AU2010100350B4 - Integrated PV panel - Google Patents

Abstract

An integrated Photovoltaic (PV) panel comprising an array of embedded solar panels connected to each other, each of said embedded solar panels comprises a solar panel using any PV technology; Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) means embedded on said underside of said solar panel comprising a maximum peak power tracking (MPPT) sensor to sense a Maximum Power Point (MPP); a DSP controller means to extract maximum available power from the solar panel based on the MPP; a DC-DC converter to receive the MPP and boost the output DC voltage to a high voltage DC output and deliver constant peak power. The DSP controller is housed in an IP65 enclosure and is provided with storage means and monitoring means to monitor and optimize the performance of the array. A MOSFET circuitry is provided in series with the high voltage DC output for protection.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT INTEGRATED PV PANEL The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me.

TITLE INTEGRATED PV PANEL FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the field of power sources. In particular, this invention relates to efficient alternate sources of power. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE SPECIFICATION The expression 'solar panel' or 'photovoltaic (PV) panel' used in the specification refers to a packaged interconnected assembly of photovoltaic (PV) cells, also known as solar cells. Solar Cells are either polycrystalline or mono-crystalline. An installation of photovoltaic panels or solar panels is referred to as a photovoltaic array. The expression 'MPPT' or Maximum Power Point Tracker used in the specification refers to an electronic DC to DC converter with DSP controller including control algorithm that helps to extract maximum power available from the solar panel under every solar light input condition and deliver it at a constant DC voltage. Typically, for a 36 cell solar panel, peak power transfer output voltage is about 17 V. Solar energy from the panel at a constant DC voltage can be directly fed to a DC load, a battery bank or a power converter to generate AC voltage. MPPT is used to determine the Maximum Power Point (MPP) and adjust the DC to DC voltage conversion to maximize the delivery of solar output power. The expression 'SUN' is a unit of solar energy concentration.

The expression 'IP' used in the specification refers to the Ingress Protection Rating as defined in the International Standard IEC 60529. It classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water in electrical enclosures. More specifically, the expression 'IP65' used in the specification implies the enclosure is designed to provide complete protection against ingress of dust (indicated by the digit 6) and protection against water jet (indicated by the digit 5). The expression 'float voltage' used in the specification refers to the minimum voltage required to maintain a full charge in a battery. The float voltage is a function of the battery type and construction. The expression 'N+1' configuration used in the specification refers to a configuration, wherein there will be one more module in the configuration than is necessary to support the load, enabling a faulty module to be hot swapped out without interrupting the operation of the system. The expression 'ESP' used in the specification refers to an Embedded Solar Panel. It is a conventional photovoltaic solar panel with an embedded DSP controlled energy processing module designed and tested to work at high operating temperatures up to 80'C and packaged for environmental endurance as long as the life of the panel. Besides tracking the peak power operating point for the solar panel, ESP also delivers stable high voltage DC output at 95% peak efficiency and has an ability to work in parallel N+1 configuration with similar ESPs. ESPs are available with both poly 2 crystalline and mono-crystalline solar cells. Its embedded DSP also helps continuous monitoring of the energy delivered by each ESP. These definitions are in addition to those expressed in the art. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Alternative sources of power like photovoltaic arrays are becoming increasingly important as environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. While they are good for the environment, it is difficult to obtain sustainable sources of power. These sources are characterized by both stringent peak-power limitations and "use it or lose it" availability. Successful application of sustainable energy sources therefore depends on strict attention to efficiency in both power conversion and energy storage besides extracting maximum power available from the Sun. Current Solar Power unit configuration and its limitations: The most common solar cells used in solar panels are made of various silicon forms. Solar cells individually only produce small voltages, typically 0.5 