AU2018355030B2 - Photovoltaic power station - Google Patents

Abstract

A photovoltaic (PV) power station includes at least one AC power production unit. The AC power production unit includes an energy reservoir that is supplied with DC energy from a DC power generator, such as PV panels. The energy reservoir is used as a buffer to store energy, and improve the efficiency of the PV power station. Whether or not an energy reservoir is used, decoupler devices may be used to prevent power annihilation that can decrease the amount of power delivered by the power station to the grid. In system integration for a PV power station, it is found that the declared rating of DC/AC converter in power grid convention should not be taken as the power conversion capability.

Description

PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER STATION BACKGROUND

[0001] Photovoltaic (PV) power stations generate electricity by converting solar energy

to electricity. That generated electricity is then provided to an electric power grid. The solar

energy source (i.e., the received rays of the sun) is characterized as having time varying

intensity. Accordingly, PV power generators in such PV power stations incorporate a power

generation optimization device (also referred to as an "optimizer"). One type of optimizer is

named the "maximum power point tracker (MPPT)" (or "MPPT device"), which tracks an

instantaneous maximum power production point (MPPP) voltage that the MPPT device uses

[O to control operation of the PV power station. This practice is referred as the "blind MPPT

conformation" herein. The MPPT device typically is software or firmware; and keeps track of

the time varying voltage resulting in the maximum power production from the time varying

solar energy source.

[0002] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any

[5 disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather,

this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some

embodiments described herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments described herein related to a photovoltaic (PV) power station that

includes at least one AC power production unit. In accordance with one embodiment of the

PV power state, each AC power production unit comprises a DC power generator, first

DC/AC 3-phase converter(s), an energy reservoir, a second DC/AC 3-phase converter(s), and

a switching mechanism. The DC power generator is composed of x MW solar strings,

where x is a positive number. The first DC/AC 3-phase converter(s) have a total declared

power rating of y MW. The one or more first DC/AC 3-phase converter(s) are configured to

receive DC power provided by the DC power generator, convert the received DC power into

-Page 1 - Docket No.: 19211.1la

AC power, and provide that converted AC power through a transformer to a power grid.

The energy reservoir is configured to receive at an input of the energy reservoir at least some

of a remaining portion of the DC power generated by the DC power generator. The remaining

portion of the DC power is the DC power that is generated by the DC power but that was not

converted into AC power by the one or more first DC/AC 3-phase converters. The one or

more second DC/AC 3-phase converter(s) having a total declared power rating of z MW,

where z is a positive number, and the sum of y and z is greater than x. The second DC/AC

3-phase converter(s) are configured to receive DC power from the energy reservoir, convert

the received DC power from the energy reservoir into AC power, and provide that converted

[O AC power through the transformer to the power grid. The switching mechanism is

configured to turn on and off the input of the energy reservoir and the input of the one or

more second DC/AC 3-phase converters, such that the input of the energy reservoir and the

input of the one or more second DC/AC 3-phase converters and not simultaneously on.

Because the sum of y and z is greater than x, the power station in accordance with this

[5 embodiment delivers more power to the power grid.

[0004] In accordance with another embodiment described herein, each AC power product

unit includes a DC power generator composed of x MW solar strings, and energy reservoir,

and DC/AC 3-phase converters having a total declared power rating of z MW, where z is

greater than x. The energy reservoir receives at least some of a remaining portion of the DC

power generated by the DC power generator. The DC/AC 3-phase converter(s) receive DC

power from the energy reservoir, convert the received DC power from the energy reservoir

into AC power and providing that converted AC power through a transformer to the power

grid. Because z is greater than x, the power station in accordance with this embodiment

delivers more power to the power grid.

[0005] In accordance with yet another embodiment described herein, each AC power

production unit comprises a DC power generator composed of solar strings. The DC/AC

- Page 2 -

3-phase converter(s) receives DC power from the DC power generator through a decoupler,

convert the received DC power into AC power, and provides that converted AC power

through a transformer to the power grid. The use of the decoupler avoids the problems that

the inventors discovered relating to the power annihilation phenomenon, thereby increasing

the amount of power that the power station can deliver to the grid.

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified

form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not

intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it

intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

LO BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages

and features can be obtained, a more particular description of various embodiments will be

rendered by reference to the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict

only sample embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of the scope of

[5 the invention, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and

detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] Figures 1A through IC illustrate block diagrams of various power stations in which

decoupling devices are used in conjunction with an energy reservoir;

[0009] Figure 2A illustrates a block diagram of a power station that was set up in an

experiment, and in which there are two AC power production units that are set up

conventionally, and with power and energy meters that measure output of each power

production unit;

[0010] Figure 2B illustrates a block diagram of the power station of Figure 2A after

modification to including decoupling devices and an energy reservoir, and that was used to

verify improved energy output to the grid;

- Page 3 -

[0011] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a power station in which there are two

channels of power delivery, one channel invoking the use of an energy reservoir, and one not

invoking the user of the energy reservoir;

[0012] Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a power station that represents a broader

embodiment of Figure 3;

[0013] Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of a power station in which power is delivered

via the use of an energy reservoir;

[0014] Figure 6 illustrates a block diagram of a power station that represents a broader

embodiment of Figure 5;

[O [0015] Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of a power station;

[0016] Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of a Maximum Energy Utilization Point

Tracking (MEUPT) controller in accordance with the principles described herein; and

[0017] Figure 9, illustrates a block diagram of the MEUPT controller of Figure 8 in the

context of a power station.

[5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Patent publications, US2016/0036232 and US2017/0149250 Al (the contents of

which are incorporated by reference herein) disclose that the PV energy systems that practice

of the blind MPPT conformation achieving suboptimal amounts of electricity provided to the

grid. These patent publications teach that in order to efficiently extract electricity for energy

utilization, one should match the characteristics of the energy extraction device to effectively

and efficiently extract the produced electric energy. Furthermore, these patent applications

teach that the related devices should also be matched to condition and/or deliver the extracted

electricity for efficient energy utilization.

[0019] These patent publications further emphasize the fact that the energy utilization

efficiency is inextricably dependent on power demand in addition to power production.

Furthermore, they teach that in any energy system, typical power consumption is not

- Page 4 - necessarily equal to power production, even when complying with the energy and charge conservation laws.

[0020] In lieu of using the MPPT device as the optimizer for solar power stations, the

referenced patent publications proposed to use a "maximum energy utilization point tracker",

or the "MEUPT device" as the PV power station optimizer. Such an optimizer will be

referred to as an "MEUPT optimizer" herein. In according to the referred patent publications,

the MEUPT optimizer is designed to capture what it refers to as "surplus energy", which it

defines as the electric energy that is produced but not extracted and/or delivered to the power

grid for utilization. That definition of "surplus energy" is also used herein.

LO [0021] The MEUPT optimizer is also designed to temporarily store the captured surplus

energy within an energy reservoir; and then prepare and deliver this electric energy to the

power grid for utilization. Thus, the electricity sales revenue of the PV power station can be

enhanced when incorporating the MEUPT optimizer.

[0022] Section One: Functionality of the MEUPT optimizer

[5 [0023] In according with the principles described in the US2016/0036232 and

US2017/0149250 Al (the "referenced patent publications"), the MEUPT optimizer of one

embodiment disclosed herein comprises a surplus energy extractor, an energy reservoir, and an

MEUPT controller. The MEUPT controller works in concert with energy extractors and

DC/AC converters. The terms "power" and "energy" (while not exactly the same) are used

interchangeably in the art. Thus, unless otherwise specified, each term has the same meaning.

[0024] An energy extractor extracts an initial oscillating power train from the produced DC

electric power source. The extracted initial power chain conforms to the AC power grid

requirements of the power grid. In other words, the extracted initial power chain has a time

varying sinusoidal voltage that having a peak voltage that conforms to power grid voltage

range. Furthermore, the electrical power (which is proportional to the square of the voltage)

- Page 5 - takes the form (sin2 (ot) or cos 2 (ot)), which is synchronized (with the same phase and same frequency) with the power grid.

[0025] On the other hand, a surplus energy extractor extracts a remaining oscillating power

train that remains from subtracting out the initial oscillating power train from the produced DC

power. In other words, this remaining oscillating power train is a left-over oscillating power

train that remains after providing the initial oscillating power train to the power grid. The

remaining oscillating power train has a 900 phase shift as compared to the initial oscillating

power train that was provided to the power grid. Due to the 900 phase shift, this remaining

oscillating power train cannot be immediately converted into AC power for providing onto the

[O same power grid. An energy reservoir is thus used to temporarily store the surplus energy of the

remaining oscillating power train. Thereafter, the stored energy is supplied to a DC/AC

converter; such that the stored surplus energy can be converted to AC power that is

synchronized (with the same phase and frequency) with the same power grid.

