Method and system for providing power from solar device

Abstract

A method for providing power directly to a consumer from a photovoltaic (PV) device is provided. The method comprises (a) providing power directly from the PV device to the consumer, wherein the PV device comprises a first portion and a second portion; (b) determining whether a current (I) output of the PV device is below a threshold; and (c) if below the threshold, connecting at least one segment of the second portion of the PV device to the consumer; or (d) disconnecting at least one connection section of the second portion of the PV device from the consumer if it is determined that the current (I) output of the PV device exceeds the threshold; and repeating steps (b) to (d) to maintain the current (I) output of the PV device within the threshold range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a system for providing electric power generated by a solar device to an electric consumer. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art that may be associated with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It is believed that this discussion helps provide a framework for better understanding certain aspects of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that this section should be read from this perspective and not necessarily as an admission of any prior art.

[0003] The characteristics of electricity from solar devices, such as PV panels, can vary throughout the day, particularly due to the intermittent nature of such resources. Intermittency and other factors present challenges for the direct interconnection of PV panels to electrical loads, particularly large electrical loads, such as loads rated for power consumption in the gigawatt range, and particularly electrolysis devices, which, when powered by "green" electricity, produce "green" hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Green hydrogen has attracted increasing interest in the global effort to decarbonize energy consumption. This is in part because hydrogen is a key molecule for the future energy transition, both as a commercial fuel for automotive fuel cell applications and as a carrier for transporting renewable energy over long distances.

[0004] The characteristics of electricity from solar energy, such as current and voltage, can vary throughout the day, particularly due to the intermittent nature of such resources. Therefore, solar energy installations are typically connected to a utility grid as an intermediary for distributing green energy more broadly to the general population served by the utility grid, rather than transmitting such green energy directly from the solar energy installation to one or more electrical consumers, particularly electrical consumers with energy needs in the gigawatt range.

[0005] However, due to the potential for efficient conversion of solar energy into hydrogen, there are some systems and methods for connecting electrolysis equipment directly to PV panels or arrays without going through the utility grid. That is, due to the reactive losses of the grid infrastructure, the relative amount of electricity used to decompose water molecules and generate hydrogen using a direct connection between the electrolyzer and the PV array is less than if the electricity used to generate hydrogen came from the utility grid. It should be understood that the efficiency of direct electrical connection to the PV array applies to other electrical consumers as well, not just electrolyzers.

[0006] For example, US20210079544 discloses an electrolysis system, which generally has a photovoltaic array for providing current and voltage output, and an electrolyzer device having at least one electrolyzer stack directly connected to the photovoltaic array.

[0007] US2011297204 discloses selectively connecting a portion of a PV array having a maximum power point voltage matching an operating voltage of the process, and selectively connecting a second portion of the PV array having a maximum power point voltage matching an operating voltage of at least a second process.

[0008] WO2007142693 discloses a method of continuous monitoring and control by an automatic controller system to operate the PV and electrolyser systems at or near their respective maximum efficiencies. WO2007142693 also provides that insertion of a DC-DC converter rather than direct connection can be used to adjust the Vmpp to the operating voltage of the electrolyser.

[0009] US2005189234 and US20090178918 as a whole disclose that matching the most efficient voltage generated by the photovoltaic cell with the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell is economically challenging for large-scale implementation.

[0010] The above references focus primarily on the efficiency of the operation of the electrical consumers, such as aiming to use the minimum amount of solar power that can be most efficiently generated by the solar device to generate the most hydrogen for that amount of solar power. They do not consider any solutions to the economic problems associated with the electrical consumers, which have a lower overall output when directly connected to the solar device due to the intermittent nature of electricity production.

[0011] For example, US20080236647 attempts to address the lack of economics of direct connection to a PV array alone, albeit with high efficiency, by additionally connecting an electrolysis plant to the utility grid as a second source of electricity.

[0012] Therefore, other solutions are needed to increase the power available to consumers when connected directly to solar equipment.

[0013] US20200119561A1 discloses a solar power generation system, or more specifically, discloses DC integration of a battery for expanding the DC-AC ratio limit of a PV inverter. Summary of the invention

[0014] The methods and systems described herein are capable of providing power directly from a PV device to an electrical consumer, preferably an electrolysis device, to produce hydrogen from solar energy, wherein the operation of the electrolysis device does not need to be powered by electricity from a utility grid. In addition, the methods and systems described herein maximize hydrogen production efficiency by at least allowing additional current from the PV device (which tends to fluctuate) to be provided for additional production while remaining near a desired threshold.

[0015] According to certain aspects, a method for providing power directly to an electrical consumer from a photovoltaic (PV) device is provided. The method comprises: (a) providing power generated by a PV device via direct connection to the electrical consumer, wherein the electrical consumer comprises a rated current and a rated power, and the electrical consumer preferably consists essentially of an electrolysis device. The PV device comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein each of the first portion and the first portion comprises at least one PV string, wherein the first portion comprises a first maximum power production point, which is at least 60%, preferably in the range of 60% to 120%, and more preferably in the range of 60% to 100% of the rated power of the electrical consumer. The second portion comprises a second maximum power production point, such that the sum of the first maximum power production point and the second maximum power production point is at least 5%, preferably in the range of 30% to 40%, and more preferably in the range of 40% to 70% greater than the rated power of the electrical consumer. The method further comprises (b) determining whether the current (I) output of the PV device is below a threshold value; and (c) if it is determined that the current (I) output of the PV device is below the threshold value, connecting at least one segment of the second portion of the PV device to the consumer to allow any generated power to be provided; or (d) if it is determined that the current (I) output of the PV device exceeds the threshold value, disconnecting at least one connected segment of the second portion of the PV device from the consumer to stop providing power. The method further comprises (d) repeating steps (b) to (d) to maintain the current (I) output of the PV device within the threshold value.

[0016] Optionally, the connected or disconnected segments of the second portion of the PV device are selected from PV modules, PV strings, PV arrays, and any combination thereof. Optionally, the current (I) capacity of each connected or disconnected segment of the second portion is 1% to 15%, preferably 1% to 5%, and more preferably 1% to 2% of the total current (I) capacity of the PV device.

