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Title: Load controller and method to enhance effective capacity of a photovoltaic power supply

Patent ·
OSTI ID:872914

A load controller and method are provided for maximizing effective capacity of a non-controllable, renewable power supply coupled to a variable electrical load also coupled to a conventional power grid. Effective capacity is enhanced by monitoring power output of the renewable supply and loading, and comparing the loading against the power output and a load adjustment threshold determined from an expected peak loading. A value for a load adjustment parameter is calculated by subtracting the renewable supply output and the load adjustment parameter from the current load. This value is then employed to control the variable load in an amount proportional to the value of the load control parameter when the parameter is within a predefined range. By so controlling the load, the effective capacity of the non-controllable, renewable power supply is increased without any attempt at operational feedback control of the renewable supply. The renewable supply may comprise, for example, a photovoltaic power supply or a wind-based power supply.

Research Organization:
Midwest Research Institute, Kansas City, MO (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-98GO10337
Assignee:
Research Foundation of State University of New York (Albany, NY)
Patent Number(s):
US 6037758
OSTI ID:
872914
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (1)

Assessing the load matching capability of photovoltaics for US utilities based upon satellite-derived insolation data conference January 1993