Distributed inverter and intelligent gateway

Abstract

A system and method for converting DC from one or more sources to AC power utilizing a novel partitioning scheme are disclosed. This partitioning scheme is particularly well suited for photovoltaic (PV) microinverter applications. The primary goals are to make installation, operation and maintenance of the system safe and simple. Secondary goals are to improve reliability and lifetime of the converter in a cost effective manner. In one embodiment, the microinverters are placed in one-to-one proximity with the photovoltaic modules, each proximate microinverter incorporating a reduced number of functions and components. Remaining common functions and controls are implemented separately.

Description

[0001] The present application relates to and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 938,663 filed May 17, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. The present application is further related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. LAR004 entitled, “Photovoltaic AC Inverter Mount and Interconnect” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. LAR003 entitled “Photovoltaic Module-Mounted AC Inverter”, both of which are hereby incorporated by this reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to power conversion including direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and, more particularly, to photovoltaic module output power conversion to AC.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0005] In coming years, distributed generation of electricity is likely to become a larger and larger part of the energy sourced to utili...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]Embodiments of the invention include a novel approach whereby only those functions and components that are necessary to achieve the advantages of microinverters are placed in assemblies in proximity to the PV modules and other functions including, for example, system control, are located elsewhere. This separation of functions and components is termed portioning. The control and coordination of the system is performed without additional wiring. Communications may occur via powerline, wired and / or wireless channels. Disabling the communications channel provides a way for turning the microinverters off thereby facilitating inverter or PV module replacement, maintenance or other desired tasks. Moreover, the partitioning provides for enhanced safety as compared to the related art. In the related art, in the presence of solar radiation, the PV module outputs are always enabled and are thus capable of electrocuting the installer. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide for...

[0001] The present application relates to and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 938,663 filed May 17, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. The present application is further related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. LAR004 entitled, “Photovoltaic AC Inverter Mount and Interconnect” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. LAR003 entitled “Photovoltaic Module-Mounted AC Inverter”, both of which are hereby incorporated by this reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to power conversion including direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and, more particularly, to photovoltaic module output power conversion to AC.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0005] In coming years, distributed generation of electricity is likely to become a larger and larger part of the energy sourced to utili...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]Embodiments of the invention include a novel approach whereby only those functions and components that are necessary to achieve the advantages of microinverters are placed in assemblies in proximity to the PV modules and other functions including, for example, system control, are located elsewhere. This separation of functions and components is termed portioning. The control and coordination of the system is performed without additional wiring. Communications may occur via powerline, wired and / or wireless channels. Disabling the communications channel provides a way for turning the microinverters off thereby facilitating inverter or PV module replacement, maintenance or other desired tasks. Moreover, the partitioning provides for enhanced safety as compared to the related art. In the related art, in the presence of solar radiation, the PV module outputs are always enabled and are thus capable of electrocuting the installer. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide for...

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