[0017] Optionally, steps (c) and (d) comprise sending a signal to a switching mechanism to perform the corresponding connecting step or disconnecting step. Optionally, the switching mechanism is an electrical switching mechanism, preferably comprising one or more solid state relays (SSRs). Optionally, at least one switching mechanism is connected to each segment to be connected or disconnected.

[0018] Optionally, the threshold value is in the range of 95% to 110% of the rated current of the electrical consumer.

[0019] Optionally, the step of connecting at least one segment of the second portion comprises selectively connecting by at least:

[0020] (d1) determining whether all segments in the second part are connected to the electrical consumer;

[0021] (d2) If it is determined that all segments in the second part are connected to the electrical consumer, repeat step (b)

[0022] to (d); or

[0023] (d3) If it is determined that not all segments in the second part are connected to the electrical consumer, connecting at least one segment of the second part to the electrical consumer.

[0024] Optionally, selectively connecting further comprises:

[0025] (d3i) selecting a segment of the second part to be connected to the electrical consumer;

[0026] (d3ii) determining whether the selected segment is already connected to a consumer;

[0027] (d3iii) if it is determined that the selected segment is already connected to the electrical consumer, selecting another segment of the second part; or

[0028] (d3iv) if it is determined that the selected segment is not connected to the electrical consumer, connecting the selected segment to the electrical consumer;

[0029] (d3v) repeating steps (d3i) to (d3iii) for all segments of the second portion; and

[0030] (d3vi) after steps (d3i) to (d3iii) have been performed on all segments of the second part,

[0031] Repeat steps (b) to (d).

[0032] Optionally, the step of disconnecting the connected segments of the second portion comprises selectively disconnecting by at least:

[0033] (e1) determining whether all segments in the second part are disconnected from the electrical consumer;

[0034] (e2) if it is determined that all segments in the second portion are disconnected from the electrical consumer, repeating steps (b) to (d); or

[0035] (e3) If it is determined that the segment of the second part is connected to the electrical consumer, disconnecting the connected segment of the second part from the electrical consumer.

[0036] Optionally, selectively disconnecting further includes:

[0037] (e3i) Selecting a connecting segment of the second part to disconnect the electrical consumer based on the amount of current provided by the connecting segment of the second part, preferably selecting a segment of the second part that provides the lowest current or the highest current compared to other segments of the second part for disconnection.

[0038] Optionally, the method further comprises a delay period before performing step (b), preferably a delay period of at least 0.2 seconds, more preferably a delay period of at least 0.5 seconds, and most preferably a delay period of at least 1 second.

[0039] Optionally, the electrical consumer comprises two or more groups of electrolysis equipment connected in parallel, wherein preferably each group of electrolysis equipment comprises one electrolyzer stack or two or more electrolyzer stacks connected in series.

[0040] Optionally, the PV device has a nominal power output of at least 1 MW, preferably at least 5 MW, more preferably at least 10 MW, and most preferably at least 20 MW.

[0041] Optionally, the method further comprises estimating an available current of the PV installation, preferably wherein the estimation is based at least on a correlation with the measured irradiance, and connecting the PV installation to the consumer if the estimated available current is above a minimum operating current of the consumer.

[0042] Optionally, the electrical consumer comprises an electrolysis device and does not receive electricity from the grid to generate the hydrogen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 An exemplary system of a PV device directly connected to an electrical consumer (such as an electrolysis device) is shown, which system can be operated according to aspects described herein, including Figure 7 The exemplary process flow depicted in and the corresponding description.

[0044] Figure 2 is an exemplary graph of current produced by an exemplary undersized PV device on a sunny day and a cloudy day.

[0045] Figure 3 is an exemplary graph of current produced by an exemplary oversized PV installation on sunny and cloudy days.

[0046] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 and Figure 3 An exemplary graph of the difference in current generation between .

[0047] Figure 5 It is a depiction Figure 2 undersized PV installations and Figure 3 An exemplary graph of a voltage / current curve for an oversized PV device.

[0048] Figure 6 It is a depiction Figure 2 undersized PV installations and Figure 3 An exemplary graph of a voltage / power curve for an oversized PV device.

[0049] Figure 7 According to aspects described herein, for operating such as Figure 1 and Figure 8 An exemplary process flow for the exemplary system depicted.

[0050] Figure 8 Another exemplary system of a PV device directly connected to an electrical consumer (such as more than one set of electrolysis equipment) is shown, which system can be operated according to aspects described herein, including Figure 7 The exemplary process flow depicted in and the corresponding description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments of the invention as shown in the accompanying drawings. References to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered within the knowledge of those skilled in the art that such feature, structure, or characteristic may be affected in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. Other suitable modifications and adjustments of various conditions and parameters commonly encountered in the art, and will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0052] Although the description herein provides many specific details set forth for a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other cases, well-known process steps and / or structures are not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The features and advantages of the embodiments may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the following discussion.

[0053] In addition, when similar elements are used in one or more drawings, the same reference numerals will be used in each drawing, and a detailed description of the element will be provided only when the element first appears. For the sake of clarity, some features or components of the system or process described herein may be omitted in some of the depicted configurations. In addition, some features such as but not limited to pumps, valves, vents, gas inlets, fluid inlets, fluid outlets, etc. are not necessarily shown in the drawings, but their presence and function will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, the depiction of some features in such features in the drawings does not indicate that all these features are depicted.

[0054] As background, Figure 1An example of a system, such as system 100, is shown, which includes a PV device 102, an electrical consumer 104, and a direct connection 106 between the two, which is used to provide the power generated by the PV device 102 to the electrolysis device 104. It should be understood that the methods and systems described herein are particularly suitable for electrolysis devices. However, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the systems and methods described in this way can be applied to other types of electrical consumers. The methods and systems described herein are applicable to the system 100 described herein and its various embodiments.

