초록 ▼

A solar power system has a photovoltaic array having a locus of peak power points for various insolation levels, a voltage-dependent variable resistance load such as a water electrolysis unit electrically connected to the array, and a demand-dependent variable resistance load such as a DC to AC inve

A solar power system has a photovoltaic array having a locus of peak power points for various insolation levels, a voltage-dependent variable resistance load such as a water electrolysis unit electrically connected to the array, and a demand-dependent variable resistance load such as a DC to AC inverter connected in parallel with the electrolysis unit. The electrolysis unit or other voltage-dependent variable resistance load has a voltage-current characteristic in which the operating point is displaced from the array\s peak power point for most insolation levels. The characteristic is displaced towards higher voltage-lower current operating points. The inverter may move the operating point of the photovoltaic array toward its peak power point when the load requires power. The system may be designed so that the array operates within about 5 percent of its peak power point over a wide range of inverter power demands. A fuel cell may be connected in parallel with the array to provide power to the inverter at low insolation levels, at night or in low sunlight. The fuel cell may use the hydrogen produced by the electrolysis unit for fuel. The total photovoltaic power made available by the system of this invention is generally greater than 95 percent and often greater than 98 percent of the maximum power which the photovoltaic array may produce for many insolation levels.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of increasing the useful power in a solar power system comprising the following steps: passing a portion of the current from the photovoltaic array through a water electrolysis unit which provides a voltage-dependent variable resistance load and produces hydrogen and oxygen; passing the rem

A method of increasing the useful power in a solar power system comprising the following steps: passing a portion of the current from the photovoltaic array through a water electrolysis unit which provides a voltage-dependent variable resistance load and produces hydrogen and oxygen; passing the remaining portion of the array current through a demand-dependent variable resistance load; and storing hydrogen produced in said electrolysis unit in a hydrogen storage chamber.