volts for a silicon cell. Solar panels, known in the art, using either mono crystalline or polycrystalline solar cells for power generation use 36, 72 or 96 solar cells and are pre-wired in a suitable matrix to form what are typically called 12V or 24V panels. Typically these panels deliver 8V to 21V DC (open circuit) or 16V to 42V (open circuit) DC respectively with Peak Power Voltage, Vp of 13.5 to 17.5V and 27 to 35V depending on the cell type and efficiency. They are provided with a series schottky diode to prevent reverse current flow back through the solar panel at night or in the dark. Currently available Solar Panel output power Wp is up to 350 Wp. 3 Therefore, to design solar power plants with higher power up to several hundred kilowatts, Solar panels are required to be wired into an array with panels in series to increase voltage or such series strings in parallel to increase amperage respectively. Series wiring refers to 'strings' of matched panels, wired in series connecting the positive terminal of one panel to the negative terminal of another. The main disadvantage of a series connection of solar panels is the fact that when individual panels experience minor variations in output due to shadow, dust or partial failure, they disrupt the output of the entire string and the entire array, sharply cutting overall energy harvest of the array. The current delivered by a solar panel is high. For instance, a 300W 72 cell solar panel delivers around 18to 20A of peak current. This needs use of heavy gauge conductors that add to the cost and also leads to high conduction losses since they are proportional to the square of the current value. It has been seen that a PV panel's output power is proportional to the solar radiation that strikes it. The graph illustrated in FIGURE 3 of the accompanying drawings, represents the behavior of a solar panel at 1SUN intensity of solar radiation. The graph particularly illustrates the current (amps) and power (watts) Vs voltage of a solar panel. The point at which the current curve intersects the vertical axis is known as the short circuit condition, and it defines how the solar cell operates if a wire is connected between its terminals, shorting it. Since there is no voltage, the solar cell delivers no power. The point at which the current curve intersects the horizontal axis is where the cell operates if it is unconnected. This is known 4 as the open circuit condition. Since the current is zero, no power is delivered by the solar cell. The power is maximum at a single operating point. This is known as the 'Maximum Power Point' or MPP. To get the most out of the solar cells, it is essential to operate the cells around the MPP. This demands external circuitry to obtain maximum available energy from the panel and also technical skills to use the panel. MPPT Controllers currently used in solar power plants are typically connected at the end of a PV Panel array delivering high power resulting in losses and hence do not harvest maximum power. Each PV panel in an array has variable characteristics with varying Vp ratings. Reference characteristics that can be used by peak power tracking algorithms do not and cannot ensure tracking each individual panel to operate at its peak power. This is a limitation of PV panels known in the art. The solar panel installations known in the art use specially designed cables and connectors suitable for outdoor application and these are more expensive and not freely available at the sites of installation as compared to conventional electrical cables and connectors which are far more inexpensive and freely available even in remote locations. As can be seen, the solar panel installations known in the art have several disadvantages including increased losses, reduced efficiency of power generation, inconvenient to operate and not being cost effective. There is thus felt a need for a system that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. 5 OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide an integrated PV panel. Another object of the invention is to provide an energy efficient integrated PV panel. One more object of the invention is to provide an array of any number of integrated PV panels in a parallel configuration. Another object of the invention is to ensure that each panel in the parallel array delivers its peak output under any light condition. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cost effective integrated PV panel. Still another object of the invention is to provide a reliable integrated PV panel. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a compact PV panel. Still another object of the invention is to provide a PV panel whose output does not deteriorate with poor weather conditions. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a PV panel that is user friendly. One more object of the invention is to provide a PV panel with reduced power losses. 