[0055] As used herein, a "direct" connection between a PV device and a connected electrical consumer has its usual meaning, i.e., a connection without any conversion equipment between the PV device and the connected electrical consumer to change the current, voltage, and / or current (direct current to alternating current) of the power provided. Such conversion equipment includes DC-DC converters, inverters, transformers, and rectifiers. For example, inverters are commonly used to convert direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power; transformers and DC-DC converters transfer power from one circuit to another by changing the voltage level but not the frequency; and rectifiers convert alternating current (AC) that changes direction periodically to direct current (DC). It should be understood that a direct connection as used herein does not include the case where there is a utility grid between the PV device and the electrical consumer. This is because, whether providing or receiving power, the grid connection requires various types of conversion equipment for converting the generated power from the PV device into a format acceptable to the grid, or converting the power from the grid into a format acceptable to the electrical consumer. Although the direct connection 106 between the PV device 102 and the electrical consumer 104 does not include any conversion equipment, the system 100 may include conversion equipment that is applicable and known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in an embodiment where the consumer 104 consists primarily of an electrolysis device or system, the electrolyzer stack of such a system utilizes direct current (DC) power to drive the electrochemical decomposition of water to produce hydrogen and constitutes a large portion of the total power demand. The electrolyzer system also includes other power electronics (not shown), such as additional hardware required to support the operation of the electrolyzer stack, generally referred to as a balance of power (BoP, not shown). Depending on the requirements of the BoP, it may optionally include a rectifier (not shown), but such a rectifier (if present) is not part of the direct connection 106.

[0056] The electrical consumer 104 has rated specifications, such as rated power, rated current, and rated voltage, which are usually provided by the manufacturer. As used herein, "rated" voltage, current, and power have their usual meanings, including the maximum voltage, current, and power at which a component or device (electrical consumer) can safely operate, respectively. Providing power with characteristics that exceed the rated specifications of the electrical consumer risks damaging the electrical consumer (such as electrolysis equipment) and / or interrupting operation (such as surges, etc.).

[0057] The fluctuating current and voltage of the electricity generated by the PV device is a factor to consider in ensuring that the rated specifications of the electrolysis equipment are met. For direct connection without the use of conversion equipment to adjust the current and voltage to meet the rated specifications of the consumer, this problem is usually solved by constructing the PV device in such a way that its maximum production level does not exceed a certain threshold, usually the rated specifications of the consumer (such as rated current, voltage or power). Doing so usually results in the PV device being "undersized" relative to the consumer, in which case the consumer may operate for a longer period of time (such as to produce more hydrogen), but the limiting factor is the "oversizing" of the amount of electricity provided.

[0058] For example, Figure 2 The y-axis shows the Figure 1 A graph of the current output in amperes (A) versus time (seconds) of a PV device 102 in FIG. Figure 2 When the electrical consumers (e.g., 104) of the PV device in the graph in FIG. 1 mainly consist of electrolysis equipment, then Figure 2 The graph in can be indicative of hydrogen production by such a connected electrolyser, since there is a linear correlation between current output and hydrogen production (i.e., an increase in current (I) input is equal to an increase in hydrogen production). Figure 2202 shows the maximum current estimated to be generated by the PV device of the graph during a full day with partly cloudy weather, and 204 shows the maximum current estimated to be generated on a sunny day without clouds. As shown in the figure, in order to ensure that the maximum current generated at any given moment does not exceed a threshold value 206 (a maximum allowed current, which is usually based on the rated current of the connected electrical consumers), the PV device can be designed (based on the nominal capacity provided by the manufacturer, and the maximum production current of the PV module arrangement is determined based on the weather conditions of the selected location) so that the peaks of its curves 202 and 204 are lower than the normal 100% operating current recommended by the manufacturer of the electrolysis equipment, which is lower than the threshold value 206. The manufacturer of the electrolysis equipment usually provides various operating parameters, such as the normal 100% operating current and the maximum allowed current for reference before triggering the warning, which can be considered by ordinary technicians in the field when selecting the threshold value 206 as needed. That is, although the threshold value 206 is preferably selected based on the maximum allowed current according to the manufacturer of the equipment to maximize hydrogen production, the threshold value 206 can be selected based on any other current (I) amount to meet the desired goals known to ordinary technicians in the field. As used herein, "nominal capacity" has its ordinary meaning, including the expected full-load continuous output of a system or component, if the context relates to a power supply. In addition, the nominal capacity is a number registered with the authorities to classify the power output of a power supply. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that PV modules can be arranged in parallel, in series, or any combination thereof to achieve the desired output current and voltage specific to the weather conditions of a location. For example, a PV module with Figure 2 The PV installation with the current distribution shown can be Figure 1 1. A PV device 102 in which a PV string 108 may include one or more PV modules 110. If the PV string 108 has two or more PV modules 110, the PV modules 110 are connected in series. Multiple PV strings 108 may be connected in parallel to form a PV array (such as a first portion 112 described further below).

[0059] The present methods and systems as described herein allow for additional current to be provided to an electrical consumer, such as 104, while still meeting the rated specifications of the electrical consumer to minimize disruption to operation or damage to the electrical consumer itself. The present methods and systems allow for additional PV modules to be connected to increase the current from the PV device to a threshold value 206, and if the threshold value 206 is exceeded, the PV modules are disconnected to reduce the current. Figure 3 As shown, this can be achieved by sizing or configuring the PV installation so that the peak of its current production curve (or profile) during partly cloudy (302) and completely sunny (304) exceeds threshold 206 to allow additional current to be provided, as depicted by curve 304, with Figure 2In contrast to the PV device with current distribution depicted in Figure 2 Such a PV installation may be referred to as being "undersized" for the connected electrical consumers, since the amount of current output on any given day (as shown by curves 202 and 204) is below a threshold 206 (typically the rated current of the connected electrical consumers). Figure 3 The PV device 302 may be referred to as being “oversized” because the peak values ​​of the current profiles 302 and 304 are above the threshold 206 .

