Multi-modal maximum power point tracking optimization solar photovoltaic system

Abstract

A multi-modal maximum power point tracking optimization solar photovoltaic system is provided. A maximum power point tracking optimizer is connected to and powered by at least one solar cell. The maximum power point tracking optimizer configured to operate: in a pass-through mode when said at least one solar cell voltage is greater than a pass-through threshold and greater than a ratio of the open-circuit voltage of said at least one solar cell, said pass-through mode flowing current through a pass-through circuit; in an optimizing mode when said at least one solar cell voltage is greater than an optimizing threshold and less than a ratio of the open-circuit voltage of said at least one solar cell, said optimizing mode modulating current flow using a DC-to-DC switching circuit to direct the voltage of said at least solar cell towards said ratio of the open-circuit voltage; in an active bypass mode when said at least one solar cell voltage is less than an active bypass threshold, said active bypass mode flowing current through an active bypass circuit.

1 . A solar photovoltaic system, comprising:
 a. A plurality of photovoltaic modules, each of said photovoltaic modules having:
 i. a plurality of (N) solar cells and a plurality of (M) multi-modal maximum-power-point-tracking (MPPT) DC power optimizers embedded within a protective module laminate, wherein:
 1. N and M and N divided by M are positive integers greater than 1; 
 2. the positive and negative input electrical leads of each of said multi-modal MPPT DC power optimizers are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrical leads of a plurality of N divided by M electrically connected string of solar cells; 
 3. the positive and negative output electrical leads of said plurality of (M) multi-modal MPPT DC power optimizers are connected to one another within said module laminate according to an MPPT electrical interconnection design; 
 4. each of said plurality of photovoltaic modules have at least one pair of positive and negative electrical power leads; and, 
 5. said plurality of photovoltaic modules are connected to one another according to a module electrical interconnection design. 
 
   b. At least one electrical load connected to said plurality of photovoltaic modules connected to one another according to said module electrical interconnection design.