Apparatus and method for producing ac power

Abstract

A multi-input electrical power conversion device is provided for converting multiple DC energies each arising from different junctions in a multi-junction solar cells into AC energy. The device includes a plurality of electrical inputs for receiving the multiple DC energies from at least one multi junction solar cell. The number of DC energies id no less than the number of junctions in the multi-junction solar cell. The device also includes at least one DC-to-AC circuit for receiving the multiple DC energies from the plurality of electrical inputs and at least one electrical output receiving at least one AC energy from the DC to AC circuit. The device also includes at least one MPPT circuit operatively coupled to the DC to AC circuit.

1 . A multi-input electrical power conversion device for converting multiple DC energies each arising from different junctions in a multi junction solar cells into AC energy, comprising:
 a plurality of electrical inputs for receiving the multiple DC energies from at least one multi junction solar cell, a number of DC energies being no less than a number of junctions in said multi junction solar cell;   at least one DC-to-AC circuit for receiving the multiple DC energies from the plurality of electrical inputs;   at least one electrical output receiving at least one AC energy from the DC to AC circuit;   at least one MPPT circuit operatively coupled to the DC to AC circuit.   
   
   
       2 . The electrical power conversion device of  claim 1  further comprising an AC disconnect switch for disconnecting the electrical output under control of the MPPT circuit. 
   
   
       3 . The electrical power conversion device of  claim 1  further comprising at least one DC to DC circuit coupling the electrical inputs to the DC to AC circuit. 
   
   
       4 . The electrical power conversion device of  claim 1  further comprising a number of said DC-to-AC conversion circuits that is equal to the number of said DC energies. 
   
   
       5 . The electrical power conversion device of  claim 3  further comprising a number of said DC-to-DC conversion circuits that is equal to the number of said DC energies. 
   
   
       6 . The electrical power conversion device of  claim 1  further comprising a number of said MPPT circuits that is equal to the number of said DC energies. 
   
   
       7 . The electrical power conversion device of  claim 1  further comprising a package mechanically and electrically coupling the electrical power conversion device to the multi junction solar cell. 
   
   
       8 . An AC photovoltaic module comprising:
 a plurality of solar cells having a plurality of DC electrical outputs, said plurality of electrical outputs receiving a plurality of DC electrical energies from the solar cells;   a multi-input electrical power conversion device that includes at least one DC-to-AC circuit and at least one MPPT circuit;   at least one electrical output receiving at least one AC energy from the electrical power conversion device.   
   
   
       9 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 8  wherein the multi-input electrical power conversion device further comprises at least one DC to DC circuit. 
   
   
       10 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 8  further comprising a carrier for supporting the solar cells. 
   
   
       11 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 10  further comprising a frame surrounding the carrier. 
   
   
       12 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 10  wherein said multi-input electrical power conversion device is removably attachable to said carrier. 
   
   
       13 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 11  wherein said multi-input electrical power conversion device is attached to said frame. 
   
   
       14 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 8  wherein said multi-input electrical power conversion device is detachable from a remainder of said module. 
   
   
       15 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 10  wherein the carrier is adapted to be integrated into at least one component of a building selected from the group consisting of a roof, walls, doors and windows. 
   
   
       16 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 8  wherein said plurality of solar cells comprises at least one multi junction solar cell. 
   
   
       17 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 8  wherein said plurality of solar cells comprises at least two strings of photovoltaic cells. 
   
   
       18 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 8  wherein said plurality of solar cells comprises at least one single junction photovoltaic cell. 
   
   
       19 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 8  wherein said plurality of DC energies is two DC energies. 
   
   
       20 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 8  wherein said plurality of DC energies is three DC energies. 
   
   
       21 . The multi junction photovoltaic AC module of  claim 8  wherein said multi-junction cells are based on a CuInGaSe 2  group of materials. 
   
   
       22 . An AC photovoltaic system comprising:
 a plurality of AC photovoltaic modules; at least one of AC photovoltaic modules including:   a plurality of solar cells having a plurality of DC electrical outputs, said plurality of electrical outputs receiving a plurality of DC electrical energies from the solar cells;   a multi-input electrical power conversion device that includes at least one DC-to-AC circuit and at least one MPPT circuit;   an electrical AC wiring arrangement, wherein said plurality of AC photovoltaic modules is electrically coupled in parallel to said electrical AC wiring arrangement.   
   
   
       23 . A method of producing AC electrical power, comprising the steps of:
 receiving optical energy and converting said optical energy into multiple DC energies at a plurality of DC outputs associated with a plurality of photovoltaic cells;   converting said DC energies into at least one AC energy using at least one multi-input power conversion device.   
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising providing a frame and attaching said plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one multi-input power conversion device to said frame.