[0026] The MEUPT controller measures the energy level of the reservoir; estimates the

[5 amount of the energy in reservoir that can be extracted; and delivers this information to the

associated DC/AC converter(s) such that this energy amount can be extracted by the DC/AC

converter(s). The DC/AC converter(s) then extract the stored energy from the reservoir for

conversion into AC power in the form of a suitable pulsating power train and provides that AC

power to the power grid. The PV power stations can thus provide almost all the produced

electric energy to a power grid when incorporating the MEUPT optimizer. In contrast, without

the MEUPT optimizer, the PV power station in according to the referred patent publications

can only provide less than half of the produced power/energy to a power grid.

[0027] Section Two: Improve conventional PV power station with MEUPT

[0028] Solar power stations are often rated in terms of some number of MegaWatts (MW).

Conventionally, when a solar power station is declared to be rated at x MW (where x is some

positive number), this means that the sum total of the DC power production rating of all solar

- Page 6 - strings is x MW. Such conventional solar power stations also have 3-phase DC/AC converters have a total maker declared DC/AC conversion capability that is no greater than x

MW. This principle summarizes the convention power station's operations in according to the

conventional MPPT practice.

[0029] In other words, the conventional PV power station of rating x MW consists of

strings of x MW PV solar panels, which convert solar energy to DC electricity. The generated

DC electricity is then extracted and converted by 3-phase DC/AC converters to suitable AC

electric power that conforms to all the AC power requirements of a power grid, and is then

provided to the power grid. This AC electrical power provided to the power grid is also

[O referred to herein as the "initial oscillating power train". Recall that the total maker declared

DC/AC conversion capability of the DC/AC converters is no greater than x MW, which is the

total amount of the installed solar panels' DC generation capability declared by the solar panel

industry.

[0030] In according to the description of the referenced patent publications,

[5 US2016/0036232 and US2017/0149250 Al, there exists a remaining oscillating power train

that results when subtracting out the initial oscillating power train (extracted by the energy

extractor) from the total DC power produced by the solar panel strings. In other words, this

power train is the remaining oscillating power train which has about a 900 phase-difference

from the initial oscillating power train that was extracted by the energy extractor and provided

to the power grid.

[0031] Because the remaining oscillating power train is about 900 out of phase from the

power grid, this remaining oscillating power train cannot be directly conditioned and converted

to AC power and provided to the same power grid. In according with the principles disclosed in

the referenced patent publications, an energy reservoir temporarily stores the energy containing

in this 900 out of phase remaining oscillating power train (which when stored represented

surplus energy). After this surplus energy is stored into the energy reservoir, the surplus energy

- Page 7 - can serve as a DC energy that can be supplied to a DC/AC converter. This surplus energy can then be converted to an AC power which conforms to all the power grid requirements

(including synchronization with the power grid), such that the resulting AC power may be

provided to the same grid.

[0032] Section Three: Prevent energy leakage from the energy reservoir

[0033] Before elaborating on the energy reservoir design consideration for the MEUPT

optimizer, an important issue is first addressed herein. Specifically, the solar panel strings can

have a very high resistance at dusk, but the solar panel string can conduct significant electric

current in either direction when the sun is strong at mid-day. Therefore, the electric energy

[O stored in the reservoir may leak through and heat the solar panels during the daytime.

Accordingly, decoupling diodes may be added to each of solar panel strings such that electric

energy can flow from each solar panel string to charge the reservoir, but the energy in the

reservoir cannot back flow back from the reservoir into the solar panel strings. Various

energy reservoir systems that accomplish this decoupling will now be described with respect to

[5 Figures 1A, 1B and IC.

[0034] Section Four: Design considerations for the energy reservoir

[0035] Figure 1A depicts a block diagram that illustrates an energy reservoir 1300A that is

designed to temporarily store the surplus power resulting from a power stream produced from a

set of solar strings 1100A subtracting out the power drawn by a DC/AC converter 1200A when

the DC/AC converter 1200A converts that power to AC power. The AC power is provided to

an AC power grid 1600A through a transformer 1500A. The reservoir 1300A receives the

remaining oscillating power train through a decoupling diode set 1400A. In one example, this

energy reservoir 1300A is designed to temporarily store the surplus energy of a 1 MW PV

power station for 2 minutes.

[0036] As an example only, assume that the primary energy source can hold at constant

intensity (and that the power production of the PV strings 1100A holds so as to allow a constant

- Page 8 -

1 MW generator's power production) for 2 minutes. For the following analysis, both the

initial and remaining oscillating power trains have the same repeating forms, but with a 90

degree phrase difference. Firstly, let us examine how the energy reservoir might be designed

using brute force. Keep in mind that the purpose of the energy reservoir is to temporarily store

surplus energy so that DC/AC converters can later convert this stored energy.

[0037] As discussed in the referenced patent publications, the estimated ratio of the surplus

energy to the produced DC electric energy is over 0.5 for typical conventional PV power

stations. For analyses, let us assume that the PV power station has 1 MW PV solar panel

strings; and the DC power is converted to AC power to provide to a grid that is 50 hertz and line

tO voltage 380 VAC 3-phase AC power. In this case, the duration time of one power cycle is equal

to about 0.01 seconds and the total phase current is up to 1,000,000/(380/1.732), where 1.732 is

the value of square root of 3. This ratio is the ratio of the peak voltage to line voltage

(line-to-phase voltage, or "phase voltage", in 3-phase AC power). Storing the charge associate

with the surplus energy in a power cycle for this power station would require an equivalent

t5 charge capacity of approximately 8 V Faradays (0.5* 0.01* 1,000,000/(380/ 1.732)), where

"V" is the voltage difference of the designed reservoir before and after charging.

[0038] To maximize the energy utilization of this PV station, in some embodiments, the

operating voltage of the MEUPT optimizer is to be within 75% of the PV maximum power

production voltage. In other words, the voltage range of the 75% maximum power production

is to be observed in those embodiments of the MEUPT optimizer. The measured I-V data

indicates that typically this range is about 80 volts. When this voltage range is chosen as the

charging/discharging voltage range (i.e., V = 80 volts) for the energy reservoir, the charge

capacity of an energy reservoir is about 0.1 Faradays per MW, per power cycle (where the

power cycle lasts 0.01 second).

[0039] If the design consideration is to store this maximum amount of surplus energy

accumulating over two (2) minutes, the required equivalent charge capacity is equal to 1200

- Page 9 -

Faradays (100* 120* 0.1) for the 1 MW PV power station. This required equivalent charge

capacity is referred as the "full maximum charge capacity" and the amount of reservoir stored

energy associated is referred as the "full maximum energy reservoir-capacity", or "full

maximum surplus energy" herein.

[0040] If one used only thin film capacitors to fulfil this required charge capacity, the set of

thin film capacitors required to achieve that charge capacity would be prohibitively large in

volume and very costly in capital. Thus, it is not practical to design such an energy reservoir

consisting of only thin film capacitors.

[0041] As a twist to this brute force design, one could incorporate Faraday devices (such as

[O batteries) into the design to reduce the volume and size. The inventors' careful analyses reveals

that the required charge capacitance is indeed technically manageable for an energy reservoir

with thin film capacitors and Faraday devices. However, the cost of such a reservoir is still too

high to be beneficial, unless the price of the battery can drop down at least by a factor of 3 while

maintaining the same performance.

[5 [0042] Using electrolytic capacitors can substantially reduce the required capital cost.

However, such would increase the operating cost due to the relatively short life of such

capacitors. Thus, at present, the use of electrolytic capacitors is not practical either.

Therefore, the brute force way does not achieve economically beneficial designs with the

required full maximum energy reservoir-capacity.

[0043] The principles described herein use the following facts observed by the inventors to

resolve this issue:

(1) Most existing DC/AC converters can easily ramp power up or down 3% in one second; and

also the existing 500 kW DC/AC converters can easily ramp up or down more than 10 kW

in one second during operation.

- Page 10 -

(2) As a rough observation, a typical 1 MW PV power plant starts power production from zero

power every morning, and rarely ramps up its power production faster than 10 kW/ second

in its normal daily operation.

(3) A MW-level PV power station (rated greater than 1 MW) may occasionally experience a

ramping-up rate larger than 10 kW per second during a short power burst. However, the

energy contained in this short burst (or even in larger 100 kW per second burst) is

insignificant when compared with the total daily energy produced in MW-level power

stations.

