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U.S. Department of Energy
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Temperature compensated photovoltaic array

Patent ·
OSTI ID:563661
A temperature compensated photovoltaic module comprises a series of solar cells having a thermally activated switch connected in parallel with several of the cells. The photovoltaic module is adapted to charge conventional batteries having a temperature coefficient differing from the temperature coefficient of the module. The calibration temperatures of the switches are chosen whereby the colder the ambient temperature for the module, the more switches that are on and form a closed circuit to short the associated solar cells. By shorting some of the solar cells as the ambient temperature decreases, the battery being charged by the module is not excessively overcharged at lower temperatures. PV module is an integrated solution that is reliable and inexpensive. 2 figs.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
Assignee:
Texas Instruments Inc., Dallas, TX (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,688,337/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-565,428
OSTI ID:
563661
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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