6 Still one more object of the invention is to provide a PV panel that delivers regulated DC voltage of any magnitude. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a PV panel that functions efficiently even when it is subjected to partial light or shadow. One more object of the invention is to provide a PV panel with reduced cost of cabling. Another object of the invention is to provide a PV panel with reduced installation complexity. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a PV panel with increased power production. Still another object of the invention is to provide a PV panel that can convert any existing power inverter or UPS into a solar system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an integrated Photovoltaic (PV) panel comprising an array of embedded solar panels connected to each other, each of the embedded solar panels comprising: * a solar panel with a topside and an underside, the solar panel comprising interconnected laminated solar cells adapted to generate an output DC voltage; 7 * Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) means embedded on the underside of the solar panel comprising: - a maximum peak power tracking (MPPT) sensor adapted to sense a Maximum Power Point (MPP), the MPP being an operating point at which maximum power output can be extracted from the solar panel; - controller means adapted to extract maximum available power from the solar panel based on the MPP; - constant peak power delivery means adapted to receive the MPP and boost the output DC voltage to a high voltage DC output and deliver constant peak power at the high voltage DC output; - high voltage DC output terminals; - storage means adapted to store a record of power delivered; and - monitoring means adapted to monitor and optimize the performance of the array of the embedded solar panels; and * protection means connected in series with the high voltage DC output, the protection means adapted to provide reverse polarity protection and external short circuit protection. 8 Preferably, in accordance with this invention, the embedded solar panels in the array are connected in parallel to each other to deliver constant peak power at the high voltage DC output up to 300V DC. Typically, in accordance with this invention, the embedded solar panels in the array are connected in series to each other to deliver constant peak power at a high voltage DC output above 300V DC. Additionally, in accordance with this invention, the embedded solar panels in the array are connected in parallel to each other and deliver power on a single high current bus bar. Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, the solar panel is selected from the group consisting of monocrystalline, polycrystalline and film type panels. Preferably, in accordance with this invention, the controller means is a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, the array formed from several such the embedded solar panels ensures that each panel in the array delivers its peak power irrespective of its varying characteristics and type or efficiency of cells used. Additionally, in accordance with this invention, the constant peak power delivery means is a DC-DC converter. Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, the protection means includes at least one MOSFET. 9 Typically, in accordance with this invention, the embedded solar panels are adapted to operate without deterioration at high ambient temperatures up to 80 deg. Celsius. Typically, in accordance with this invention, the array of the embedded solar panels is designed for N+1 parallel configuration. Typically, in accordance with this invention, the high voltage DC output is adapted to charge a battery. Preferably, in accordance with this invention, the high voltage DC output is adapted to power an inverter to deliver AC power to a load. Additionally, in accordance with this invention, the embedded solar panels comprising solar panels can be adapted to use dissimilar Photovoltaic (PV) technologies connected in parallel to each other. Typically, in accordance with this invention, the Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) means is housed in an IP65 enclosure. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for providing an integrated PV panel comprising an array of embedded solar panels connected to each other, the method comprising the following steps: " interconnecting laminated solar cells to form a solar panel for generating output DC voltage; " embedding a Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) means on the underside of the solar panel; 10 " sensing a Maximum Power Point (MPP); " extracting maximum available power from the solar panel based on the MPP; " boosting the output DC voltage to a high voltage DC output; " delivering constant peak power at the high voltage DC output; " storing record of delivered power; " monitoring and optimizing performance of the array; and " protecting against reverse polarity and external short circuit. Preferably, in accordance with this invention, the embedded solar panels in the array are connected in parallel to each other in the method described herein above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The invention will now be described with the help of accompanying drawing, in which: FIGURE 1 illustrates an array of Solar Panels connected in parallel to each other; FIGURE 2 illustrates an array of Solar Panels connected in series; FIGURE 3 illustrates a graph of current (amps) and power (watts) Vs voltage of a solar panel; and FIGURE 4 illustrates a block diagram of a number of maximum power integrated solar (PV) panel systems connected in parallel to form a PV array. 