[0044] From these three facts, the inventors determined that (1) the power generation in

[O each of the solar panel strings starts from zero every morning; and (2) the PV generator does

not generate full power instantly. Thus, the remaining oscillating power train does not ramp

up to its maximum value instantly. In other words, the remaining oscillating power train

increases typically much more graceful than the ramp up rate of the DC/AC converters.

Furthermore, the amount of energy in any short ramp-up burst is not a significant issue in

[5 energy collection for PV stations rated 1 MW or higher.

[0045] Therefore, in lieu of designing an energy reservoir capable of storing the maximum

full amount of surplus energy, the principles described herein suggest to design a reservoir to

store the net energy amount equal to (over say 2 minutes) the difference between the surplus

energy input into the reservoir, and the energy that the DC/AC converter(s) extracted out of the

reservoir. This amount of energy is referred as the "maximum differential surplus energy",

herein. This amount of maximum differential surplus energy is much smaller than the

maximum full surplus energy. It is thus easier to design such a smaller energy reservoir; which

is manageable in technology and also cost-effective.

[0046] Figure 1B depicts a block diagram that symbolically illustrates an energy reservoir

1300B that stores surplus power resulting from a power stream produced from a set of solar

strings 1100B subtracting out the power drawn by a DC/AC converter 1201B. At the same

-Page 11 - time, another DC/AC converter 1202B is directed by the MEUPT controller 131OB to receive approximately the same amount of DC energy from the energy reservoir 1300B (containing the surplus power). Both of the DC/AC converters 1201B and 1202B simultaneously convert received DC energy to AC power, and provide that AC power to the same grid 1600B through the same transformer 1500B. In doing so, the net energy storage burden to the reservoir 1300B can be reduced to a very small capacity when compared with that of the reservoir 1300A depicted in Figure 1A.

[0047] Figure 1C depicts a configuration that is modified from the configuration depicted

in Figure 1B, but has approximately the same performance of the configuration depicted in

[O Figure 1B. As depicted in Figure IC, an energy reservoir 1300C stores the DC power stream

produced by PV solar strings 11OOC through a diode set 1400C. Two DC/AC converters 1201C

and 1202C are directed by the MEUPT controller 1310C to receive (in the aggregate)

approximately the same total DC power from the energy reservoir 1300C in an amount that

approximately equals the DC energy input produced by the PV strings. Thus, there is only a

[5 very small net power input balance in the inputs and outputs of the reservoir 1300C. Both

1201C and 1202C simultaneously convert the received DC power to AC power provided to the

same grid 1600B through the same transformer 1500C.

[0048] In summary, as depicted in Figure lB (when properly decoupled) the energy

reservoir can extract and store the surplus energy in the form of a remaining oscillating power

train that remains after the produced DC power is extracted by an energy extractor (which can

be built-in as a module of the DC/AC converter 1201B). The other DC/AC converter 1201B is

designed to extract an approximately equal amount of energy out of the energy reservoir 1300B

to reduce the net amount of surplus energy stored into the reservoir. Thus, a relatively small

reservoir is adequate.

[0049] Also as depicted in Figure IC, (when properly decoupled) the energy reservoir

1300C can receive all the produced DC power from the PV strings1OOC. An oscillating

- Page 12 - power train is then extracted by the DC/AC converters 1201C and 1202C, while the surplus energy (the left-over power) is also implicitly stored within the energy reservoir 1300C in the form of a 900 out of phase remaining oscillating power train. As can be seen, this surplus energy is also implicitly automatically extracted and stored into the reservoir 1300C.

[0050] Applying either design depicted in Figure 1B (or Figure IC), the designed energy

reservoir can serve as the energy reservoir purposed for an MEUPT optimizer; which

temporarily stores small amount of net surplus energy that is 900 out of phase. The hard task

of energy reservoir design is now shifted to the task of designing a proper MEUPT controller.

[0051] Section Five: Necessary functions of the MEUPT controller

[O [0052] The controller should be able to direct the associated DC/AC converter(s) to

consistently draw a proper amount of energy from the reservoir that is substantially equal to the

amount in the surplus power charging into the reservoir. In doing so, one can minimize the net

amount of energy storage into the reservoir; and maintain adequate balanced energy storage in

the reservoir to stabilize system operation. When so doing, the energy reservoir only needs to

[5 store (or to provide) the energy difference between the charging surplus power and the power

drawn by the DC/AC converter(s) within a small time duration.

[0053] With a capable controller, the energy difference can be designed to be manageably

small. The time duration can be designed to be long enough to ramp up or down for the

DC/AC converter(s) in matching the surplus energy; and short enough to significantly reduce

the capacity of the reservoir while still keeping the system operation stable. The estimated

reservoir's capacity can thus reduce to be less than 0.001 times that of the maximum full

surplus energy. This capacity is less than 2 Faradays per 1 MW PV power station; a

manageable charge capacity even if using thin film capacitors. An example of a suitable

MEUPT controller will be described below with respect to sections Twelve through Fourteen

below.

[0054] Section Six: Capacitor/battery combined energy reservoir

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[0055] Another issue is that a good thin film capacitor can last for 10 to 15 years while still

keeping greater than 80 percent of its original capacitance, while a good battery can last less

than 5 years and have approximately 70 percent of its charge capacity after that time.

Therefore, a careful design balance is suggested to optimize the economic costs. Furthermore,

the amount of energy in the reservoir should be big enough to stabilize operation at all time.

Design simulations show that with the present prices of thin film capacitor and batteries, a

typical 20 years' optimum energy reservoir design for 1 MW PV station is a design with 0.1 to

1 Faraday thin film capacitors combined with an approximate 50 ampere-hour auto battery

string with a suitable operating voltage.

LO [0056] Section Seven: Preventing mutual power annihilation in PV strings

[0057] As described above, the decoupling technique applied in Figure 1B and Figure IC

allows the strings of solar panels to charge the energy reservoir; but prevents the power from

flowing back from the reservoir into the PV solar strings. When apply the decoupling diode set

properly, this technique not only prevents the energy leakage from the reservoir through the PV

[5 solar panel strings, but also can prevent a phenomenon discovered by the inventors. This

phenomena is referred to herein as the "mutual power annihilation among PV strings

phenomena", the "mutual power annihilation phenomena", or the "power annihilation

phenomena".

[0058] This phenomenon occurs when parallel-connected serval PV strings collect the

produced power. This phenomenon is especially pronounced when the parallel-connected PV

strings having very different I-V characteristics, photo-electric conversion efficiencies, and/or

maximum power production voltages.

[0059] For instance, when less than all of the solar panels in less than all of the strings are

casted with shadows, the strings that are within the shadow will have lower photo-electric

conversion efficiency than those that are outside of the shadow. In other words, these solar

strings would have very different I-V characteristics even at the same time of day, due to

- Page 14 - different casting of shadows. When these solar strings are connecting in parallel, the high efficiency strings can discharge part of their produced electric power to the lower efficiency solar strings to disrupt the power production in the PV solar strings. The inventors have confirmed this phenomenon experimentally. Experiments also show that this phenomenon can be prevented when PV solar strings are properly decoupled.

[0060] Furthermore, the power annihilation phenomenon can also occur when

parallel-connected PV strings have very different maximum power production voltages. For

instance, suppose that there are two solar panel strings connected in parallel-connected - one

having 15 stringed solar panels and another having 19 stringed solar panels. The power

[O generated in the string with 19 panels will definitively flow through the string with 15 panels

and the power annihilation phenomenon occurs. Experiments show that the power received

from the above parallel-connected two strings can reduce to less than half of that produced by

the string with 19 panels alone. When properly decoupled, the power received from the above

two parallel-connected strings can recover to about 1.53 times that produced by the string with

[5 19 panels alone. The above described experiment shows that (a) the mutual power annihilation

phenomenon does exist; and (b) properly decoupling techniques can prevent the phenomenon.

[0061] In one other experiment, a PV plant was arranged to have two power production

units; each unit consisting of 85 solar panels of the same maker and model. Each of the two

power product units was configured with five (5) parallel-connected PV strings to collect the

produced DC energy. Two PV strings were configured with series-connected 15 panels, two

strings with series-connected 17 panels, and another string with series-connected 21 panels.

When these 10 strings' maximum power production voltages are measured separately at high

noon with clear skies, the maximum power production voltages ranged from 420 volts as the

lowest to 610 volts at the highest. Thus, these parallel-connected PV solar strings have very

different maximum power production voltages under the same clear sky.

