half the circumference of the power distribution structure.
18. The structure of claim 17 , wherein the power distribution structure comprises any of a power distribution pole or a power distribution tower.
19. The structure of claim 17 , wherein the DC to AC invertor further comprises a DMPPT module.
20. The structure of claim 17 , wherein the DC to AC invertor further comprises
a control module; and
a communications link connected to the control module;
wherein the control module comprises
input connections that are connected to the solar array,
output connections that are connected to the DC to AC inverter,
a signal processing circuit connected to the input connections, and
a controller that is connected to the signal processing circuit, wherein the controller is connected to any of a computer or a server through the communications link;
wherein the DC output of the solar array is controllably adjustable in response to an input signal that is sent from the computer or server and received at the controller over the communications link.
21. The structure of claim 17 , wherein the solar array and at least a portion of the mounting structure are rotatable with respect to the power distribution structure.
22. The structure of claim 17 , further comprising:
a rotation mechanism that is configured to rotate the mounting rack and the solar array with respect to the power distribution structure.
23. The structure of claim 22 , wherein the rotation mechanism is controllably responsive to a signal.
24. The structure of claim 22 , wherein the rotation mechanism is responsive to any of location, time of day, available light, or any combination thereof.
25. The structure of claim 22 , wherein the rotation mechanism is configured to rotate mounting rack and the solar array based on the direction of incident solar energy.
26. The structure of claim 17 , wherein the mounting rack and the solar array are any of planar or curved.
27. The structure of claim 17 , wherein the solar array is any of rigid or flexible.
28. A process, comprising the steps of:
providing a power structure for locally harvesting solar power at a power distribution structure that supports alternating current (AC) power transmission lines, wherein the power distribution structure has a defined circumference, wherein the power generation structure comprises
a mounting structure that is attached to the power distribution structure, wherein the mounting structure extends from the power distribution structure and comprises a mounting rack;
a solar array comprising at least one solar panel that is affixed to the mounting rack, and DC outputs extending from the solar array, wherein the solar array has a defined length and width, and
a DC to AC invertor connected between the DC outputs of the solar array and the AC power transmission lines,
wherein the length of the solar array is generally aligned with the power distribution structure, and wherein the width of the solar array is greater than half the circumference of the power distribution structure;
collecting solar energy through the solar array;
inverting the DC power from the solar array to AC power through the DC to AC invertor; and
transferring the AC power to the AC transmission lines.
29. The process of claim 28 , wherein the mounting rack and the solar array are rotatable, and wherein the process further comprises the step of:
controllably rotating the mounting rack and the solar array.
30. The process of claim 29 , wherein the step of controllably rotating the mounting rack and the solar array is based on any of location, time of day, available light, or any combination thereof.
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