[0060] Additional PV modules may be connected and disconnected in a controlled manner to ensure that threshold 206 is not exceeded. The connection and disconnection of additional PV modules as described herein is preferably performed selectively, various exemplary embodiments of which are described herein. Having a second portion of PV modules (additional PV modules) that can be connected and disconnected as described herein provides the benefit of increased current (I) available in the overall "oversized" PV installation while ensuring that the operating conditions of the connected electrical consumers are not exceeded. The additional current (I) available by increasing the number of PV modules in the "oversized" configuration as described herein provides additional productivity for the electrical consumers, particularly due to the direct correlation between current (I) and hydrogen production, allowing the connected electrolysis device to generate hydrogen. Figure 4 The "undersized" current (I) production curve 204 for a sunny day is compared to the "oversized" current (I) production curve under similar conditions 304, and the area 402 between the two curves at the threshold 206 is shown as an example of the usable increase that can be achieved by the methods and systems described herein. It should be understood that these graphs are used to describe the concepts and features of the methods and systems described, and the exact numbers may vary depending on the specifications specific to certain embodiments.

[0061] As is known to those skilled in the art, the solar radiation intensity striking a PV module controls the current (I), while an increase in the temperature of the PV module reduces its voltage (V). A PV module or PV device generally has its own specific IV curve, such as Figure 5502 and 504 in the figure, which is a graphical representation of the current (I) and voltage relationship of the module or device under certain operating conditions of irradiance and temperature. Curve 502 is for a PV device with a nominal current (I) output of about 425 amperes, and curve 504 is for a PV device with a nominal current (I) output of about 600 amperes. For curves 502 and 504, when the corresponding PV device is open circuit (i.e., not connected to any load), the current will be at a minimum value (zero) and the voltage across the PV device will be at a maximum value (i.e., about 160V). At the other extreme, when the corresponding PV device is short circuited (i.e., the positive and negative leads are connected together), the voltage across the PV device is at its minimum value (zero), but the current flowing out of the PV device reaches its maximum value (about 425 amperes for curve 502 and about 600 amperes for curve 504).

[0062] The power delivered by a PV device is the product of its current (I) output and voltage output (P = I*V). If a multiplication is performed on the operating voltage from short circuit conditions to open circuit conditions, a power curve can be generated for a given irradiance level, such as Figure 6 6 and 604, which correspond to IV curves 502 and 504, respectively. There is a particular combination of current and voltage where the power reaches its maximum value (maximum power point or MPP), at Figure 5 and Figure 6 , MPP 506 for IV curve 502 and power curve 602, respectively, and MPP 508 for IV curve 504 and power curve 604. MPP can be referred to as the ideal operating condition for a PV device under specific weather conditions (temperature and irradiance). Therefore, the IV curve provides the information needed to construct a PV device so that it can operate as close to its MPP as possible.

[0063] For an electrical consumer consisting primarily of an electrolysis device and connected directly to a PV installation, the electrolysis device has a polarization or IV curve that defines the relationship between voltage and current (I) input to the electrolysis device, where current (I) has a linear relationship with hydrogen production (i.e., an increase in current (I) input results in an increase in hydrogen production). Figure 1 When the system 100 in FIG. 1 is used, the IV curve of the PV device can be matched to the polarization curve of the electrolysis device. For example, additional photovoltaic modules and / or electrolysis stacks can be added or resized to be within the desired operating conditions and / or hydrogen production. Figure 5 An example of how to match a polarization curve 510 of an electrolysis device to a PV device having an IV curve 502 and a PV device having an IV curve 504 is depicted.

[0064] Specifically, under similar weather conditions, IV curve 502 is "underscaled" relative to polarization curve 510, and IV curve 504 is "overscaled" relative to curve 510. The descriptions above and elsewhere related to "underscaled" and "overscaled" apply here, respectively. An overscaled PV device has an approximately 40% (e.g., 38%) higher power production capacity than an underscaled PV device. For example, IV curve 502 may be used for a PV device having a current (I) production capacity of approximately 425 amperes, which remains relatively constant over a range of 0V to 120V, and IV curve 504 may be used for a PV device having a current production capacity of approximately 600 amperes (approximately 40% more).

[0065] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, both MPP 506 and MPP 508 correspond to similar voltages, while oversized curve 504 provides more current (I) and power than undersized curve 502. PV modules tend to produce a relatively constant voltage output even as the intensity of the sun changes, unless the modules are severely shaded, which is usually the case. It is primarily the current (I) output that decreases with decreasing light intensity. With a relatively constant voltage output, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The curves in show that once the nominal voltage of the PV device is configured for the connected electrolysis equipment, the power and current (I) output of the PV device can be controlled by connecting (opening) or disconnecting (closing) certain PV modules in the PV device to increase or decrease the power and voltage (I) provided to the connected electrolysis equipment, respectively, while still operating within the rated specifications. As described in US20210079544, due to the expected degradation of the PV device over time, the PV device can be designed to have a nominal voltage slightly higher than the rated voltage of the connected electrolysis equipment.

[0066] According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for providing power to an electrical consumer from a solar device. Figure 1 , a photovoltaic (PV) device 102 is provided, the PV device including a first portion 112 and a second portion 114. The PV device 102 is directly connected to an electrical consumer 104 to provide power generated therefrom. As shown, the PV device includes an electrical output (i.e., a combined current (I) output 118) having a specific current (I) amount, which can be measured by an electrical measuring device known to those of ordinary skill in the art (such as an ammeter 120).

[0067] Each of the first section 112 and the second section 114 includes at least one PV string 108, wherein one PV module 110 or a plurality of PV modules 110 are connected in series with each other. If the sections 112 and / or 114 include two or more (multiple) PV strings 108, such as Figure 1 As shown, the plurality of strings 108 are connected in parallel with one another to form a PV array, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, as further described herein, the first portion 112 (once connected to the electrical consumer) provides a majority of the electrical power needs of the electrical consumer. On the other hand, the second portion 114 is configured to be repeatedly connected to and disconnected from the electrical consumer 104 via a switching mechanism 116 to control the amount of power from the second portion 114 according to a particular threshold, which translates into being able to control the total amount of power provided to the electrical consumer from the PV device 102 according to the threshold. Thus, at least the second portion 114 can, preferably, be configured, as described herein, in particular via a switching mechanism 116 (such as Figure 1 That is, it should be understood that the first portion 112 can have a switching mechanism to connect or disconnect it from the electrical consumer as needed, such as for maintenance or daily opening and closing of the system or other reasons known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0068] The electrical consumer 104 includes a rated current and a rated power (neither shown). The first portion 112 includes a first maximum power production point that is direct current (DC). The second portion includes a second maximum power production point that is also DC. Manufacturers of specific solar energy devices (such as PV modules) typically provide data that allow performance curves (such as PV modules) to be generated for a specific PV installation composed of such solar energy devices. Figure 5 and Figure 6 1 and 114). As described above, such performance curves may be used to determine or calculate the maximum power production points of the first portion 112 and the second portion 114 to provide a first maximum power production point and a second maximum power production point, respectively. It should be understood that during operation, as weather conditions fluctuate, the actual current (I) output of the PV device 102 may fluctuate away from the MPP.