- Page 15 -

[0062] Each of the power production units converts the collected DC power via a different

DC/AC converter into AC power. To measure the energy and power produced in each

production unit, a kilowatt-hour meter and a watt meter were connected to the AC output of

each of the DC/AC converters of each production unit. These units were then connected to a

transformer to provide the AC power to a grid. With 72 identical readings of the two power

meters over a 36 day period, and with identical readings of the two kilowatt-hour meters at the

end of the 36 day period, it is confirmed that all elements in these two power production units

(including the two sets of measuring meters) were substantially identical.

[0063] One power production unit was then modified to be configured with 4 strings of 21

[O panels (and 1 panel not in use); while the other power production unit was left unchanged from

the above described 5 strings. The measured power production of the modified power

production unit was typically greater than 4.1 times that of the other power production unit at

high noon and clear skies. We then measured sixty (60) days of cumulated energy provided,

which was derived from the readings of the two kilowatt-hour meters. The modified power

[5 production unit provided energy to the grid of 3.38 times that of the unmodified power

production unit. The above experiments clearly and definitively proved that the mutual power

annihilation phenomenon does indeed exist in parallel-connected PV strings; especially with

strings having very different I-V characteristics or very different maximum power voltages.

[0064] To conclude, proper decoupling technique in accordance with the principle

described herein can prevent energy leakage from the energy reservoir through solar strings;

and also can prevent the discovered mutual power annihilation phenomenon among PV strings.

[0065] Section Eight: Experiments that prove existence of surplus energy

[0066] Before describing the designs of MEUPT optimizer, this section describes

experiments to definitively proof the existence of surplus energy in such PV power stations;

which is predicted by the referenced patent publications, US2016/0036232 and

US2017/0149250 Al. To reiterate, the referenced patent publications define surplus energy as

- Page 16 - the electric energy produced but not extracted and/or utilized before being turned to heat.

Specifically, in a PV power station, "surplus energy" includes left-over electric energy that

exists after the produced DC energy is extracted and converted to AC power by 3-phase

DC/AC converters. An MEUPT optimizer can be designed to capture/utilize this left-over

electric energy, the surplus energy. The following describes the experimental set-ups and the

step-by-step executions of the experiments.

[0067] Figure 2A depicts the starting set up of a PV power station 2000A comprising 2 AC

power production units 21OOA and 2200A. Each of the AC power production units 21OOA and

2200A practices blind MPPT conformation; and provides 3-phase AC power to a power grid

tO 2600A. The AC power production unit 21OOA consists of a DC power generator 211OA and a

3-phase DC/AC (15 kW) converter 2130A. The AC power production unit 2200A consists of a

DC power generator 2220A and a 3-phase DC/AC (15 kW) converter 2230A. The power

generator 211OA uses 2 parallel-connected PV strings 2111A and 2112A to generate DC

electricity. The power generator 2220A uses another 2 parallel-connected solar strings 2221A

[5 and 2222A to generate DC electricity. Each of the 4 PV strings consists of 25 series-connected

solar panels; each panel capable of producing 250W of power at high noon and with clear

skies.

[0068] The DC power generator 2110A supplies DC power to the 3-phase DC/AC

converter 2130A; and the DC power generator 2220A supplies DC power to the 3-phase

DC/AC converter 2230A. These two converters 2130A and 2230A then convert the supplied

DC power into 3-phase AC power. In the experiment, the AC output power of the power

production units 2100A and 2200A were measured by two 3-phase AC watt-meters (in kW)

2351A and 2352A, respectively. The AC energy production (in kW*hour) of these two power

production units 2100A and 2200A were also measured by two kW-hour-meters 2361A and

2362A, respectively. The produced 3-phase AC power was then provided to the grid 2600A via

- Page 17 - transformer 2500A. The PV power station was operated; and the energy production of the two

AC power production units 2100A and 2200A was measured for 7 days.

[0069] The readings of the two kW-hour-meters showed equal values every day during this

time period. This provides high confidence that all elements of these two power production

units 2100A and 2200A (including the two set of instruments for measurement) are

substantially identical. After this step, one of the two AC power production units 2200A was

kept unchanged, while the other AC power production units 2100A was modified with a

different configuration 2100B as depicted in the left hand side of Figure 2B.

[0070] The power production unit 2200B of Figure 2B is the power production unit 2200A

[O of Figure 2A unmodified. Also, the elements 2351B, 2361B, 2352B, 2362B, 2500B, 2600B

of Figure 2B are the same as the elements 2351A, 2361A, 2352A, 2362A, 2500A, 2600A,

respectively, of Figure 2A. Furthermore, although the configuration of the power production

unit 2100B is different in Figure 2B than the power production unit 2100A of Figure 2A, some

of the elements of the power production unit 2100B of Figure 2B are the same as those that are

[5 included within the power production unit 2100A of Figure 2A. For instance, the PV strings

2111B and 2112B of Figure 2 are the same as the PV strings 2111A and 2112A, respectively,

of Figure 2A. Likewise, the DC/AC converter 2130B of Figure 2B is the same as the DC/AC

converter 2130A of Figure 2A.

[0071] The following six (6) steps describe how the power production unit 2100A was

modified into the configuration of 21OOB, and is described with respect to the left hand side in

Figure 2B. Step 1 was to add a set of decoupling diodes 231B in-between the solar strings

2111B and 2112B and the 3-phase DC/AC converter 2130B, which is practicing the blind

MPPT conformation. Step 2 was to add an energy reservoir 2410B into the configuration.

Step 3 was to connect the energy reservoir 241OB to the DC terminals of the DC/AC converter

2130B through another set of decoupling diodes 2312B and through a switch SWI. Step 4

was to add another 3-phase DC/AC converter 2130S (20 kW) into the configuration, which

- Page 18 - converter 2130S was operated in according with the direction of a designed MEUPT controller

2420B. Step 5 was to connect the DC/AC converter 2130S to the energy reservoir 2410B

through another set of decoupling diodes 2313B and through a switch SW2. Step 6 was to

connect the output terminals of the converter 2130S to the power and energy measurement

instrument set 235lB and 2361B through a switch SW3. Note that the referenced "decoupling

diode set" may be those diodes that are termed "blocking diodes" in the art. Note also that

switches SW, SW2, and SW3 are added as depicted in Figure IB, such that the relevant

devices can be introduced to (or removed from) the experiments at a proper time in the

designed experimental execution steps described below.

LO [0072] The first night after the above modification was made; the SWI was turned on

while the switches SW2 and SW3 were turned off. The converters 2130B and 2230B started to

run early the next morning. The power meters 235lB and 2352B measuring the two outputs of

the power production units 2100B and 2200Bshowed the same reading. The reservoir 241OB

also began charging up as indicated by measurement of the high terminal voltage of the

[5 reservoir 2410B. The system operated as described for the whole day first day. The measured

energy provided from the two power production units 21OOB and 2200B were equal; as shown

in the readings of the kW-hour-meters 2361B and 2362B. This experimental step demonstrated

that the added decoupling diode sets 2311B and the reservoir 241OB did not change the power

and energy productions of the power production unit 2100B.

[0073] The switches SW, SW2, and SW3 were turned on the night after first day

operation (the second night). The converters 2130B and 2230B started to run early in the early

morning (the second day), while the converter 2130S started to run at lower power conversion

level at about 15 minutes after the converters 2130B and 2230B started to run. Thereafter, the

converter 2130 increased its conversion power level about every 2 minutes; that is consistent

with the controller design and increment of the reservoir energy level. The reading of the power

meter 235lB (for unit 2100B) reached about double of reading of the power meter 2352B (for

- Page 19 - unit 2200B) for the entire day - until nearly sunset. The energy provided from the two power production units 2100B and 2200B by the end of the second day were derived from the two kW-hour-meters' readings. The result showed that the energy provided from the modified power production unit 2100B was more than double the energy provided from the unmodified power production unit 2200B. For the following six consecutive days, the switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 remained on, and the energy provided from the modified power production unit

2100Bwas consistently more than double that of the power production unit 2200B each day.

[0074] The next night, the switches SW2 and SW3 were turned off. The measured energy

provided from the power production units 2100B and 2200B returned to the same level for the

[O followed 5 consecutive days during with switches SW2 and SW3 remained off. The next night,

switches SW2 and SW3 were turned on again. The measured energy production of the power

production unit 2100B became again more than double that of the power production unit

2200B every day for the following 5 consecutive days with switches SW2 and SW3 remaining

on.

[5 [0075] As described above, the step-by-step execution of this experiments definitively

proves the existence of the referenced surplus energy in PV power station as the referenced

patent publications (US2016/0036232 and US2017/0149250 Al) predicted. Specifically in a

PV power station when the produced DC energy is extracted by a 3-phase DC/AC converter,

left-over energy still exists. The MEUPT optimizer can capture and utilize this surplus energy

to increase the electricity provided to the power grid.