11 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The invention will now be described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawing. The embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description relates purely to the exemplary preferred embodiment of the invention and its suggested application. The block diagram and the description hereto are merely illustrative and only exemplify the invention and in no way limit the scope thereof. Solar panels known in the art have several disadvantages which have hindered efficient use of solar power. The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and provide a compact, reliable and efficient PV panel that is not affected by ambient conditions and is rugged and robust besides being efficient. In accordance with the present invention, a system is envisaged that provides a single solution to all the limitations of the solar (PV) panel systems known in the art. If even a small portion of any one panel in a series array is obscured by shadow or any kind of obstruction, it will sharply reduce the current output of the entire array even when the other panels in the array have a good exposure to the sun. Parallel solar architecture totally addresses this inherent vulnerability when array is built out of High Voltage ESPs (Embedded Solar Panels). 12 The present invention aims to provide an integrated maximum power solar (PV) panel system, wherein a complete solar energy processing DSP based controller is embedded inside a solar (PV) panel delivering regulated high voltage DC at any voltage up to 300V DC. The embedded DSP based controller has a special algorithm that does MPPT (Maximum Peak Power Tracking) from the panel to ensure maximum possible extraction of solar energy and deliver it at a constant high voltage. Each ESP (Embedded Solar Panel) is thus a fully independent solar energy source. The array in accordance with the present invention is designed for N + 1 parallel operation. This allows the array to have a single high voltage bus bar in its parallel architecture. Each ESP (Embedded Solar Panel) is thus a fully independent, highly efficient contributor of power to the array like a power plant on a grid. This gives designers flexibility with respect to solar (PV) panel location, orientation and overall system size. Installers have a safe, simple wiring scheme with easy expansion and per-panel monitoring. And most importantly, system operators improve their expected output. FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate an array of Solar Panels connected in parallel to each other and an array of Solar Panels connected in series to each other respectively. FIGURE 3 illustrates a graph of current (amps) and power (watts) Vs voltage of a solar (PV) panel and is explained herein above. The system in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGURE 4 that illustrates a block diagram of a number of integrated maximum power solar (PV) panel systems connected in parallel 13 to form a PV array, each integrated solar (PV) panel system being referenced generally by numeral 100. The system 100 comprises a solar (PV) panel 10, a DC to DC converter 20, a microcontroller based MPPT sensor and controller 30 and a MOSFET circuitry 40. The solar (PV) panel 10 can be of any type such as crystalline, amorphous, cadmium telluride and the like. The DC to DC converter 20 is typically a boost converter with high intrinsic efficiency. The DC to DC converter 20 steps up the DC voltage received from the solar (PV) panel 10 based on the input received from the microcontroller based MPPT sensor and controller 30 and delivers a regulated DC voltage that is a directly usable stable DC source to feed an electrical load L. However, the DC to DC converter 20 can be a boost or buck converter depending on the voltage requirement. PV cells have a single operating point where the values of the current (I) and Voltage (V) of the cell result in a maximum power output. These values correspond to a particular resistance, which is equal to V/I as specified by Ohm's Law. A PV cell has an exponential relationship between current and voltage, and the maximum power point (MPP) occurs at the knee of the curve, where the resistance is equal to the negative of the differential resistance (V/I = -dV/dI). The microcontroller based MPPT sensor and controller 30 utilizes a control circuit or logic to search for this point and thus allow the DC to DC converter 20 to extract the maximum power available from the solar (PV) panel 10. The MOSFET circuitry 40 connected in series with the high voltage DC output O/P serves to prevent external short circuit and reverse polarity. 