[0069] The first maximum power production point is at least 60% of the rated power of the electrical consumer 104, such as in the range of 60% to 120%, and more preferably in the range of 60% to 100%. That is, the first portion 112 is preferably undersized relative to the electrical consumer 104 so that additional PV modules can be connected to increase the current, and correspondingly increase the power, as described herein. Broadly speaking, for locations where weather conditions tend to be cloudy and therefore electricity production is less, the first maximum power production point is closer to or may be greater than the rated power of the electrical consumer 104. Conversely, for locations with abundant sunlight, the first maximum power production point tends to be much lower than the rated power of the electrical consumer 104.

[0070] The maximum power production point of the PV device 102 (the sum of the first maximum power production point and the second maximum power production point) is at least 5% greater than the rated power of the electrical consumer 104. The maximum power production point of the PV device 102 is preferably 30% to 40% greater than the rated power of the electrical consumer 104, more preferably 40% to 70% greater. In other words, as described herein, the PV device 102 including the first portion 112 and the second portion 114 is oversized relative to the electrical consumer 104.

[0071] To decide whether at least one segment from portion 114 should be connected or disconnected, such as PV string 122A or 122B, it is determined whether the combined current (I) output 118 of PV device 102 exceeds a threshold value. Preferably, the threshold value is in the range of 95% to 110% of the rated current of electrical consumer 104, such as 95%, 99%, 100%, 105%, or 110% of the rated current. If it is determined that the combined current (I) output 118 of PV device 102 is below the threshold value, at least one segment of second portion 114 may be connected to electrical consumer 104 so that when power is generated by the now connected segment, it may be provided to electrical consumer 104. If it is determined that the combined current (I) output 118 of PV device 102 exceeds the threshold value, at least one segment of second portion 114 may be disconnected from electrical consumer 104 so that any power generated by the now disconnected segment is not provided to electrical consumer 104. The following steps may be continuously repeated: determining whether the combined current (I) output 118 exceeds a threshold, connecting at least one segment of the second portion if the combined current (I) output 118 is below the threshold, or disconnecting at least one connected segment of the second portion if the combined current (I) output 118 is above the threshold, to maintain the current (I) output of the PV device 102 within the threshold range.

[0072] The segments to be connected or disconnected of the second portion 114 of the PV device 102 may preferably be selected from PV modules, PV strings, PV arrays, and any combination thereof. For example, the segments to be connected or disconnected may be one or more PV strings 108. Each string 108 of the segments may be primarily composed of one PV module 110, a plurality of modules 110 connected in series, or any combination thereof to achieve a desired power output. For purposes of illustration, Figure 1 The second portion 114 is depicted as including segments 122A and 122B. It should be understood that additional segments to be connected or disconnected may also include 122B, 122C, 122D, etc. (and applicable 122C to 122Z and beyond, not depicted, but understood to be variations contemplated herein). As solar device technology advances, it is expected that the number, scale, or other relevant specifications will change, and those of ordinary skill in the art may make appropriate adjustments. Optionally, the current (I) capacity of each segment of the second portion that is connected or disconnected is 1% to 15%, preferably 1% to 5%, and more preferably 1% to 2% of the total current (I) capacity of the PV device. For example, the current (I) capacity of segments 122A and 122B may each be 1% of the total current (I) capacity of the PV device 102, while segments 122C and 122D (not shown) are 2%, 122E and 122F (not shown) are 5%, and so on, up to 15%.

[0073] Suitably, a signal is sent to the switching mechanism 116 to perform the corresponding connection step or disconnection step. Optionally, the switching mechanism 116 is an electrical switching mechanism. Preferably, the switching mechanism 116 includes one or more solid state relays (SSRs), more preferably, at least one SSR, and most preferably, two SSRs (one for each + / - potential difference of electron flow) connected to each segment being connected or disconnected.

[0074] Solid-state relays or solid-state switches are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in general, the function of an SSR is the same as that of an electromechanical relay, but it has no moving parts. An SSR consists primarily of a sensor that responds to an appropriate input (control signal), a solid-state electronic switching device that switches power to a load circuit, and a coupling mechanism that enables the control signal to activate the switch without mechanical parts. Relays can be designed to switch AC or DC loads. Solid-state relays are commercially available with ratings ranging from a few volts or amperes to hundreds of volts and hundreds of amperes of output switching capacity, which can be appropriately selected by those of ordinary skill in the art. Non-exclusive examples of suitable SSRs include insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs).

[0075] As known to those of ordinary skill in the art, various electrical measuring devices may be placed between the PV device 102 and the electrical consumer 104 to facilitate the methods and systems described herein. In addition, it is also known to those of ordinary skill in the art to use a computer program or advanced control logic to receive inputs from the various electrical measuring devices to analyze and implement at least the connecting and disconnecting steps by sending appropriate signals to the relevant switching mechanisms.