[0076] Section Nine: Configurations of the designed MEUPT optimizer

[0077] The modified power generation unit 2100B (as described above and depicted in

Figure 2B) can serve as an example of a PV power generation unit incorporating an MEUPT

optimizer. In this case, the MEUPT optimizer comprises three decoupling diode sets 2311B,

2312B, and 2313B; a reservoir 2140B, and an MEUPT controller 2320B. Notice that the

decoupling diode set is referred as the "decoupling device", hereinafter.

- Page 20 -

[0078] The connections of the MEUPT optimizer modules are depicted in Figure 2B and

described above. Note that the surplus energy is passively extracted by the energy reservoir

2410B in this embodiment. Another power extractor is included as a module in the 3-phase

DC/AC inverter 2130S, which extracts the surplus energy that is stored in the reservoir 241OB.

The AC power conversion level of the converter 2130S is regulated by the MEUPT controller

2320B such that the power charges into the energy reservoir 241OB is approximately balanced

with the power discharged from the energy reservoir 2410B. Therefore, the "net" power

charged into the reservoir within a period can be as small as desired. Smaller net power

charges have the benefit of allowing for a smaller energy reservoir 241OB, at the expense more

[O strict control by the MEUPT controller 2320B.

[0079] Another embodiment is depicted in Figure 3. This embodiment illustrates a

configuration of the PV power station 3000 incorporating an MEUPT optimizer which

comprises only one AC power production unit 3100 which uses 500 kW solar panels 3110 to

convert solar power into DC electric power. In other words, the AC power production unit

[5 3100 consists of a DC power generator 3110 and a 3-phase DC/AC (500 kW) converter 3130.

The power generator 3110 uses 80 parallel-connected solar strings to generate DC electricity.

Each of the 80 solar strings consists of 25 series-connected solar panels; each panel is declared

to have 250W DC power production capability at high noon and clear skies. Note that this DC

generator 3110 is referred as a 500 kW electrical power generator (80* 25* 250 W = 500 kW);

and this PV power station is referred to as a 500 kW PV power station.

[0080] As depicted in Figure 3, the power generator 3110 supplies DC power to a 3-phase

DC/AC converter 3130 (with declared 500 kW) through a decoupling device 3311. The

generator 3110 also supplies DC power to the energy reservoir 3410 through decoupling device

3312, and servers as a DC energy source that charges the energy reservoir 3410. Therefore, the

surplus energy is passively extracted by the reservoir 3410. The reservoir 3410 then supplies

(or discharges) DC power to another 3-phase DC/AC converter 3130S (with declared 500 kW)

- Page 21 - through decoupling device 3313. The converter 3130 operates as an MPPT optimizer, while the converter 3130S operates as an MEUPT controller. Converters 3130 and 3130S convert the separately supplied DC power into 3-phase AC power and deliver to power a grid 3600 via the same transformer 3500.

[0081] Notice that the DC/AC converters used in the above descriptions can be categorized

into two types; namely, one type that receives its DC power directly from the PV solar strings,

and another type that receives its DC power from the energy reservoir. When the type of

converter distinction is necessary in the disclosure and in the following detail description, the

one receiving DC power from PV solar strings is also referred as the "PS DC/AC converter";

[O while the other one receiving DC power from the energy reservoir is also referred as the "ER

DC/AC converter" herein. When the distinction is necessary in the cases that use 3-phase

DC/AC converters in this disclosure, converters will also be categorized and referred to herein

as "PS 3-phase DC/AC converter" and "ER 3-phase DC /AC converter", respectively.

[0082] To reiterate at a broader level; as the configuration depicted in Figure 4 shows, this

[5 MEUPT optimizer provides optimization service to an x MW PV power station which has

properly arranged solar panel strings with rated x MW power generation capability. The

produced DC power is extracted by a maker declared y MW "PS 3-phase DC/AC converter"

4130 through a decouple device 4311. The left-over power is charged into an energy reservoir

4410 through another decoupling device 4312; thus extracting and storing the surplus energy.

The stored surplus energy is then converted by another maker declared z MW "ER 3-phase

DC/AC converter" 4130S through another decoupling device. One of the converters 4130 is

regulated by an MPPT optimizer while the other converter 4130S is regulated by a MEUPT

controller. Both converters convert proper amount of DC power into 3-phase AC power; and

provide the 3-phase AC power to a power grid 4600 via the same transformer 4500. Notice that

x = y = z = 0.5 in this configuration.

- Page 22 -

[0083] Figure 5 depicted another embodiment of incorporating an MEUPT optimizer in a

large PV power station. The power station is equipped with rated 0.5 MW solar panel strings

5110 and two declared 500 kW 3-phase DC/AC converters 5130 and 5130S. This embodiment

illustrates another configuration for the MEUPT optimizer. The PV power station 5000 can be

thought of as comprising one AC power production units (hereinafter referred to also as "AC

power production unit 5100"). The AC power production unit 5100 consists of a DC power

generator 5110 that is comprised of rated 500 kW solar panels, and two 3-phase DC/AC (each

declared as 500 kW) converters 5130 and 5130S. The power generator 5110 uses 80

parallel-connected solar strings that generate DC electricity. Each of the 80 solar strings

[O consists of 25 series-connected solar panels; each solar panel rated to have 250W power

production capability. The energy reservoir 5410 receives the DC electric power from the

generator 5110 through a decoupling device 5311. The two 3-phase DC/AC converters 5130

and 5130S receive DC power from the reservoir 5410 through two separate decoupling devices

including decoupling device 5312 for the converter 5130, and decoupling device 5313 for the

[5 converter 5130S. Converters 5130 and 5130S are regulated by the MEUPT controller to draw

the appropriate amount of power from the reservoir 5410, and convert the DC power to 3-phase

AC power to provide to the power grid 5600 via transformer 5500.

[0084] To more broadly elaborate on the configuration depicted in Figure 5: the MEUPT

optimizer provides optimization service to an x MW PV power station. This PV power station

has one AC power production unit with solar panel strings having a total rated DC power

generation capability x MW. The DC generator charges an energy reservoir through a

decoupling device. The energy reservoir supplies DC electricity to two 3-phase DC/AC

converters through two separate sets of decoupling devices. The total maker declared

conversion capability of the two "ER 3-phase DC/AC converters" is zi +z2 = z MW. The two

converters are regulated by a MEUPT controller to convert a proper amount of DC power into

3-phase AC power. The electricity produced by the two converters is provided to a power grid

- Page 23 - via the same transformer. The above described configuration is redrawing and depicted in

Figure 6. Please notice that x = 0.5, y = 0, z =1 in this configuration.

[0085] This description will now compare the two configurations depicted in Figures 4 and

6. In the configuration depicted in Figure 4, the DC generator supplies DC power to a "PS

3-phase DC/AC converter" with maker declared capability of y MW; and charges the left-over

power to an energy reservoir. In Figure 4, the energy reservoir supplies DC power to an "ER

3-phase DC/AC converter" with maker declared capability of z MW. With no "PS 3-phase

DC/AC converter" in the configuration depicted in Figure 6 (i.e., y=0), all generated DC power

charges into an energy reservoir through a decoupling device; and the energy reservoir supplies

[O DC electricity into two "ER 3-phase DC/AC converters" through two separate sets of

decoupling device. Therefore, x = y=z = 0.5 in configuration of Figure 3; while x = 0.5, y = 0,

z =1 in the configuration of Figure 6. In one further embodiment of Figure 6, there is no

energy reservoir 6410. Instead, the solar strings 6110 provide DC power to the converters

6130 via decoupling device 6311.

[5 [0086] Now, the only remaining design issue for the MEUPT optimizer is to identify the

optimum power matching relationship between the parameters representing the rated capability

of the solar strings and that of the converters. Specifically, the task is to identify the

relationship between the value of x, y, and z in the optimum situation. As a reminder, the value

of the sum y + z is no greater than the value x in a conventional PV power station as described

in Section Two.

[0087] Notice also that the value x is designated for the MW value of rated DC power

production capability of the PV strings; the value y is designated for the total MW value of

maker declared capability of "PS 3-phase DC/AC converter" that converts the DC energy

supplied by the PV strings; while the value z is designated for the total MW value of maker

declared capability of "ER 3-phase DC/AC converter" that converts the DC energy supplied by

the energy reservoir.