14 The MPPT sensor and controller 30 is embedded on the underside of the solar (PV) panel 10 in an IP65 enclosure. This enclosure ensures total ingress protection from dust and water jet and thus provides a reliable system. The ability of the circuitry to perform normally up to ambient temperatures as high as 80 deg. C ensures fault free performance even in open fields. In accordance with the present invention, any number of systems 100 can be connected in parallel. Power output O/P from each of the connected panel adds up to provide maximum power to a load L. Thus, the microcontroller based MPPT integrated solar (PV) panel gives a well regulated DC voltage of any magnitude at varied radiation levels. Since the integrated PV panels 100 are connected in parallel, power loss due to shadow or obstruction on any one or more PV panels in the array is avoided. Moreover, power loss due to any damaged PV panel will also not adversely affect the power output of the array as is the case with PV panels connected in series. The integrated PV panel 100 delivers a high voltage and low current and is suitable for direct mounting on roof-tops. The low current at the output ensures low line losses associated with high current transmission from roof tops to a load. The system 100 in accordance with the present invention when used upto 220V, permits the use of widely available conventional cables and power connectors, thereby eliminating the need for expensive specially designed cables and is thus energy efficient. 15 The system in accordance with this invention proves to be most cost effective for power output above 150W. Unlike the PV panels known in the art, each integrated PV panel 100 in accordance with the present invention, functions like a regulated DC source providing a stable high voltage output of 54.4V, 108.8V OR 218V (battery float voltage levels) that can be directly connected to a battery bank of any type with nominal terminal voltage of 48V, 96V OR 192V respectively. Each panel operates independently at its peak and all the panels in an array, when connected in parallel will deliver the highest possible power under any weather condition, being unaffected by any panel being in a shadow or becoming defective. There is no need for any external current controller or DC/DC Converter since all the required components are integrated in the system in accordance with the present invention. This reduces installation complexity and makes the system user friendly. The system in accordance with the present invention reduces installation costs by reducing the wiring, combiner boxes, and labor required for assembling the system. In a conventional series-string array, each panel must be connected to adjacent panels with wiring and junction boxes, and a return line is run from the end of each string. Parallel Solar architecture possible in accordance with the present invention eliminates the need for a return line since the MPPT DC-DC Converter is embedded in the panel itself. This integrated built-in circuit saves a lot of installation cost. The only on-site wiring needed is from the PV embedded module to the combiner box and from the combiner box to the inverter thus resulting in faster, smarter, less expensive installations. 16 A challenge in solar array design is the interconnection between series-wired panels such that each panel's output and voltage must be closely matched to the adjacent panel, else the array's output can plummet. But even meticulous attention to panel orientation and shading, and use of seemingly identical panels, can be undermined by real-world factors like dirt and panel variation. Parallel connected Solar panels in accordance with the present invention overcome these problems. Each integrated panel gives output at a constant voltage under all operating conditions, so all panels become independent contributors to the array's power bus. Multiple PV technologies can run parallely in accordance with the present invention. Panels on the same wire run can also face different directions. In accordance with the present invention, an array of embedded solar panels ensures that each panel in the array delivers it peak power into the array output since each panel has its own MPPT controller. This is found to give considerably higher energy harvest than the conventional array without MPPT controller in each panel. This happens since each panel possesses different characteristics and efficiency. The array of ESPs therefore gives better return on investment. Thus the PV panel in accordance with the present invention is reliable since all control circuitry is embedded in