[0076] A computer program for controlling the various components described herein, including implementing the connection and disconnection steps, may be referred to as a controller. Figure 5 124 in the controller 124. When the computer program is executed by a data processor, the controller 124 can be any suitable computer program for performing the applicable steps of the method described herein. As used herein, reference to a computer program is intended to be equivalent to reference to a program element and / or a computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer system to coordinate the performance of the method described herein. The computer program (or logic solver) can be implemented as a computer-readable instruction code using any suitable programming language (such as, for example, JAVA, C++) and can be stored on a computer-readable medium (removable disk, volatile or non-volatile memory, embedded memory / processor, etc.). The instruction code is operable to program a computer or any other programmable device to implement the intended function. The computer program can be obtained from a network (such as the World Wide Web) and can be downloaded from the network. The various aspects described herein can be implemented by means of a computer program, respectively, software; however, they can also be implemented by means of one or more specific electronic circuits, respectively, hardware. In addition, the present invention can also be implemented in a hybrid form, that is, in a combination of software modules and hardware modules. Suitably, the controller 124 may comprise a distributed control system (DCS) or a PLC-type controller (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0077] Optionally, at least one current measuring device (such as an ammeter) 120 can be connected to the output of the PV device 102 to assist the controller 124 in determining whether the combined current (I) output 118 of the PV device 102 is below a threshold value, which can be set by a user or programmed into the controller 124. The threshold value can be anything selected by the user, in which case the threshold value is preferably associated with the rated specifications of the electrical consumer 104, as described elsewhere in this disclosure. There can be another current measuring device 126 connected to the output of each segment (such as 122A, 122B, etc.) of the second portion 114 to help determine the current output of each segment, which can help with optional selective disconnection, as further described below. During startup of the system 100, the ammeter 120 may not yet measure the current (I) output 118 before current begins to flow from the PV device 102 to the electrical consumer 104. Prior to connecting the PV device 102 to the electrical consumer 104 to allow current (I) to flow, it is preferred to determine whether the current (I) available from the PV device 102 is above a minimum level required to operate the electrical consumer 104 before continuing the connection. This is preferred because if the available current is not above the minimum level for operation, and the PV device 102 is turned on to provide current anyway, the hydrogen and oxygen in the electrolysis equipment have more time to diffuse through the membranes in the electrolyzer cells and potentially form an explosive mixture. One suitable option for estimating the available current (I) from the PV device 102 during startup is to use the irradiance sensor 128 to measure the irradiance using calculations known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, prior to connecting the first portion of the PV device 102 to the irradiance sensor 128, after current (I) is flowing, the methods may be implemented as described herein, such as with respect to Figure 7 Those methods described.

[0078] This article refers to Figure 7 To provide further explanation and context regarding how to connect and disconnect one or more segments (eg, 122A, 122B, etc.) of the second portion 114, such as via the controller 124. Figure 7 At step 702, it is determined whether the current (I) output of the PV device (such as current output 118) is below a threshold. Figure 7 , which is preferably performed by the controller 124, at least by comparing the current (I) reading of the PV device 102 measured by the current (I) measuring device 120 with a selected threshold value, which is preferably the rated current of the electrical consumer 104. Figure 7If the response is positive, i.e., the current (I) output is below the threshold, the process can proceed directly to step 704D to connect at least one segment (e.g., 122A) of the second portion (e.g., 124) to the electrical consumer (e.g., 104). If the response is negative, i.e., the current (I) output is above or exceeds the threshold, the process can proceed to step 706 to disconnect at least one connected segment (e.g., 122A) of the second portion (e.g., 124) from the electrical consumer (e.g., 104).

[0079] Optionally, refer to Figure 7 , the step of connecting the segments (such as step 704D) preferably includes optional step 704A, optional step 704B, optional step 704C, or any combination thereof, to selectively select specific segments of the second portion, rather than any segments, to be connected to the electrical consumer, which may be referred to as "selectively connecting". For example, before performing step 704D and connecting the segments to the electrical consumer (such as via a signal sent from the controller 124 to the switching mechanism 116), it may be determined whether all segments in the second portion of the PV device are already connected to the electrical consumer. This step is preferably performed by the controller 124. If the response is affirmative, i.e., all segments are already connected, the process 700 is repeated starting from step 702. If the response is negative, i.e., not all segments are connected to the electrical consumer, the process may proceed directly to step 704D to connect at least one segment, or proceed to optional step 704B, in which a specific segment is selected for connection. This may be accomplished by methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the individual segments in the second portion of the PV installation and their corresponding switching mechanisms may be defined or named in a controller (e.g., 124) and programmed so that each segment may be systematically selected for connection (e.g., first selecting segment A, then segment B, then segment C, etc.). Alternatively, another suitable selective selection protocol may include selecting segments based at least on their output capacity, such as first selecting segments with higher current output capacity (e.g., approximately 10%), then moving to segments with lower current output capacity (e.g., approximately 1%), or vice versa. Although Figure 7 704A can be skipped, with the process proceeding from step 702 to step 704B, with the segments selected for connection as described herein. Preferably, a segment connected in one instance ("open") is not subsequently selected to be immediately disconnected ("closed").

[0080] Once selected, it may be determined at step 704C whether the selected segment is already connected to the electrical consumer. If the response is positive, i.e., the selected segment is already connected, then the process returns to step 704B so that another segment may be selected to be connected to the electrical consumer. Steps 704B and 704C are repeated until a segment is found that is available for connection, which results in a negative response that the selected segment has not yet been connected, and the process may proceed to step 704D, in which the selected segment is connected.

[0081] Optionally, the step of disconnecting the connection segments (such as step 706) preferably includes selecting a specific connection segment of the second part, rather than any connection segment, to be disconnected from the electrical consumer, which may be referred to as "selective disconnection". Figure 7 , the selective disconnection may include optional step 706A, optional step 704B, optional step 706C, optional step 706D, or any combination thereof. For example, before performing step 706 and disconnecting the segment from the electrical consumer (such as via a signal sent from the controller 124 to the switching mechanism 116), it may be determined whether all segments in the second portion of the PV device have been disconnected from the electrical consumer. This step is preferably performed by the controller 124. If the response is affirmative, i.e., all segments have been disconnected, the process 700 is repeated starting from step 702. If the response is negative, i.e., not all segments have been disconnected from the electrical consumer, the process may proceed directly to step 706E to disconnect at least one connected segment, or proceed to optional step 706B, in which a specific connected segment is selected for disconnection. This can be accomplished by methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, where the various segments in the second portion of the PV installation and their corresponding switching mechanisms have been defined or named and programmed in the controller (e.g., 124) as described above, each connected segment can be systematically selected for disconnection (e.g., first selecting segment A, then selecting segment B, then selecting segment C, etc.). Preferably, as Figure 7 As depicted, the selection may be based on the amount of current in the current provided. For example, at step 706E, the segment of the second portion providing the lowest current (I) output is selected to be disconnected from the electrical consumer. Alternatively, at step 706D, the segment of the second portion providing the highest current (I) output is selected to be disconnected from the electrical consumer. The selection between steps 706C may be done manually by a user and / or may be programmed by a person of ordinary skill in the art to be performed by a controller (e.g., 124) as desired.

