Temperature compensated photovoltaic array

Patent · Tue Nov 18 00:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:871234

Mosher, Dan Michael ^[1]

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1. Plano, TX

A temperature compensated photovoltaic module (20) comprised of a series of solar cells (22) having a thermally activated switch (24) connected in parallel with several of the cells (22). The photovoltaic module (20) is adapted to charge conventional batteries having a temperature coefficient (TC) differing from the temperature coefficient (TC) of the module (20). The calibration temperatures of the switches (24) are chosen whereby the colder the ambient temperature for the module (20), the more switches that are on and form a closed circuit to short the associated solar cells (22). By shorting some of the solar cells (22) as the ambient temperature decreases, the battery being charged by the module (20) is not excessively overcharged at lower temperatures. PV module (20) is an integrated solution that is reliable and inexpensive.

• DOE Contract Number: ZAI-4-11294-04
• Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
• Patent Number(s): US 5688337
• Application Number: 08/565,428
• OSTI ID: 871234
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

temperature
compensated
photovoltaic
array
module
20
comprised
series
solar
cells
22
thermally
activated
switch
24
connected
parallel
adapted
charge
conventional
batteries
coefficient
tc
differing
calibration
temperatures
switches
chosen
whereby
colder
ambient
form
closed
circuit
associated
shorting
decreases
battery
charged
excessively
overcharged
pv
integrated
solution
reliable
inexpensive
thermally activated
temperature coefficient
photovoltaic module
solar cell
solar cells
ambient temperature
closed circuit
photovoltaic array
temperature compensated
compensated photovoltaic
pv module
activated switch
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