an IP65 enclosure, is compact since all associated circuitry is embedded in the panel; provides an output that does not deteriorate with poor weather conditions since the panel output is electronically regulated by use of thermally stable reference voltage device; 17 and is user friendly since the use of such an embedded panel does not need deep engineering skill and is thus ideal for Do-It-Yourself applications also. The compact system design has a folded panel construction making the product directly usable as a battery charger or AC power source. The ultimate measure of array performance is the AC power produced by the array's inverter. But variance in series connected panels makes power point tracking more difficult due to various reasons like direct shadows cast on any part of even one panel or other factors such as soiling, panel degradation, or thermal variation across panels. Regardless of the cause, this panel variation causes inefficiency in the maximum power from a series array of panels. The integrated panel in accordance with the present invention incorporates MPPT controller embedded in the panel, so that any underperforming panels no longer drags down the entire system. Each panel maintains peak performance regardless of conditions affecting it or the other panels around it. Parallel panel operation also eliminates voltage swings, so inverters always operate from a constant DC voltage which in turn makes solar inverter operation more efficient and lower in cost. Since the integrated panel in accordance with the present invention provides constant high voltage DC of any magnitude, any UPS, even in present operation can be easily converted into a Solar Hybrid Inverter of much higher reliability. 18 TEST RESULTS Solar Charger 54V DC / 200Wp Location 1: Date of field test 18 August, 2009 Location MUMBAI Inclination of the panels 18" - South facing 01. APLAB Model 97206P Active Electronics Load as a CC/CV Load 02. Kusam Meco Model KM-LUX-99 Lux Meter for lumen Test Instruments usedmesr en 03. Tecpel Model 309 'K' Type Thermometer for Temperature measurement 04 FLUKE Model 809 Multi-meters for Voltage & current Sample Output Voltage Output Current Power Sunlight intensity Ambient Temp. s V A Output Lux * C W 220V/2 OOWp P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 Sample 54 54 54 1.32 2.48 2.28 71 13 12 58K 101 91K 29.1 33.4 33.2 A 4 3 K Sample 54 54 54 1.28 2.5 2.38 69 53 12 59K 100 85K 29.8 34 33.1 B 5 9 K Sample 54 54 54 1.3 2.57 2.39 70 3 12 57K 100 91K 30 33.2 33 C I IIII 1 9 9 K IIII Sample 54 54 54 1.35 2.59 2.39 73 04 13 59K 100 90K 29.9 34 34 D 0__ _ __ 0__ K P1: 1030Hrs to 1130Hrs, P2: 1130 Hrs to 1230Hrs, P3: 1230Hrs to 1330Hrs 19 Location 2: Date of field test 20 August, 2009 Location PUNE Inclination of the panels 19" - South facing 01. APLAB Model 97206P Active Electronics Load as a CC/CV Load 02. Kusam Meco Model KM-LUX-99 Lux Meter for lumen Test Instruments usedmesr en 03. Tecpel Model 309 'K' Type Thermometer for Temperature measurement 04 FLUKE Model 809 Multi-meters for Voltage & current Sample Power Output Voltage Output Current Ouut Sunlight intensity Ambient Temp. V A W Lux C w 220V/2 OOWp P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 Sample 54 54 54 1.86 2.58 2.36 0 13 12 78K 101 88K 29.1 33.4 33.2 A 0 9 7 K Sample 54 54 54 1.81 2.52 2.37 98 3 1 79K 100 89K 29.8 34 33.1 B 6 8 K Sample 54 54 54 1.79 2.55 2.39 97 83 12 77K 100 90K 30 33.2 33 C 8 9K Sample 54 54 54 1.85 2.56 2.38 0 13 12 79K 100 90K 29.9 34 34 D IIII_1_0_1_8 _1_9 K IIII P1: 1030Hrs to 1130Hrs, P2: 1130 Hrs to 1230Hrs, P3: 1230Hrs to 1330Hrs 20 Location 3: Date of field test 22 August, 2009 Location Secunderabad Inclination of the panels 18" - South facing 01. APLAB Model 97206P Active Electronics Load as a CC/CV Load 02. Kusam Meco Model KM-LUX-99 Lux Meter for lumen Test Instruments usedmesr en 03. Tecpel Model 309 'K' Type Thermometer for Temperature measurement 04 FLUKE Model 809 Multi-meters for Voltage & current Sample Output Voltage Output Current Power Sunlight intensity Ambient Temp. s V A Output Lux * C W 220V/2 OOWp P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 Sample 54 54 54 1.36 2.48 2.28 73 13 12 68K 101 91K 29.1 33.4 33.2 A 4 3 K Sample 54 54 54 1.38 2.5 2.38 75 53 12 69K 100 85K 29.8 34 33.1 B 5 9 K Sample 54 54 54 1.37 2.57 2.39 74 13 12 67K 100 91K 30 33.2 33 C 9 9 K Sample 54 54 54 1.35 2.59 2.39 73 04 19 69K 100 90K 29.9 34 34 D __ _ _ _ _ _0 9 K P1: 1030Hrs to 1130Hrs, P2: 1130 Hrs to 1230Hrs, P3: 1230Hrs to 1330Hrs 21 Location 4: Date of field test 25 August, 2009 Location Chennai Inclination of the panels 18" - South facing 01. APLAB Model 97206P Active Electronics Load as a CC/CV Load 02. Kusam Meco Model KM-LUX-99 Lux Meter for lumen Test Instruments usedmesr en 03. Tecpel Model 309 'K' Type Thermometer for Temperature measurement 04 FLUKE Model 809 Multi-meters for Voltage & current Sample Output Voltage Output Current Power Sunlight intensity Ambient Temp. s V A