[0082] If step 706C is selected, the segment producing the lowest current (compared to the other segments in the second portion) is disconnected or turned off first. This can allow the value of the total current (I) output of the PV device to be set as close to the threshold as possible, which can translate into a higher productivity of the consumer (such as, if the consumer includes an electrolyzer, into hydrogen production) compared to disconnecting segments producing higher currents. The balancing of selecting the lowest current segment is the possibility of repeating the process 700 to shut down multiple segments to bring the current (I) output of the PV device below the threshold, which may take more time. On the other hand, if step 706D is selected, the segment producing the highest current is disconnected first (compared to the other segments in the second portion). This can allow fewer segments to be shut down or disconnected for fewer rounds of the process cycle 700 to bring the total current (I) output of the PV device below the threshold, which may take less time than selecting other segments. Balancing refers to the possibility of a reduction in the output of the consumer and / or additional switching activity to increase the current (I) output of the PV device to near the threshold.

[0083] Sensors including electrical measuring devices can be used to help determine which segment produces the lowest or highest current. Figure 1 , an electrical measuring device (or ammeter) 126 connected to the output of the segments 122A of the second portion 114, preferably one ammeter connected to each segment, can be used to provide the controller 124 with a current reading or measurement of the corresponding segment to perform step 706C or 706D. The following steps of determining whether the current (I) output exceeds a threshold value, connecting at least one segment of the second portion if the current (I) output is below the threshold value, or disconnecting at least one connected segment of the second portion if the current (I) output is above the threshold value can be repeated continuously to maintain the combined current (I) output 118 of the PV device 102 within the threshold value range. For example, referring to Figure 7 , after executing step 704D or 706E, the process loop 700 is repeated starting from step 702. Optionally, the process 700 also includes a delay period (e.g., 708) before executing step 702. Preferably, the delay period is at least 0.2 seconds, more preferably, the delay period is at least 0.5 seconds, and most preferably, the delay period is at least 1 second. By continuously repeating or running the process 700, the total current (I) output 118 of the PV device (such as PV device 102) can be maintained near the threshold value.

[0084] Preferably, the consumer 104 includes an electrolysis device, and more preferably, the consumer 104 is mainly composed of an electrolysis device. Suitable electrolysis devices are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The main hydrogen generation component of the electrolysis device is an electrolysis stack. The technology of the electrolysis stack is preferably selected from: alkaline electrolysis with an acidic polymer electrolyte (proton exchange membrane or PEM) base, an anion polymer electrolyte (anion exchange membrane or AEM) base, a diaphragm unit separator, or a high temperature system (solid oxide electrolyzer, SOEC) based on a ceramic electrolyte. The electrolysis stack includes multiple internal series electrolysis units. The number of units in the stack will vary depending on the technology, and it is expected that it will be in the range of 20 to 1000 units. For example, for an alkaline electrolyzer, it is expected that the rated voltage of each unit is in the range of 1.5V to 2.5V. Therefore, it is expected that the rated voltage of a single electrolysis stack will be from about 35V to more than 1500V.

[0085] Using currently available and future electrolysis stack technology, one of ordinary skill in the art can select appropriate electrolysis equipment to design an electrolyzer system including one or more electrolysis stacks to meet desired specifications, such as rated hydrogen production, power, current, voltage, or any combination thereof. Currently, the scale of a water electrolyzer stack directly coupled to a solar photovoltaic array may be limited by different factors. An example may be the practical limitations of the voltage and current required on a direct coupled DC electrical connection. The scale of a water electrolysis system ranges from at least 10kW up to 20MW, and is expected to increase in the future as electrolysis technology advances. That is, the nominal power output of the PV device PV device is at least 1MW, preferably at least 5MW, more preferably at least 10MW, and most preferably at least 20MW.

[0086] For example, if it is desired to design the system 100 to operate at 20 MW, an appropriate number of PV devices (modules, strings, arrays, etc.) can be configured as known to those skilled in the art to achieve a nominal power output of 20 MW. Such a PV device is preferably directly connected to an electrolysis system rated at 20 MW. All current generated by the PV device needs to be used up by the connected consumers, or the excess current is stored to maintain steady-state operation of the system. In this case, the PV device includes a first part (e.g., 112) whose first maximum power production point is at least 60% of the 20 MW rated power of the consumer 104, preferably in the range of 60% to 120%, and more preferably in the range of 60% to 100%, which is the electrolysis system in this example. At least the second part is configured to be connected to or disconnected from the electrolysis system to provide or stop providing current other than the current provided by the first part. Also in this case, the sum of the first maximum power production point and the second maximum power production point is at least 5%, preferably in the range of 30% to 40%, more preferably in the range of 40% to 70% greater than the rated power of the 20 MW consumer.

[0087] The design of a large-scale (20 kW to multi-GW scale) solar PV directly coupled electrolyzer system can be defined as requiring two or more repeating units of the system 100 operating at 20 MW, such as Figure 1 As shown, these units are connected in series. Alternatively, it can be smaller than Figure 8 Two or more repeating units of such a 20 MW configuration as shown, or any suitable arrangement that can be designed by one of ordinary skill in the art, are used to deliver the desired amount of hydrogen product.