- Page 24 -

[0088] For instance in Figure 6, the x equals to 0.5, the 0.5 MW makers' declared total PV

capability; the y equals to 0 that means no "PS 3-phase DC/AC converter" is installed; the z

equals to 1, which means the 1 MW total maker's declared capability of the two "ER 3-phase

DC/AC converters" is incorporated for receiving DC power from the energy reservoir and

converting the DC energy into 3-phase AC power. Note that the value of y + z is no less than 2

times the value of x value in both of the configurations described above. The term "capability"

is also referred as the "power rating" of the device; and inter changeable hereinafter, unless

otherwise indicated.

[0089] Section Ten: The optimum power matching relationship.

LO [0090] Due to different disciplines (industries), the definition of the power rating for solar

panels is different from that of the DC/AC converters. The power rating of the solar panels is

defined as the maximum DC power that a solar panel can produced at high noon with clear

skies. The solar panel manufacturing industry uses a predetermined type of illuminating lamp

(called herein a "standard lamp") to simulate clear skies; and high noon is simulated by

[5 illuminating light flux perpendicularly through the solar penal surface. Therefore, the maker

declared power production capability can be very close to the real DC generator's capability.

Experiments performed by the inventors also confirm the above statement. The total DC power

generation capability of PV solar strings is therefore judged to be credible; and the title "maker

declared capability" is omitted herein when describing the power rating of the solar strings. On

the other hand, the DC/AC converter manufacturing industry defines the power-rating of

DC/AC converters in according with the convention of power grid industry, referred as the

"power grid convention" herein. This convention and the definition of the DC/AC converter

capability are elaborated as follows.

[0091] The AC Power grid industry enforces a convention (referred as the power grid

convention) to assure the constructed 3-phase AC power grid can fulfil the declared power

delivery capability. The 3-phase AC power grid consists of 3 or 4 power lines which can

- Page 25 - deliver time varying sinusoidal functions of voltage and current in each pair of power lines as one phase. The power grid convention defines the voltage declared in the specification as the

"standard" maximum voltage for the power lines to endure (referred to as the "line voltage").

Likewise the specified maximum current declared in the specification is the maximum current

for the power lines to carry (referred to as the "maximum phase current"). When a device is

manufactured to conform to the power grid convention, the voltage declared in the

specification of the device is the maximum voltage that all the related components shall endure.

Likewise, the maximum current declared in the specification is the maximum current-carrying

capability for all the related components of one phase, connecting to one pair of power lines.

[O The time varying functions of the device's voltage and current also need to conform to the

sinusoidal function of the each phase in the AC power grid.

[0092] To reiterate, the specified voltage of a 3-phase DC/AC converter is defined as the

line voltage of the 3-phase power; the specified maximum current is defined as the maximum

current carrying capability of the pair of power lines for each phase; and the specified

[5 maximum power is defined as the sum total of the maximum power capability that the three

phases can endure. In other words, when conforming to the power grid convention, the power

lines of each phase and the connected power devices are to be capable of transmitting one third

(1/3) of the specified maximum power, to state in other way, the "maker declared power rating"

of the 3-phase DC/AC converter is 3* U* I, where the U is the phase voltage and the I is the

phase current. Each pair of power lines is capable of delivering U* I power, or 1/3 of "maker

declared power rating"; and each module connecting to the pair of power line is also required to

carry or deliver 1/3 of the specified power rating declared, when conforming to the power grid

convention.

[0093] For instance, take a 3-phase DC/AC converter specifying "AC voltage = 315 VAC;

maximum current = 916 amperes; and the maximum power output = 500 kW" as an example.

The specification "AC voltage = 315 VAC" should be read as: "the output line voltage of this

- Page 26 - converter is 315 volts". Or, when the 3-phase is balanced, the phase voltage U of every phase is

U = 315/ 1.732 = 181.9 volts (where 1.732 is the square root of 3 which is the ratio of the line

voltage to the phase voltage). The specified "maximum current = 916 amperes" should be

read as that the power lines and all the components in each phase are designed to assure the

current carrying capability of I = 916 amperes. The specified "maximum power output = 500

kW" should be understood as the maximum power conversion and delivery capability of all

components of each DC/AC conversion phase = U* I= 181.9 * 916 = 500/3 KW; and the total

maximum power conversion and delivery capability of the related modules in the 3 conversion

phase is the sum of each phase, 3* U* I = 3* 181.9* 916 = 500 kW, which is the defined

[O "maker declared power rating"= 3* U* I when conforming to the power grid convention stated

in previous paragraph.

[0094] The 3 phases in a 3-phase DC/AC converter are strictly correlated to have 1200

phase differences. In other words, one pair of power lines (phase) delivers time varying power

of U* I sin2 (ot); while the second phase delivers time varying power of U* I sin2 (ot + 1200);

[5 and the third phase delivers time varying power of U* I sin2 (ot - 1200). Each pair of power

lines of the three phases delivers three oscillating AC power trains related to each other with a

strict correlation. Note that the power conversion capacity, P(t), is not equal to the defined

"maker declared power rating". The power conversion capacity, P (t), is expressed as a

function of time and derived in accordance with the defined 3-phase AC power restrictions.

[0095] In other words, the DC/AC power conversion capacity, P (t), is derived from the

sum of the time varying power outputs of the 3 phases; with a strictly correlated phase

difference of 1200; and with power wave forms that conform to the square sinusoidal

oscillations of sin2 (ot), or cos 2 (ot); and synchronized with the power grid (same phase and

frequency) which forces the angular frequency o to be constant.

[0096] Now, let us derive the time varying power conversion capacity, P (t) of the 3-phase

DC/AC converter. The power conversion capacity of a 3-phase DC/AC converter as function

- Page 27 - of time is P (t) = U* I* (sin2 (ot) + sin2 (ot +1200) + sin2 (ot - 1200)). As defined above, U is the phase voltage, I is the phase current, and o is the constant angular frequency of the power grid. Also, it can be shown that sin2 (ot +1200) + sin2 (ot - 1200) = cos 2 (ot) + 1/2. Therefore, the power conversion capacity, P (t), of a 3-phase DC/AC converter as function of time is P (t)

= U* I* (sin2 (ot)+ sin2 (ot +1200)+ sin2 (ot- 1200))= U* I* (sin2 (ot)+ cos 2 (ot)+ 1/2)= U*

I* (1 + 1/2) = 3/2 (U* I).

[0097] In other words, the sum total of these strictly correlated three pulsating power trains

in the three phases is a constant. In other words, the sum total power delivery of these three

pair of power lines is a constant. Or the sum total of the three modules related to the three

[O phases is a constant. However, this constant is only equal to half (1/2) of the "declared power

capability". This is the relationship between the power conversion capacity and the defined

"declared power capability" of a 3-phase DC/AC converter when conforming to the power grid

convention.

[0098] Please be reminded that as described previously the "maker declared power rating",

[5 or the referred "maker declared power capability" of a 3-phase DC/AC converter is 3* U* I,

when conforming to the power grid convention. Comparing this with the power conversion

capacity derived above, P (t)= 3/2 (U* I); it is clear that the derived DC/AC power conversion

capacity of a 3-phase DC/AC converter is only a half of the "maker declared power capability".

[0099] As an example, take again the above described 3-phase DC/AC converter; which

specifies "AC voltage = 315 VAC; maximum phase current = 916 amperes; and the maximum

power output = 500 kW". In reality, the DC/AC power conversion capacity of this 3-phase

DC/AC converter is only 250 kW. To derive the above conclusion, we first confirmed that the

declared maximum power, 500 kW is indeed equal to 3* U* I where U is the phase voltage

derived from the specified line voltage, and I is the declared maximum current; the power

conversion capacity of this converter is equal to 3/2* U* I= 250 kW.

- Page 28 -

[00100] The optimum power matching relationship for the parameters x, y, and z (as

defined) is that the value of (y + z) shall be no less than that of 2x. Where the related PV power

station is composed of x MW PV solar strings; with the "PS 3-phase DC/AC converters"

having total "maker declared power capability" of y MW; and with the "ER 3-phase DC/AC

converters" having total "maker declared power capability" of z MW. The "PS 3-phase DC/AC

converters" and the "ER 3-phase DC/AC converters" can either be operated by one or more

MPPT controllers, or by one or more MEUPT controllers. To practice MEUPT optimization, it

is preferred to operate all the DC/AC converters by MEUPT controller(s).

[00101] Section Eleven: Summaries

[O [00102] Figure 7 abstractly illustrates the configuration of a PV solar power station 7000.