Output Lux * C W 220V/2 OOWp P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 Sample 54 54 54 1.42 2.49 2.28 77 13 12 72K 101 89K 29.1 33.4 33.2 A 4 3K Sample 54 54 54 1.38 2.51 2.26 75 63 12 75K 100 88K 29.8 34 33.1 B 6 2K Sample 54 54 54 1.41 2.56 2.36 76 3 12 71K 100 91K 30 33.2 33 C 8 7 K Sample 54 54 54 1.45 2.55 2.34 78 83 12 69K 100 90K 29.9 34 34 D __ _ _ _ _ _8 6 K P1: 1030Hrs to 1130Hrs, P2: 1130 Hrs to 1230Hrs, P3: 1230Hrs to 1330Hrs 22 Location 5: Date of field test 27 August, 2009 Location New Delhi Inclination of the panels 28" - South facing 01. APLAB Model 97206P Active Electronics Load as a CC/CV Load 02. Kusam Meco Model KM-LUX-99 Lux Meter for lumen Test Instruments usedmesr en 03. Tecpel Model 309 'K' Type Thermometer for Temperature measurement 04 FLUKE Model 809 Multi-meters for Voltage & current Sample Output Voltage Output Current Power Sunlight intensity Ambient Temp. s V A Output Lux * C W 220V/2 OOWp P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 Sample 54 54 54 1.42 2.50 2.32 77 53 12 85K 101 91K 29.1 33.4 33.2 A 5 5 K Sample 54 54 54 1.39 2.51 2.37 75 3 18 84K 100 91K 29.8 34 33.1 B 6 8 K Sample 54 54 54 1.41 2.56 2.38 76 83 12 85K 100 91K 30 33.2 33 C 8 9 K Sample 54 54 54 1.45 2.58 2.37 78 13 18 84K 100 90K 29.9 34 34 D __ _ _ _ _ _9 8 K P1: 1030Hrs to 1130Hrs, P2: 1130 Hrs to 1230Hrs, P3: 1230Hrs to 1330Hrs 23 Location 6: Date of field test 26 August, 2009 Location Bangalore Inclination of the panels 13" - South facing 01. APLAB Model 97206P Active Electronics Load as a CC/CV Load 02. Kusam Meco Model KM-LUX-99 Lux Meter for lumen Test Instruments usedmesr en 03. Tecpel Model 309 'K' Type Thermometer for Temperature measurement 04 FLUKE Model 809 Multi-meters for Voltage & current Sample Output Voltage Output Current Power Sunlight intensity Ambient Temp. s V A Output Lux * C W 220V/2 OOWp P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 Sample 54 54 54 1.32 2.48 2.28 71 13 12 58K 101 87K 29.1 33.4 33.2 A 4 3 K Sample 54 54 54 1.28 2.5 2.38 69 53 12 59K 100 89K 29.8 34 33.1 B 5 9 K Sample 54 54 54 1.3 2.57 2.39 70 13 12 57K 100 90K 30 33.2 33 C 9 9K Sample 54 54 54 1.35 2.59 2.39 73 04 19 59K 100 90K 29.9 34 34 D 0__ _ _ _ _ 9__ K P1: 1030Hrs to 1130Hrs, P2: 1130 Hrs to 1230Hrs, P3: 1230Hrs to 1330Hrs 24 Location 7: Date of field test 29 August, 2009 Location Kolkata Inclination of the panels 23" - South facing 01. APLAB Model 97206P Active Electronics Load as a CC/CV Load 02. Kusam Meco Model KM-LUX-99 Lux Meter for lumen Test Instruments usedmesr en 03. Tecpel Model 309 'K' Type Thermometer for Temperature measurement 04 FLUKE Model 809 Multi-meters for Voltage & current Sample Output Voltage Output Current Power Sunlight intensity Ambient Temp. s V A Output Lux * C W 220V/2 OOWp P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 Sample 54 54 54 1.42 2.58 2.38 77 3 12 78K 101 90K 29.1 33.4 33.2 A 9 9 K Sample 54 54 54 1.43 2.53 2.36 77 13 12 7 100 88K 29.8 34 33.1 Sample 54 54 54 1.40 2.57 2.39 76 3 12 77 100 90K 30 33.2 33 Sample 54 54 54 1.43 2.59 2.39 77 4 19 100 90K 29.9 34 34 77 90 30 33. 33 19K I P1: 1030Hrs to 1130Hrs, P2: 1130 Hrs to 1230Hrs, P3: 1230Hrs to 1330Hrs 25 Test: Performance of eight Parallel Connected PV panels in accordance with the present invention Date: 16/01/10 Time: 1.30 to 2.00 P. M. Intensity: 104.1 K Ambient Temperature: 28.5 Degree C Panels Used: TuV certified 200 W ECO series from PV POWERTECH The solar structure is mounted with the 17 degrees facing towards South. Sr. . Av. 0/P No. Output (8 panels in parallel) Efficiency Voltage Current Power 1 215 5.21 1120.15 0.935 140.02 2 209.5 5.38 1127.11 0.941 140.89 3 200.2 5.71 1143.14 0.954 142.89 4 190.5 5.89 1122.05 0.937 140.26 5 180.5 6.21 1120.90 0.936 140.11 6 170.1 6.58 1119.26 0.934 139.91 Note: For efficiency calculation, maximum power of solar panel is taken as input power. PV panels in accordance with the present invention act as a Constant Power Charger Test : Effect of Shadow on one panel on Array Output Instruments Used: Aplab Active load: 300 V 10 A Multimeter: Fluke 189 Fluke 8060A Lux meter: Kusam-Meco: KM-LUX-99 Sr. No. Nde SPhanel Voltage V Current A Power W 1 none 200.2 1123..76 2 1 200.2 4.91 982.98 3 2 200.1 4.19 838.42 4 3 200.1 3.48 696.35 5 4 200.2 2.82 564.56 7 5 200.1 2.11 422.21 7 6 200.1 1.4 280.14 8 7 200.2 0.69 138.14 There is no loss of power of any other panel in a parallel architecture in accordance with the present invention 26 Test : Performance of eight PV Panels connected in series Instruments Used: Aplab Active load: 300 V 10 A Multimeter: Fluke 189 Fluke 8060A Lux meter: Kusam-Meco: KM-LUX-99 CV Setting of Sr. No. Electronic Current Power Av O/P P Load 1 232.72 2 219.36 2.26 495.75 61.97 3 212.64 3.363 715.11 89.39 4 205.85 4.214 867.45 108.43 5 198.96 5.02 998.78 124.85 6 191.92 5.736 1100.85 137.61 7 184.72 6.31 1165.58 145.70 8 177.4 6.746 1196.74 149.59 9 169.84 7.053 1197.88 149.74 10 20.8 7.6 158.08 19.76 Series connected PV panels do