[0088] That is, multiple electrolysis stacks 130 can be connected in series to meet the needs of a 20 MW electrolysis system. Figure 1 As shown, at least two electrolytic stacks 130 are connected in series. However, it should be understood that three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more electrolytic stacks 130 may be connected in series. Figure 8 , which shows an electrical consumer 104 having at least two electrolysis systems 802A and 802B connected in parallel to each other to receive the combined current (I) output 118 of the PV device 102. Each electrolysis system 802A or 802B includes at least two or more electrolysis stacks 130 connected in series. Figure 8 Two electrolysis systems 802A and 802B are shown, but it should be understood that there may be more than two (802C, 802D (not shown), etc.). Figure 8As shown, each of the electrolysis systems 802A and 802B can have a circuit breaker 804 connected thereto to allow for control of the current flow as needed or desired. It should be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art will know how to calculate the power rating, current rating, and voltage rating (which are expected to remain relatively constant as described herein) for a selected configuration when applying the methods and systems described herein.

[0089] Thus, the systems and methods described herein enable electrical consumers, particularly those that consume large amounts of electricity (such as a rated power of at least 1 gigawatt), including large electrolysis equipment, to be directly connected to PV devices to receive electricity for hydrogen production, including receiving electricity for hydrogen production without being connected to a utility grid.

[0090] Although specific embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood that such descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments described. Instead, it is contemplated that any combination of the features and elements provided above (whether or not involving different embodiments) can be used to implement and practice the contemplated embodiments. In addition, although the embodiments disclosed herein can achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, the aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages described herein are merely illustrative and are not considered to be elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for providing power directly to an electrical consumer from a photovoltaic (PV) device, wherein the electrical consumer comprises an electrolysis apparatus, the method comprising: (a) providing the electricity generated by the PV installation via direct connection to an electrical consumer, wherein the electrical consumer comprises a rated current and a rated power and preferably consists essentially of an electrolysis device, wherein the direct connection is a connection without any conversion equipment between the PV device and the connected electrical consumer to change the current, voltage and / or current (direct current and alternating current) of the supplied power, wherein the PV device comprises a first part and a second part, wherein each of the first portion and the second portion includes at least one PV string; wherein the first portion comprises a first maximum power production point of at least 60%, preferably in the range of 60% to 120%, and more preferably in the range of 60% to 100% of the rated power of the electrical consumer, wherein the second portion comprises a second maximum power production point, such that the sum of the first maximum power production point and the second maximum power production point is at least 5%, preferably in the range of 30% to 40%, and more preferably in the range of 40% to 70% greater than the rated power of the electrical consumer; (b) determining whether a current (I) output of the PV device is below a threshold; as well as (c) if it is determined that the current (I) output of the PV installation is below the threshold, connecting at least one segment of the second portion of the PV installation to the electrical consumer to allow any generated power to be provided; or (d) disconnecting at least one connected segment of the second portion of the PV installation from the electrical consumer to stop providing power if it is determined that the current (I) output of the PV installation exceeds the threshold value; as well as (e) Repeating steps (b) to (d) to maintain the current (I) output of the PV device within the threshold range. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the segments of the second portion of the PV device that are connected or disconnected are selected from the group consisting of PV modules, PV strings, PV arrays, and any combination thereof.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the current (I) capacity of each segment of the second part that is connected or disconnected is 1% to 15%, preferably 1% to 5%, and more preferably 1% to 2% of the total current (I) capacity of the PV device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein step and (d) comprising sending a signal to a switch mechanism to perform a corresponding connecting step or disconnecting step.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the switching mechanism is an electrical switching mechanism, preferably comprising one or more solid state relays (SSRs), preferably at least one switching mechanism being connected to each segment being connected or disconnected. 6 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the threshold value is in the range of 95% to 110% of the rated current of the electrical consumer. 7 .

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the step of connecting at least one segment of the second portion comprises selectively connecting by at least: (d1) determining whether all segments in the second part are connected to the electrical consumer; (d2) if it is determined that all segments in the second part are connected to the electrical consumer, repeating steps (b) to (d); or (d3) If it is determined that not all segments in the second part are connected to the electrical consumer, connecting at least one segment of the second part to the electrical consumer.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the selectively connecting further comprises: (d3i) selecting a segment of the second part to be connected to the electrical consumer; (d3ii) determining whether the selected segment is already connected to the electrical consumer; (d3iii) if it is determined that the selected segment is already connected to the electrical consumer, selecting another segment of the second part; or (d3iv) if it is determined that the selected segment is not connected to the electrical consumer, connecting the selected segment to the electrical consumer; (d3v) repeating steps (d3i) to (d3iii) for all segments of the second portion; and (d3vi) after steps (d3i) to (d3iii) have been performed on all segments of the second part, repeating steps (b) to (d).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the step of disconnecting the connected segments of the second portion comprises selectively disconnecting by at least: (e1) determining whether all segments in the second part are disconnected from the electrical consumer; (e2) if it is determined that all segments in the second portion are disconnected from the electrical consumer, repeating steps (b) to (d); or (e3) If it is determined that the segment of the second part is connected to the electrical consumer, disconnecting the connected segment of the second part from the electrical consumer.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein selectively disconnecting further comprises: (e3i) selecting a connecting segment of the second part to disconnect the electrical consumer based on the amount of current provided by the connecting segment of the second part, preferably selecting a segment of the second part that provides the lowest current or the highest current compared to other segments of the second part for disconnection.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a delay period before performing step (b), preferably a delay period of at least 0.2 seconds, more preferably a delay period of at least 0.5 seconds, and most preferably a delay period of at least 1 second.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electrical consumer comprises two or more groups of electrolysis equipment connected in parallel, wherein preferably each group of electrolysis equipment comprises one electrolyzer stack or two or more electrolyzer stacks connected in series.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the nominal power output of the PV installation is at least 1 MW, preferably at least 5 MW, more preferably at least 10 MW, and most preferably at least 20 MW.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising the following steps: An available current of the PV installation is estimated, preferably wherein the estimation is based at least on a correlation with a measured irradiance, and the PV installation is connected to the electrical consumer if the estimated available current is above a minimum operating current of the electrical consumer.

15. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the electrical consumer comprises an electrolysis plant and does not receive electricity from the grid to generate the hydrogen.

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