The power station comprises x MW solar panels in total arranged in solar strings 7100. The DC

power generated in solar strings 7100 provides DC power input to a group of 3-phase DC/AC

converters 7301 through a decoupling device 7201; and charges the surplus power into a

reservoir 7400 through a decoupling device 7202. The energy reservoir 7400 provides DC

[5 power input to a group of 3-phase DC/AC converters 7302 through a decoupling device 7203.

Both 3-phase DC/AC converters 7301 and 7302 provide the converted 3-phase AC power to a

power grid 7600 through a transformer 7500. The total "maker declared capability" of the

converters 7301 is y MW. The total "maker declared capability" of the converters 7302 is z

MW. The value of the sum (y + z) is no less than the value of 2x. Please be reminded that

when using a similar configuration to describe a conventional PV power station as described in

Section Two, the value of (y + z) is no greater than the value of x. Therefore, when a design

with value of (y + z) is greater than x or even better 1.1 times x; it means some of the surplus

energy can be captured to enhance the electric energy provided to the power grid.

[00103] The converters 7301 and 7302 can all be operated by the MEUPT controller(s)

described above. In some embodiments, some, one, or even none of the converters are

operated by an MEUPT controller. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or some of the

- Page 29 - decoupling devices 7201, 7202, and 7203 can be omitted in the configuration. The PV solar strings 7100 provide DC power input to the converters 7301. Therefore, they are referred as the "PS converters" herein. The energy reservoir 7400 provides DC power input to the converters 7302. Therefore, they are referred as the "ER converters" herein. The terms total

"maker declared power rating" and total "maker declared power capability" shall be

abbreviated as the "declared power" herein.

[00104] To reiterate the description of the configuration depicted in Figure 7: a PV power

station 7000 comprises x MW solar strings 7100 as DC power generator. The DC power

generator 7100 provides input to the "PS converters" 7301 with "declared power" of y MW,

[O through the decoupling device 7201; and charges the left-over power to the reservoir 7400

through another decoupling device 7202. The reservoir 7400 provides input to the "ER

converters" 7302 with "declared power" of z MW through the decoupling device 7203. All the

3-phase DC/AC converters 7301 and 7302 provide the converted 3-phase AC power to a power

grid 7600 through a transformer 7500. In some embodiment, the value of (y + z) is no less than

[5 the value of 2x. However, when the value of (y + z) is greater than the value of x, the design can

receive a partial benefit to enhance the electric energy sale to the power grid.

[00105] An MEUPT optimizer in accordance with the principles described herein can serve

a small PV power station or a large PV power station comprising one or more AC power

production unit(s). Furthermore, with properly designed decoupling device, energy leakage

from the energy reservoir through the PV solar strings can be prevented. Furthermore, with

properly designed decoupling device, the discovered "mutual power annihilation"

phenomenon can be prevented. Also, the energy reservoir can be used to receive only the

surplus energy after the energy extraction of the "PS converter", or to receive all the produced

DC energy before any extraction. Finally, the MEUPT optimizer can also provide service for

PV power station equipped with a single-phase DC/AC converter(s).

[00106] Section Twelve: Design constraints of the MEUPT controller

- Page 30 -

[00107] Figure 8 illustrates a MEUPT controller 8000 (also referred to as a "system

controller") that represents an example of the MEUPT controller 2320B of Figure 2B. The

MEUPT controller 8000 is comprised of 3 executable components: a detection component

8100, a determination component 8200, and a delivery component 8300.

[00108] The detection component 8100 measures the stored energy level in a reservoir

8400. An example of the reservoir is the reservoir 2410B of Figure 2B, the energy reservoir

3410 of Figure 3, the energy reservoir 4410 of Figure 4, the energy reservoir 5410 of Figure 5,

the energy reservoir 6410 of Figure 6, and the energy reservoir 7410 of Figure 7.

[00109] A determination component 8200 determines the proper power drawing level to

[O nearly balance the charge provided to and discharged from the energy reservoir 8400.

[00110] A delivery component 8300 delivers a coded message of the above determined

proper power drawing level to the surplus DC/AC converter(s) 8500. The converters interpret

the coded message, and comply with the coded message, such that the converter(s) can

continuously operate at the directed power level to nearly balance the in-charging energy. An

[5 example of the converters 8500 that draw from the reservoir 8400 are the converters 2130S of

Figure 2B, the converters 3130S of Figure 3, the converters 4130S of Figure 4, the converters

5130S of Figure 5, the converters 6130S of Figure 6, the converters 7302 of Figure 3.

[00111] In order to derive MEUPT economic beneficial optimizer, the design of the

MEUPT controller takes into consideration the following parameters and variables, (1) the

capacity of the energy reservoir 8400; (2) the ramping up/down speed of DC/AC converters

8500; (3) the I-V characteristics of the solar strings; (4) the climate at the location of PV power

plant; and (5) the ability of MEUPT controller working with the surplus DC/AC converter

minimize the difference between (or balance) the amount of charge provided to the energy

reservoir, and the amount of charge drawn from the energy reservoir. A straight-forward design

can only be derived when applying a custom designed controller for each and every PV power

station taking into consideration these parameters and variables.

- Page 31 -

[00112] Section Thirteen: The MEUPT controller designs

[00113] It is impractical to custom design a MEUPT controller for each and every one PV

power station that is to use an MEUPT controller. On the other hand, it is very difficult to

pursue a straight forward design for the required MEUPT controller; especially when custom

design controllers are not allowed. However, the terminal voltage of the energy reservoir can

be viewed as a measure that is influenced by each of the 5 parameters and variables. Therefore,

the above 5 design constraints can collapse into two parts when the terminal voltage of the

MEUPT energy reservoir is chosen as the determining parameter.

[00114] When comparing the measured terminal voltage to a set of site specific "standard

[O voltage intervals"; it became clear to the inventors that the power extraction and conversion

level currently executing by the system can be quantized as the power extracting level is (1) too

low, (2) too high, or (3) just right. Therefore the MEUPT controller design task can be

decouple into 1) an ordinary industrial controller, plus 2) a custom constructed site-specific

"standard voltage intervals" table (referred as the "voltage interval table" herein).

[5 [00115] Once a site-specific voltage interval table is constructed for the PV power station;

the voltage interval table can work in concert with an industrial controller to accomplish the

required MEUPT controller functions. The industrial controller is then comprised of a

detection component, a determination component, and delivery component as also illustrated

in Figure 8. However, in this case, the detection component 8100 measures the terminal

voltage of the energy reservoir 8400. The determination component 8200 compares the

measured voltage with the voltage interval table; and determines the proper power drawing

amount to nearly balance the in-charging energy. A delivery component 8300 again delivers

the coded message of the above determined proper power drawing level to the surplus DC/AC

converter(s); such that the converter(s) can continuously operate at the directed power level to

nearly balance incoming and outgoing charge of the energy reservoir 8400.

- Page 32 -

[00116] In one embodiment, the detection component 8100 of the MEUPT controller 8000

measures the terminal voltage of the surplus energy reservoir 8400 in real time. Even so, the

determination component 8200 may still perform the comparison (of the measured voltage

against the voltage interface table) every designated time interval compare. This comparison

may result in one of the following three situations:

(1) If comparison of the measured voltage and voltage interval table indicates that the

power level is too low, the controller 8000 can request (through the delivery component 8300)

that the 3-phase DC/AC converter 8500 increase by one level of power extraction and

conversion for the next designated time interval;

[O (2) If comparison of the measured voltage and voltage interval table indicates that the

power level is too high, the controller 8000 can request (through the delivery component 8300)

that the 3-phase DC/AC converter 8500 decrease by one level of power extraction and

conversion for the next designated time interval;

(3) If comparison of the measured voltage and voltage interval table indicates that the

[5 power level is just-right, the controller 8000 can request the 3-phase DC/AC converter 8500 to

stay at the same power extraction level for the next designated time interval, at least until the

next occurrence of the comparison.

[00117] When power extraction/conversion adjustment levels of the DC/AC converter is

small enough, the above design can work for all kinds of energy reservoir capacity; for all kind

of DC/AC converter's up/down ramping speed; for all kind of solar strings' I-V characteristics;

and for all climates of the PV site. Therefore, it is important that the controller can direct small

adjustment steps for the 3-phase DC/AC converter which drawing power from the energy

reservoir.

[00118] Typical conventional centralized 3-phase DC/AC converters can operate at very

small adjustment steps when directed. However, the equipped communication channel,

referred as the "dry connection box" in the art (and so referred herein) has typically only 6-bit

- Page 33 - communication channels via optical messages. For commanding more than 6 power extraction levels through the dry connection box, an encoding-decoding technique is employed. This technique allows passing up to 26 = 64 messages to command the power extraction levels. With up to 64 adjustment power extraction levels, the required near zero net balancing in incoming energy and outgoing energy of the reservoir can be achieved technically.