not deliver constant power output as seen with Parallel Connected PV panels in accordance with the present invention Effect of the Shadow on Series Array of PV Panels Instruments Used: Aplab Active load: 300 V 10 A Multimeter: Fluke 189 Fluke 8060A Lux meter: Kusam-Meco: KM-LUX-99 No. of Sr. Panels Voltage Current Power Av. O/P P No. under Shadow 1 1 230.36 2.53 582.81 83.26 2 2 230.1 0.838 192.82 32.14 3 3 229.5 0.0325 7.45 1.49 4 4 229.5 0.03 6.8 1.72 5 5 229.1 0.028 6.41 2.14 6 6 229 0.028 6.41 3.21 7 7 229 0.028 6.41 6.41 Shadow cast on any one of the PV panels drastically reduces the power output from a Series Array as compared to a Parallel Array in accordance with the present invention .6 ,A TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS The technical advancements offered by the present invention include the realization of: " an MPPT energy controller integrated PV panel; " an energy efficient integrated PV panel; " a cost effective integrated PV panel; " a reliable integrated PV panel; " a compact PV panel; " a PV panel whose output does not deteriorate with poor weather conditions; " a PV panel that is user friendly; " a PV panel with reduced losses; " a PV panel that delivers regulated DC voltage of any magnitude; " a PV panel that functions efficiently even when it is subjected to partial light or shadow; " a PV panel with increased power production; " a PV panel that can convert any existing power inverter or UPS into a solar system; 27 * a PV panel with reduced installation complexity; and " a PV panel with reduced cost of cabling. The numerical values given for various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the invention and the claims unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation. 28

Claims (5)

1. An integrated Photovoltaic (PV) panel comprising an array of embedded solar panels connected to each other in parallel, said embedded solar panels being adapted to operate without deterioration at high ambient temperatures up to 80 deg. Celsius, each of said embedded solar panels comprising: " a solar panel with a topside and an underside, said solar panel comprising interconnected laminated solar cells adapted to generate an output DC voltage, said solar panel being selected from the group consisting of monocrystalline, polycrystalline and film type panels; " Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) means embedded on said underside of said solar panel comprising: - a maximum peak power tracking (MPPT) sensor adapted to sense a Maximum Power Point (MPP), said MPP being an operating point at which maximum power output can be extracted from said solar panel; - controller means adapted to extract maximum available power from said solar panel based on said MPP, said controller means being a Digital Signal Processor (DSP); - constant peak power delivery means adapted to receive said MPP and boost said output DC voltage to a high voltage DC output and deliver constant peak power at said high voltage DC output, said constant peak power delivery means being a DC-DC converter; - high voltage DC output terminals; 29 - storage means adapted to store a record of power delivered; and - monitoring means adapted to monitor and optimize the performance of the array of said embedded solar panels; and * protection means connected in series with said high voltage DC output, said protection means adapted to provide reverse polarity protection and external short circuit protection, said protection means further adapted to include at least one MOSFET.

2. The integrated Photovoltaic (PV) panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein said embedded solar panels in the array are connected in parallel to each other and deliver power on a single high current bus bar.

3. The integrated Photovoltaic (PV) panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein said embedded solar panels comprising solar panels adapted to use dissimilar Photovoltaic (PV) technologies are connected in parallel.

4. The integrated Photovoltaic (PV) panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein said Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) means is housed in an IP65 enclosure.

5. A method for providing an integrated PV panel comprising an array of embedded solar panels connected in parallel to each other, said method comprising the following steps: * interconnecting laminated solar cells to form a solar panel for generating output DC voltage; 30 " embedding a Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) means on the underside of said solar panel; " sensing a Maximum Power Point (MPP); " extracting maximum available power from said solar panel based on said MPP; " boosting said output DC voltage to a high voltage DC output; " delivering constant peak power at said high voltage DC output; " storing record of delivered power; " monitoring and optimizing performance of the array; and " protecting against reverse polarity and external short circuit. 31