초록 ▼

A system for controlling power supplied by a solar array panel to one of either a load or a battery for optimal power consumption is disclosed. The solar array power control system of the present invention includes a power stage for directing the solar array to discharge an appropriate amount of cur

A system for controlling power supplied by a solar array panel to one of either a load or a battery for optimal power consumption is disclosed. The solar array power control system of the present invention includes a power stage for directing the solar array to discharge an appropriate amount of current, a signal conditioner for receiving and conditioning voltage and current signals from the solar array and determining the signs of the time derivatives of solar array voltage and power, a processor for evaluating the signs of the time derivatives of solar array power voltage and for directing operation of either a battery current control mode or a peak power tracking mode and a high gain amplifier for directing an appropriate voltage to the power stage according to the operating mode. The signal conditioner, processor and high gain amplifier cooperate to determine whether the solar array is capable of supplying the power demanded by at least one of the battery and the load. When it has been determined that the required power level to be supplied from the solar array is within the capability of the solar array, the system commands the solar array to discharge the exact power demanded. In times when the solar array is not capable of completely satisfying the required power level, the system commands the solar array to discharge the maximum power available under the present conditions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A satellite comprising:means for converting solar energy into electric energy, wherein voltage and current signals output by said means for converting can be characterized by a power-voltage curve having a peak power point with zero slope, a first region to the left of sa

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A satellite comprising:means for converting solar energy into electric energy, wherein voltage and current signals output by said means for converting can be characterized by a power-voltage curve having a peak power point with zero slope, a first region to the left of said peak power point with a positive slope, and a second region to the right of said peak power point with a negative slope;battery means for storing electric energy provided by said means for converting;load means for receiving electric energy from at least one of said means for converting and said battery means, said battery means being capable of providing electric power to said load means, and for using said electric power to perform satellite tasks; andmeans for controlling application of electric energy produced by said means for converting to at least one of said battery means, for charging said battery means, and said load means, for performing said satellite task, wherein said means for controlling includes means for peak power tracking of an electric power signal supplied by said means for converting about said peak power point in only one of a battery current control mode, wherein said power output from said means for converting is in said second region, and a peak power tracker mode, wherein said power output from said means for converting is in said first region, wherein said means for peak power tracking includes means for receiving and measuring the voltage and current signals from the means for converting solar energy which additionally generates sign of the times derivatives for power and voltage output from the means for converting solar energy in order to determine an instantaneous operating power region on said power-voltage curve.