[00119] Section Fourteen: PV power station incorporating MEUPT optimizer

[00120] As depicted in Figure 9, a PV power station 9000 incorporating an MEUPT

optimizer 9200 that consisting an MEUPT controller 9210. The MEUPT controller 9200

comprises 3 executable components; namely, a detection component 9211 to measure the

[O terminal voltage of the surplus energy reservoir 9400; a determination component 9212 to

compare the measured voltage with the voltage interval table of the PV station; and a delivery

component 9213 to notify the 3-phase DC/AC converter 4502 to boot-up, to drop-down, or to

stay the same via the delivery component 4213. The components 9211, 9212 and 9213 of

Figure 9 are examples of the components 8100, 8200 and 8300, respectively of Figure 8. The

[5 energy reservoir 9400 of Figure 9 is an example of the energy reservoir 8400 of Figure 8. The

converters 9502 are examples of the converters 8500 of Figure 8.

[00121] The PV power station 9000 also comprises of PV solar-strings 9100. The solar

strings 9100 convert solar energy to electricity; and deliver the generated DC power to the

surplus energy reservoir 9400 through decoupling device 9320. The 3-phase DC/AC

converter 9502 receives DC power input from the surplus energy reservoir 9400 through the

decoupling device 9330. The solar strings 9100 of Figure 9 are collectively a DC energy source

for charging the energy reservoir, and are examples of the solar strings 2111A and 2111B of

Figure 2B, the solar string 3110 of Figure 3, the solar string 4110 of Figure 4, the solar string

5110 of Figure 5, the solar string 6110 of Figure 6, and the solar string 7110 of Figure 7. The

decoupling device 9320 of Figure 9 is an example of the decoupling device 2312B of Figure

2B, decoupling device 3312 of Figure 3, decoupling device 4312 of Figure 4, decoupling

- Page 34 - device 5311 of Figure 5, decoupling device 6311 of Figure 6, and decoupling device 7202 of

Figure 7. The decoupling device 9330 of Figure 9 is an example of the decoupling device

2313B of Figure 2B, decoupling device 3313 of Figure 3, decoupling device 4313 of Figure 4,

decoupling device 5313 of Figure 5, decoupling device 6313 of Figure 6, and decoupling

device 7203 of Figure 7.

[00122] As stated above, the MEUPT controller 9210 directs the 3-phase DC/AC converter

9502 to draw appropriate amount of energy from the energy reservoir 9400 to balance the input

energy charging from the solar-strings 9100; which resulted in a near zero energy in-charging

or out-drawing into the reservoir 9400. Thus, a small energy reservoir 9400 is adequate for

[O the PV station. The converted AC power from the DC/AC converter is provided to the

connecting power grid 9700 through the transformer 9600.

[00123] As used herein, the term "executable component" is used with respect to Figures 8

and 9. The term "executable component" is the name for a structure that is well understood to

one of ordinary skill in the art in the field of computing as being a structure that can be

[5 software, hardware, firmware or a combination thereof. For instance, when implemented in

software, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the structure of an executable

component may include software objects, routines, methods that may be executed on the

computing system, whether such an executable component exists in the heap of a computing

system, or whether the executable component exists on computer-readable storage media.

[00124] In such a case, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the structure of the

executable component exists on a computer-readable medium such that, when interpreted by

one or more processors of a computing system (e.g., by a processor thread), the computing

system is caused to perform a function. Such structure may be computer-readable directly by

the processors (as is the case if the executable component were binary). Alternatively, the

structure may be structured to be interpretable and/or compiled (whether in a single stage or in

multiple stages) so as to generate such binary that is directly interpretable by the processors.

- Page 35 -

Such an understanding of example structures of an executable component is well within the

understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art of computing when using the term "executable

component".

[00125] The term "executable component" is also well understood by one of ordinary skill

as including structures that are implemented exclusively or near-exclusively in firmware or

hardware, such as within a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific

integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other specialized circuit. Accordingly, the term "executable

component" is a term for a structure that is well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art

of computing, whether implemented in software, hardware, or a combination.

LO [00126] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing

from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in

all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore,

indicated by appended claims rather than by the forgoing description. All changes which come

within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their

[5 scope.

[00127] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context

requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising",

will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps

but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[00128] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived

from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an

acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or

information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in

the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

- Page 36 -

Claims (14)

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A PV power station comprising at least one AC power production unit, each of

one or more of the at least one AC power production unit comprising:

a DC power generator composed of x MW solar strings, where x is a positive number;

one or more first DC/AC 3-phase converters with a total declared power rating of y

MW, the first DC/AC 3-phase converter(s) configured to receive DC power provided by the

DC power generator, convert the received DC power into AC power and provide that

converted AC power through a transformer to a power grid;

[O an energy reservoir that is configured to receive at an input of the energy reservoir at

least some of a remaining portion of the DC power generated by the DC power generator, the

remaining portion of the DC power being the DC power that is generated by the DC power

but that was not converted into AC power by the one or more first DC/AC 3-phase

converters;

[5 one or more second DC/AC 3-phase converters having a total declared power rating

of z MW, where z is a positive number, the second DC/AC 3-phase converter(s) configured

to receive DC power from the energy reservoir at an input of the one or more second DC/AC

3-phase converters, convert the received DC power from the energy reservoir into AC power

and provide that converted AC power through the transformer to the power grid, and

a switching mechanism configured to turn on and off the input of the energy reservoir

and the input of the one or more second DC/AC 3-phase converters, such that the input of the

energy reservoir and the input of the one or more second DC/AC 3-phase converters and not

simultaneously on,

the sum of y and z being greater than x.

2. The PV power station in accordance with Claim 1, the sum of y and z being

greater than 2 times x.

- Page 37 -

3. The PV power station in accordance with Claim 1, the sum of y and z being

between 1.1 and 2 times x.

4. The PV power station in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, y

being less than x.

5. The PV power station in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 3, z being

greater than x.

6. The PV power station in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, the

at least one AC power production unit being a plurality of AC power production units, the

ratio of (y + z)/ x being substantially the same for each of the plurality of AC power

[O production units.

7. The PV power station in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims,

further comprising at least one of the following:

a first decoupling device through which the DC power generator provides DC power

to the one or more first DC/AC 3-phase converter;

[5 a second decoupling device through which the DC power generator provides DC

power to the energy reservoir; and

a third decoupling device through which the energy reservoir provides DC power to

the one or more second DC/AC 3-phase converter.

8. The PV power station in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 6, further

comprising at least two of the following:

a first decoupling device through which the DC power generator provides DC power

to the one or more first DC/AC 3-phase converter;

a second decoupling device through which the DC power generator provides DC

power to the energy reservoir; and

a third decoupling device through which the energy reservoir provides DC power to

the one or more second DC/AC 3-phase converter.

- Page 38 -

9. The PV power station in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 6, further

comprising the following:

a first decoupling device through which the DC power generator provides DC power

to the one or more first DC/AC 3-phase converter;

a second decoupling device through which the DC power generator provides DC

power to the energy reservoir; and

a third decoupling device through which the energy reservoir provides DC power to

the one or more second DC/AC 3-phase converter.

10. The PV power station in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, the

[O one or more first DC/AC 3-phase converter operating using an MEUPT controller.

11. The PV power station in accordance with Claim 10, the one or more second

DC/AC 3-phase converter also operating using an MEUPT controller.

12. The PV power station in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 9, the one or

more second DC/AC 3-phase converter operating using an MEUPT controller.

[5

13. The PV power station in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims,

wherein the PV power station includes a first set of one or more decoupling diodes and a

second set of one or more decoupling diodes, the second set of one or more decoupling

diodes being different than the first set of one or more decoupling diodes, and wherein:

the one or more decoupling diodes in the first set each have a first direction facing

away from the DC power generator, and each of the X MW solar strings is associated with a

corresponding one of the one or more decoupling diodes in the first set, and

the one or more decoupling diodes in the second set also have a forward direction facing

away from the DC power generator and are additionally positioned between the energy

reservoir and the DC power generator.

14. The PV power station in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims,

wherein the switching mechanism is configured to turn on and off the input of the energy

- Page 39 - reservoir and the input of the one or more second DC/AC 3-phase converters alternately, such that when the input of the energy reservoir is on, the input of the one or more second DC/AC

3-phase converters are off, and when the input of the energy reservoir is off, the input of the

one or more second DC/AC converters is on.

- Page 40 -